Markus Tallroth is 37 years old, originally from Skåne. Now lives in Isgärde on Öland with his partner and two children. Markus' education is basically a guide/tour leader in adventure and adventure tourism. He is the CEO of Naturbutiken (which has just changed its name from Naturbokhandeln) in Stenåsa, where Markus started his employment in 2009. He has been a birdwatcher since childhood and as soon as there is time, he finds his way out into nature with binoculars and a camera in full swing. You are spoiled as a birdwatcher on Öland. The amount of birds you get to experience on the island is unique in Sweden. No day is the same when you go out on Öland, you never know what you will encounter. Over the years, I have seen 358 different bird species on Öland, which testifies to the diversity of species the island offers. There are countless places to birdwatch on Öland, but here Markus lists his five favorites!
Birdwatchers give tips on their best spotting spots
Öland's northern cape
Since 2008, I have spent 1000's of hours on Öland's northern cape. A place that is extremely close to my heart. Here you are offered a very beautiful environment with sea, bushlands, meadows and beautiful pebble beaches. When I say Öland's northern cape, it includes the two capes in the north. The northwestern cape where the lighthouse Långe Erik is located, but also the northeastern one where the Troll Forest spreads out. Both spring and autumn, the area is home to large numbers of resting and migrating birds. During April and May, you can be met by thousands of resting passerines (small birds) that rest before heading out to sea the following night. But the daily migration of migratory birds is also magnificent. On the northwestern cape, it is best to scout the bushes around the parking lot and west along the lighthouse road, but also the lighthouse island itself (Stora grundet) usually offers nice meetings. On the northeastern cape, you usually get the best return if you hike on the west side of Trollskogen and make it all the way out to the tip of the cape. A nice hike of a few kilometers. Don't forget to visit Naturum which is located by the car park.
Horns Udde
Northwest of Löttorp, Horn's cape juts out into Kalmarsund. Here you can sit at the far end of the southwestern tip and watch migrating seabirds, spring and autumn. A visit in April and May when the winds are blowing from the west sector never disappoints. Since you sit high, you have a very good view of the sea. A very beautiful place! Don't miss out on eating at KALK in Löttorp, which in my opinion has Öland's best burger and lunch menu!
Stenboudd
On the east side of the island at the height of Runsten, you will find Stenboudd. It is a place with grazed lake meadows and a couple of windswept groves. At the far end of the cape are some nice little boathouses where you have brought coffee tastes extra good. The grazed coastal meadows can house thousands of geese, waders, gulls and passerines. Here you can walk for hours along the meadows, in the groves and stand and look out over the sea. Not everyone knows about this gem so you are often alone in enjoying these open spaces. A small gravel road leads down just south of Runsten's church. At the bottom of it there is a parking lot for 3-4 cars. Take the opportunity to have coffee at Gårdby Lanthandel & Café and visit the Nature Shop in Stenåsa if you drive south along the east side.
Large tubes
As a resident of Isgärde, I spend a lot of time in the shelter in Stora Rör and follow the progress of migratory birds in spring and autumn. The wind shelter is located right on the shoreline at the far west end of the harbor level. You are completely sheltered here regardless of the wind direction. If you go there in April, you are often treated to a magnificent stretch of eider. Like a string of pearls, they pour forth over the sea, an insanely beautiful spectacle! When you then get the urge for coffee or lunch, you have both Mormors Stenugnsbageri and Bistro right next door. Here you will find, among other things, the island's best cinnamon and cardamom buns.
Ottenby
Ottenby is internationally known as a first-class bird locality. Here it is nice to see regardless of the season - but during spring and autumn the species richness is at its greatest. Here you really feel like a visitor to the world of birds. Everywhere there is something to look at. If you get tired of the birds, you can look at all the seals resting along the beach. There is a lot to do for the whole family on Öland's southern cape. You can eat well at Fågel Blå, visit Naturum, Naturbutiken and join guided tours at the bird station. If you haven't been to Ottenby, it's a must.
If you want to take part in Markus' life as a bird watcher - follow him on instagram.