The birds of Skjern River

See the result of the largest natural recovery project in Northern Europe . The western part of Skjern Å-dal, called Skjern River Delta West, is one of Denmark ’s most important natural areas for wading birds. Throughout the year, you will see mute swans, coots, cormorants, herons, greylag geese and many species of duck. The first breeding birds are greylag geese and mallards. These are followed by sheldrakes, shovelers, garganeys and gadwalls. The divers, the tufted duck and the pochard, breed here together with the black-necked grebe. In this area you may also see the spoonbill, which breeds here. The marsh harrier is a frequent visitor above the reed forest, where you may sometimes see the bittern. In spring you may see hundreds of ruffs, the males with resplendent feather collars, on the way from their overwintering areas in Africa to their breeding places to the north and east. The area also offers birds of prey, including hen harriers, common buzzards, rough-legged buzzards, kestrels, merlins, and occasionally white-tailed eagles, fish hawks and peregrine falcons. see area map.

During a four-day stay in the area, you can always return to Skjern River Delta, where new experiences will often be waiting for you. It’s a good idea to get information about the various birding shelters established in the area – in particular we recommend the shelter at Lønborggårdsvej. See map.