FINLAND The Finnish Taiga 1 st 7 th June 2013

Transcription

1 FINLAND The Finnish Taiga 1 st 7 th June 2013 Leaders Dave Read & Andy Shooter Local Guide Pirita Latja Participants Christopher & Christine Watkinson Mick & Ann Daubney Gordon & Alison Caw Jane Anthony Brenda Morrison Doreen Marsh Richard Ness Michael Bleaney

2 2

3 ITINERARY Day 1 The group met at Heathrow airport ready for our flight to Helsinki, arriving by mid morning and after a short wait we boarded our connecting flight to Oulu. Once the luggage had been collected we made our way out the airport to be greeted by our Finnature guide Pirita Latja. After introductions, we were soon making our way to the hotel Vihiluoto just a short drive from the airport, where such species as Common Rosefinch, Fieldfare and Redwing greeted all within the grounds. After a short rest it was time for evening meal and a chat before we were back in the minibuses and driving to a forest area south of Oulu to look for our first target bird. Once at the appropriate spot we parked the buses and walked in to pine forest, where a nest box had been erected especially for Tengmalm's Owl. On arrival an adult was on view looking out of the hole, see back cover. We then made our way back to the hotel but not before adding Whooper Swan, Black Grouse, Cuckoo and Curlew to the list. Day 2 After breakfast the group met in the car park adding Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and Goosander before leaving. We then drove to a forest area near Siikajoki to look for another of our targets. We parked up the vehicles and once again walked a short distance into the forest and after a short wait we were watching a pair of Three-toed Woodpecker at a nest hole. When we couldn't stand the Mosquitoes any more we were back in the vehicles for the short drive along the many forest tracks and was shown where a Pygmy Owl had chosen an old woodpecker hole in a birch tree to nest. After quite a wait the bird did show very briefly at the entrance but it was so brief that many of the group missed it, we would have to try again later. We then drove to Liminganlahti Marsh where we had lunch in the restaurant before walking out onto the boardwalks to the marsh. From the tower watch point waders and wildfowl were plentiful, and included Broad-billed Sandpiper, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Garganey and a distant White-tailed Eagle amongst others. Afterwards we drove towards Oulu, where we visited a traditional site for Terek Sandpiper. This site has no public access due to the breeding birds present, but we were able to scan the restricted area, where species included Arctic Tern, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, Northern Wheatear and Redshank. It was a while before our target bird came into view when a single Terek Sandpiper flew in calling then dropped into a ditch before moving out of view. The last stop of the day was re-visit the Pygmy Owl, where after a short wait we were watching an adult at the nest. Then back to the hotel for evening meal and log call before we went back out in search of night singers, the result of which was Grasshopper Warbler and Thrush Nightingale, although the latter was heard only. 3

4 Day 3 Today after breakfast we drove south of Oulu to a nest site for Ural Owl. We had a ten minute walk in the forest before arriving at nest box especially erected for this species. On arrival a juvenile was perched at the entrance to the box allowing close scope views while Pirita searched the surrounding trees to locate the adult. After a short search she found the adult perched in a nearby tree allowing the entire group scope views. From there we drove various tracks trying to locate Black Woodpecker, none were found but we did see a singing Wryneck. After a telephone conversation with another Finnature guide we were driving to Kiiminki, another good area for Black Woodpecker. The nesting tree was soon located and after a short while the group was treated to good views of the male. We then decided to try for better views of the Terek Sandpiper, however unfortunately the bird never showed so back to the hotel a little earlier for evening meal, log call and a few beers. Day 4 Today we said our goodbyes to the Hotel Vihiluoto and headed north-east on route 20 towards Kuusamo. Just as we were leaving Oulu a female Capercaillie was located sitting in a tree. We continued on our journey with only Reindeer to keep us entertained by the roadside. Our first stop was at Syote National Park, highlights here included a singing male Greenish Warbler along with Pied Flycatcher, Willow Warbler, Treecreeper and Brambling. From there we drove to Latva-Juurikka near Taivalkoski, species seen included Smew, Little Gull, Common Crane and Slavonian Grebe in addition to a brief Arctic Warbler. As time was now getting late we made our way to the Sokos Hotel in Kuusamo, after checking in and a short rest we were back out birding at a nearby lake called Vihtasalmi, from the constructed tower we located up to 10 Red-necked Grebe, lots of nesting Little Gulls as well as Ruff and Wood Sandpiper. Day 5 First site after breakfast was to check Torankijarvi Lake behind the hotel where some of the group had seen Velvet Scoter the previous evening. Sure enough seven Velvet Scoter were still present among the many Goldeneye and three summer plumage Black-throated Divers were located. From there we drove a short distance to look for another target species and it wasn't long before a pair of Siberian Jays was showing well beside the van. From there we drove to Livaara, we parked the vehicles and made our way up the steep pine clad slope. We eventually arrived at the site where Red-flanked 4

5 Bluetail are known to breed, and it wasn't long before we were watching a male singing from top of a tall pine. Pirita then decided to try for Hazel Grouse by blowing a whistle which is known to attract the birds, after a few minutes a male was calling back and some of the group got a glimpse of the bird flying through the trees. Afterwards we went for lunch in a nearby wooden cabin hidden away in the vast forest. Here we had what most people agreed was the best meal of the tour, beautiful smoked salmon which was smoked in the traditional way on site in there own smoke house. Delicious! We then decided to drive the many tracks that cross the area adding a male Three-toed Woodpecker, Osprey, Raven, Great Grey Shrike, Waxwing and a single Honey Buzzard. However the highlight was fantastic views of a rogue Capercaillie. Then back to the hotel for evening meal and log call. Day 6 After breakfast we drove to Rukajarvi and after a short wait a male Willow Grouse was calling then seen in flight. We then drove down the forest tracks checking sites which looked good for Buntings, although none were found we did see a single pale phase Arctic Skua, c30 Smew and 7 Black Grouse. From there we made are way to Valtavaara, where some of the group decided to stay near the vans while the others walked into the forest to look for Hazel Grouse, after several blows on the whistle 2 birds flew towards us and out of view but unfortunately they didn't show again. Meanwhile back at the vans those who had stayed behind were treated to close views of two Siberian Jays. Next we visited a site where a pair of Siberian Tits was using a nesting box, on arrival at the site another group were already watching birds which were busy feeding young and providing good views. By now it was lunch time so we drove to lake Vuotunki, a site where we could eat our packed and watch birds at the same time. This was a productive area with waders including Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank and a single Red-necked Phalarope, while wildfowl included Smew, Velvet Scoter and Wigeon. A Willow Tit was seen. Much of the remainder of the day was spent trying to locate buntings, and after several stops by the road side we eventually got close views of a singing male Little Bunting near Kokkopera, however no Rustic Buntings could be found. Other species included Dipper, White-tailed Eagle, Common Redpoll and Whinchat. Then back for evening meal and log call. Day - 7 After breakfast we loaded up and started on the journey back to Oulu, we had a coffee stop along the way but this only produced Swallow and White Wagtail. More Reindeer were seen by the roadside as was an Elk (Moose). Later we arrived at the airport; we said our goodbyes to Pirita and boarded the flight back to the UK via Helsinki. This concluded what had been a very enjoyable tour, with a number of excellent sightings of our target species. A big thank you goes out to the entire group for their contribution as well as to Pirita for her knowledge of the area and friendly attitude to the group. 5

6 SPECIES LIST 1. Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica. Three were present on Lake Torankijarvi behind the Sokos Hotel in Kuusamo. 2. Great Crested Grebe podiceps cristatus. Only recorded in the Oulu area on the 2 nd and 3 rd. 3. Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena. Up to ten were seen at Lake Vihtasalmi on the 4 th also recorded on the 5 th. 4. Slavonian Grebe podiceps auritus. One was seen at Latva-Juurikka near Taivalkoski on the 4 th. 5. Cormorant phalacrocorax carbo. Recorded on the 1 st while in Oulu and on the 5 th while in Kuusamo. 6. Bittern Botaurus stellaris. One was present at Kempeleenlahi Bay at the rear of the Hotel Vihiluoto on the 2 nd. 7. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus. Recorded on the 1 st with large groups present south of Oulu, seen every day thereafter at many locations. 8. Greylag Goose Anser anser. Only seen while in the Oulu area. 9. Shelduck Tadorna tadorna. Recorded on the 2 nd & 3 rd. 10. Wigeon Anas penelope. Present in both areas visited only in small numbers. 11. Teal Ansa crecca. Small numbers were seen in both areas visited, the best location was Liminganlahti Marsh. 12. Mallard Ansa platyrhynchos. Seen in small numbers at most wetlands visited. 13. Gadwall Ansa strepera. Only seen on the 1 st at Kempeleenlahi Bay. 14. Pintail Ansa acuta. Recorded on the 2 nd & 3 rd. 15. Shoveler Ansa clypeata. Small numbers were seen between the 2 nd - 4 th. 16. Garganey Ansa querquedula. A single drake was seen on the 2 nd at Liminganlahti Marsh, with another at Latva-Juurikka near Taivalkoski on the 4 th. 6

7 17. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula. Seen everyday except on the 7 th. 18. Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca. Seven, including this male were present at Torankijarvi behind the Sokos Hotel in Kuusamo on the 5 th and 6 th, with two at Vuotunki Lake also on the 6 th. 19. Goldeneye Bucephala clangula. Small numbers were present in both areas visited. 20. Smew Mergus albellus. First recorded on the 1 st behind the Sokos Hotel at Kempeleenlahi Bay, with a pair also present there on the 3 rd. On the 4 th, six birds were present at Latva- Juurikka near Taivalkoski. On the 6 th up to 30 were present on a lake near Kuusamo. 21. Goosander Mergus merganser. On the 2 nd a pair flew over our hotel in Oulu, seen everyday thereafter at most wetlands visited. 22. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator. Recorded on four dates at many of the larger lakes visited. 23. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla. An Adult was seen distantly at Liminganlahti Marsh on the 2 nd, with another adult seen very well on the 6 th near Kuusamo. 24. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. Recorded on three dates with the best sites being Kempeleenlahi Bay on the 1t and Liminganlahti Marsh on the 2 nd. 25. Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus. One was seen in flight while driving down one of the many forest tracks near Kuusamo on the 5 th. 26. Osprey Pandion haliaetus. One was seen near Kuusamo on the 5 th. 27. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Recorded everyday except on the 7 th. 28. Hazel Grouse Bonasa bonasa. On the 5 th a male responded when Pirita blew a whistle and was seen briefly in flight at Livaara. Two were seen, again briefly in flight at Valtavaara on the 6 th. 29. Willow Grouse Lagopus lagopus. A single male was seen on the 6 th at Rukajarvi. 30. Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix. One male was seen south of Oulu on the 1 st, with eleven (10 male & 1 female) the following day also south of Oulu. On the 6 th Seven (6 male & 1 female) were seen near Kuusamo. 7

8 31. Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus. A female was seen north of Oulu on the 4 th, with a rogue male giving exceptional views at Karpankyla the following day, see images on the front cover and page Pheasant Phasanius colchicus. Only heard calling on the 2 nd & 3 rd. 33. Common Crane Grus grus. One was South of Oulu on the 2 nd, with another single at Latva-Juurikka near Taivalkoski on the 4 th. 34. Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus. Only seen while in the Oulu area, not recorded in Kuusamo. 35. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius. Seen on the 2 nd at Liminganlahti Marsh and on 3 rd near Oulu. 36. Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. Seen at Liminganlahti Marsh on the 2 nd and near Oulu on the 3 rd. 37. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola. Two were at Kempeleenlahi Bay on the 3 rd. 38. Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. Only seen while in the Oulu area. 39. Dunlin Calidris alpina. Good numbers were present at Liminganlahti Marsh on the 2 nd. 40. Little Stint Calidris minuta. Two were amongst the waders at Liminganlahti Marsh on 2 nd, with up to 40 at Vuotunki on 6 th. 41. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus. One was at Liminganlahti Marsh on 2 nd. 42. Ruff Philomachus pugnax. Good numbers were at Liminganlahti Marsh on the 2 nd, with three present at Vihtasalmi, near Kuusamo on the 4 th. 43. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago. Small numbers seen in both areas visited. 44. Woodcock Scolopax rusticola. Seen in both areas visited, usually seen at dusk in flight. 45. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa. Good numbers were present at Liminganlahti Marsh on the 2 nd, with a few the following day at Kempeleenlahi Bay. 46. Curlew Numenius arquata. Recorded everyday except on the 7 th. 47. Spotted Redshank tringa erythropus. Recorded at Liminganlahti Marsh on 2 nd, Kempeleenlahi Bay the 3 rd and Vuotunki on the 6 th. 8

9 48. Redshank Tringa totanus. Seen on 2 nd, 3rd and 6 th. 49. Greenshank Tringa nebularia. Recorded on 5 dates. 50. Wood Sandpiper Tringa galareola. In the Oulu area it was only recorded at Liminganlahti Marsh on the 2 nd, whilst in Kuusamo it was seen at many locations. 51. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus. One showed in flight and briefly on the ground at a restricted site near Oulu on the 2 nd and was unfortunately our only record. 52. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos. Seen everyday except on the 7 th. 53. Red-necked Phalarope Phalarobus lobatus. One was seen distantly at Vuotunki Lake on the 6 th. 54. Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus. A single pale phase bird was an unexpected find on the 6 th while in Kuusamo. 55. Little Gull Larus minutus. Seen at Latva-Juurikka Lake & Vihtasalmi Lake on the 4 th, with several pairs nesting at the latter site, also seen on the 6 th at Vuotunki Lake. 56. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus. Seen in both areas visited. 57. Common Gull Larus canus. Present in both areas visited, usually in good numbers. 58. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus. Only seen on the 3 rd & 5 th. 59. Herring Gull Larus argentatus. Only record on 4 th & 6 th while in Kuusamo. 60. Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Small numbers present in both areas visited. 61. Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea. Only present while in the Oulu area, with several pairs breeding. 62. Little Tern Sterna albifrons. Only recorded on the 1 st & 3 rd at Kempeleenlahi Bay, Oulu. 63. Wood Pigeon Columba pablumbus. Recorded on four dates in both areas visited. 64. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus. Recorded on five dates from both areas visited. 9

10 65. Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum. One was present at a nest site on the 2 nd. After a long wait the female appeared at the nest hole which was an old woodpecker hole in a silver birch. 66. Ural Owl Strix uralensis. On the 3 rd we visited a nest site where the birds had chosen to use a nest box. A single juvenile was showing well on arrival and after a brief search of the nearby trees an adult ( female ) was located. 67. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus. Seen on three dates while in Oulu, not recorded while in Kuusamo. 68. Tengmalm's Owl Aegolius funereus. On the evening of the 1 st we where taken to a nest close to our Hotel where on arrival an adult was on show peering out the nest box, see image on back cover. 69. Common Swift Apus apus. Present in both areas visited. 70. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major. Recorded on four dates, with the majority of records while in the Kuusamo area. 71. Three-toed Woodpecker picoides tridactylus. A pair including this male was seen well at a nest site on the 2 nd, elsewhere a male was watched for some time on the 5 th while in Kuusamo. 72. Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius. One was heard calling on the 1 st near Oulu. A male showed well at a nest site on the 3rd at Kiiminki. 73. Wryneck Jyx torquilla. A singing male showed well near Vartti Siikajoki on the 3 rd. 74. Skylark Alaunda arvensis. Small numbers were present on three dates while in the Oulu area. 75. Sand Martin Riparia riparia. Recorded on three dates. 76. Swallow Hirundo rustica. Small numbers were seen daily. 77. House Martin Delichon urbica. Only seen while in Kuusamo, where twowere noted on the 5 th & 6 th. 78. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis. Present in both areas visited. 10

11 79. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis. Two on the 3 rd was the only record. 80. White Wagtail Motacilla alba. Small numbers were seen daily. 81. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. Small numbers were seen while in Oulu, with no sightings while in Kuusamo. 82. Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus. Three were present on a Forrest clearing near Kuusamo on the 5 th. 83. Dipper Cinclus cinclus. A single juvenile was seen on the 6 th near Kuusamo. 84. Dunnock Prunella modularis. The only record was a male heard singing on the 6 th near Kuusamo. 85. Robin Erithacus rubecula. Singing birds where heard on the 2 nd & 6 th. 86. Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia. One was heard singing on the 2 nd just south of Oulu. 87. Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus. A single male was located singing from the top of a pine on the 5 th. 88. Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus. First recorded in the grounds of hotel Vihiluoto at Oulu, seen regular thereafter. 89. Whinchat Saxicola Robetra. Single birds were recorded on the 2 nd, 3 rd and 6 th. 90. Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe. Recorded on three dates. 91. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris. Small numbers recorded daily. 92. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos. Only recorded on the 1 st & 2 nd while in Oulu. 93. Redwing Turdus iliacus. Small numbers recorded daily. 94. Mistle Thrush Turdus merula. Seen on the 5 th & 6 th while in Kuusamo, not recorded in Oulu. 95. Blackbird Turdus merula. Only recorded on the 1 st. 96. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum. Seen on four dates, all while in the Oulu area. 11

12 97. Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia. One male was heard singing from an area of scrub and eventually showed well on the 3 rd. 98. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin. Heard singing on three dates while in Oulu. 99. Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita. Birds were noted singing from both areas visited Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus. The commonest warbler species, recorded daily in good numbers Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides. A singing male showed well at the Syote National Park on the 4 th Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis. One was seen briefly at Latva-Juurikka near Taivalkoski on the 4 th Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata. Recorded on four dates from both areas visited Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. First recorded in the grounds of hotel Vihiluoto at Oulu, seen most days thereafter Willow Tit Parus montanus. The only record was one at Vuotunki on the 6 th Siberian Tit Parus cinctus. A pair was seen very well as they fed young in a nest box on the 6 th Blue Tit Parus caeruleus. Only recorded while in Oulu Great Tit Parus major. Seen on three dates, from both areas visited Treecreeper Certhia familiaris. Only recorded on the 4 th & 6 th Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio. Single males were seen south of Oulu on the 2 nd & 3 rd Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor. The only record was one seen on a forest clearing near Kuusamo on the 5 th Jay Garrulus glandarius. Seen on the 2 nd & 6 th Siberian Jay Perisoreus infaustus. A pair showed very well just a short drive from Kuusamo on the 5 th before moving further into the forest. On the 6 th another pair was located in a roadside lay-by at Valtavaara, again allowing close views. 12

13 114. Magpie Pica pica. Seen daily Jackdaw Corvus monedula. Common, seen daily Rook Corvus frugilegus. Only recorded while in the Oulu area Hooded Crow Corvus cornix. Common, seen daily in both areas visited Raven Corvus corax. Single birds were seen on five dates Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Our only sighting was on the 3 rd House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Recorded on four dates from both areas visited Tree Sparrow Passer montanus. The only sighting was from the visitors centre at Liminganlahti Marsh on the 2 nd, where a pair was using a nest box in the car park Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs. Common, recorded daily Brambling Fringilla montifringilla. Only seen in the Kuusamo area. The best site was the Syote National Park where several males were singing on the 4 th, also recorded on the 5 th & 6 th Greenfinch Carduelis chloris. Our only record was one seen on the 2 nd Siskin Carduelis spinus. Seen on three dates while in the Kuusamo area Linnet Carduelis cannabina. The only sighting was one on the 3 rd Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea. Single birds were seen on the 5 th & 6 th while in Kuusamo Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra. The first sighting was at Karinkanta when a group of c20 flew over while waiting for the Pygmy Owl to show on the 2 nd. Elsewhere a single male was seen on the 3 rd, with c15 the following day Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus. Only recorded while in the Oulu area, with the best site being the grounds of the Hotel Vihiluoto where upon arrival on a male could be heard singing from the willow scrub surrounding the lake. A total of three males were present in the same area. 13

14 130. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula. Four were using the feeders as we ate lunch at Livaara on the 5 th Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella. Small numbers were recorded while in the Oulu area. Not recorded while in Kuusamo Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus. Small numbers were present in both areas visited Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla. Only seen on the 6 th, when a total of four were seen during our day in the Kuusamo area, however the best sighting was a male seen well beside a busy road at Kokkopera. 14

15 OTHERS As well as birds there were also many other interesting species noted, amongst the mammals were several Reindeer, a few roadside Elk (Moose) as well as Red Squirrel and Arctic Hare. There were also a few species of butterflies seen, perhaps more than normal owing to the exceptionally warm weather throughout the tour. The highlights of these were several Camberwell Beauty and this Violet Copper. IMAGES All images courtesy of Dave Read. 15

16 LANIUS BIRD TOURS 17 Denman Close, Retford, Notts. DN22 7QG tel mobile or visit 16