Day 4

Vejlerne

Back in Thy on the fourth day, you will see one of the most important bird areas in northern Europe . The possibilities for observing the birds are exceptional in Vejlerne – no fewer than nine shelters have been erected at selected places in the area. (See the folder on the observation shelters in Vejlerne.) The birdlife at Vejlerne is probably unique in Denmark . The salt meadows, the reed swamps and the shallow lakes house an amazing range of bird species. All wading birds from the Danish salt meadows breed at Vejlerne: redshanks, dunlins, lapwings, godwits, ruffs, avocets and oystercatchers – and add to this numerous migrating birds in spring and autumn. Large flocks of geese and ducks are of course also widespread in the area. It is estimated that more than 1400 pairs of greylag geese breed here. The reed forests house more than 200 bitterns together with water rails, reed warblers, reedlings, marsh warblers and spotted crakes.  The black tern can be seen in the open part of the reed forest. The ducks predominate in autumn, but spoonbills can be seen throughout September. In 2005 there were 87 spoonbills. At the same time, increasing numbers of cranes have begun flocking to Bygholmengen – more than a hundred in the middle of October. The best place for observation is the shelter called Kraptårnet, in the evening. Flocks of lapwings and golden plovers are to be seen in the meadows, and all types of swimming ducks rest in the meadows in the autumn with impressive numbers of widgeons, mallards and teals. Up to 300 garganeys have been spotted at the same time!