Finland - late spring birding

This holiday targets all the key bird species of Finland on a relatively relaxed itinerary which should produce a spectacular list of northern European birds, without being too 'intensive' in pace. The focus is strictly on birding, though we will include enjoyable local aspects at some mealtimes, as we visit a traditional restaurant and also a reindeer farm to dine. An exciting and rewarding holiday.

This is a birding trip targeting a wide range of key European species. We begin in Oulu. On arrival we look for Eagle, Great Grey, Ural, Tengmalm’s, Hawk, Long-eared, Short-eared and Pygmy Owl, and also look for Montagu’s and Pallid Harriers, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Citrine Wagtail, Caspian Tern, Black-tailed Godwit and Garganey. Bitterns can be heard booming, and a few pairs of Red-backed Shrikes breed. Other key birds include White-tailed Eagle, Common Crane, Whooper Swan, and both Broad-billed and rare Terek Sandpiper, and forests give our first chances of Three-toed and Black Woodpecker, Black and Hazel Grouse and Capercaillie. ‘Night singers’ might include Thrush Nightingale, Blyth’s Reed Warbler – and perhaps Corncrake. 

Our second base is Kuusamo, Finland’s top birding destination, which promises a feast of birding and en-route we have a delicious lunch at a Reindeer farm. Vast forests hold Capercaillie and Black and Willow Grouse, Goldeneye, Wood Sandpiper and Brambling are common, although the real draw is the list of eastern and northern species: Red-flanked Bluetail, Little and Rustic Bunting, Greenish Warbler, Siberian Tit, Dipper and Siberian Jay. Other species might include Bohemian Waxwing, Great Grey Shrike, Red-necked Grebe, Common Rosefinch, Pine Grosbeak, Two-barred Crossbill and Parrot Crossbill. Black and Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Grouse, Willow Grouse, Hazel Hen, Capercaillie and Little Gull all breed here.

Finland is a large country where local knowledge is vital to help us find our key target birds. We have appointed a highly experienced local Leader to give us the very best chances, with a second Guide from Heatherlea to supplement this key local knowledge with more than eight clients. During the holiday we make use of late nights help us enjoy brilliant birding throughout, though there will also be the opportunity to rest up in the afternoon on some days.

Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday begins. Full details from our office! Read more about our Pre-flight Service here!

Day 1: Arrival
After relaxing in our complimentary VIP Airport Lounge, we fly from London  - Oulu (via Helsinki), where we meet our local Guide. Our hotel is nearby, and if time allows after check-in, we will enjoy some local birding. Participants from our 'Finland and Northern Norway' tour will join us there. Overnight for three nights: Airport Hotel, Oulu.

Days 2 and 3: 

The next two full days are spent birding in the vicinity of Oulu. This region is best known for its breeding owls, which include Eagle, Great Grey, Ural, Tengmalm’s, Short-eared and Pygmy, and most years also Hawk and Long-eared Owl. During this period we also visit Liminka Bay, an internationally important wetland which is a paradise for birdwatchers. Among the many waterbirds we should see Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Little Ringed Plover, Caspian Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, Shoveler and Garganey. Bitterns can be heard booming, and a few pairs of Red-backed Shrikes breed. White-tailed Eagle and Marsh Harrier breed here, many migrants rest, and summering juvenile Common Crane and Whooper Swan are expected. We pay particular attention to rare Terek Sandpiper; Oulu is one of the last places in Finland where this bird still breeds. Citrine Wagtail is another rare breeding bird which we target.

In the Bay of Liminka there are several observation towers providing ideal vantage points. After watching Little and Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns catching insects from the sky we will head to the forests to look for Eurasian Three-toed and Black Woodpecker. Other possible forest species here include Black Grouse, Hazel Grouse and Capercaillie.

Four species of Harrier breed annually around the Liminka Bay area, so with luck we may see not only Marsh and Hen, but also Montagu´s and Pallid Harrier!

Although lying on the threshold of Lapland, some ‘night singers’ are found in Oulu area in most years. There might be a chance to find Thrush Nightingale and Blyth’s Reed Warbler, and perhaps even Corncrake. 

Day 4: 
Today we drive northeast to Kuusamo, and along the way stop to scan some of the extensive forest bogs and lakes, and also visit the reindeer farm in Iso-Syöte, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch, hear stories about reindeer husbandry and see the private museum. Overnight for three nights at Scandic Rukahovi, Kuusamo.

Days 5 and 6: Kuusamo forests and hills
Kuusamo is an exciting birding destination generally regarded as the best in Finland, and we can expect a birding feast in the expansive taiga forests. While Goldeneye, Wood Sandpiper and Brambling are common, the real draw here is the unrivalled list of eastern and northern species: Red-flanked Bluetail, Little and Rustic Buntings, Greenish Warbler, Siberian Tit and Siberian Jay. Other species might include Bohemian Waxwing, Great Grey Shrike, Red-necked Grebe, Dipper, Common Rosefinch, Pine Grosbeak, Two-barred and Parrot Crossbill, Black and Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Grouse, Willow Grouse, Hazel Hen, Capercaillie and Little Gull. We visit Valtavaara Hill for Red-flanked Bluetail. The terrain is mostly easy to walk but will involve one or two steep uphill climbs, so a reasonable level of fitness is required here. In surrounding forests there is plenty of grouse habitat, and we will make an early morning excursion to the vast forests that extend around Kuusamo looking for Capercaillie and Black and Willow Grouse. One day we have lunch in Iivaaran eräkartano 

Day 7: Departure
After breakfast and some birding we transfer to Oulu Airport and then to Helsinki to connect with homeward flights. Alternatively, you may stay in Finland for our 'Bears and Wolverines' tour.

What's included in your holiday price:

• scheduled return flights between London and Oulu (via Helsinki), including all airport taxes.
• ground transportation as outlined including all transportation in Finland in a modern air-conditioned vehicle.
• accommodation and all meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• the services of your leader.
• entrance fees to parks and reserves, and tips to hotels and restaurants.
• The Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers everything you need at the airport, including hotels, car parking, airport lounges, regional flights, and upgrades. Let Heatherlea take the strain! Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included free of charge subject to terms and conditions. Read more...

What's not included in your holiday price:

• personal insurance, most alcoholic drinks and other personal expenses, optional tips to the driver and local guide, and any other costs not specified as 'included'

More holiday information:

Accommodation is in comfortable hotels or guest houses with all rooms en suite.
Food Breakfast is continental style. Fruit juice and tea or coffee is usually available. Picnic lunches will be provided by your guide, and will include a variety of local produce plus soft drinks. Evening meals are generally local dishes; Finnish ingredients match that of food just about anywhere else. Meat dishes may include beef, chicken and pork and fish figures prominently on Finnish menus – naturally enough for a country that boasts over 60,000 lakes and over 2,850 miles of seashore. Berries and mushrooms, the bounty of the country’s seemingly endless forests, are also vital elements. Vegetarian and other diets are welcome.
Walking is generally light/moderate. There will be some uphill track and road walking, though generally an average level of fitness is required.
Weather The weather will most likely be quite warm and summery, but chilly mornings and nights are possible. It should be mainly dry but some showers of rain are possible. Average temperature range at this time of year is 10 – 15°C but may rise to as high as 25°C. 
Insects There may be mosquitoes at this time, so a good repellent is recommended.
Group size is restricted to 12 clients maximum.
Flights are by scheduled airline, from London.
Photography There may be excellent opportunities to photograph birds, though these are incidental and not guaranteed. 

Thanks to Frank Jump for pics of reindeer and hen Capercaillie, taken during our 2017 holiday.