Day 3

The birds on Rømø – see map

A whole day on Rømø – the southernmost island in the Danish Wadden Sea . Rømø has practically all types of natural habitat within a small area. Apart from an enormous number of sea and wading birds, there are also yellow wagtails, songbirds and geese – all year, including the nightjar in Kirkeby plantation. Using a telescope, start with a survey of the tidal landscape just beyond the southern parking area at the Rømø embankment. The curve in the embankment is a resting area for wading birds at high tide, and it is possible to see quite big flocks of resting waders at close quarters from the parking area. Under all circumstances the area also offers a splendid view over the entire southern part of the Wadden Sea , the tidal flats and their birdlife. Keep an eye on the tide table as the birds are best seen at incoming tide. The trip then goes west out to the beach, where migrating waders can be seen at quite close quarters during the spring and autumn migration seasons, especially during an easterly wind. Oystercatchers, godwits and sandpipers are to be seen along the edge of the beach. Flocks of seabirds can also be seen during strong south-westerly winds in autumn: gannets, skuas, shearwaters and other species come in close to the beach. Check the reeds west of  the road Småfolksvej for bitterns and common marsh birds. Keep a sharp eye out for Montagu’s harrier, often seen foraging out over the heathland. After stopping at Småfolksvej, drive down to the storm marshes. Look out over the salt marshes to the far south on Rømø and see the commonest breeding birds on the marshes, but there are also good views of flocks of brent geese and barnacle geese here – especially in spring – together with flocks of resting waders. Finally, it’s time to look out for little birds.