Bird watching

The wilderness around Oppdal is known for its ecological diversity. With access to ancient forests, wetlands, and high mountains, it is possible to find many bird species within a relatively concentrated area. Go on a bird safari with experienced guides from Oppdal Safari.

WOOD GROUSE - IN SPRING The black grouse is often described as “the most beautiful event of spring.” It brings a unique sense of tranquility to wander into the wood grouse forest in the afternoon while enjoying the smells and silence. The forest slowly comes to life after a long winter. After setting up the tent and as dusk falls, you might occasionally hear the wood grouse flying or walking to settle in the trees before descending to the arena the next morning to fight for their place. As soon as the sun begins to rise, the famous clicking and scraping sounds start. Naturally, you wake up to the commotion of the birds around the photo hide. It takes a couple of hours before it's light enough to take pictures, but time flies as these large birds run around the tent displaying their magnificence. The guide will take you to the tent, provide information, and set everything up; you will have the night to yourselves. The guide returns the next morning around nine to pick you up. By then, the birds usually have left the display area and returned to their feeding grounds.

BLACK GROUSE - IN SPRING Black grouses is shown on Oppdal’s bogs throughout April and the first half of May, making them a popular sight and photo subject. It's not uncommon for black grouse to stumble over the tent guylines, sometimes coming within the camera's focus range! We head to the show area in the evening and set up the hide. Often, owls can be heard hooting on the bog's edge as you cozy up in your sleeping bag. The black grouse arrive at the show area as soon as night turns into day. The bog mounds around the tent become bustling with activity. The guide will take you to the hide and set up the camouflage. You will spend the night and morning with the blackcocks before the guide returns to pick you up at nine.

BIRDWATCHING - IN SUMMER There are no guarantees on these birdwatching tours, but the guide will spend a lot of time early in the season mapping the occurrences as accurately as possible. If you wish to visit on a specific date, the guide can suggest which species you might see during your stay in Oppdal. If you come for one or more specific species, the guide can provide a setup indicating which species can be found at given times. Contact us for a pleasant birdwatching experience!

For all tours:

Clothing/equipment: Warm and preferably camouflaged clothing, gloves, hat, waterproof footwear, camera and tripod, packed lunch.

Duration: Varies.

Meeting point: Oppdal train station or another agreed location.

Suitable for: Birdwatchers, photographers, families, groups of friends, companies, adventure seekers.

Max number of participants: 3-15, depending on which birds you want to observe.