Description
The varying habitats in the Southern Asmaløy area makes this a great birding destination, either it's a seawatch or a night walk. The landscape is dominated by coastal heathland and coastal pine forest. The two shallows bays of Skipstadkilen and Vikerkilen create good waterbird habitats.
The area is great all year round. In winter Ledenjarka, Morska crnka, Oštrokljuna njorka, Tankokljuna njorka and Mala njorka are some of the birds that can be found. Some of the breeding species are Žuti voljić, Barski petlovan, Morska trepteljka, Zelena žuna, Mali detlić, Obična beloguza, Obična travarka and Trstenjak mlakar. Migration season is undoubtly the best time of the year. Modrovoljka, Belorepan, Veliki slavuj, Kos ogrličar, Velika sprutka, Mala šljuka, Mali gnjurac and Crnoglava travarka are all annual. The area is also good for rarities, especially during the autumn migration with birds such as Sibirska travarka, Žutarica, Planinski zujavac, Pirgasta grmuša, Šarenokrili azijski zviždak, Great Shearwater, Ričardova stepska trepteljka and many more have been found
The area is popular and often used by hikers. There are several paths throughout the area. Most are easy to walk, but they can be slippery after rainfall. A lot of the paths have blue markings on trees, rocks, etc along them. A telescope is not a must, but it's definitely good to bring one.
Details
Access
When on the 108 road from Fredrikstad, take to the right where it says Brattestø. Follow the road until you reach a horse farm. Take to the left where it says Huser Gårdsbarnehage. Here you can park by the kindergarten. Note that the road from this point on is private, so don't drive any further. It is also possible to find other places to park along the road closer to Brattestø. Note that a lot of these places are private parkings reserved for summer homes and cabins. These are usually only in use during the summer and Easter holidays, and weekends from April to September.
It's also possible to take left from the 108 road to Viker. When you reach Viker, there is a sign to Madamhaven where you can park. Note that some of these spaces are reserved.
