Öland offers some of Sweden's best places for bird watching. Here are five birding spots you shouldn't miss – each location offers unique environments and great opportunities to see both common and rare species.
Top 5 bird localities on Öland
1. Beijershamn
In the mid-1800s, the construction of a two-kilometre-long pier began, which was to become an important harbour on the west side of Öland. After five years of work, the harbour was completed in 1858. However, it turned out that it was incorrectly constructed and it quickly started to sludge again. The grounding caused problems for shipping and after 15 years, Beijershamn was completely taken out of use.
Over time, reeds and reeds began to migrate in. Over time, this created a unique environment with a mixture of coastal meadows, reeds and open water surfaces. Together with the shallow bay and the sand bank, Beijershamn became one of Öland's most important bird localities, both during the breeding and migratory season. From the path that leads out to the pier and the bird towers, you get a good overview of the area and its bird life. A total of around 260 different bird species have been observed at Beijershamn so far.
To protect the birds in Beijershamn, there are reserve regulations and protection rules (through the Species Protection Ordinance) that make it forbidden to stay on coastal meadows, the sand bank and the shallow bay. The ban applies during the spring and summer when the birds lay eggs and raise their chicks and during the autumn when they look for food in the area for a demanding migration.
2. Large pipes
From the harbour in Stora Rör, you have a very good overview of the birds that stretch through the Kalmar Strait. The distance to Revsudden on the mainland side is about 3 km, a distance that is manageable with a good spotting scope. The venue is frequently visited during split times, so you will certainly not be standing here alone. In the harbor you will also find a shop, restaurants and a café and bakery.
If you want to experience the stretch at its best, you should arrive at Stora Rör at early dawn. Then the light is also at its best. If the winds are right - that is, northeast in autumn and southwest in spring - you will not have a quiet moment here. During the spring, the stretch offers large numbers of eiders and in these flocks it is not impossible to find a few golden eiders. A larger wind shelter intended for migratory bird watching is available and offers a first-class environment during bird watching. In the shelter there are also well-designed information boards for bird enthusiasts in general.
Helena Elm - Utflykt - Långe Erik
3. Öland's southern cape
Down at Öland's southern cape there are several practical wind shelters where you will always find shelter no matter where the wind blows from. There is also a branch of Naturbutiken in Stenåsa, Sweden's tallest lighthouse Långe Jan, the restaurant Fågel Blå, toilet and picnic cabin. If you want to immerse yourself in Öland's bird and nature life or history, there is a Naturum that offers nature walks.
It doesn't really matter what time of year you visit Öland's southern cape. There are always birds - and seals - to watch. It is possibly only bird-like on cold, harsh winter days, when ice and snow cover the cape. A good strategy for a day's birdwatching in the Ottenby area is to start in the morning at the wind shelter at the tip of the southern cape. From here you have the best conditions for migrating seabirds, whitebirds and passerines. On the seaweed banks outside there are also often resting waders and on the water waterfowl. The exchange of species varies according to the time of year and it is important to always be prepared for the unexpected. A rare bird can suddenly appear - the entire cape can be invaded by resting kingbirds or the sky can be darkened by an avalanche of white-cheeked geese. Ottenby Bird Observatory conducts its ringing on the cape from 15 March to 15 November. If time permits, the station staff always try to show interesting, ringed bird species at the bird observatory's fence.
4. Öland's northern cape
Öland's northern cape with the lighthouse Långe Erik, is an excellent location during the spring migration of birds. From April to the end of May, it is one of Öland's most bird-rich places. The cape is best visited in the spring, but autumn can also offer exciting bird encounters. Take the opportunity to combine the tour with a visit to cozy Byxelkrok where there are restaurants, charming little stalls and an ICA store.
Start your viewing at the parking lot before the bridge over to Fyrön, or Stora grundet as the island is actually called. From here you can get a good overview of the area. In the spring, small birds can sometimes come on a wide front from the south and gather in the bushes around the parking lot - before they choose to migrate north. From the bridge you have a good view of resting birds both inland in the northern part of Kauniainen Bay and north over the sea. Then you can choose to go out on the lighthouse island and follow the path that runs around the entire island or walk southwest back along Holmvägen just over a kilometer to the parking lot at Björnsnabben. Here is the best place to monitor the waterfowl migration.
Kent-Olof Nord
5. Stenåsa
At Stenåsa Camping on southeastern Öland you will find one of the island's most appreciated bird localities. With its open agricultural landscape, extensive coastal meadows and direct location towards the Baltic Sea, Stenåsa offers a unique place for bird watching – especially during the spring and autumn migration when thousands of migratory birds pass along the coast.
From the easily accessible bird tower by the beach, you have an unobstructed view and can experience a rich bird life. Lots of waders, ducks, geese and birds of prey are regularly seen here. Even more unusual species can appear in the right weather conditions, making the area a favorite among both beginners and experienced watchers.
The area around Stenåsa also offers great biodiversity. During spring and early summer, several orchid species bloom in the nearby meadows, attracting both botanists and nature photographers.
For those who want to combine bird watching with culture and history, there are several attractions nearby. You are close to Sandby Castle – the site of one of Öland's most fascinating archaeological discoveries – as well as to Eketorp Castle, a reconstructed ancient castle with exhibitions and activities. Alvaret and the nature reserves in southern Öland are also within easy reach for further nature experiences.