Finland & the Varanger Fjord area 5th- 27th June 2014 Alain De Broyer & Quentin Goffette I. Itinerary and Sites visited As we got 3 weeks holidays, we decided to make a long trip all over Finland and North Norway. We landed at Helsinki and first visited the South-East (for marsh birds and nightsingers), then the East (for mammals particularly) and the North-East (for forest birds, ptarmigan, Dotterel, waders) until the Norwegian border. In Norway we did visit the Varanger fjord and also some areas of tundra and coast towards Berlevag. Back to Finland, we then visited the Oulu area on our way south, to finish with the Nuuksio National Park, close to Helsinki, on the last night.
June 5th Arriving at Helsinki airport at the end of the day, driving to Myllykoski (Kouvola). June 6th Early morning birding south of Lappeenranta, then driving to Parikkala and birding around Siikalahti reserve at night. June 7th Birding around Parikkala/ Siikalahti early morning, then drive to and stop at Punkaharju Arboretum, then drive to Porosalmi/Rantasalmi where appointment for Saïma Seal at 19:00, until 22:00. Finally, a good sleep at Porosalmi. June 8th From Porosalmi, drive to Vartsila, birding there all night. June 9th Birding Vartsila in the morning, then driving to Kuhmo. June 10th Birding around Kuhmo night and early morning, then drive from Kuhmo to Kuikka. A little birding and then night in the Caravan hide. June 11th Birding Kuikka during the day, night in the Paradise hide. June 12th After a short sleep, drive from Kuhmo to Kuusamo, birding a little en route. June 13th Birding around Kuusamo, mostly east of the town in the morning and then at night around Livaara hill. June 14th Birding at Livaara hill and around. June 15th Birding at Valtavaara hill and around, driving to Oulanka National Park at night. June 16th Oulanka in the morning, then drive up to Kiilopaa hill, birding at night on the hill. June 17th Drive from Kiilopaa to Nuorgam, stopping at the feeders at Kaamanen. June 18th Birding from Nuorgam to Vadso (Varanger fjord). June 19th Birding from Vadso to Vardo. June 20th Birding from Vardo to Hammingberg, back to Vadso to sleep. June 21st Birding from Vadso to Berlevag (coast & Toundra), then drive to Nuorgam. June 22nd Drive from Nuorgam to Kaamanen and Karigasniemi, sleeping at Kaamanen. June 23rd drive from Kaamanen to Oulu area, birding at the Terek place. June 24th Birding in the Oulu region: haven, Liminka bay, looking for owls at night. June 25th Birding Oulu, then drive to Pyhajoki, birding there at night. June 26th Drive from Pyhajoki to Nuuksio National park close to Helsinki. June 27th Departing from Helsinki Airport in the morning.
Many sites have been visited with the help of the Gosney Guide Finding birds in South Finland (2010). This small book contains information and maps for most sites listed here. For the Northern part (from Kuusamo up north), we found different sources of information in other trip reports, but there is also a Gosney guide available: Finding Birds in Lapland. Also, general information about breeding birds can be found at the website of the Finnish Bird Atlas: http://atlas3.lintuatlas.fi/english/ Here are some thoughts and useful information about the places we visited. Helsinki Airport (S): GPS 60.305263, 24.975443. Lappeenranta area (SE): South of the city, this area is a mixture of agricultural, marshy and forested areas. There are good populations of nightsingers and a good variety of species. The area is also known for Booted Warbler and Great Snipe and is also nice for dragonflies. We made a long tour from GPS 61.0010, 28.1375 to GPS 60.974, 28.553. Siikalahti Reserve, Parikkala (SE): this area is great and easy to visit. See the Gosney guide for useful information. A good place to begin is GPS 61.565787, 29.566466. Siikalahti Reserve, Parikkala. Vartsila (SE) : another area of marshes and forests along the Russian border. This area is well known for Booted Warbler, Lanceolated Warbler (from the end of June) and Great Snipe. We had a great time in this area which is full of nightsingers, especially along the road at GPS 62.219275, 30.612762.
Punkaharju arboretum (SE) : a forested area with mixed woods, with specialties like Redbreasted flycatcher, Greenish warbler and Nutcracker. GPS 61.815, 29.318. Porosalmi/Rantasalmi (SE) : this area was not especially interesting for birds but is the meeting point to see the Saïma Seal. Kuhmo and Kuikka (E) : a very nice and quiet area, with very few people. There are parts of old forest, and it s quite interesting for birds. Our main aim however was to see Bears and Wolverines with Arcticmedia (GPS of the lodge: 64.109634, 30.402064). We took nice pictures of little gulls from the camping at Kuhmo, GPS: 64.185, 29.576. Kuusamo (ENE): a classic. However, it wasn t easy to spot forest birds in June, especially grouses. Oulanka National Park (ENE): seems to be very interesting but we only spent a night and morning there, mostly to see the Calypso orchid: GPS of the Camping: 66.372675, 29.296687. Kiilopaa (Urho Kekkonen National Park) (N): this tundra hill is easy to reach from the parking: Ptarmigan is known to be very tame there (look at the top of the first hill) and Dotterel was seen a little further east from the top. We did visit the place during the night and had a great time there. On some day however, it might be a bit crowded. GPS: 68.346382, 27.464776. Kaamanen (N): the classic stop for Pine Grosbeak at the feeders. GPS: 69.182542, 27.214660. The taiga around is quite nice. We did drive along this road: GPS: 69.247, 27.277. (Siberian tit, waders). Karigasniemi area (N): a good area for singing waders, including Broad-billed sandpiper. Access is not easy but there are many marshes along Road 92. GPS: 69.364, 26.405 (BB Sandpiper).
Oulu area (NW): another classic area. Terek sandpipers were easy to see just south of the city GPS: 64.989, 25.434. Pyhajoki area (W): The area is well known for owls. We did a long trip at night around GPS: 64.485, 24.434. Nuuksio National Park (S): This park, close to Helsinki, is home of an important population of Siberian Flying Squirrel (Pteromys volans). We walked along a trail from the parking at GPS 60.309686, 24.520860. Varanger area (Norway) : We ve been birding mostly from the road, stopping at well known places like Nesseby, Vadso island and haven, Vardo area, Hammingberg, etc However, finding eiders was difficult, as there were no big rafts like before (apparently because of problems of competition with King crabs). Steller s eider is supposed to be regular at Vadso haven, but we found them up NE, around Vardo. For King Eiders, Vardo and Hammingberg are better. A small feeder at Skallelv (GPS: 70.186, 30.330) is worth a visit: we found a lost Scarlet rosefinch and Arctic redpolls are regular there. The camping at Vadso is situated at GPS: 70.120041, 29.330209. On the eastern side, (road to Kirkenes) Neiden is a well known place for Arctic Warbler, you should find them around the church (GPS: 69.700904, 29.385237). Away from the Varanger, Berlevag (GPS; 70.854157, 29.099686) is well worth a visit. King Eiders and gulls were quite numerous at Berlevag haven. It s possible to seawatch from the lighthouse at GPS: 70.853222, 29.235482. Also, the Tundra around is very nice, particularly around GPS: 70.530420, 29.092630. Stormy weather in the Hammingberg area.
II General information Accommodations: June is still a very quiet month and we didn t make any reservations before the departure. It s also the month when most camping areas are opening so we never had problems for finding accommodations. Hotels Prices are quite the same as in Belgium, only in Norway the prices rise up strongly. But we mostly slept in cabins, which are usually at around 40-60 euros for two persons or more, are very quiet and clean, and some even have their own sanitaries. We also slept twice in cottages which are more spacious, a little more expensive but with bathrooms and sometimes sauna included. Even in the Varanger area we had no problem for finding accommodation but the last camping is close to Vadso so, up north, we had to sleep in hotels which are very expensive. Roads: Finnish people drive slowly and respect the rules. They told us that fines are big but this only explains partly while they drive safely. Mooses is another reason for this, as there are around 2000 accidents a year involving these mammals, and, with their sizes, this could lead to very bad situations. Weather was quite nice in general, with hot weather (up to 34 C!) in the South-East. But in Lapland the weather deteriorated, becoming cold and windy, even stormy while in the Varanger area. Some nights were cold also (0 c at Kilopaa for example, also - 1 C on the last night close to Helsinki). Mosquitoes and others: could be very annoying, but the intensity of annoyance depended much on the weather. In the South-East marshes, with hot weather, there were many mosquitoes, but it was ok with good repellent. In the East and in Lapland the bad weather prevented us on many occasions. Locals told us that it was mostly in Lapland that the annoyance was important at this period (mid to end of June). Simuliidae bites were really annoying and in some places, particularly around Inari, there were thousands around us Finding Owls: finding owls by ourselves proved much more difficult than we thought: 2014 seemed a good year and we spent around 10 nights watching for owls by driving slowly and scanning the edges and openings, but the results were frustratingly low. It s probably easier in May, and we may also have been quite unlucky but still Finding Grouses: Grouses are generally quite easy to find when displaying and feeding along roadsides in May, but these birds are much more difficult to find in June when most females are nesting and males have become silent. But it s still possible to find the odd male displaying, and apparently Capercaillies are still displaying up north (around Inari) until mid June. What we missed: We didn t search for and so missed some regular species, like Smew, Slavonian Grebe, Eagle Owl, Snowy Owl (rare), Pygmy Owl, Little Crake (Siikalahti reserve), Siberian Gull (Kuusamo rubbish dump), Caspian Tern, Little Tern, Woodpeckers, Wryneck, Ring Ouzel, Dipper, Citrine Wagtail (known place close to Helsinki, GPS; 60.215617, 25.009690), Rock Pipit, Shorelark, Nutcracker, Twite or Two-barred Crossbill. We also missed some species although we searched for them: Ortolan Bunting (becoming rare), Booted Warbler (no luck, places are changing regularly as vegetation grows) and Great Snipe in the SE, Great-grey Owl, White-billed diver (bad weather) and rarities in the Varangerfjord (Arlequin Duck, White-rumped sandpiper, Ross s Gull).
Watching Mammals in Finland: - For Saima Seal: See http://www.trillivikla.fi/index.php?page=saimaa-seal-spotting ( Email: elina.enho@trillivikla.fi ). Meeting point is at Rantasalmi, usually at the end of the day (19:00) at GPS: 62.119937, 28.313460. During the tour, seals are usually seen resting on the shores if it s sunny but on the evening we went, a cold wind was blowing and we just saw an immature popping his head for a few seconds out of the water. - For Bear, Wolverine and Wolf: Eastern Finland is well known for his photographic hides from where it s possible to see a wide variety of birds and, most of all, some otherwise extremely difficult to see mammals; Bear, Wolverine and Wolf. We contacted Arctimedia: http://www.articmedia.fi/. The lodge and hides are situated in Kuikka, a wild area along the Russian border just east of Kuhmo. Also in this area, Wild Reindeer are regularly spotted in the openings along the roads. One of the hides of Arcticmedia. - For Siberian Flying Squirrel Pteromys volans: two places seems to be good for watching these special creatures: one known place is at Kajaani, along the river, in front of the old castle, there are nesboxes at around GPS: 64.227243, 27.737793 (unsure of the exact location). Another known place is Nuuksio National Park close to Helsinki. Remember that they only come out during the darkest hours.
III List of Species Birds Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus: seen everywhere, this species is widespread and was seen at most places, including the tundra up north. Probably more than 200 individuals. Canada Goose Branta Canadensis: 2 at Nuuksio NP. Taïga Bean Goose Anser fabalis fabalis: A group of 13 at Vartsila. Tundra Bean Goose Anser fabalis rossicus: only seen up north, 20 in the Varanger area (around Vardo) and a group of 8 in flight at Utsjoki. Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis: the only birds seen were in the south: a group of 13 in fields south of Siikalahti reserve. Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna: regular in the Varanger and Oulu regions, several tens, including families. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos: regularly seen all along, including Varanger area. Pintail Anas acuta: 2 females close to Kaamanen. Shoveler Anas clypeata: 5 seen at Siikalahti reserve and a few in the Oulu region. Wigeon Anas penelope: 10 seen at Siikalahti reserve and around, 1 close to Vadso, 20 at Liminka bay. Eurasian Teal Anas crecca: quite common in the SE, also seen regularly up to north Norway. Of note were more than 300 in Liminka bay. Common Pochard Aythya ferina: a few at Siikalahti reserve. Scaup Aythya marila: A pair at the crossroad area Berlevag/Batsfjord. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula: 4 seen at Siikalahti reserve, also up north at Kuusamo, regular in Varanger, Oulu, and other places. Common eider Somateria mollissima: A few hundreds in Varanger fjord, probably more than a thousand along the Berlevag coast. Also a few in the Oulu region. King Eider Somateria spectabilis: 2 females at Vardo, 3 males and two females at Hammingberg, and a little more than 50 at Berlevag haven.
Steller s eider Polysticta stelleri : 1 female at Kyberg, 3 second-year males and 2 females at Vardo. Common Scoter Melanitta nigra: around 100 at Varangerbotn. Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca: only seen at Kuusamo (4) and around Varangerbotn (50). Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis: a late pair of presumed migrants resting at the lake of Vartsila, more than a hundred in the Varanger and Berlevag areas. Goldeneye Bucephala clangula: common in small numbers along finnish lakes. Goosander Mergus merganser: 1 at Lappeenranta in the south and thousands in the Varanger area and Tana river in the North. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator: 1 male around Kuhmo (campsite), 1 male at Kuusamo, some tens in the Varanger area. Willow Grouse Lagopus lagopus: A pair flushed + a male well seen around the crossroad Berlevag/Batsfjord in Norway. Rock Ptarmigan Lagopus muta: 2 birds seen at the top of the hill of Kiilopaa, one of them giving incredible views with the midnight sun. Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus: Wonderful views of a male along the road during the night around 20 km east of Kuusamo (GPS: 65.870, 29.508) and a male flushed on Livaara hill, that s all!!! Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix: at least 2 males in Vartsila area, 2 males close to Livaara hill, 2 males north of Kuusamo, a female crossing the road to Kiilopaa and a female with 6 chicks at Pyhajoki. Also 2 dead birds found along the road. Hazelhen Bonasia bonasia: 1 bird flushed (heard) in Kuikka area, and 3 birds, including a singing male, seen along a road 20km east of Kuusamo in the middle of the afternoon (16:00). Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus: 1 around Lappenranta, 1 at Oulu. Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata: only seen in Norway, around Varanger, where it s quite common at sea and on tundra lakes; a few tens. Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica: regular in the whole of Finland on interior lakes, for example 4 at Lappenranta, 7 in Porosalmi area, 5-10 around Kuusamo and up north to Kiilopaa, also 1 at Nuuksio in the south.
Great Northern Diver Gavia immer: a beautiful summer-plumaged adult seen close from the shore at Nesseby. Great-crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus: a few on the first days in the south-east; around 15. Also seen around Kuusamo (10) and Oulu. Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena: 2 in Siikalahti reserve, 1 around Rantasalmi, 2 north of Kuusamo. Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis: Due to strong winds, hundreds if not thousands of Fulmars were seen from seawatching points at Hammingberg and Berlevag, but the species was already regular in the Vardo area. There was a nice variation of morphs, from classic ones to complete grey ones. Northern Gannet Morus bassanus: a few tens seen from seawatching points in Norway. European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis: widespread in the Varanger area. Atlantic Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo carbo: widespread in the Varanger area. European Bittern Butaurus stellaris: More than 5 birds booming at Siikalahti reserve, 2 booming in Rantasalmi area, 2 booming at Vartsila lake. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla: 1 old adult at Kuikka, at the Paradise hide, and at least 30 birds in the Varanger/Berlevag area. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos: One adult flying along the road a few km s before Kiilopaa. Black Kite Milvus migrans: 1 adult at Kuikka, at the Paradise hide. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus: 3 at Siikalahti reserve, 1 at Vartsila, 1 around Oulunsalo. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus: only one: an adult male, probably migrating, high in NE direction over Vartsila. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus: a 2cy female was seen some km s before Kiilopaa. Although this plumage isn t the easiest to identify, the bird still showed mostly plain orange underparts and other characters seen were: slim harrier, 4 fingers, plumage still partly juvenile with complete marked collar and orange underparts, with only a few streaks (moulting) mostly on the upperbreast and head. Remiges still unmoulted and worn. Osprey Pandion haliaeetus: 1 at Lappeenranta area, at least 6 at Siikalahti reserve, 3 occupied nests + 3 in Rantasalmi area (Saimaa Seal tour), 1 south of Kiilopaa and 1 at Oulu. Common Buzzard Buteo Buteo: 1 seen from the road between Porosalmi and Vartsila. Sadly, we couldn t stop so we didn t see if it was of the Finnish type close to vulpinus. Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus: only seen in Lapland, from Inari to Hammingberg (Varanger), around 25 individuals, maybe more. Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus: 1 female in Lappeenranta area, 1 female at Siikalahti reserve, 1 at Toranki lake, Kuusamo and 1 south of Jyvaskyla. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus: 1 around Lappeenranta and 1 at Vartsila. Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus: A very large pale grey falcon was seen flying just over the sea from Nesseby, most probably an adult Gyr but too far for any conclusion. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus: only one adult seen over Berlevag (N). Merlin Falco columbarius: only one male close to the road around Utsjoki. Hobby Falco subbuteo: 2 at Siikalahti reserve, 2 at Kuikka and 1 at Liminka. European Kestrel Falco tinnunculus: common in openings until the Tundra zone. Water rail Rallus aquaticus: 1 calling at Siikalahti reserve. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana : at least 5 singers at Siikalahti reserve.
Corncrake Crex crex: 12 singers in Lappeenranta and Parrikala areas (1 briefly seen), 2 close to Porosalmi, 15 singers in Vartsila area (1 briefly seen and one wonderful sighting!). European Coot Fulica atra: a few seen in Lappeenranta, Siikalahti and Vartsila areas. European crane Grus grus: widespread but rather seldomly seen. Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus: common in the Varanger area. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius: 5 in the Oulu area. Great-ringed Plover Charadrius hiatecula: 3 at Kuusamo, common in the Varanger area. Eurasian Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria (altifrons): regular in peat bogs and tundra zones. 3 at Kuikka, 4 at Kiilopaa, 20 + in the Varanger/Berlevag area Dotterel Charadrius morinellus: a very nice sighting of 3 females together with the midnight sun up the Kilopäa hill. Also one probable heard calling in the Tundra between Vardo and Hammingberg.
Common Lapwing Vanellus vanellus : very common in the Southern half of Finland, in most openings and clearings. More localised up north. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres: only seen in small numbers along the Varanger fjord. Purple sandpiper Calidris maritima: 1 at Nesseby. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus: a displaying bird in the Karigasniemi area. Dunlin Caldris alpina alpina: a few tens in the Varanger area and a pair at the crossroad Berlevag/Batsfjord. Little Stint Calidris minuta: a few in the Varanger area, and a pair at the crossroad Berlevag/Batsfjord. Temminck s stint Calidris temmincki: 2 at the crossroad Berlevag/Batsfjord. Common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: 2 in Rantasalmi area, several in Vartsila area, Kuusamo area, Oulu and Pyhajoki areas. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus: 3 in Kuhmo area, a few around Kuusamo and 1 at Oulu. Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola: 1 at Siikalahti reserve, 2 at Kuusamo, several in the Oulu area and common in the Karigasniemi/Kaamanen areas; a few tens, many displaying. Common Redshank Tringa totanus: widespread in the Varanger and Oulu regions. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus: a group of 5 in flight at Siikalahti reserve. Greenshank Tringa nebularia: 1 around Siikalahti, a few around Kuusamo and Oulu. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa: only one at Vartsila. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica : common in the Varanger area: more than 300. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus: wonderful observations of 3 birds at Oulu haven area, 2 colour-ringed and an unringed individual. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata : very common in most openings, including agricultural ones, from Helsinki up to the Varanger. However, seems most common in the SE. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus: 2 at Kuikka, 2 at Kuusamo, 2 around Kaamanen. Woodcock Scolopax rusticola: incredibly common in some areas, especially in the SE and in the Oulu region: more than a hundred spotted, mostly during the night. Superb observations! Common snipe Gallinago gallinago: locally common: 1 in Lappeenranta area, 5 singers at Siikalahti reserve, 3-4 singers at Vartsila, several around Kuusamo, Karigasniemi, Kaamanen, and in the Tundra zone before Berlevag.
Ruff Philomachus pugnax: a few tens in the Varanger/Batsfjord areas, including beautiful displaying males. Also 5 + around Kaamanen. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus: more than a hundred seen at usual places in the Varanger, and at the crossroad Berlevag/Batsfjord. Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus: a few tens in the Varanger/Berlevag areas. Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus: around 10 seen over the sea in the Varanger area, and 10+ in the Tundra zone close to the crossroad Berlevag/Batsfjord.
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus: common, mostly in the south, also in the Oulu region. Little Gull Larus minutus: 50+ at Siikalahti reserve, 25 around Kuhmo+ several in other places like Vartsila, Kuusamo, Oulu. In total probably more than 200. Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla: tens of thousands in the Varanger area. Common Gull Larus canus: was indeed common in most areas, breeding on nearly every lakes with rocky islands and all along the coast of the Varanger.
Herring Gull Larus argentatus argentatus: regular in Finland, common in Norway. Most birds seen in the ESE were yellow-legged omissus, and in the Varanger area there were many big pale argentatus. Great black-backed Gull Larus marinus: common up north around Varanger fjord. Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus : 1-2 around Hammingberg, 2 at Berlevag haven. All 2 cy. Great black-backed Gull Larus marinus: common along the Norway coast. Baltic Gull Larus fuscus fuscus : regularly seen in the SE and E of Finland in small numbers. Black Tern Chlidonias niger: 4 seen south of Lappeenranta and 1 at Siikalahti reserve. Common Tern Sterna hirundo: common, seen on most lakes in small numbers, small colony at Siikalahti reserve. Arctic Tern Sterna arctica: Only seen in Norway (many) and along the Bothnian gulf in Oulu (a few). Common Guillemot Uria aalge: common at sea in the Varanger and Berlevag areas; thousands. Brunnich s Guillemot Uria lomvia: seen from seawatching points; 1 at vardo, 2 at Hammingberg, 2 at Berlevag. Black Guillemot Cephus grille: common in the Varanger area, mostly from Vadso up north. Razorbill Alca torda: common at sea in the Varanger and Berlevag areas, thousands. Common Puffin Fratercula arctica: same as Guillemot and Razorbill, although slightly less numerous. Domestic pigeon Columba livia: seen in the SE in small numbers. Stock Dove Columba oenas: 1 singing bird in Lappeenranta area and 5 birds in the Oulu region. Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus: common in the SE, also in E, NE, W in smaller numbers. Common cuckoo Cuculus canorus: common in the SE, E, NE and up north to Vardo!
Long-eared owl Asio otus: 1 adult with 2 recently fledged juveniles around Siikalahti reserve and 2 birds south of Oulu. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus: 2 at Vartsila, 1 around Kuhmo, 1 close to Livaara hill, 3 close to Valtavaara hill, 1 at Vadso, 1 at Utsjoki and 3 in the Oulu region. Tengmalm s Owl Aegolius funereus: 1 was badly seen in young spruces close to Kuhmo in the early morning, having captured a young fieldfare. Hawk Owl Surnia ulula: Wonderful views of a family with 3 recently fledged juveniles in Kuikka area. Also one adult seen along the road about 100 km south of Kuusamo (GPS: 65.093 28.626). Ural s Owl Strix urali: 1 bird seen a few minutes along a road in Pyhajoki, but a bit frustrating as it was partly hidden by branches. GPS: 64.412, 24.691. Great-grey Owl Strix nebulosa: Frustratingly, one flew over our car en route to Kuusamo (about 50 km south, GPS 65.451 28.205), but vanished as soon as we stopped and began to search for it Common Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus: Very nice observation of 4 birds (including one pair) in openings south of Siikalahti reserve. Also 2 singers in Vartsila area. Common Swift Apus apus: quite common in SE, also seen in E, NE and W. Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus major pinetorum: quite common in small numbers: 1 at Lappeenranta, 1 at Siikalahti reserve, regular in Vartsila and Kuikka area, Kuusamo area, Oulu area Lesser spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus minor: 1 female close to Toranki Lake, Kuusamo. Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius: 1 at Siikalahti reserve, 1 at Punkaharju arboretum and 2 birds singing in Kuikka area. European Skylark Alauda arvensis: common in SE, also in E and NE up to the Norwegian border.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: common in SE. Sand Martin Riparia riparia: 3 at Kuusamo, a few tens at Nuorgam, some colonies around Oulu; about 200 in total. House Martin Delichon urbicum: common in SE. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis: 3 at Kiilopaa hill, regular in small numbers in Norway. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis: widespread in small numbers up to the Norwegian border. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus: only in Norway; 1 at Skallelv, 1 at Vardo, 1 at Hammingberg and 1 at the crossroad Berlevag/Batsfjord. White wagtail Motacilla alba: widespread. Grey-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava thunbergi: 1 at Kuikka, 1 south of Kiilopaa, 1 at Kiilopaa, 1 at Kaamanen, a few around Inari Lake and in the Oulu region. Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus: 2 at Oulanka NP and 7-8 around Kaamanen. Dunnock Prunella modularis: mostly in the south, but also seen at Kuusamo and Oulu. Red-spotted Bluethroat Luscinia svecica svecica: 1 singing around Kaamanen. European Robin Erythacus rubecula: common in SE at least. Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus: 2 males singing at Livaara hill. GPS: 65.799, 29.673. Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia: 1 singing from the hotel at Myllykoski (Kouvola), at least 25 singers in Lappeenranta and Siikalahti reserve, 3 at Vartsila. European Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus: quite common in SE and E, also Kuusamo. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros: 2-3 in Lappeenranta area. Northern Weathear Oenanthe oenanthe: a few in the Tundra zone (Norway) and 1 at Oulu. Winchat Saxicola rubertra: 15 in the SE, quite common in the E (Kuhmo,Kuikka), also a few seen north to Inari. Redwing Turdus iliacus: the most common thrush in Finland/North Norway, seen everywhere, even in some tundra areas. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos: common.
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus: widespread, small numbers.fieldfare Turdus pilaris: common. European Blackbird Turdus merula: quite rare. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca: 1 at Punkaharju arboretum, 3-4 in Rantasalmi area, 1 at Oulu, and probably a few more elsewhere. Whitethroat Sylvia communis: common in SE and E, also in the W. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin: common in SE and E, also 1 Kuusamo, and several in the W. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus : very common in the SE, also encountered up north, e.g. 3 north of Kuusamo. Also around Oulu (10). Great reed Warbler Acrocephalus aerundinaceus: 3 singers at Siikalahti reserve. Blyth s reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum: around 15 singers at Lappeenranta, 10-15 around Siikalahti reserve, a few Rantasalmi area, 20+ at Vartsila, 2 in Kuhmo area, 1 at Kuikka in front of the Arcticmedia lodge + another singing in this area. European reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus: heard in reedbeds in Lappeeranta area and at Siikalahti reserve. River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis : several singing in the South-East: 1 in Lappeenranta area, 2 at Siikalahti reserve, 1 in Rantasalmi area, 4 at Vartsila. Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina: 1 singing in Lappeenranta area. Willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus: common. Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita: regular in small numbers in the SE, a few in Kuusamo and up north with the northest singer at Vadso. Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis: a beautiful singing bird at the usual spot of Neiden in Norway. Greenish warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides: 4 singers in Punkaharju arboretum, 3 at Livaara hill, 1 at Valtavaara hill (Kuusamo). Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix: 2 singers around Lappeenranta, several in the Kuhmo/Kuikka area, 1 at Valtavaara hill (Kuusamo), 1 around Inari.
European Goldcrest Regulus regulus: widespread except in Tundra areas. Less common up north. Spotted flycatcher Musicapa striata: regular in small numbers in Lappeenranta area, Punkaharju arboretum, Vartsila, Kuhmo, Kuikka, Kuusamo, Oulu and in Norway at Neiden and Vadso. Pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca: quite common, regularly seen in the SE and E, Kuusamo, the W, and up north until the Varanger. Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva: 1 first summer male singing at Punkaharju arboretum (GPS: 61.812, 29.324). Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus: quite widespread in SE and E up to Kuusamo. Great Tit Parus major: common. Coal Tit Periparus ater: regular in small numbers, mostly around Kuhmo. Crested Tit Parus cristatus: seen in Kuikka area, Kuusamo. Siberian Tit Poecile cinctus: 1 well seen in the Kaamanen zone Boreal Tit Poecile montanus borealis: 1 at Punkaharju arboretum, several at Kuikka, Kuusamo and Kaamanen. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus caudatus: at least 1 at Lappeenranta. Eurasian treecreeper Certhia familiaris: quite widespread. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio: 2 in Lappeenranta area, 1 around Siikalahti reserve, 1 pair around Kuhmo, 1 at Vartsila and 2 males around Pyhajoki. Great-grey Shrike Lanius excubitor: 1 along the road close to Utsjoki and 1 around Karigasniemi. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius: regular in the SE and E in small numbers. Siberian Jay Perisoreus infaustus: 1 heard in Kuikka area, around 8-10 at Valtavaara hill (Kuusamo). Carrion Crow Corvus corone cornix: common in the SE, more localised up to Kuusamo at least. Common Raven Corvus corax: widespread in small to moderate numbers. Up to 160 birds feeding at carrion at the Paradise hide in Kuikka.
Nordic Jackdaw Corvus monedula monedula: at least several in the Oulu region. Eurasian magpie Pica pica: regular in the SE, also seen at Kuikka. Kuusamo, the W and up north; quite widespread. Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus: 1 singing at Vartsila. European Starling Sturnus vulgaris: regular at least in the SE. House Sparrow Passer domesticus: regularly seen, also in Norway. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus: quite common in SE, E, W. Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs: regular in the SE, Kuusamo Brambling Fringilla montfringilla : First contact around Kuhmo, then more or less regular but not in big numbers until the Inari region where it s widespread. Greenfinch Chloris chloris: regular in most of Finland, also in the Varanger area. Siskin Carduelis spinus : widespread. Common redpoll Carduelis flammea flammea : several around Kuikka, Kuusamo, Kiilopaa, a few tens in the Inari region, also a few tens in the Varanger area. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni exilipes : at least one (probably two) seen at the feeder at Skallelv. European Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula pyrrhula : 3 at Punkaharju arboretum, several around Kuhmo, Kuikka, Kuusamo, and other places up north and W. Note that all birds heard calling were trumpeting. Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator : easy to see at Kaamanen, around 10 individuals on each passage. Crossbills Loxia curvirostra/pytyopsittacus: regular on most areas visited, but mostly seen in flight: Common Crossbill seen on several cases, but at least some Parrot Crossbills heard and briefly seen in flight in the Kuhmo/Kuikka area.
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus: common and widespread in the SE, also found in smaller numbers in E up to Kuusamo where it s seems much more localised. A lost female was seen in the Varanger area, at the feeder of Skallelv. Also a few in Oulu and Pyhajoki. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella: regular in the SE, also at Kuusamo and the W. Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus: regular in the SE, also up north. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica: after a lot of search, a singing male was found close to road 866 in Kuusamo area (GPS: 65.853, 29.715) A finnish birder told us there were several singers close to Valtavaara GPS 66.204836, 29.241567, but we didn t find them. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla: 3-4 singing at Toranki lake (South side, GPS: 65.945113, 29.200242), 1 singing +1 seen at another place south of Kuusamo (GPS: 65.939, 29.165). Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis: only 3 seen in the Varanger area, in rocky tundra. Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus: around 15 in the Tundra zones of Varanger and Berlevag.
Mammals: Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris: 3 at Punkaharju arboretum, several around Kuikka and Kuhmo, common around Kuusamo Eurasian Elk Alces alces: 1 female with two calves seen at night north of Kuusamo and 1 male close to Kaamanen. Red Fox Vulpes vulpes: 1 at the coast of Hammingberg (!). Raccoon Dog Nyctereutes procyonoides : 1 walking in a field close to Rantasalmi, disturbing breeding Curlews. Common Hare Lepus europaeus: at least seen in Lappeenranta area and Oulu area. Arctic Hare Lepus timidus : common and widespread.
Wolverine Gulo Gulo: Watching these from the hides in Kuikka was an incredible experience! A beautiful individual came at 20:30 to feed for about 15 minutes at the Caravan hide on the first night. On the second night at the Paradise hide, another, a scarfaced one this time, was seen walking in zigzag in the opening, marking his territory and then feeding for several minutes at a carcasse. Brown Bear Ursos arctos: another unforgettable experience! A beautiful dark adult came to feed at around 00:15 at the Caravan hide for nearly half an hour, coming back to feed again about 3 hours later. On the second night, at the Paradise hide, an adult and later an immature came in the opening but didn t feed at the carcasses.
Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus: widespread in the Varanger region. Saimaa Ringed Seal Pusa hispida saimensis: 1 immature was seen in the lake, as we just left from the shore, very close from Rantasalmi. Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae : at least 2 seen from the lighthouse close to Berlevag in Norway. Butterflies Vanessa cardui : quite common in the SE. Aglais io: common in the south. Araschnia levana: common in the south. Aporia crataegi: a few in the south. Nymphalis antiopa : 2 in Kuikka area. Pieris brassicae ; several in the south. Pieris napi : several in the south. Leptidea sinapsis : several in the south. Ochlodes sylvanus : 3 at Pyhajoki. Carterocephalus silvicolus: 1 at Lappeenranta and 3 at Punkaharju. Erebia embla : 2 at Kuikka. Lasiommata maera: 2ssp. Borealis at Kuhmo. Euphydryas maturna : 3 at Lappeenranta and 7 at Punkaharju. Boloria euphrosyne: several seen at Kuikka. Boloria selene : 1 at Kuhmo + several tens at Karigasnemi and Kaamanen. Brenthis ino : 1 at Pyhäjoki + a few elsewhere. Callophris rubi: regular in the SE and E. Polyommatus amandus : 1 at Pyhajoki. Celastrina argiolus: 1 at Punkaharju. Lycaena phlaeas: 1 at Punkaharju.
Dragonflies Erythromma najas: a few in Lappeenranta area. Gomphus vulgatissimus: at least 2 males in Lappeenranta area. Cordulia aenea: at least a few around Kuikka, probably also elsewhere. Coenagrion armatum: 20 at Värtsilä on 08/06/2014. GPS: 62.194410, 30.612124 Coenagrion hastulatum : the most common coenagrion, seen nearly everywhere in fluctuating numbers. Coenagrion pulchellum: at least 10 at Lappeenranta and a few tens at Siikalahti reserve. Leucorrhinia dubia: one at Lappeenranta, several at Kuikka, and up north south of Inari. Probably more widespread but difficult to find between the much more numerous rubicunda at this time of the year. Leucorrhinia rubicunda: at least hundreds in Siikalahti reserve, also numerous in Vartsila, Kuikka, Kuusamo and other places. Leucorrhinia caudalis: at least 5 males at Siikalahti reserve. GPS: 61.565538, 29.565643. Epitheca bimaculata: at least 3-4 in Lappeenranta area, GPS 60.986, 28.558. Somatochlora metallica: common in Lappeenranta area, a few at Siikalahti reserve and also around Kuikka and Kuusamo. Libellula quadrimaculata: hundred, if not thousands at Siikalahti reserve. Anax imperator: regular in the south. Brachytron pratense: at least 2 in Lappeenranta area. Aeschna juncea: 1 at Pyhajoki. Sympetrum flaveolum: an early female at Punkaharju on 07/06/2014.
Amphibians and reptiles Adder Vipera berus: 1 male at Siikalahti reserve, 1 probable female at Pyhajoki. Also some Common frogs Rana temporaria and Common Lizards Zootoca vivipara. Plants Calypso Orchid Calypso bulbosa: several seen at Oulanka National Park with lots of Lady s slipper Orchid Cypripedium calceolus. Alain De Broyer & Quentin Goffette, Belgium adebroyer@gmail.com quentin.goffette@gmail.com