Autumn Migration in Norway 2025

With its vast coastline and rich nature preserves, Norway is heaven for birdwatchers, especially during migration times. About 200 migrating species, some of them very rare, can be spotted in Norway during certain places and times of the year. The autumn migration in Norway begins already in early August. The phenomenon reaches its peak in September and October, as temperatures fall and strong north-eastern wind makes birds move south.

Migrating Species

Bird observatories are busy during migration season, when hundreds of thousands of Redwings leave Norway saying goodbye in their particular avian manner: repeatedly crying "tsiii-tsiii-tsiii" all night long.

September to October Norway sees off thrushes and finches. The autumn migration is also a good time to spot flocks of rare eastern birds, like Richard's Pipit, Little Bunting, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Warbler and Pallas's Leaf Warbler. The extremely rare Tengmalm Owl and Pygmy Owl, which breed in the forests surrounding Oslo, migrate through the islands in West Norway.

Where to spot migrating birds

Lista Lighthouse

Southern Norway is a prime destination for birding enthusiasts in the fall. The Lista Peninsula in Farsund municipality, southeast of Stavanger, boasts some of the largest and most impressive bird observatories. Its coastal marshes and wetlands attract many migratory birds on their way south.

Lista Lighthouse, located at the southwestern tip of Norway, is a hub for birds. The daily migration counts is conducted in the Lista Lighthouse area every fall since 1990. The area boasts more than 340 bird species. The Birding Station at Lista Lighthouse offers wide-path walking trails, guided tours, and a birdwatching hide/platform. You can start to explore the area from the Visitor Centre of Wetland Lista, located at Lista Lighthouse. In addition to numerous Redwings, the area is known to host Common Crane, Brent Goose, Common Scoter, and Pallid Harrier.

Ørland

Ørland wetlands in Trøndelag (Central Norway) is one of the largest protected areas in Norway. Located on the coast outside of Trondheim, it's one of the essential natural stopovers for migrating birds. Grande Amphiteather, Hovsfjærabeach, and Marina in Ørland are excellent bird observation points to see wading birds and other migratory bird species. The peregrine falcon is often spotted here during fall migration. Birdwatchers also often visit the island of Tautra, boasting more than 269 different species to discover. Orland can be reached by plane from Oslo or by a ferry from Trondheim, Kristiansund, Hitra (& Frøya), Lensvik and Hysnes.