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eautiful male Bramblings. This is the area where
we can look for many species of owl – if we are
lucky we may well find Tengmalm’s, Ural and
Northern Hawk Owls. Black and Three-toed
Woodpeckers also haunt these woods, and with
luck we should find three special birds here,
Siberian Tit, Siberian Jay and if we are lucky the
star bird will be Red-flanked Bluetail, an eastern
species with a toehold in the area. Hazel Grouse
will be present and both Capercaillie and Black
Grouse will be displaying. Beautiful Bohemian
Waxwings can often be heard as they give their
trilling calls over the forest. Rustic Buntings sing
from spindly willow bushes, while Little Buntings
can often be tracked down by their thin “tic” call.
Magnificent Elk are often seen in the woods, and
we would also hope to find Reindeer, Red
Squirrel and both Brown and Arctic Hares in the
Kuusamo region.
Days 7 to 9
Today we take the morning flight to Helsinki,
where we stay for two nights. Unexpectedly,
there is some beautiful countryside right on the
doorstep of this busy city on the edge of the Gulf
of Finland. To the west of the city we look for
some of the southern specialities of the area, in
the forests and on the lakes. These include
European Honey Buzzard, Red-backed Shrike,
Wryneck, Three-toed, Black and Grey-headed
Woodpeckers, Corncrake, Greenish Warbler
and Red-breasted Flycatcher. Blyth’s Reed,
Marsh and River Warblers all breed in this area,
as well as Spotted and Pied Flycatchers and
Crested Tit. We also have the chance to visit the
coast to enjoy the last of the Arctic-bound
migration of divers and wildfowl along the Gulf.
If weather conditions are suitable we may see
large numbers of Black-throated Divers, as well
as smaller numbers of Barnacle and Brent
Geese and Long-tailed Ducks and Common
Scoter. The local Common Eiders will already
have ducklings. On the last day, the morning will
be spent at Viiki, a vast reedbed area crossed by
boardwalks linking small wooded islands. Here
we should see Great Reed Warbler, Thrush
Nightingale and perhaps find a Citrine Wagtail.
After lunch, we catch the flight from Helsinki
back to London, where we arrive in the late
afternoon.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Oulu
Days 2-3 Oulu
Days 4-6 Kuusamo
Days 7-8 Helsinki
Day 9 Depart Helsinki
Northern Hawk Owl
F I N L A N D
Party Size
Maximum of 12 clients (two leaders with
more than seven clients).
Accommodation
Comfortable accommodation in twin/double
and single rooms, with private facilities.
Transport
By minibuses driven by the leaders.
Includes
All flights, meals, accommodation, transport,
entry fees, services of the leaders, VAT,
airport taxes and tips.
Gradings
Good
160
Mainly Cool
Low
Normal
Moderate
Good
Moderate
Scheduled
Capercaillie
Black Woodpecker
To make a booking please call Ornitholidays on 01794 519445
141