Mågeøerne – birdlife just off the coast of Bogense

The Mågeøerne Islands lie in the Kattegat northeast of Bogense, just 300–1,000 metres from the coast. In geological terms, the islands are quite young. They do not appear on maps from before the late 19th century and gradually formed in the shallow waters off the coast.

Sand, gravel and small stones are carried along the North Funen coastline by waves and currents. Where the water is shallow and sheltered, the material is deposited. Together with mussel banks, this has gradually created the small islands, which continue to change shape. Wind, waves, high water levels and storm surges constantly move the sand around.

Today, Mågeøerne covers around three hectares, and the highest point is only about one metre above sea level. Salt-tolerant plants grow here, including marram grass, sea wormwood, sea orache and glasswort.

Gulls, cormorants and Arctic terns

The name Mågeøerne – the Gull Islands – is very fitting. Several species of gull breed here, and the islands are also used by eider ducks, oystercatchers, plovers, greylag geese and mute swans.

Mågeøerne is particularly well known for its large cormorant colony. Cormorants began breeding on the islands in the early 1980s, and Mågeøerne became the first place in Denmark where cormorants were recorded breeding on the ground. The colony grew rapidly and at its peak numbered almost 2,000 breeding pairs.

In spring, Arctic terns arrive after an impressive journey from the waters around Antarctica. They hunt for small fish and shrimps in the shallow water around the islands and breed here before heading south again towards the end of summer.

Other birds visit during the winter months. If you are lucky, you may spot the rare light-bellied brent goose before it heads north to its breeding grounds in the Arctic.

Watch the birds from the dike

From 1 March to 31 August, access to Mågeøerne is prohibited to protect the breeding birds. During this period, the islands are best enjoyed from a distance.

The dike at Stegøvej, east of Bogense, offers good views of the islands and their birdlife without disturbing the birds. Bring binoculars if you can – especially in spring and autumn, when many migrating birds feed in the shallow waters between the coast and the islands.

A walk from Bogense along the dike towards Stegø is therefore worth taking at any time of year.

Fishing around Mågeøerne

Once the breeding season is over, it is possible to get closer to the islands again. Fishing around Mågeøerne is possible from 1 September until the end of February.

The water is shallow, and the islands can be reached by wading. Always pay attention to the water level, weather and currents. You can also paddle out by kayak. Fish move around the area in shoals, so it is worth searching for them rather than staying in the same spot for too long.

Good to know about Mågeøerne

Distance from the coast: approx. 300–1,000 metres
Size: approx. 3 hectares
Height: up to approx. 1 metre above sea level
No access: 1 March to 31 August
Fishing around the islands: 1 September to the end of February
Birdlife: including cormorants, gulls, Arctic terns, eider ducks and oystercatchers
Good viewing point: the dike at Stegøvej
Tip: Bring binoculars for a much better view of the birds from the shore

Was Tågegade once here?

Mågeøerne also has a place in the old stories of the area. One local legend tells of Tågegade (the Misty Street), a long, shallow stretch of seabed north of Bogense. When sailors passed over the area in calm, misty weather, they believed they could make out the roofs of houses beneath the water. According to the story, this was where the merman and his mermaids lived.

No one knows whether the legend has any real connection to Mågeøerne. But it suits a place where new land has slowly risen from the sea.