The lakes Skjerpenvatnet and Gardsvatnet are both bird sanctuaries and each has an identical 6.5m tall wooden observation tower for birdwatchers. The area has a rich bird life both in summer and winter and attracts many ornithologists.

A key objective is to avoid disturbing the birds during the nesting season. Tall screens therefore hide the access to the hides and the upper platform has been designed so that the birds won't see human silhouettes exposed towards the sky.