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Øra Nature Reserve

Østfold  >  Norway

Tidal bay, mudflats and lagoons at the Glomma river mouth. Top spot for geese, waders and sea ducks. Rare migrants often seen.

Added* by Victoria
Most recent update 7 липня 2025

Description

Øra Nature Reserve contains a mix of tidal mudflats, shallow lagoons, sandbanks, reedbeds, and coastal meadows. Industrial activity over time has reduced the extent and quality of the wetland and altered its natural structure. Still, the area remains one of Norway’s most important sites for waterbirds and is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Primarily for its large and nationally significant population of Баклан великий.

From the Øra bird tower and along the bay of Gansrødbukta, there are wide views of the tidal zone. The east side of the bay is bordered by dense mixed forest. The area offers good birding year-round.

A selection of common and rarer species seen from the bird tower include Лунь очеретяний, Сутора вусата, або синиця вусата, Коловодник звичайний, Брижач, Побережник чорногрудий, Пісочник малий, Пісочник великий, Свищ євразійський, Кульон великий, Мартин малий, Орлан-білохвіст, Крячок полярний, and Крячок каспійський. In the forest areas to the east you can find: Дрімлюга звичайний, Слуква лісова, Жовна чорна, Вівчарик жовтобровий, Повзик звичайний, Ополовник звичайний, або синиця довгохвоста, Зелений дятел, Дятел звичайний, Зозуля звичайна, Серпокрилець чорний, Підкоришник звичайний, and Чорна синиця.

Details

Access

Øra Nature Reserve is located on the western side of Fredrikstad where the Glomma River meets the Oslofjord. Next to it you will find a large industrial area and the city’s waste disposal site.

The Øra bird tower is only accessible by car for visitors who are registered on an access list (due to restrictions within the industrial area). However, it’s possible to explore the area on foot. There are multiple parking options near the bay, offering access to the walking path to the bird tower and other trails into the forested areas to the east of the bay. The forest includes both wide and narrow trails, many of which offer views of the mudflats and islands in the bay.

Public transport is limited; the closest bus stop is several kilometers away, so a car or bike is recommended.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Sea , Reedbeds , Agriculture , Mud flats

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration

Route

Unpaved road , Narrow trail , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

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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