Finland & Arctic Norway June 2011 - Part 2

This is the report on the second part of the trip to Finland. Part 1 is here.

From Oulu we headed north east to Kuusamo which is not far from the border with Russia. Here's the route and our destination for the next three nights.

Before checking into our hotel we visited a site just outside Kuusamo where a Siberian Tit was known to be nesting.

I had hoped we would get better views of it but this was the best I could do. It was still very hot and the poor thing seemed to be panting. We all feared that the chicks inside would not survive the heat. When it flew from the nest box it came out like a pocket rocket.

 The first excursion was to find the elusive Red-flanked Bluetail which is present in only one area of Finland. This involved climbing up a small mountain (well it seemed like that to me) because this particular bird likes to live up high. It was at this point I realised just how old and unfit I was. Eventually after much puffing and blowing weighed down by heavy tripods, telescopes and cameras we reached an altitude where they could be heard singing. After considerable searching we finally saw one, although not particularly well. It is a stunning little bird related to the robin. I was a bit disappointed that there was no chance of a photograph but I wanted you to see what it looked like so this is a copyright free photo from Wikipedia. This is the only photo that is not mine.

 Our quest for the owls continued in the afternoon. Our guide took us to a known site where a Tengmalm's Owl was using a nest box. The chicks had not yet fledged and the owl was still in the box. I wasn't too sure about the ethics of this but our guide got the owl to leave the box enabling us to get some wonderful views of this stunning creature. I guess he knew what he was doing.

 Amazing eyes and a 180 degree swivelling neck as well.

 At another location we found a chick that had fledged. The same amazing eyes but a more fluffy countenance.

We then went to a heavily forested area close to the Russian border. As you can see there is a buffer zone in which you are discouraged from entering.

 Raptors are quite common in this area and we did get distant views of White-tailed Eagles flying. Here's a heavily cropped view of one perched in a tree which you can just about make out.

 There are two species of bunting which are specialities of the Kuusamo area. First up is the Little Bunting which we found singing in birch trees alongside the road. A very pretty little bird.

The Rustic Bunting proved to be harder to find. When we eventually did, the next day, it was more cloudy and it didn't show very well, so photo not as good.

 Before that we had found a Whimbrel sitting in a field. Presumably it was on eggs or chicks but we couldn't be sure of that.

 This handsome fellow is a Willow Grouse (or Willow Ptarmigan). Our own Red Grouse is in fact a sub-species of the Willow Grouse. The theory was that he was so full of testosterone that we were seen as rivals and he was trying to see us off his territory. Gave us some cracking close-ups though.

After two full days exploring the Kuusamo area it was time to head north to Ivalo. Here's the route we took and our destination.

 It was a long drive but there was opportunity for some birding on the way. First up though there was the small matter of crossing the Arctic Circle and getting well into Sami territory. I had expected there would be some sort of ceremony like crossing the Equator but sadly there was just a sign at the side of the road. LOL

 The hot weather was now well behind us and it was grey and rather cool – definitely time for fleeces.

Whooper swans.

Some flowers.

I think this one is called Bog Bean

 but I've no idea what this one is called.

 Just a one night stop at Ivalo and then on towards Vardø in Norway. Here's the route.

 Siberian Jay

Unfortunately it was backlit in poor light so the colours of this very attractive relative of our Jay don't show very well.

Amongst birders there's quite a well known café en route. The owners have been rather clever in having feeders which can be viewed from inside the café. These attract birds which would otherwise be difficult to see. Good business sense because inevitably you at least have to buy a coffee. Here's the café with yours truly inadvertently reflected in the window.

 Here's a selection of the many photos I took. We called here on the way back as well so I've combined the two sets for the sake of expediency.

 Male Siskin

 Male Brambling – nice to see them in full summer plumage.

 Common (Mealy) Redpoll – Didn't think I'd have to go to Finland to see one of these, Linda.

 Male Pine Grosbeak – Gorgeous bird.

 Female Pine Grosbeak.

 These were taken through glass and sometimes at awkward angles so some distortion.

 This is the end of Part 2. The final part which will cover Arctic Norway and pick up a couple of things on the return journey will follow.