Excursions
Thursday 24 August 2023
The mid-conference excursion is a traditional part of EOU meetings. The excursion is included in the conference fee. We offer a choice of four excursions. Excursion names are in English with the Swedish name in parenthesis. The starting times are exact whereas the return time might be earlier (depending on the weather).
The Falsterbo Peninsula (Falsterbohalvön)
Sandy coastlines and migrating birds
The Falsterbo Peninsula constitutes the southwestern point of Sweden. The area holds several smaller nature reserves, but is also a popular place to live with extensive residential areas. It is one of Sweden’s top birding areas, especially during the autumn when millions of birds of all kinds pass and rest here. The excursion will go to “Nabben”, the most southern tip of the peninsular, where migrating raptors and passerines will pass and shorebirds and ducks are feeding, and “Ljungen”, a heath meadow, where soaring raptors gather to use thermals on their migratory journey. In August, migratory passerines are dominated by yellow wagtails and tree pipits. It is in the beginning of the famous raptor migration and if the weather is favourable you may see hundreds of sparrow hawks, honey buzzards, kites and occasional eagles.
Distance from Lund: 50 km.
Time: 06.00-16.00
Söderåsen National Park (Söderåsens nationalpark)
Deep valleys, impressive slopes and lush deciduous forests
Here, in the middle of Skåne, lay Söderåsen National Park, a ridge landscape covered in beech forests, dramatic valleys and flowing streams. The area, which is dominated by beech forests, is one of the largest uninterrupted expanses of protected deciduous forests in northern Europe. Numerous tracks and walks will guide you through the valley towards “Kopparhatten” a cliff overhang and a classical viewpoint in the park’s upper section. The sceneries are stunning and the views breathtaking. Grey wagtails may be seen foraging along the streams and the forest avifauna includes stock dove, hawfinch, green and black woodpeckers.
Distance from Lund: 50 km.
Time: 08.00-15:00
Web page: Söderåsen National Park
Kullaberg Nature Reserve (Kullabergs naturreservat)
Steep coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops and seabirds
Kullaberg is a peninsula protruding into the Kattegat Sea in the northwestern part of Skåne. The area consists of steep cliffs that are rising from the sea, and rocky outcrops on the ridge above that transition into hardwood forests. It is one of the most prominent landmarks along the Swedish coastline, and an operational lighthouse is overlooking one of the world’s most heavily travelled waters. Extensive hiking paths criss-cross the ridge and provide access to dozens of beach coves nestled at the bottom of the cliff formations. The area is a significant wintering and passage area for seabirds and seaducks, including common eider, common scoter, velvet scoter, common goldeneye and black guillemot. Small numbers of gannets are typically frequenting the waters around the peninsula, peregrine falcons are regular around the cliffs and the sea holds porpoises that can be observed when the water is calm.
Distance from Lund: 90 km.
Time: 08:00-15.00
Web page: Wikipedia and Nature reserve Kullaberg
Lake Krankesjön (Krankesjön)
A rich wetland close to Lund
West of Lund, the Lake Krankesjön is located in a shallow valley surrounded by a vast, cattle-grazed grasslands. It is prime water for waterfowl, gulls and terns. During this half-day excursion, you will have the possibility to walk (5 km) along the northern edge of the lake, enjoy the beautiful open landscapes, and do birding from strategic viewpoints including observation towers. But you can also choose to go with the bus from the start of the walk (Sjötorps ängar) to the pick-up place (bird tower at Silvåkra). In August, coots, swans, various ducks, Caspian terns, marsh harriers and ospreys are frequenting the lake, and the surrounding forests offer a chance to familiarize with woodpeckers (4 species) and common passerines.
Distance from Lund: 20 km.
Time: 08.00-13.00
Historic walk in Lund
An educating and entertaining history lesson by the professional guide Jacques Schultze
Welcome on a walk through the history of the oldest town in Sweden, and during the medieval era, the most important centre of the catholic church in Scandinavia. You will hear about murdered archbishops, German mercenaries, haunted houses, students executed by the university, and many more fascinating stories.
Distance from Lund: 0 km.
Time: 17.00-18.30 or 19.00-20.30
Web page: Spökguiden (in Swedish)
