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Birding sites on the south-western part of the Falsterbo Peninsula: These sites are all situated on the south-western part of the Falsterbo Peninsula. Nabben is one of the most frequently visited birding sites in Sweden, especially in autumn. However a visit on Nabben is generally rewarding at any time of the year, except in very cold winters when the sea is frozen. South of Nabben lies the former islet Måkläppen (not visible on the map). The area on the inside of Nabben is the Falsterbo Golf Course, which means an open landscape with only a few clumps of trees or shrubs. |
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Road description Turn left towards Falsterbo at the roundabout at the end of road 100. In the village, turn left into Östergatan shortly after the Falsterbogrillen kiosk. Falsterbo Park is now on your left. At the end of Östergatan, turn left for the park or for Nabben turn right and then follow the road signs for Falsterbo fyr or Falsterbo GK (golf club). Pass the town centre and continue along Fyrvägen up to the car park at the end of the road. Kolabacken is just on the other side of the fence and the Lighthouse is visible to the west. During the peak season in autumn, the car park and Fyrvägen are often packed with vehicles. A good alternative is then to follow the signs for Flommens GK and park outside the golf club. From the car park you can walk out to the dunes and then head south past South Flommen and continue along the shore to Nabben (about 2 km). |
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Nabben is the traditional site for observing bird migration. Nabben is reached by taking the gravel road across the golf course to the lighthouse garden and then turning left along the western shore tothe point. It is wise to be there at dawn since many species start to migrate at first light. In all seasons, and especially during autumn, most birdwatchers start
their day at Nabben. Anything can turn up here. If migration is good and the
weather propitious you may very well stay here for the whole day. Most
favourable are days with moderate south-westerly winds and good visibility. The "autumn" migration actually starts already in late June when gulls and Starlings leave towards the south-west. In July also many waders and terns begin to pass. Especially in connection with cyclon passages, you may encounter days vith very intense "summer migration". |
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South of Nabben is Måkläppen, a former island, but (unfortunately) connected to land since 1990 by a long sand reef. Måkläppen är Sweden's oldest nature reserve (since 1899). During this time several "eras" have passed. One period was dominated by terns and Black-headed Gulls in large colonies. They were gradually forced out by Herring Gulls. In the 1970s more than 3,000 pais of Herring Gull were breeding as well as more than 400 pairs of Common Eider. Then the decrease started. As the island grew closer to the mainland and finally was connected, predation from foxes and other mammals became too much for the birds and they abandonded the area. Nowadays less than 100 pairs of birds (try to) breed on Måkläppen (no Herring Gulls). Breeding is often unsuccessful, since foxes are still present. Måkläppen is also famous as the only site on the south coast of Sweden for seals. Both Harbour Seal and Grey Seal are found and they also give birth to their puppies on Måkläppen. You may visit Måkläppen between 1 November and 31 January) and in the old days this was no problem - not many people went there. However, after the connection with the mainland the number of visitors increased to an almost absurd running in and out of hundreds of people. This does certainly not benefit neither resting birds nor seals. We recommend everyone to leave the wildlife at peace and stay away from Måkläppen. |
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Fyren (the lighthouse) |
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Fyren is an alternative to Nabben, especially on windy days. You will
miss some of the migration over the sea but have the advantage of a closer view
of passerine migration as these birds often pass at a lower altitude here. In
addition, there is less noise from the wind and waves, which makes it easier to
hear and distinguish bird calls. There is also a better chance of seeing
irruptive species such as woodpeckers, tits, Nutcracker and Jay, in larger
numbers at Fyren because they tend to turn back before reaching Nabben. Some
rest in the lighthouse garden together with many other species, especially
nocturnal passerine migrants. At Fyren, it is often possible to find shelter from the wind. However, the eastern side is not recommended owing to the risk of being hit by stray golf balls! Don’ t walk up to mist-nets, that are set at the Lighthouse Garden, whether
there are birds in them or not. The nets are checked every 30 minutes by Bird
Observatory staff. |
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Right beside the car park is a little hillock called Kolabacken. It marks
the remains of a coal-fired lighthouse beacon used during the Middle Ages (Scandinavia’s
oldest).
From the top of Kolabacken you have a good view in all directions and it is an excellent spot for watching raptor migration in westerly winds. Passage of passer-ines, pigeons and irruption species is also easily observed from here and, as in many other places on the peninsula, there are sometimes good numbers of resting passerines in the bushes. For that reason, a walk along the edge of the driving range of the golf course towards Falsterbohus may be rewarding. |
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South Flommen is nowadays almost totally overgrown with reeds and rushes.
The areas of open water diminish with each year. As a bird area, South Flommen
has undergone a major change in just a few decades. Nowadays, it is a habitat
for reed birds and among these Bearded Tit is a newcomer, occasionally breeding.
Almost every year, the whistle of Spotted Crake can be heard in spring and early
summer. On these occasions you may also hear the sound of the rare Green Toad as
well as the Natterjack Toad. During autumn migration, pipits and wagtails rest on the surrounding meadows and species like Tawny Pipit, Red-throated Pipit and (rarely) Citrine Wagtail occasionally show up. In southerly winds raptor migration is often seen better at South Flommen than at Nabben. The area incl. golf courses is a part of Flommen's nature reserve and dogs must be kept on a leash 1 March-31 October. |
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Falsterbo Park is a unique collection of trees in the sense that there
are about 70 different species of tree and bush. It is unusual for a park
insofar as the vegetation is allowed to develop largely free of human
interference. This favours the bird life and on early spring mornings a
magnificent choir of birdsong greets the visitor. Among the specialities for birdwatchers are Firecrest (especially in April), Greenish Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher and Golden Oriole (late spring). The beech copse just south of the bird observatory is often a good place for these species. Short-toed Treecreeper has been observed in the park a couple of times, while in autumn Hobbies hunt in the glades. European Serin is perhaps not seen in the park itself, but can sometimes be found in the central parts of Falsterbo. |
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Access to Måkläppen is prohibited 1 February-31 October.