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Gressholmen

Oslo  >  Norway

Gressholmen is a small island in the Oslo fjord, connected to the neighbouring island Rambergøya via landfillings. The island has diverse biotopes.

Added* by Lars Petter Marthinsen
Most recent update 4 júl 2020

Description

Throught the years, around 200 species of birds has been recorded on Gressholmen. The island has a few houses and a forested area, but also a lot of open and rather rocky terrain, especially the area which is connecting it to the neighbouring island. This connection has helped create a shallow bay, which is a good spot to look for resting waders and ducks during migration. The bay is easiest explored with a telescope from the north. You can also approach it from the west, but at a bigger risk of scaring off the birds. Check the tide before you head out. kalužiak sivý and pobrežník čiernozobý are regular, while brehár hrdzavý, kalužiak močiarny and hvizdák malý are worth hoping for. Rarer observations include brehárik ploskozobý and kamenár strakatý.

Gressholmen is also a good place for summer birding. Species like stehlík konôpka, kazarka pestrá, skaliarik sivý, stehlík obyčajný and penica popolavá are regular breeders, and Oslo's (probably) last pairs of kulík piesočný can be found here. The island is also rich in butterflies and flowers.

In the south-western part you will find Heggholmen, which gives a decent view if you want to find waterfowl out in the fjord. There are other islands and spots around the fjord better suited for the purpose, but if you have your telescope it's worth checking for potáplica stredná, potápka červenokrká and various alcidae during the winter half of the year. You might also find wintering ľabtuška skalná here during the colder months if you are lucky.

Details

Access

Gressholmen is only accessible by ferry. There are hourly (and more) departures from Aker Brygge during the summer months, while you have to plan a bit better if you are heading out during the colder months. Taking the first boat out is always recommended, as there will be fewer people and less disturbances then. For the timetable of the ferry see the link below.

The island has rather well kept paths, and walking is easy. There are rocks and roots, though, so watch your step.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Beach , Mud flats

Conditions

Flat , Rocky , Hilly , Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration , Summer

Route

Narrow trail , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

Be aware that camping on Gressholmen is prohibited, so you will need to make it to the last boat back. On warm spring and summer days, the island gets crowded quickly.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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