This gallery contains a selection of bird and other nature images taken at my local birding patch Borrevannet near Horten in Vestfold, Norway. Not all the images in this gallery may be of the highest quality but are included to show some of the species diversity that may be found here. Norwegian species names are also included with the images to help as a local language identification key. 

 

The lake which is situated close to the Oslofjord, attracts many migrant water-birds during spring and autumn and provides an important ‘stopover’ feeding station as well as nutrition for local breeding species, which includes a large population of Great Crested Grebes. There is an ever-increasing reed-bed at the southern end of the lake with breeding Reed Warblers, Reed Buntings and more recently Marsh Harriers, but also Bearded Reedlings are occasionally found here during autumn. The adjacent surrounding areas comprising of farmland, woodland and a golf course is an important area for both breeding and migrant birds as well as an important breeding area for many insect species. The southern end also contains a breeding population of Marsh Warblers and is well known for large numbers of passerine migrants and rare vagrants. There is an observation tower here which is a good place to observe the water-birds and also watch migrating raptors. During winter the lake is frozen and almost devoid of birdlife but it is then used by skiers and skaters until the arrival of spring which is probably the most  exciting time here for local birders.

Until 2019 an autumn bird ringing (banding) project close to the observasjon tower had been active for many years and occasionally scarce species, or even new species for Borrevannet have been caught and ringed here, including Barred Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler. 

In 2020, the southernmost fields outside the lakes perimeter, a new permanent flooded area forming a small lake was unintentionally created and this has been particularly valuable in attracting breeding wildfowl and for  numerous migrating wading birds, which use it as a refueling station.  

 

Borrevannet is continuously under threat by non-ornithological interests but hopefully this small selection of bird and other images will draw attention to the ornithological importance of this wonderful lake and surrounding area.     

 

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