Since the end of the 1980s, thousands of bean geese have been visiting the lake in spring and autumn, on their way to and from their breeding grounds. In the autumn, 21,000 bean geese have been counted. More unusual species such as the lesser white-fronted goose, the greater white-fronted goose, the pink-footed goose and the barnacle goose can also be seen among the flocks.
 
Thousands of ducks and waders also rest at the lake. In early summer the great snipe plays on the meadows near the shore, and you can also hear lots of singing nightingales and other species that are active at dusk and at night, such as quail and corn crake. In winter you have a good chance of seeing golden eagles and white-tailed eagles.
 
Östen is a shallow, nutrient-rich lake which receives large amounts of water from the rivers Tidan and Ösan. The northwestern and northeastern parts of the lake have meadows by the shore where birds like to graze, as well as several bird towers and a newly built pavilion with information on bird and animal life by the lake. At Logården in Odensåker there is a cafe and a small Nature Room with stuffed birds.

 

From Logården there are walking tracks to two bird towers. The tracks pass by lakeside meadows and pretty countryside with juniper bushes. It’s ideal for a picnic, especially in spring when the birdsong is intensive.

 

By Odensåker church there are remains of an ancient village – Klockarbolet.