Linnesstranda, Norway
Linnesstranda is a small nature reserve at the mouth of the small river Lierelva, which flows into Drammensfjorden. It has a bird watching tower, and more than 200 species have been recorded from this area.
The bird tower is located at the river mouth, and at low tide exposed mud flats attracts waders and waterfowl. The river is surrounded by thick forest which holds many types of passerines.
The site is best visited during low tide, and best to avoid southerly winds which will create waves breaking over the mud flats. I picked a early morning for my visit when low tide was at around 9 AM, and the wind was light from the north. The promised sun only stayed for the first hour before the clouds arrived. Photographic light is very good in the morning with the sun from behind/left when looking towards the mud flats.
Quite a few Common Sandpipers were calling around the area. Northern Lapwings, Plovers and a Wood Sandpiper were also present. A common snipe flew past above, calling. Apparently, there is a nesting pair in the area.
Several species of warblers were singing. I saw Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers, but only heard the Eurasian Reed Warbler. The was a nightingale calling close by, but it is a notorious difficult target for the camera. No luck this time.
A Grey-headed Wagtail landed for a brief moment on the mud flats, but rather out of reach for my lens. At least 50 swallows (mix of Sand and House Martins plus Barn Swallows) where feeding low over the water. Even a Great Spotted Woodpecker turned up and started to peck away at driftwood just below the tower.
I observed at least six species of ducks along with various gulls. A few Great Cormorants were also resting at the mud flat.
