Safe haven for migrating birds

Wetland habitats offer feeding grounds for birds. Seaweed banks, lakes and bogs are rich in insects and molluscs such as snails, shellfish and squid, all vital to the survival of many birds. Many species depend on wetlands as areas to rest and fuel up during their autumn and spring migrations. Below we present a selection of birds that you can see in the Jæren wetlands.

Black-headed gull
Black-headed gulls travel to overwintering sites in the UK in early autumn and return to Rogaland at the beginning of March. Photo: Roy Mangersnes

Common ringed plover
If a nesting ringed plover feels threatened by a predator, it will distract intruders from the nest by running away and pretending to be injured. Photo: Roy Mangersnes

Common redshank
This long-legged bird can travel impressive distances. In autumn, the Norwegian population migrates all the way to the west coast of Africa! Photo: Roy Mangersnes

Mallard
Where do all the male mallards go in summer? In summer, the males lose their characteristic green plumage and may for a time look almost exactly like the females. Photo: Roy Mangersnes

Common Eider
The eider can dive for food to depths of up to 60 metres. It uses both its wings and webbed feet to help it swim. The photo is of a female bird. Photo: Roy Mangersnes

Starling
The starling is a typical farmland bird. In autumn you can find large flocks feeding on seaweed banks along the Jæren coast. Photo: Roy Mangersnes

Northern lapwing
The lapwing is an iconic bird with a metallic sheen to its wings. Rogaland is the Norwegian county with most lapwing, but the species is in major decline and is classified as critically endangered. Photo: Roy Mangersnes

Common reed bunting
Once the reed bunting has laid its eggs, both male and female help to incubate them. In southern Europe, the reed bunting may have up to three broods per year. Photo: Roy Mangersnes