Best Bird Watching Spots
Spring is the perfect time to escape and go to the outer archipelago – whether to avoid pollen or to enjoy spectacular birdwatching in a unique natural setting.
Due to the Baltic Sea’s role as a thermal reservoir, the outer archipelago experiences a meteorological delay of several weeks. By mid-May, the birdwatching season is in full swing, with sheltered areas, shifting winds, and the warming sun creating a dynamic environment.
The Impressive Long-tailed Duck
One of the highlights of the outer archipelago is the long-tailed duck—a striking species that nests in the mountains and Arctic tundra but prefers to winter and spend spring in the outer skerries, often in massive flocks. The male dons three different plumages throughout the year and flies with quick, snappy movements, though it usually lands on the water as if wounded. A large flock singing together creates an impressive sound—like a chorus of clarinets producing a sharp, chattering “a-a-auli.”
Sparrows, Larks, and Rebellious Punk Rockers
On Bullerö, you can spot common eiders, lesser whitethroats, blackbirds, Arctic terns, northern wheatears, and the striking black-necked grebe, whose breeding plumage gives them the appearance of rebellious punk rockers. Other birds commonly found here include the common whitethroat, yellowhammer, linnet, willow warbler, tree pipit, greenshank, nightingale, white-tailed eagle, gadwall, mallard, and velvet scoter.
Time and Patience
Bullerö offers opportunities for overnight camping, such as at Stora Tallkobben in the Långvik Archipelago. If you continue to Trädskär, you can spot additional species like goosanders, white wagtails, oystercatchers, swallows, tufted ducks, goldeneyes, barnacle geese, turnstones, skuas, ringed plovers, rock pipits, and blackbirds. This incredible biodiversity rewards those with the patience to observe and take their time.
Top Birdwatching Locations
Whether you're an experienced birder or a beginner, several of the Archipelago Foundation’s protected areas offer excellent opportunities to explore the birdlife—along with the rest of the archipelago’s wildlife. Some of the best birdwatching spots include:
Gålö
West of Nor on Gålö, a rich wetland has been created, making it well worth a visit in spring and early summer. Havtornsudd is another prime spot for viewing migrating seabirds in early spring, with large flocks of eiders and long-tailed ducks gathering.
Ålö Wetlands
One of the largest wetlands in the Stockholm archipelago, covering about nine hectares, is located near Ålö Gårds nourth of Utö. You can reach Ålö or Utö by regular ferry services and explore the area by bike, either bringing your own or renting one locally.
Riddersholm
The Riddersholm Nature Reserve lies far out on Rådmansö but is still easily accessible by car, boat, bus, or bicycle. Kvarnudden is a particularly popular area for spotting rare and interesting birds.
Huvudskär
Located at the very edge of the outer archipelago, Huvudskär is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, especially if you’re interested in migratory birds.
Käringboda
The northern part of this nature reserve features a wetland rich in birdlife, offering plenty of opportunities for exciting sightings.
Want to learn more about different species? Take a look here
(Text based on article in Stångmärket by Niclas Sjögren)
