The Finnish Taiga Tue 4th Mon 10th June 2013

Limosa Holidays Trip Report Finland The Finnish Taiga Tue 4th Mon 10th June 2013 Trip photos (clockwise, from top left): This young Ural Owl was one of two seen A cute Red Squirrel feeding on pine kernels Becoming increasingly hard to find, a singing male Rustic Bunting at Tolanki Northern White-faced Darters are fairly common in Finland A lovely portartit of a Fieldfare amongst dandelions A characteristic bird of the Arctic, an Arctic Tern all photos by kind permission of tour participant Gordon Small report compiled by tour leader: Peter Kennerley 1 Limosa Holidays, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham Norfolk NR12 9EJ tel: +44 (0)1692 580623 / 4 email: info@limosaholidays.co.uk website: www.limosaholidays.co.uk

Finland: The Finnish Taiga, June 2013 Tour Leaders: Peter Kennerley & Antti Vierimaa with Mike Blease, Ron & Elane Nuehring, Carol Resch, Gordon Small, Ursula Wells, Mickey Wheeler and Bob Whitcomb Tour summary Finland in early June has always been a popular destination, famed for its owls, woodpeckers, rare buntings, Bluetails and desirable elfin forest residents such as Siberian Tit and Siberian Jay. Timing is everything in Finland. Go too soon and there could still be snow, or birds may still be incubating; too late and the young may have left the nest, or that scourge of the Arctic, and Finland s honorary national bird, the mosquito, will be out in abundance. But get it right and you hit the goldilocks zone plenty of adults bringing food to their chicks with a minimum of mosquito activity. And so it was with a degree of trepidation that we embarked on this tour, with temperatures in Oulu and Kuusamo soaring into the high 20s in late May and still no sign of a let up on the day we arrived in Oulu. Adding to this was the unwelcome news that it was an exceptionally poor year for forest voles and no sites for either of the two iconic boreal forest owls; Great Grey and Hawk, were known. But at least it would be warm and dry, and so it proved to be. At Oulu we were met by our guide from Finnature, Antti Vierimaa, who had our minivans waiting for us, and just ten minutes later we arrived at our hotel, the familiar Airport Hotel, located in Oulunsalo, with very birdy grounds that included Pied Flycatchers, Common Rosefinches and both Redwing and Fieldfare, and was conveniently located for accessing the birding sites. Straight after our first dinner Artti took us to look for Terek Sandpiper at its last remaining site in Oulu. Formerly quite numerous here, the population has gradually declined to the point where its appearance is hit and miss. But after a short wait we enjoyed great views of a calling male feeding on the mudflats. While we waited, we were entertained by Wood Sandpipers, a Temminck s Stint, Redshanks and Lapwings with chicks, plus Wheatear, Whinchat and Grey-headed Wagtail. We then moved on to check nest boxes for Tengmalm s Owls, all sadly devoid of adults, but we were able to see our first Woodcocks (roding in daylight!), Snipe, Curlew plus a couple of Elk (Moose). Our routine for the few days around Oulu became established pretty quickly; driving along largely anonymous and deserted forest roads and tracks to nameless locations surrounded by trees, typically with early morning starts, late breakfasts, late lunches, and some post dinner birding. Nobody minded this routine as the birding is always better early and late at these latitudes, despite the 24 hours of daylight. We soon began to encounter a fine range of birds characteristic of this region; the wetlands held Whooper Swans, many ducks including Garganey, Goldeneye and Smew, Osprey and White-tailed Eagle, plus some superb shorebirds in their nuptial finery, including several Ruff and some very dapper Spotted Redshanks already heading south after leaving their mates to care for the eggs and chicks. Nearby forests were home to a fine selection of interesting raptors including Honey Buzzard, Black Kite and the briefest of views of a couple of grey male harriers that must remain unidentified. More sought after and exciting were Hazel and Black Grouse, Black and Threetoed Woodpeckers, a Pygmy Owl at its nest hole, and a couple of young Ural Owls that had recently left their nest. 2 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

Moving east to Kuusamo, our first stop of the day was for a pair of rather fine Citrine Wagtails nesting on the outskirts of Oulu. Although we had to wait almost an hour for them to appear we were entertained by several pairs of Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, plus an offshore passage that included Little Gulls, Common and Velvet Scoters, Goosander and Goldeneye. A brief stop at Hirvisuo, a large roadside bog, brought many dragonflies including Four-spotted Chaser and Northern White-faced Darter, together with a Hobby feasting on them. Another halt, this time for lunch was followed by a singing Greenish Warbler and a Downy Emerald, while the drive into Kuusamo produced a couple of Bohemian Waxwings and a pair of Siberian Tits feeding their young in a nestbox. Our routine at Kuusamo followed that at Oulu, with early morning starts, when we enjoyed fantastic looks at Little and Rustic Buntings, a displaying male Capercaillie, several more roadside Hazel Grouse, superb views of Black-throated Divers and Red-necked Grebes in their breeding plumage, and many delicate Little Gulls and Arctic Terns dipping and twisting over their breeding lakes. We visited two sites where old growth forest still existed on rocky hills that overlooked the surrounding lowlands. And at both sites, Valtavaara and Iivaara, we were delighted to watch singing male Red-flanked Bluetails; although not the rarity it once was, it remains one of the highlights of every tour to Finland. Iivaara also held a couple of Siberian Jays, a species we also encountered in Kuusamo but looking all the better for being in this primeval forest, and again we were treated to an abundance of dragonflies, headlined by Azure Hawkers and Brilliant Emeralds. And to round off our visit to Iivaara, we enjoyed what must have been the best meal of the tour; smoked salmon with mushroom sauce, set in a delightful cabin in the forest and entertained by the comings and goings at the bird feeders. Nobody wanted to leave. A final treat was a male Three-toed Woodpecker at a nest hole not far from Kuusamo. So despite the disappointment with owls letting us down, and the mozzies trying to drain our blood, this had proved to be a great tour and we had seen just about every one of the many specialities that we could hope to see in the regions we visited. Added to this, the unseasonably warm weather had made it the best Limosa tour ever for dragonflies and butterflies. My thanks go to our ground agents, Finnature, for making such smooth arrangements, and to Antti our leader for finding so many great birds, without his expertise our bird list and experiences would be only a fraction of what they were. And finally a big thank you to everyone who made it such a pleasure and privilege to lead this tour. Peter Kennerley, June 2013 Daily itinerary 4 June. Arrive Oulu, following dinner visit to Oritkari lagoon (Terek Sandpiper) and Tammes (checking owl boxes etc.), on the outskirts of Oulu 5 June. Morning visit to Vihiluoto/Kempele Bay, Tupos, Siikajoki, Liminka Bay nature centre for lunch. Visit to Tammes after dinner. 6 June. Siikajoki and Lumijoki before breakfast. Then Tupos, Liminka, Siikajoki, Raahe and Liminka in the afternoon. 7 June. Depart Oulu after breakfast, stopping at Pateniemi (Citrine Wagtail). Drive east to Kuusamo, stopping at Hirvisuo (large bog), Pudasjärvi in Syöte NP (lunch and Greenish Warbler). Continue to Kuusamo (Waxwing and Siberian Tit). 3 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

8 June. Early morning visit to Tolanki near Kuusamo, onto Vuotunki (via Capercaillie lek) and Valtavaara (Red-flanked Bluetails). Afternoon visit to Tolanki (Siberian Jay), and return to Vuotunki (Dipper) and Vuotunkijärvi (Red-necked Phalaropes). 9 June. Early morning visit to Toranki (Rustic Buntings) and Lakkisalmi (lake with Little Gulls). After breakfast to Iivaara (bog, Siberian Jays and Bluetails) with lunch at Ahvenjärvi, return to Kuusamo. 10 June. Morning at sites near Kuusamo, looking for Willow Grouse and Arctic Warbler. ANNOTATED LIST OF BIRDS RECORDED (A total of 134 species was recorded by the group) Hazel Grouse Tetrastes bonasia An excellent year with good sightings of at least six birds seen, mostly brief, but in the end just about everyone managed to see one quite well. The first was a calling male at Lumijoki on 6/6 that showed well, mostly in flight but on one occasion it perched briefly in a small spruce. One seen by some on 7/6 and one heard by all on 8/6. Two seen well, albeit briefly, by the roadside near Toranki on 9/6 followed by one in flight across the road later the same day. Finally, two seen by some close to the roadside near Kuusamo on 10/6. Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus A male briefly in flight on 6/6 was missed by most. A male at a lek on 8/6 gave great views and was followed by one at the roadside later the same morning. Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix Four males on 6/6, including three at a lek, and a rather dishevelled male in a tree. Also, a female by the roadside on 8/6. Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Heard at the hotel in Oulunsalo on 5/6 and 6/6. Greylag Goose Anser anser At least 15 from the tower at Liminka Bay nature centre on 5/6, and 20+ including chicks from the tower by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 6/6. Canada Goose Branta canadensis One from the tower by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 6/6. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Widespread and seen daily, mostly pairs and small groups, including some incubating birds. Most numerous on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 6/6 when 80+ noted. Shelduck Tadorna tadorna One in a field near Oulunsalo on 6/6. Gadwall Anas strepera A male on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6, and one there the following day. Wigeon Anas penelope Widespread in small numbers, with maximum of 20+ on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6, and 10+ at the Liminka Bay tower later the same day. Thereafter pairs or small groups daily. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Small numbers daily, maximum of 20+ on 6/6. Shoveler Anas clypeata Small numbers daily except 8/6, with maximum of 10+ on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6, and 10+ at the Liminka Bay tower later the same day. Pintail Anas acuta A female on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6, and another at the Liminka Bay tower later the same day. Garganey Anas querquedula Three males and a female on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6. 4 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

Teal Anas crecca Small numbers seen daily, with maximum of 40+ on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6 and 15+ there the next day. Also 10+ at the Liminka Bay tower on 6/6. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Widespread and seen daily, with highs of 40+ on the lake by the hotel on 5/6, and 30+ Vuotunkijärvi on 8/6. Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca Two distant birds in flight at Pateniemi on 6/6. All other sightings came from the Kuusamo region, with three pairs on a roadside lake near Kuusamo on 7/6, six on the lake by the hotel and at least 12 at Vuotunkijärvi on 8/6, and one by the hotel on 9/6. Common Scoter Melanitta nigra A flock of c. 30 on the sea at Pateniemi on 6/6 was the only sighting. Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis A pair on a roadside lake near Kuusamo on 7/6. Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Widespread with up to 25 seen daily. Smew Mergellus albellus This attractive duck was seen on just three dates, with eight on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6 and again on 6/6, and at least 12 on Vuotunkijärvi on 8/6. Goosander Mergus merganser A distant male in flight at Pateniemi on 6/6. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator A female on the sea at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6, followed by 6+ on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6 and two there the next day. Four on the sea at Pateniemi on 6/6. Not recorded from the Kuusamo region. Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica Three birds in breeding plumage and another in non-breeding plumage on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 6/6. Six on the lake by our hotel at Kuusamo on 8/6, then up to seven daily there until we departed on 10/6. Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Two birds on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 6/6, then near Kuusamo, three on 8/6, two on 9/6 and one on 10/6.. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Eight on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6 and two there on 6/6. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Up to four seen daily in the Oulu region from 4/6 to 7/6. Not seen in the Kuusamo region. Hobby Falco subbuteo Just one sighting, a bird hawking dragonflies over the bog at Hirvisuo on 7/6. Osprey Pandion haliaetus Two sightings of the same bird with a fish in the forest near Siikajoki on 6/6. Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus One in flight over the road near Siikajoki on 5/6. Black Kite Milvus migrans An individual in primary moult and sporting a rather worn flew over the road near Siikajoki with the Honey Buzzard on 5/6. This species is scarce in the Oulu region, with c. 20 records per year. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla Two immature birds from the tower at Liminka Bay nature centre on 5/6. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus One from the tower at Liminka Bay nature centre on 5/6. [Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus/pallid Harrier Circus macrourus] A male seen briefly from the minivan near Oulunsalo on 5/6 was thought to be Hen, while a probable male Pallid was seen from the minivan near Oulunsalo on 6/6. Common Crane Grus grus One from the tower at Liminka Bay nature centre on 5/6, one in flight over the bog at Hirvisuo on 7/6, and four en-route to Vuotunki on 8/6. 5 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus One at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6, followed by four from the tower at the Liminka Bay nature centre, and one at Pateniemi on 7/6. Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Common and widespread throughout the Oulu region, with 30+ birds daily. Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Singles at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6 and by the lake near the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6, at least four, clearly breeding, at Pateniemi on 7/6, and finally one at Vuotunkijärvi on 8/6. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Singles at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6 and by the lake near the hotel at Oulunsalo on 6/6. At least eight, clearly breeding, at Pateniemi on 7/6. Woodcock Scolopax rusticola At least four at various sites in the Oulu region on 4/6 including one sitting in the road and another by the roadside in a wheat field which gave great views. In addition, roding birds (in broad daylight) included at least four in the evening of 4/6 and two on 5/6. Also one roding over the hotel at Kuusamo on 9/6. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Two at Tammes, in the Oulu region, on 4/6 showed well. Drumming birds noted in the early mornings on 6/6, 8/6 and 9/6. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa At least six from the tower at the Liminka Bay nature centre on 5/6. These long-legged, long-billed birds belonged to the nominate form. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus One at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6 and two near Tammes in the evening of 5/6. Curlew Numenius arquata Common and widespread throughout the Oulu region, with 15+ birds daily. Several at Hirvisuo bog on 7/6. Less numerous in the Kuusamo region, with 1 2 birds daily. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus At least 15 on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6 and 10+ from the tower at the Liminka Bay nature centre, also on 5/6. These birds would have already finished breeding and would be heading south. Redshank Tringa totanus A breeding pair at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6, at least one from the tower at the Liminka Bay nature centre on 5/6, and one at Pateniemi on 7/6. Greenshank Tringa nebularia Two on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 5/6 and 6+ from the tower at the Liminka Bay nature centre, also on 5/6. One by the hotel on 6/6 and also one heard near the hotel at Kuusamo on 9/6. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Two flew over calling at Lumijoki on 6/6 was followed by an agitated bird alarming from the treetops and clearly with chicks in a roadside ditch, near Siikajoki on 6/6. Finally three flew overhead, calling, on 8/6 near Tolanki. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Noted on five dates, with the first at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6, followed by one near Tammes on 5/6, two at Pateniemi on 7/6, and several daily at various sites around the Kuusamo region, the highest count being eight or more at Vuotunkijärvi on 8/6. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus A calling male showed extremely well at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos One by the lake near the hotel at Oulunsalo on 6/6 was the only sighting. Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii One showed well at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6. Ruff Philomachus pugnax At least 15 males in full nuptial dress from the tower at the Liminka Bay nature centre on 5/6. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Eight distant birds feeding Vuotunkijärvi on 8/6 was the only sighting. 6 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

Common Gull Larus canus Scattered sightings of up to ten birds daily in the Oulu and Kuusamo regions from 5/6 to 10/6 Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus One in flight over Pateniemi on 7/6 was the only sighting. Herring Gull Larus argentatus Small numbers daily from 5/6 to 10/6. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus An adult in flight over Pateniemi on 7/6 was the only sighting. The extremely dark mantle combined with the location place this bird with the nominate form, fuscus. Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Abundant, widespread and recorded daily. Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus Other than seven distant birds at Pateniemi on 7/6, not recorded in the Oulu region. A common breeding bird on the lakes in the Kuusamo region with up to 60 birds daily, many of which gave delightful views. Common Tern Sterna hirundo Noted daily in all regions we visited but less numerous than Arctic Tern. Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea The most numerous and widespread tern, recorded daily on many lakes throughout the regions we visited. Sample counts included 20+ on the lake by the hotel at Oulunsalo and 30+ on the lake by the hotel at Kuusamo. Stock Dove Columba oenas One in flight at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6. Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Recorded daily throughout the Oulu region, mostly singles or pairs, but 40+ roosting on overhead wires near Tammes on 4/6. Four near Vuotunkijärvi on 8/6 was the only sighting from the Kuusamo region. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Singles near Oulu on 5/6 and 6/6. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Heard on four dates in the Oulu and Kuusamo regions, but no sightings. Ural Owl Strix uralensis Two large chicks which had left the nestbox, near Siikajoki on 6/6. No adults seen. Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum An adult at its nest site at a hole in a tree near Siikajoki on 5/6 was the only sighting. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Quite numerous in the Oulu region with two on 4/6, five on 5/6 and seven on 6/6. Swift Apus apus Up to 20 in the Oulu region most days. Much scarcer at Kuusamo, with maximum of 6+ on 9/6 over the forest at Ahvenjärvi while having lunch. Wryneck Jynx torquilla One distant bird calling at Siikajoki on 5/6. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major One or two daily at widely scattered locations from 5/6 to 10/6 Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus Males at nest holes at Siikajoki on 6/6 and near Kuusamo on 9/6. The latter bird showed extremely well. Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius A female near Lumijoki on 6/6 was the only sighting. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio A female at the nature centre at Liminka Bay on 5/6 and a male near Lumijoki on 6/6. Siberian Jay Perisoreus infaustus Two at Tolanki, on the outskirts of Kuusamo on 8/6, and two in the forest at Iivaara on 9/6. Jay Garrulus glandarius One on 6/6 was the only sighting. 7 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

Magpie Pica pica Widespread, common and recorded daily. Jackdaw Coloeus monedula Common in the Oulu region. Not recorded further east. Rook Corvus frugilegus Common in the Oulu region. Not recorded further east. Hooded Crow Corvus cornix Widespread, common and recorded daily. Raven Corvus corax Singles at Siikajoki on 5/6, Hirvisuo on 7/6, and near Kuusamo on 8/6. Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Two near Kuusamo on 7/6. Willow Tit Poecile montana At least one attending feeders at Valtavaara on 8/6, and one heard later near Vuotunkijärvi. Siberian Tit Poecile cincta A pair attending a nest box near Kuusamo on 7/6. Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus Two in forest near Siikajoki on 6/6 was the only sighting. Great Tit Parus major Widespread in small numbers and seen daily from 5/6 to 10/6. Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Singles at the hotel at Oulunsalo on 4/6 to 6/6. Sand Martin Riparia riparia At least 30 at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6, thereafter ones and twos seen occasionally at various sites near Oulu, i.e. Pateniemi on 7/6. Scarce near Kuusamo, best being six at Lakkisalmi on 9/6. Swallow Hirundo rustica Common and widespread, with up to 20 recorded daily. Skylark Alauda arvensis Two at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6, and one near Siikajoki on 6/6. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus One or two singing in the reedbeds by the hotel at Oulunsalo on 4/6 to 6/6, several in song at the Liminka Bay nature centre and at least two in song at Lakkisalmi near Kuusamo on 9/6. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Common, widespread and seen or heard daily. Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Singles heard at Siikajoki on 5/6 and 6/6, and two heard later on 6/6. Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Singles heard at Lumijoki on 6/6, and heard and seen briefly in flight near Kuusamo on 10/6. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Two including a male in song, at Syöte NP on 7/6, a singing male heard at Iivaara on 9/6 and another heard near Kuusamo on 10/6. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin One regularly heard by the hotel at Oulunsalo from 4/6 to 7/6. One near Vuotunki on 8/6 was the only record from the Kuusamo region. Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis A male in song near Siikajoki on 5/6 and one at Pateniemi on 7/6. Goldcrest Regulus regulus A male in song near Siikajoki on 5/6. Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Singles heard near Siikajoki on 6/6 and at Valtavaara on 8/6. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Two near Oulu on 5/6 was the only sighting. Blackbird Turdus merula Singles near Oulu on 5/6 and 6/6. Also heard at Iivaara on 9/6. 8 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris The most numerous and widespread thrush, a familiar bird of gardens and seen in good numbers daily. Many collecting food. Redwing Turdus iliacus Widespread a recorded daily, but less numerous than Fieldfare. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Song heard daily in the Oulu region from 4/6 to 6/6. Then one in song at Iivaara on 9/6. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Ones and twos seen or heard daily from 4/6 to 10/6. Robin Erithacus rubecula A reclusive bird of deep forest, with singing birds heard from 4/6 to 6/6 at Siikajoki, Lumijoki and Liminka. Also heard on 8/6 en-route to Vuotunki. Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus Two males seen well, singing from the tree tops, at Valtavaara on 8/6, and another seen well in forest at Iivaara on 9/6, where at least two other (unseen) birds were singing near the summit. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Heard in song daily from 5/6 to 10/6 at many sites. Only occasionally seen. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra A male at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6 followed by at least two in fields near Tammes later the same evening. At least six near Siikajoki on 5/6 and two again at Tammes. One at Siikajoki on 6/6 and one at Vuotunkijärvi on 8/6. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe A female at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6 and two males at Pateniemi on 7/6. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Singles at Siikajoki on 5/6 and 6/6, one at Pudasjärvi in Syöte NP on 7/6, and two singles on 9/6. Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Widespread and fairly numerous, with at least one pair nesting in a box at the hotel at Oulunsalo. Up to six daily from 5/6 to 8/6 at many sites. Dipper Cinclus cinclus One of the black-bellied nominate form nesting under the road bridge at Vuotunki on 8/6. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Surprisingly scarce. Six at Pateniemi was the highest number seen together, otherwise singles, mostly by the hotel at Kuusamo. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Two at Liminka Bay nature centre on 5/6, two near the hotel at Oulunsalo on 6/6 and one at Pateniemi on 7/6. Dunnock Prunella modularis Two males singing from the tops of spruce trees at Valtavaara on 8/6, and one heard at Iivaara on 9/6. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava A male at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6 was the only sighting from the Oulu region. Two at Vuotunkijärvi on 8/6 and one over at Iivaara on 9/6. Others occasionally heard calling. All birds were of the greyheaded form thunbergii, even though one or two sported a fairly conspicuous whitish supercilium, especially the bird on 4/6. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola A pair nesting at Pateniemi was an unexpected bonus. The male gave great, prolonged views as he sat in the tops of the nearby birches. White Wagtail Motacilla alba Common, widespread and recorded daily. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis At least four at Oritkari lagoon on 4/6 were followed by singing birds at Liminka Bay nature centre on 5/6 and Hirvisuo on 7/6. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Very common in forest area. Recorded daily from 5/6 to 10/6 with up to 20 birds daily. Despite its abundance, they proved to be surprisingly difficult to see. 9 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Common, widespread and recorded daily with up to 20 seen or heard each day. Brambling Fringilla montifringilla One in song at Siikajoki on 6/6 was the only encounter in the Oulu region. Fairly common in the Kuusamo region with daily sightings of up to four birds and many others heard, but less numerous than Chaffinch. Greenfinch Chloris chloris Three near the hotel in Kuusamo on 8/6, followed by two at Lakkisalmi and two at the feeders at Ahvenjärvi on 9/6. Siskin Spinus spinus The most numerous finch, seen or heard daily from 5/6 to 10/6. Many fly-overs. Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea Two singles in flight, calling, at Valtavaara on 8/6. Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Up to three birds daily at our hotel at Oulunsalo, and a red male in song at Tupos on 5/6. Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra A flock of at least 25 birds over at Lumijoki on 6/6, at least ten over at Valtavaara on 8/6 and 20+ over at Iivaara on 9/6. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula A pair in forest near Siikajoki on 6/6, and at least four coming to the feeders and giving great views at Ahvenjärvi on 9/6. All were richly coloured Northern Bullfinches and all gave the classic Bullfinch plaintive piping call, no trumpeters were heard. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Heard and seen on numerous occasions in the Oulu region from 4/6 to 7/6. Thereafter, one at Hirvisuo on 7/6, and singles at Tolanki on 8/6 and 9/6. Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana A male in song at Siikajoki on 5/6 and 6/6. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla A singing male showed well at Tolanki on 8/6. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica A female at Tolanki on 8/6, and two males and a female there on 9/6. After a prolonged wait one male showed extremely well, while the other male was singing in the distance. Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Singing birds in reeds by the lake at our hotel in Oulunsalo on 5/6 and 6/6. Singing males also present at Lakkisalmi and Iivaara on 9/6. MAMMALS Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Only seen in the Oulu region, with two on 4/6, and singles on 5/6 and 6/6. Mountain (Blue) Hare Lepus timidus One near Tammes on 4/6 was the only sighting. Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Singles near Tammes on 4/6 and at the feeders at Ahvenjärvi on 9/6. Eurasian Elk (Moose) Alces alces Two briefly near Tammes on 4/6 and a female by the roadside near Siikajoki on 6/6. Reindeer Rangifer tarandus Several in the Kuusamo region. Many sported ear tags and neck collars. Countable? Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus This introduced rodent was seen near Kuusamo on 9/6 and 10/6. Its purpose built dwellings were conspicuous. 10 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum Several at Liminka Bay nature centre on 5/6. Northern Damselfly Coenagrion hastulatum A pair, and probably more, by the boardwalk at Iivaara on 9/6. Red-eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas Several at Liminka Bay nature centre on 5/6. Azure Hawker Aeshna caerulea One at Siikajoki on 6/6 and at least 20 unidentified hawkers along the same forest track were believed to be this species. At least one at Hirvisuo on 7/6 and one landed on our minivan during a brief stop a few kms to the east. Finally, at least ten in the forest at Iivaara on 9/6. Downy Emerald Cordulia aenea One at Syöte NP on 7/6 was the only definite sighting but other emeralds seen here were unidentified. Emeralds were numerous along the forest track near Siikajoki on 6/6 and were believed to be this species. Brilliant Emerald Somatochlora metallica At least ten at Iivaara on 9/6. Four-spotted Chaser Libellula quadrimaculata Abundant at all wetlands in the Oulu region, and also 100s+ at the bog at Hirvisuo on 7/6, and many at Iivaara on 9/6. Northern White-faced Darter Leucorrhinia rubicunda At least six at the bog at Hirvisuo on 7/6. One at Iivaara on 9/6 was most likely this species but similar species were not eliminated. BUTTERFLIES Green-veined White Artogeia napi Noted on 8/6. Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines Noted on 8/6. Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Noted on 6/6. Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi Noted on 8/6. Bog Fritillary Proclossiana eunomia At least one at Iivaara on 9/6. Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Clossiana selene Noted on 4/6 and 7/6. Lapland Ringlet Erebia embla Several at Iivaara on 9/6 and also near Kuusamo later that day. 11 Limosa Holidays limosaholidays.co.uk