Öland offers some of Sweden's best bird watching spots. Here are five birding locations you shouldn't miss – each location offers unique environments and fantastic opportunities to see both common and rare species.
Top 5 birding locations on Öland
1. Beijershamn
In the middle of the 1800th century, the construction of a two-kilometer-long pier began, which was to become an important port on Öland's west side. After five years of work, the harbor was ready in 1858. However, it turned out that it was incorrectly constructed and it quickly began to silt up again. The grounding meant 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 beach meadows, reeds and open water surfaces. Together with the shallow bay and sand dunes, Beijershamn became one of Öland's most important bird locations, both during breeding and migration time. From the path that leads out towards the pier and the bird towers, you get a good overview of the area and its bird life. In total, around 260 different bird species have so far been observed at Beijershamn.
In order to protect the birds in Beijershamn, there are reserve regulations and conservation regulations (through the species protection ordinance) that make it forbidden to stay on the beach meadows, the sand dunes 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 before a demanding migration.
2. large pipes
From the harbor in Stora Rör you have a very good overview of the birds that pass through the Kalmar Sound. The distance to Revsudden on the mainland side is about 3 km, a distance that can be seen with good binoculars. The venue is frequently visited during rush hours, so you will certainly not be standing here alone. In the harbor you will also find shops, restaurants and a cafe & bakery.
If you want to experience the stretch at its best, you should arrive at Stora Rör in the early morning. Then the light is also at its best. If the winds are right - that is, northeast in the fall and southwest in the spring - you won't 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 an occasional eider. A larger wind shelter intended for migratory birdwatchers is available and offers a first-class environment during birdwatching. In the wind shelter there are also well-designed information boards for those interested in birds in general.
Helena Elm - Excursion - Long Erik
3. Öland's southern cape
Down by Öland's southern cape, there are several practical wind shelters where you will always find shelter regardless of where the wind is blowing from. There is also a branch of the Naturbutiken in Stenåsa, Sweden's highest lighthouse Långe Jan, the restaurant Fågel Blå, a toilet and a sack hut. 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-free during cold, grim 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 windbreak on the tip of the southern cape. From here you have the best conditions for migrating waterfowl, white birds and seals. On the seaweed banks outside there are also often resting waders and seabirds on the water. The yield 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 headland can be invaded by resting kingfishers or the sky can be darkened by an avalanche of white-cheeked geese. Ottenby bird station conducts its ringing on the headland 15 March–15 November. As time allows, the station staff always try to display interesting, ringed bird species at the bird station's fence.
4. Öland's northern cape
Öland's northern cape with the lighthouse Långe Erik, is an excellent location during the spring migratory bird migration. From April to the end of May, it is one of Öland's most bird-rich places. The headland 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 shop.
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 arrive on a wide front from the south and gather in the bushes around the parking lot - before choosing to stretch north. From the bridge, you have a good view of resting birds both in the northern part of Grankullaviken and north across the sea. After that, you can choose to go out on the lighthouse and follow the path that runs around the entire island, or go southwest back along Holmvägen a little over a kilometer to the parking lot at Björnsnabben. Here is the best place to monitor the seabird range.
Kent-Olof North
5. stone ridge
At Stenåsa Camping in southeastern Öland you will find one of the island's most appreciated birding locations. With its open farmland, extensive coastal meadows and direct location on the Baltic Sea, Stenåsa offers a unique place for birdwatching – especially during the spring and autumn months when thousands of migratory birds pass along the coast.
From the easily accessible birdwatching tower on the shore, you have a clear view and can experience a rich birdlife. Here, you can regularly see lots of waders, ducks, geese and birds of prey. Even more unusual species can appear in the right weather conditions, making the area a favorite among both beginners and experienced observers.
The area around Stenåsa also offers great biodiversity. During spring and early summer, several species of orchids bloom in the nearby meadows, attracting both botanists and nature photographers.
For those who want to combine birdwatching 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 – and Eketorps Castle, a reconstructed ancient castle with exhibitions and activities. The Alvaret and nature reserves in southern Öland are also within reach for further nature experiences.