Hjälstaviken (province of Uppland, central Sweden)

Location

Hjälstaviken is situated 30 km SW of Uppsala, 65 km NW of Stockholm, 20 km E of Enköping.

Status

Hjälstaviken is of the 30 Swedish localities on the CW-list (Convention of Wetlands). Since 1982 it is a nature reserve. Total area of the reserve is 821 ha, of which 676 ha are land.

Facilities

An observation tower at the west side. Parking places at the north, west and south sides. A wooden track around the area to cross inundated parts (but you still need wellingtons!). Camping is allowed in a designated area at the northern side.

Description

Hjälstaviken is a small bay of lake Mälaren. It is very shallow; the body of open water in the centre is surrounded by a wide belt of reed and gently sloping meadows and arable fields, especially at the west side. At the north side are some low hills with Juniperus vegetation, the east side is covered by pine forest and at the south side is a low hill with deciduous forest ("Parnassen").
Hjälstaviken has been known for its rich population of breeding and migrating birds since the beginning of the 19th century. Changes in agricultural habits, fertilization and expansion of the reed belt caused a deterioration of the area for birds. In 1985 a programme was started to restore the lake and its surrounding wetlands. Some of the reed was destroyed, the water level of the lake has been regulated and the wetlands are again extensively grazed by cattle. This has led to a renewed attraction of birds to the area.

Birds

Total number of species: ca. 245. Breeding: ca 110.
Early spring (end of February - March) starts with thousands of geese, mainly Greylag Goose, Bean Goose and Canada Goose, but with a little bit of luck you can also find Barnacle Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Lesser White-fronted Goose and White-fronted Goose. They are followed by Crane and Whooper Swan. Some weeks later ducks arrive: Teal, Wigeon, Pintail, Pochard, Garganey, Shoveler and Gadwall. Some Smew are seen every year. April and May bring many migrating waders: Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Snipe, Ruff and sometimes Red-necked Phalarope. Displaying Jack Snipe and Great Snipe can be heard at the northern part of the area in June. Bittern and Water Rail breed yearly, as well as Grasshopper Warbler and Yellow Wagtail. Also Spotted Crake and Corn Crake can be heard most years. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Scarlet Rosefinch, Trush Nightingale and Ortolan Bunting can be found at the south side of the area. Marsh Harrier and Osprey are also breeding, while Peregrine and Goshawk are regular visitors. Autumn migration brings more waders: Temminck's Stint, Little Stint, Dunlin, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank. Amongst winter visitors are White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Rough-legged Buzzard, Great Grey Shrike, Redpoll, Twite and Bearded Tit.