Outstanding autumn migration at Falsterbo!

During a good morning flight, hundreds of thousands of birds gets concentrated over Falsterbo. They are lead towards the last strip of land, as they avoid crossing the open sea, as long as possible. The peninsula acts as a funnel and the migrating birds mostly pas on close range. The diversity is vast and includes several species of Passerines, Raptors, Waterfowls, Shorebirds and Seabirds.

The autumn migration starts already in the middle of July, with the adult shorebirds. During August and early September the other long-distance migrants leaves Northern Europe. Some of the most numerous is Honey Buzzard wish can appear in four figured numbers during one day, Eurasian Hobby, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Greylag Goose, Common Swift, House Martin, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Tree Pipit, Yellow Wagtail and several species of Shorebirds. The small woods, scrubland and gardens attracts many nocturnal migrants like Redstarts, Flycatchers and several species of Warblers.

The migration is at the most intense from late September to the middle of October. Barnacle Goose, Brambling, Chaffinch, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit and Starling are the most numerous species. Siskin, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Common Eider and Eurasian Wigeon are just some of the many other species that migrates in large numbers. The raptor migration is perhaps the most famous attraction. Here you can see most of the North European species during a single day. Common Buzzard and Eurasian Sparrowhawk are the most numerous. In September and October, the daily numbers can reach several thousands.  Other common raptors at this time are Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Merlin and European Kestrel. The Pallid Harrier, Black Kite, Peregrine Falcon, White-tailed Eagle and Golden Eagle are more scares, but occurs frequently.

This nature phenomenon is something every birder should experience!

“The sky seems to be filled with drifting golden leafs, as the Sun hits the constant flow of Finches, Pipits and Buntings.  A wall of soft sound builds up by the calls from the migrating masses.  Creating the most peaceful and harmonic, jet intense atmosphere” Surrounded by birds you feel like you are in the center of the migration, exactly where you want to be. This in no place chill to much thou, and maximum attention is required. A minor change in tone, shape or flight pattern reveals a Ortolan Bunting, a Tawvy Pipit or a Citrine Wagtail, disappearing as quickly as it come.

Falsterbo is a charming village, surrounded by wetlands, meadows and small woodlands. On the northwest side of the peninsula extends a tiny strip of land, covered with sedge and salt marsh vegetation. On the west side lie a sand beach that stretches all the way south to Nabben. East and North is huge mudflats uncovered during low tide. This attracts thousands of Dunlins and other Shorebirds. Little Ringed Plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper and Pied Avocet. This is also a good area for resting Terns, Gulls, Waterfowl and Pipits.

A short drive inland will take you thru the countryside, to beech forests, meadows and lakes. The bird fauna here is quite different from that on the Falsterbo peninsula. Some of the species you can find here are Great Crested Grebe, Black Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Bearded Tit, Marsh Tit, Hawfinch and Kingfisher. Big flocks of Geese and Common Cranes feeds on meadow and fields. The nutritious lakes Krankesjon and Vombsjøen are great for Waterfowl and other freshwater species. Many Raptors hang around in Southern Scania, waiting for ideal migration weather. With some luck rare species like Red-footed Falcon, Lesser, -and Greater Spotted Eagle can be seen from strategic watching points.