In English

WELCOME TO STORA FJÄDERÄGG

Experienced ringers as well as beginners are welcome! Please don´t hesitate to contact us if you have questions.

Stora Fjäderägg Bird Observatory is situated on an island in the nature reserve Holmöarna, in northern Sweden. The observatory started in 1984 and up to 2011 201 400 birds have been ringed. Most commonly ringed species are Goldcrest Regulus regulus, Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus and Redpoll Carduelis flammea.

Our ringing seasons are May-mid June and (mainly) August-October. Most years our spring season is very limited.

Because of Stora Fjäderägg’s location at the narrowest point between Sweden and Finland it is an excellent place to study the East-Western migratory movements of many Scandinavian birds, for example Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica. Our “speciality” is eastern vagrants and it is not a coincidence that three for Sweden new bird species, all of eastern origin, have been caught at Stora Fjäderägg.

Every week one of the staff in place is chosen to be responsible for the ringing activities. We frequently teach beginners how to handle and ring birds, and therefore also not so experienced people are welcome to visit and work at the observatory. The chance to do so is biggest in August – early September. Later on in the autumn the possibilites are limited.

Chief in charge is Andreas Garpebring, 070-325 21 93 and contact person for bookings is: Anna Hallmén, 073-585 17 69.

Responsible for buildings etc. is Christer Larsson,

070-358 93 38

A normal stay at the observatory lasts a week, from Saturday to Saturday. We are however happy if someone wishes to stay for more than a week! At present, we do not encourage only weekend stays.

Transportation: To get to Holmön you take the ferry from Norrfjärden:

The trip takes about 40 minutes, no fee and no cars. Then there are smaller boats from Holmön to Fjäderägg, about 15 minutes, driven by Olle Nygren (+46(0)90-550 08, +46(0)70-6636706). Besides Saturdays, it is often possible to get transportation on Friday afternoon and on Sunday. NB: You should make an agreement with preceding staff if you are to take over !

The main transportation alternative from late May-mid September is “Slupen“, the traditional wooden boat run by the youth hostel at Stora Fjäderägg. The price is 200-300 SEK two ways. Booking telephone: +46 (0)70-69117220

Ask for help with the transportations when you book your stay.

Accommodation: In the former lighthouse keeper’s house. There is electricity, oven, kitchen equipment, sauna, more than 15 beds with mattresses but without bedclothes (there is also room for ground sheets) and outside lavatory. Bring your own cell phone as the observatory nowadays has no telephone installed. During late autumn (October) the water in the pipes sometimes freezes during night, but has usually thawed at lunch time. 

There is also a youth hostel on the island. Open approx. mid-May to mid-September.

Costs: You pay for accomodation (20 SEK/night and person) and boat Holmön- Fjäderägg (price depending on number of passengers).

Christer Larsson