The Birdwatchers

If ever you have taken a trip around Maridalsvannet, then you will most likely have met some of my friends, the birdwatchers.

As you explore around the far end of the lake just after Nes gård, you go past the most amazing tree (which is actually four trees tightly packed to resemble one), then you will come to the little bridge where the river from Dausjøen flows out into Maridalsvannet.

On that very bridge or within a 100 metre radius, you will find a little gang. Come rain, snow, storm or sunshine they are ever present. A band of friends armed with cameras, binoculars, lunchbox and thermos.

Some are retired, others currently unemployed. But there is a buzz of a shared passion and camaraderie which is absent from Big City living.

For the last 10 years I’ve been waving cheerfully to them as I drive past, greeting them and commenting on the weather. (This is an extremely British thing to do).

Then about 2 years ago I remember that one of the group flagged me down as I was approaching. Bjørn had always been the one to see me far off and wave joyfully.

He asked what I worked with and was delighted to hear that happy dogs would be enjoying Oslomarka nearby.

He explained that currently it was not convenient for him to have his own dog but he has always enjoyed saying hello to the dogs in the van ever since.

As one of the few people who spends more time in the woods than I do, he is also an invaluable source of information and knowledge.

In Summer he often informs me of where he has seen snakes nearby. In Winter he tells me of the movements of Moose and the thickness of the ice.

The photos that the birdwatchers manage to take are truly breathtaking. It demonstrates the amount of time, diligence and patience required to know an area implicitly.

Next time you are driving or walking past this happy group, please wave or just have a quick chat with them. Their passion is nature, so conversation topics should not be a problem.

Failing that you can just stand on the bridge and soak up the beautiful and calm surroundings.

Doggies: Aya, Ellie, Baileys and Lucy