17 days spend in north-eastern Finland close to Kuusamo. My first birding-holiday I have ever planned, key species was the red-flanked Bluetail, which I found(first winter bird) in Germany the previous autumn and could not believe the beauty of the depicted male in literature. So I went to the closest breeding habitat and enjoyed this stunning male for hours and days. Other Siberian species where also seen, except the three-toed woodpecker which I repeatedly missed during this stay. Owl photography was organised by "Finnature" and I admit that pictures showing breeding birds are always a bit off, but personally what I felt during those moments in the hides like I caused little disturbance.
Spring bloom was fabulous!
Pine Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeak
Siberian Tit
Common sight in northern Finland, Sandpiper on trees.
Siberian Jay
Willow Ptarmigan
Willow Ptarmigan
Red-flanked Bluetail
Red-flanked Bluetail
Red-flanked Bluetail
Red-flanked Bluetail
Red-flanked Bluetail
Red-flanked Bluetail
Common Merganser
Spring turned to full-on Summer within days.
Red Squirrel
Siskin
Hawk Owl
Hawk Owl
Hawk Owl
Hawk Owl
Hawk Owl
DPP_04378.JPG
Siberian Jay
Siberian Jay
Hawk Owl
Great Grey Owl
Great Grey Owl
Reindeer
Boreal Owl Chick
DPP_04390.JPG
Boreal Owl
Boreal Owl
Hawk Owl
Hawk Owl
Black Grouse
Black Grouse
Hawk Owl
Hawk Owl
Hawk Owl
Hawk Owl
Red-flanked Bluetail
Red-flanked Bluetail
Last shot on the last day of the Red-flanked Bluetail, what an amazing bird and journey!