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Finland

(visit this page on fatfisherman.com)
(visit this page on fatphotographer.net)

Ural Owl Strix uralensis ©Arto Juvonen http://www.digiscoping.fi/

Why come birdwatching in Finland?

As the easternmost country in Europe, Finland has many species of birds that are not easy to get to see elsewhere, e.g. Blyth's Reed Warbler, Red-flanked Bluetail, Arctic Warbler, Pine Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Bunting and Little Bunting.

The fact that Finland is located in the coniferous forest zone means that there are good chances of seeing many of the northern forest species. Of the game birds, the Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Hazel Hen, Willow Grouse and Ptarmigan are frequently to be seen, and of the woodpeckers one finds the Grey-headed, Three-toed, White-backed and Black varieties. The most interesting species of all, however, are owls, of which there can be as many as 10 species nesting in Finland in a good year, ranging from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the huge white Snowy Owl. The pine forests and mountain birch zone of Northern Finland have numerous species with a markedly northern distribution, such as the Parrot Crossbill, Lapland Bunting, Siberian Jay and Siberian Tit.

Many birds of open habitats, e.g. the Ortolan Bunting, have become rarer in other parts of Europe but are still relatively common in Finland, while the largest of our terns, the Caspian Tern, is an example of the impressive range of seabirds. The waders that nest on our bogs are also of interest, as many of them are seen in other parts of Europe only in the course of migration or in their winter plumage. These include the Broad-billed Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Jack Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, Temminck's Stint and Ruff.

The sight of a Crane or a Whooper swan, the Finnish national bird, building its nest is something one can never forget. Similarly diurnal birds of prey such as the Gyrfalcon; that magnificent master of the wildernesses, the Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle and Rough-legged Buzzard of Forest Lapland abound. Finland's popularity with ornithologists is also greatly enhanced by the incomparable sights provided in late May and again in September-October by the mass migration offshore and water birds over the country on their way to and from the arctic. The best times for seeing this are the middle of May in Southern Finland and the end of May in the Oulu area, while the summer migrants and eastern rarities reach Lapland some time in the middle of June. July and August are usually somewhat quieter nesting months. There are often interesting rare eastern species such as Richard's Pipit or Yellow-browed Warbler to be seen in September or October. Autumn is also the best time for seeing eastern migrants such as the Waxwing, three species of crossbill, the Pine Grosbeak and the nutcracker on their invasion.

A virtual birdwatching tour of Finland

Unspoiled nature and the peace of the countryside. When you arrive in Finland on a birdwatching tour you will be coming to a country with an unspoiled natural environment, to enjoy the wind sighing in the forests, the light sparkling on the surfaces of the lakes and the freshness of the clean air. Finland has 69% of its area covered by forests and 10% by water (a total of 187,888 lakes). The majority of the forests are owned by ordinary private citizens, and the Right of Common Access allows everyone to benefit from nature by walking, skiing, hiking, canoeing, rowing, gathering mushrooms or berries or watching the birds in the countryside wherever they please provided they do not cause any damage to the environment or any inconvenience to the landowners. Separate permits are required for hunting and fishing.

You will also find peace and quiet in the Finnish countryside. As the country is very sparsely populated (only 17 inhabitants per square kilometre on average); it is easy to find a peaceful spot where you can hear nothing but the sounds of nature itself without any human disturbance. You can study the birds of the area entirely on your own if you so wish - by hiring a cottage in the depths of the countryside and sitting out on its porch. It is in the countryside that you will meet up with the historical roots of everything that is Finnish. The whole panorama of the peasant farming culture will be there before your eyes. You can enjoy tasty Finnish food prepared from high-quality, pure local ingredients, and will have the opportunity to experience the closeness to nature that is characteristic of the traditional Finnish way of life.

Contributor

Jouni Riihimäki
Hämeen ympäristökeskus
(PL 131 (Birger Jaarlin katu 13); 13101 Hämeenlinna, puh: 03-2420 446, gsm: 0503 657 391, fax: 03-2420 556)
jouni.riihimaki@vyh.fi

Teemu Lehtiniemi
Järjestösihteeri, development officer
(BirdLife Suomi ry, BirdLife Finland rf, PL 1285, 00101 Helsinki Puh. (09) 685 4700, Fax (09) 685 4722)
toimisto@birdlife.fihttp://www.birdlife.fi/

Number of Species

Number of bird species: 436

Useful Reading

Finding Birds in South Finland

by David Gosney - Booklet: 40 pages, maps. ISBN Booklet 9781907316258 DVD 9781907316265 both published by Easybirder
ISBN: 9781907316265
Buy this book from NHBS.com

Useful Information

Finland Mailing List

To join the mailing list for Finland (and automatically receive EuroBirdNet postings) send a request to Martin Helin, martin.helin@hut.fi.

National Bird

Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus

Organisations

BirdLife Suomi-Finland

Website

Annankatu 29A, P0 Box 1285, FIN-00101Helsinki. + 358 9 685 4700; toimisto@birdlife.fi
BirdLife Finland is an organisation of 28 Finnish bird societies. It aims to promote bird watching, bird research and protection of birds, their habitats and biological diversity. (See above for contacts) The Finish partner in Birdlife International and the website is in English too. The site also hosts the Finish Rarities Committee.

Bongarilitto Twitchers Club

Website

Latest sightings, trip reports etc. etc...

Central Finland Bird Club

Website

The aims of the Central Finland Bird Club are to connect birdwatchers, to promote bird watching, common knowledge on birds as well as the protection of birds and the environment of birds. The club collects, stores and publishes records of birds of the area. Red-throated Diver is the symbol of the club. The club is a member in BirdLife Finland. There are about 400 members in the club...

Etelä-Karjalan Lintutieteellinen Yhdistys

Website

Etelä-Savon Lintuharrastajat Oriolus

Website

Finnish Ornithological Society

Website

The Finnish Ornithological Society promotes scientific research of birds in Finland and publishes the scientific ornithological journal Ornis Fennica. Finnish Ornithological Society is a member of BirdLife Finland, the Finnish partner of BirdLife International. The Society was established in 1924.

Finnish Rarities Committee

Website

Committee etc...

Kainuun Lintutieteellinen Yhdistys

Website

Kesä on jo vaihtumassa syksyksi ja lintujen laulukausikin on päättynyt. Vaikka maastoon menisi heti auringon noustua, ei äänessä ole kuin yksittäisiä pajulintuja. Kahlaajien syysmuutto on ollut jo pitkään menossa. Heinäkuulla on nähty pieniä määriä sirrejä, mutta niiden suuret joukot ovat karttaneet Kainuuta. Meillä ei ole yhtään hyvää kahlaajarantaa, kun Otanmäen vesi on liian korkealla...

Kanta-Hämeen lintutieteellinen yhdistys

Website

Kemin lintuharrastajat Xenus Ornithological Society

Website

Keski- ja Pohjois-Uudenmaan Lintuharrastajat Apus ry

Website

Keski-Pohjanmaan Lintutieteellinen Ornithological Society

Website

Kuusamon Lintukerho Ornithological Society

Kymenlaakson Lintutieteellinen Ornithological Society

Website

KyLY on Kymenlaakson lintuharrastajien yhdistys. Jäsenenä tuet linnustonsuojelua, opit lisää linnuista ja pääset mukaan monipuoliseen toimintaan...

Lounais-Hämeen Lintuharrastajat Ornithological Society

Website

Merenkurkun Lintutieteellinen Ornithological Society

Website

Latest sightings, rarity photos etc...

Pirkanmaan Lintutieteellinen Ornithological Society

Website

Pohjois-Karjalan Lintutieteellinen Yhdistys [North Karelian Ornithological Society]

Website

North Karelian Ornithological Society was founded in 1974. The aim of the society is to promote birdwatching, research and protection of birds in the province of North Karelia. This includes systematic gathering, filing and publishing of bird observations, arranging meetings and excursions. Society, a partner of BirdLife Finland, has more than 200 members...

Pohjois-Pohjanmaan Lintutieteellinen Ornithological Society

Porin Lintutieteellinen Ornithological Society

Website

Porvoon Seudun Lintuyhdistys ry

Website

Includes Atlas project, digiscoped photographs etc.

Päijät-Hämeen Lintutieteellinen Ornithological Society

Website

South Karelia Ornithological Society

Website

The Ornithological Society of South Karelia - in Finnish Etelä-Karjalan Lintutieteellinen Yhdistys r.y. or EKLY - is a local society of BirdLife Finland. EKLY was founded in 1969. The society is a bond between the South Karelian bird-watchers and a connection to the mother society. South Karelia is located in Southeastern Finland.

Suomenlinna Ornithological Society

Website

Lots of excellent photographs....

Suupohjan Lintutieteellinen Ornithological Society

Website

Some English Text. Includes sightings, photos, local checklist, local hotspots etc.

Södra Österbotten Ornithological Society

Website

Latinises its name to Ostrobothnia Australis

Tringa Ornithological Society

Website

Tringa is the ornithological society for the Uusimaa province in southern Finland. With its over 2000 members, Tringa is the largest member of BirdLife Finland...

Turku Ornithological Society

Website

Turun lintutieteellinen yhdistys, The Ornithological Society of Turku, is a chapter of Birdlife Finland. It covers the geographical area of the South-Western Finland. Some of the information in Finnish on these pages contains: Recent observations in the area . List of contact persons of the Club. Birding sites of South-Western Finland. List of the Birds of Ruissalo, Turku

Valkeakosken Lintuharrastajat ry

Website

Ålands Fågelskyddsförening rf

Website

Observatories

Raasio Ringing Station

The area is an important regional breeding site and more importantly a staging site for migrating birds, especially water birds, gulls and waders. The site`s unique nature is shown during spring and autumn migration times when many species of regionally rare sandpipers and stints stop over in quite large numbers...

Tankar Bird Station

Satellite View
Contact Details: Tankarin lintuasema, Harri Hongell, Raahenkatu 46, 67200 KOKKOLA, puh. 06-8314903 tai 050-5110047 e-mail: harri.hongell.ymparisto.fi

Museums & Universities

Finnish Museum of Natural History

Website

he Finnish Museum of Natural History is an independent research institution functioning under the University of Helsinki. It is also one of the three central national museums in Finland and responsible for the national collections in its field...

Turku University Zoological Museum

http://www.sci.utu.fi/biologia/elainmuseo/index_eng.html

The new English web pages of Turku University Zoological Museum collections are under construction...

Reserves

Finland's Protected Areas

Website
In August 1998, Finland's Council of State decided to propose to the European Union Commission the inclusion in the Natura 2000 Network of a total of 1,457 areas compliant with the EU Habitat Directive or Bird Directive.

North Karelia Nature Reserves and National Parks

Website
It has been estimated that 52,250 hectares (3.4%) of the forest land in North Karelia are protected by law. This area includes the national and nature parks, the conservation areas of groves, old forests and swamps and the private nature reserves...

Rauman Seudun Lintuharrastajat ry

Website

Siipyy Observation Tower

Website
Satellite View
The Siipyy tower (photo) is the only Finnish observation tower located on the open sea. Observations are made from nearly 17 metres above the sea, and thus visibility is excellent - tens of kilometres. In addition, the nearby trees are shorter, which makes it possible to see in all directions...

Wetlands

Website
Finland presently has 11 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 138,746 hectares...

Trip Reports

This section sponsored by:

2001 [June] - Stefano e Daniela Fantini - Birding through Finland

Report

The huge work of planning the trip began about seven months before taking off. During this time I have been collecting reports and info from any resource I could find. Obviously almost all brochures and info was written in English and I had to translate everything. I quickly gave up the idea of taking part of an organised tour because of the high costs. That`s why I had spent so much time in planning, contacting people, getting reservation and so on. We have chosen this time for the trip because we intended to get the best from spring singers and hoped to avoid mosquitoes...

2002 [June] - Steve Bird

Report

The whole group met from all their respective directions at Helsinki airport where we were soon aboard our next short flight to Oulu, Finland. On our arrival we were met by our Finnature Guide, Ari, and after collecting our luggage we walked outside of the airport, loaded up our two minibuses and then drove just a few minutes to our hotel which was situated beside a large lake...

2003 [April] - Martin J Pitt

Report

The North of Finland and its easy access to Varanger mean that this area of Europe has relatively simple access to some of the most specialised species on the European (and Western Palearctic) list. It has therefore become a firm favourite of the birder`s itinerary and many reports have concentrated on a trip in June or even later in the summer...

2003 [July] - F. Simpson - Arctic Norway

Report

This report documents the sightings on a two week whistle-stop birding tour of Finland and north-eastern Norway from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic Ocean (and back) via the Central Lakeland, Oulu Province, Koillismaa Region, Lapland, Varangerfjord, Karelia and the South Coast. For the most part the notes are copied straight from my notebook and reflect the shorthand nature of observations written in the field...

2003 [July] - Hans Schick

Report

Birdwatching in the Surroundings of Helsinki (Province Uusimaa/Nyland, Southern Finland)...

2003 [June] John van der Woude

Report

Late May, early June seems to be the ideal time for a birding visit to northern Scandinavia. Wintering birds like Steller`s Eider are still present, summer birds like Red-flanked Bluetail and Rustic Bunting have arrived (early June); and residents like Gyr Falcon and owls have nestlings while others are defending their territories...

2003 [May] - Tim Earl

Report

Three owl species per day for the first two days - Great Grey Owl, Ural Owl and two hunting Hawk Owls on 20th; Tengmalm`s Boreal Owl, Pygmy Owl and two hunting Short-eared Owls on the 21st...

2004 [June] - John Bannon - Low-cost Birding in Finland with Ryanair

Report

The Southport Birders are one such group and as I had previously visited Tampere on business I eventually managed to convince my birding friends that here was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see much desired Western Palearctic species such as the northern owls, woodpeckers, displaying waders and if we were very lucky, Europe`s only Red-flanked Bluetails...

2004 [June] - Michael Mosebo Jensen

Report

It was very obvious when planning this trip that we would be guided by our urge for target species. We allowed ourselves a week only, and the question was how to make the most of Finland in such a short time. However, we got invaluable help from Mika Asikainen and Sakari Kauppinen both when planning our itinerary and along the way. We thank them both warmly!

2005 [June] - Chris Hall

Report

As our plane approached Ivalo airport, almost one hundred and fifty miles inside the Arctic Circle, it was clear from the widespread snow and still frozen lakes, that spring was indeed late arriving this year...

2005 [May] - Bob Swann

Report

We then flew by Ryanair to Tampere. On arrival we collected a mini-bus (pre booked by Finnature for us, though it was an eight seater rather than the 9 seater we had asked for) and drove north for six hours through the night to Varminkoski just south of Liminka, where Finnature had arranged accommodation for us in a large chalet. At the chalet we met Harri Taavetti our Finnature guide, who was to be with us throughout the trip...

2006 [June] - Richard Bonser

Report

2006 [May] - Alan Miller

Report

The organisation by Finnature was first class and thanks must go to our guide, Harri Taavetti. This report covers the whole nine days of our trip...

2006 [May] - Jim Rose

Report

Seven intrepid birders set off to meet in Oulu on 12th May for a five day birding trip. Mostly from Bucks (Buckinghamshire Bird Club), but also two from Yorkshire. We were met at the airport by Finnature's Harri Taavetti who was to be our guide for the next five days. Harri turned out to be an excellent guide, knowing the sites, the birds and their calls/songs. Finnature are also to be congratulated on their helpfulness and organisation. We had excellent food and accommodation throughout the trip...

2007 [February] - John Van Der Woude

Report

...At Oulu itself we tried a few times to find Pine Grosbeak near the hospital, as it had been seen there regularly. We got one, singing at the treetops, but this was just after we had brought our friends to the train station for their travel back home...

2007 [February] - Mark E P Hows

Report

highlights before we contacted Juha to go and see the now famous owl. The hawk owl was there on arrival showing very well and we stayed until we were cold. Juha put us on to a friend of his Eero. We met up and drove down a very snow covered road which our Nissan Note struggled with...

2009 [July] - Lutz Lücker

Report

...Lots of species were rare or seemed absent like Skuas (Raubmöwen, Labbes), Buntings (Ammern, Bruants),or Willow Grouse...

2009 [May-June]- David Mason - Finland & Arctic Norway

Report

Finland has always been a destination high up on my wish list with the mouth-watering possibility of more lifers than most other European destinations. High costs relative to other similar trips, plus the potential for 24 hour birding has, in the past, left it on the back burner. With Amanda not really wanting to undertake a full-on birding trip, when our son Nick suggested he accompany me instead, the die was cast...

2009 [May] - Ken Musgrove

Report

.... However, it did overlook part of the bay and from here we had shelduck, goldeneye, goosander, merganser, goldeneye, ruff (in breeding plumage) redshank, arctic and common tern, marsh harrier, swifts, sand martins and swallows...

2010 [July] - Colin & Alison Parnell

Report

...Having withstood blizzards, gales and torrential rain in late May 2000, we felt it was about time we returned to see if the weather in Finland was always that bad. This time our visit coincided with the hottest summer for 75 years...

2010 [July] - Dave & Sammy Langlois

Report

...First two rough leg buzzards hovering by the road soon after leaving Kirkenes, with red throated divers in the roadside lochs just outside the town. Fieldfares in the roadside trees. Willow warblers abundant and in full song. Hoodies everywhere....

2010 [June] - Eustace Barnes

Report

...The following morning we saw Wood Warbler, Collared Flycatcher, another pair of Middle-spotted Woodpeckers and several Hawfinches around the hotel before heading to the airport for our flight to Budapest....

2010 [May] - Stephen Burch

Report

... The main objective was to connect with as many as possible of the northern owls, which has been one of my ambitions for some time now. Getting some reasonable photos would also be a nice bonus...

2010 [May] - Toni Eskelin

Report

...Birding the forest was great but without doubt pride of place goes to extended views of Tengmalm’s Owl peering out at us from its nesting cavity. He, or possibly she, was the second tenant of what was originally a Black Woodpeckers hole – the previous tenant being a Common Goldeneye...

2011 [May] - David Hoddinott

Report

Our inaugural trip to Finland was, to say the least, a remarkable success! We had a great number of highlights that included all possible grouse species, together with stunning views of the elusive Hazel Grouse, a magnificent four male Western Capercaillie, fabulous Black Grouse….

Guides & Tour Operators

This section sponsored by:

Birdfinders - Owls in Finland

Tour Operator

These tours are specifically designed to find the northern owls. Numbers fluctuate from year to year depending on the rodent populations, so there is no guarantee that we will see any particular species. However, with the assistance of a local guide, the chances are very good. These tours are arranged through Jeff Price of Ibis Excursions...

Birding Ecotours

Tour Operator

Oulu is a famous area for breeding owls and we will find other forest species. We then visit Finland’s most important wetland, the Bay of Liminka, where lots of shorebirds will be seen and perhaps find some exciting migrants, before continuing to the expansive taiga forests in Kuusamo and the pristine Oulanka National Park.

Birding Pal

Information

Local birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...

Finnature

Tour Operator

Finnature offers travel arrangements and itinerary services for groups in Finland, Norway and Estonia, Highly trained English speaking birding guides, Brown Bear watching and photography opportunities, Wildlife and landscape photography tours and Wildlife photos and lectures...

Rockjumper Birding Tours

Tour Operator

We offer a short birding tour of Finland to the forests and coastal area of the Oulu region, with the highlights being the numerous owls to be found in the area. Other targets include Smew, Black Grouse, Western Capercaillie, Red-flanked Bluetail, Siberian Jay, Grey-headed Chickadee, Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak and Two-barred Crossbill.

Skaftung Nature

Tour Operator

Unforgettable experiences in northern archipelago, wetlands and boreal forests. See how thousands of birds arrive to north, experience the intensive life of short breeding season and hear the talented singers of light summer nights. Meet visitors from large eastern forest and masses of migration birds in autumn...

Places To Stay

Erä Eero's Wildlife Lodge

Accommodation

Erä Eero's Wildlifelodge is located near the easternmost corner of the European Union. We are the on the edge of the endless taiga forest that span from Finland crossing Siberia all the way to the Bering Strait. Our wildlife is part that vast area and only a narrow brim of the taiga extends to the Finnish side of the border...

Forums & Mailing Lists

laniusverkko

Mailing List
To post to list:laniusverkko@yahoogroups.com
To subscribe to list:laniusverkko-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Mailing List – Discussion Group - Valkeakosken Lintuharrastajat ry:n sähköpostilistalintuhavaintojen ja muiden lintuharrastusta sivuavienasioiden tiedottamiseen.

Lintuverkko

Mailing List
To post to list:lintuverkko-request@listserv.funet.fi
List contact:Martin Helin martin.helin@posti.fi
To subscribe to list:listserv@listserv.funet.fi
subscribe lintuverkko
Mailing List – Discussion Group Finland; in Finnish

Osprey Nest Forum

http://www.luotio.fi/forum/

sslty

Mailing List
To post to list:sslty@yahoogroups.com
List contact:sslty-owner@yahoogroups.com
To subscribe to list:sslty-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Mailing List – Discussion Group It says Suomenselän lintutieteellisen yhdistyksen postituslista. which I assume is something in Finnish about birding?

Blogs

Remote Birding

Blog

I'm interested in almost everything in this planet -I'm eager to learn something new every single day. I'm interested in almost everything in this planet – I'm eager to learn something new every single day…

Alula

Sadly the Magazine closed down

Bad Finnish Birdwatcher

Website

Timo Janhonen's BLOG - Fabulous birding adventures on the south coast of Finland...

Bird House Boys

Website

Birds and Birdwatching

Website

At the moment only the front page is in English.

Birds of Inari Lapland

Website

Checklist [& more] of Inari Lapland bird species etc...

Jared Goes to Finland

Website

Student discovers Finnish birding

Roller

Website

Bird photos, trip reports etc.

Tarsiger

Website

Tarsiger.com is a new Finnish birding website. Our target is to provide bird pictures around the world and recent observations of rare birds from Finland, Estonia and the Western Palearctic region.

Photographers & Artists

Artist & Photographer - Hanna & Janne Aalto

Gallery

Some excellent photograhs [Janne] and paintings [Hanna]

Artist - Johannes Nevala

Gallery

Welcome to an artistry with birds in the focus. In oil-colours and water-colours I create paintings from the inspiration that days at the Gotlandic seashore gives me...

Bird Photography with Finnature

Gallery

Finnature Ltd is a ground tour operator specialized in wildlife- and birdwatching tours and wildlife photography. Finnature's company philosophy is to raise public perception of the value of Finland's natural environments and to help preserve them for future generations. Finnature's tours offer clients opportunities to enjoy the wonders of nature under expert guidance...

Gallery

Gallery

Excellent material from Finnish photographer Juho ja Jukka Könönen and sons...

Gallery - Pictures of Finnish Birds

Gallery

Top quality images from Markus Varesvuo, Tomi Muukkonen, Jari Peltomäki and Arto Juvonen.

Gallery - Tarsiger

Gallery

Tarsiger.com is a new Finnish birding website. Our target is to provide bird pictures around the world and recent observations of rare birds from Finland, Estonia and the Western Palearctic region. You can search the pictures easily and efficiently from our database. If you are interested in purchasing rights of a picture or willing to send your own recent rarity picture to our website - please contact via e-mail. Be sure to remember that all pictures are copyrighted by the authors and are not to be used without their permission. -Tarsiger team

Photographer - Antti Below

Gallery

...My pages consist mainly of bird photos but other nature photos are also included in a smaller amount. At this moment, there are about 2300 bird photos about almost 300 species. The situation lives continuously when the scanning of old slides proceeds and new digital photos are taken. I have tried to offer a wide range of bird photos but still to sustain a good quality in pictures...