Trip Report : Kuusamo, Finland, June 11-19, 2005
Participants: Maija & Kai Suomela
We started
the trip from our home in Espoo on Friday, June 10th. Drove to our summer
cottage in Kesälahti, Eastern Finland (
We
continued on the following morning towards Kuusamo by driving first to Joensuu
. There we stopped to twitch a Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) which
had been found a few days earlier.
We then
continued to Nurmes and Kuhmo, see www.kuhmo.fi.
The nearby Elimyssalo National Park is known as a good place for Rustic Bunting
(Emberiza rustica), Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) and even the Red-flanked
Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus). However, we had no time to visit Elimyssalo and
continued north to Lentiira, Raatteen Portti and finally Kuusamo. We arrived at
Ruka after
For Kuusamo
see www.kuusamo.fi, for accommodation www.rantasipi.fi and birding www.kuusamobirds.net
. For general information, maps etc. visit the Information Centre “Karhuntassu”
easily found in the city of Kuusamo ( www.kuusamo.fi/matkailu
).
We used the
Kuusamo Tourist Map 1:100.000 published in 2003.
The idea
was to prepare for the Kuusamo Birdrace the following week-end June 17th-18th.
Sunday, June 12th
The whole
day was used to visit Eastern Kuusamo. From Ruka to Vuotunki and to a small
village Määttälänvaara where a Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) had been
found the same day.
The bird
was easily found and it became a popular bird during the week, although many
birders had to wait for several hours to see it. Driving all the way to Riekki
close to the Russian border and then around the lake Suininki is always
interesting and rewarding. This area is good for the Little Bunting (Emberiza
pusilla). This year the Short-Eared Owl
(Asio flammeus) was particularly numerous and easily seen also during the day.
We also
visited the Antinperä birdwatching tower in the Ruka region. This place is good
for waders; Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) and Jack Snipe
(Lymnocryptes minimus).
Monday, June 13th
The day was
spent in the Northern parts of Kuusamo, the Oulanka National Park. North from
Ruka to Käylä and then to Kiutaköngäs, Jäkälänmutka and Liikasenvaara.
Kiutaköngäs is always a good place for Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) and Grey
Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea). The Café
Neidonkenkä in Liikasenvaara is a must. Good food/coffee is available as well
as news and gossips about the local birds. Also the flower “neidonkenkä”
(Calyposo bulbosa) can be found behind the Café.
Oulanka is
good for Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) and the birds of prey, particularly
the Golden Eagle (Acquila chrysaetos) which breeds in the area.
Tuesday, June 14th
The day was
spent in the area of the city of Kuusamo. The lakes Toranki and
Kuusamojärvi must always be checked
carefully. They might produce Red-throated and Black-throated Divers (Gavia
stellata, Gavia arctica), Long-tailed Ducks (Clancula hyemalis) and occasional
Greater Scaups (Aythya marila).
Close to
the church we foud to our surprise a pair of Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus
lagopus).
Wednesday, June 15th
Started by
visiting Iivaara, some 35km south-east from the city of Kuusamo.A path from the
parking place leads all the way up to the hill. Iivaara is always good for the much sought-after Red-flanked Bluetail
(Tarsiger cyanurus). On the eastern side of the hill some
Thursday, June 16th
Started the
morning with a walk in the Ruka area close to the hotel. A Greenish Warbler
(Phylloscopus trochiloides) was actively singing and remained there for many
days. Also a Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) earlier found by other birders
was seen in a modest stream close to the
hotel.
We also
visited shortly the Valtavaara / Konttainen area. This is the place for
Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus) and other Kuusamo specialities. The
parking place between Valtavaara and Konttainen
is a popular meeting place for birders during the early morning hours.
Latest birding news can always be heard here.
Friday, June 17th – Saturday, June
18th the 22nd Kuusamo
Birdrace.
Our team www.bilia.fi (see also www.bilia.fi for good quality cars…) managed to
see during the 24 hour race 117 species which gave us a decent 8th
place among the 27 participating teams. For results see www.birdlife.fi. 158 species were seen during the race by the
competing teams.
During our
stay (and what I saw during the race) we
saw a total of 124 species in Kuusamo. This summer added one new species to our
lists, the Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros). My lists includes now 180 and
my wife’s 170 species. For myself it was the 17th birdrace in
Kuusamo.
The weather
during the week was excellent. We only got rain for 1 hour and that was
naturally during the Race. Warmest day was +
Sunday, June 19th
We drove
back to Espoo the shortest way:
Kuusamo-Kajaani-Iisalmi-Kuopio-Mikkeli-Lahti-Espoo. Total of
Kai Suomela
List of species seen (total 124 species):
To see pictures, go to “Birds” page.
Whooper Swan (Cygnus Cygnus)
Common and
widespread.
Bean Goose (Anser fabalis)
Difficult
to find. A couple of birds here and there.
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)
Common and
widespread
Teal (Anas crecca)
Common
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Common
Pintail (Anas acuta)
Rare, only
a few birds seen.
Garganey (Anas querquedula)
Very rare,
one male seen.
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
Common and
widespread
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
3 birds in
lake Kuusamojärvi on 14th
Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra)
One female
on 16th in lake Kitka
Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca)
Common
Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
Common and
widespread
Smew (Mergus albellus)
Common
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
Scarce but
still easily found in rivers and lakes.
Goosander (Mergus merganser)
Scarce,
more difficult to find that the Read-breasted.
Hazel Grouse (Bonasia bonasia)
Scarce; found in Valtavaara and Konttainen
Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
Difficult
to find. We found one pair in the city close to the church.
Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix)
Fairly
common. Easily heard during the night.
Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
Difficult.
One bird seen in the Konttainen area.
Black-throated Diver (Gavia arctica)
Relatively
common in the big lakes.
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
Scarce. A
few pairs in the lake Toranki.
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps griseigena)
Relatively
common. Easily found in the lakes around the city of Kuusamo.
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Scarce. One
bird seen on 17th.
White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla)
A few pairs
breed in Kuusamo. One old bird seen on 13th close to lake Suininki.
Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
Scarce. One
female seen on 17th close to Vuotunki.
Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
Single
birds almost every day.
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
One seen on
17th.
Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
One seen on
the 17th in Eastern Kuusamo.
Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus)
One seen on
17th in Eastern Kuusamo.
Golden Eagle (Acquila chrysaetos)
One bird
seen in Oulanka on 13th
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Single
birds daily
Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Single
birds here and there
Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
Only one
bird on 17th in the Vuotunki area.
Common Crane (Grus grus)
17 birds
close to Säynäjä on 13th.
Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
Scarce; one
on 17th close to Vuotunki.
Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)
Relatively
common; easily seen on shores close to the city of Kuusamo.
Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)
Two birds
in South Kuusamo, Irni on 11th
Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
Scarce;
single birds in Vuotunki area.
Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus)
Difficult
to find. One bird in Kiurusuo on 18th.
Ruff (Philomacus pugnax)
This year
relatively scarce. One bird in Antinperä on 17th.
Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)
One in
Antinperä on 17th.
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
Relatively
common in right habitat.
Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)
Seems to
become more common. Birds seen also during the day.
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
Common.
Curlew (Numenius arquata)
Common.
Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus)
A few birds
in Antinperä on 17th.
Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Relatively
common.
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)
Single
birds every day.
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Common and
widespread.
Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Common.
Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)
Two birds
in Antinperä on 17th.
Little Gull (Larus minutus)
Common and
widespread. Over a thousand were seen in the lake Toranki.
Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)
Common.
Mew Gull (Larus canus)
Common.
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)
Relatively
common.
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
Common.
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Common and
widespread.
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisae)
Common and
widespread.
Rock Dove (Columba livia)
Easily
found in the city of Kuusamo
Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
Common
Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
Common.
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
This year
easily found, also during the day.
Tengmalm’s Owl (Aegolius funereus)
Scarce. One
in the Vuotunki area on 18th.
Common Swift (Apus apus)
Common
Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)
One on 17th
in Eastern Kuusamo.
Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
One on 18th
in Valtavaara.
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major)
Common.
Skylark (Alauda arvensis)
Scarce;
singing birds in Vuotunki.
Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)
Common.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Common.
House Martin (Delichon urbica)
Common.
Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis)
Relatively
common
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)
Common.
Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)
Common.
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
One male
close to Ruka during the whole week.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
Common.
Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
Relatively
common.
Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)
Easily
found in Oulanka/Kiutaköngäs and Vuotunki/Jyrkänkoski.
Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
One in
Valtavaara on 18th.
Dunnock (Prunella modularis)
One in
Valtavaara on 18th.
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Relatively
common.
Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica)
One singing
bird on 14th close to Nissinvaara.
Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus)
One singing
male on 15th in Iivaara (see picture). Normally easily found in Valtavaara or
Konttainen.
Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)
One
male in Määttälänvaara on 12th
and during the weak. Rare visitor in Kuusamo and first time seen during the
Birdrace.
Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)
Common and
widespread. A typical bird for Kuusamo.
Winchat (Saxicola rubetra)
Common.
Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
Scarce.
Only a few birds seen during the week.
Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris)
Common.
Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
Common.
Redwing (Turdus iliacus)
Common.
Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)
Relatively
common.
Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)
Relatively
common in proper habitat.
Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)
Scarce but
still easily heard.
Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides)
Very scarce
but still seen every year. One singing bird during the whole week close to
Ruka. Normally Valtavaara and Konttainen are good for this species.
Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis)
Very
scarce; migrating birds arriving normally during this week. One popular bird
was singing the whole week in Matosuo. One singing bird in Naatikkavaara on 14th.
Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Scarce. One
singing on 13th in the Ruka area.
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
Common and
widespread.
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
One in
Valtavaara on 18th.
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)
Common.
Pied Flycatcher (Muscicapa hypoleuca)
Common.
Willow Tit (Parus montanus)
Scarce.
Single birds seen/heard in several places.
Siberian Tit (Parus cinctus)
One feeding
bird seen on 18th.
Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)
One seen in
the city of Kuusamo.
Great Tit (Parus major)
Relatively
common.
Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris)
One in
Valtavaara on 18th.
Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
One seen in
the Vuotunki area.
Jay (Garrulus
glandarius)
Scarce.
Only a few birds seen during the week.
Siberian Jay
(Perisoreus infaustus)
Typical for
Kuusamo but not always easy to find. Valtavaara/Konttainen is one of the best
places to see the bird.
Common Magpie (Pica pica)
Common and
widespread.
Hooded Crow (Corvus corone)
Common and
widespread.
Raven (Corvus corax)
Common.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Common.
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
Common and
widespread.
Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)
Common.
Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris)
Relatively
common.
Siskin (Carduelis spinus)
Common and
widespread.
Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea)
Relatively
common.
Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
Common
particularly in the Oulanka area.
Rosefinch (Carpodachus erythrinus)
Relatively
common.
Bullfinch (Pyrrhyla pyrrhula)
Scarce.
Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)
Common.
Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica)
Typical for
Kuusamo but normally breeding birds have stopped to sing at this time of June.
With good luck can be heard in proper habitat. Oulanka area and Ruka-Valtavaara
area are good for Rustic Bunting.
Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla)
Easier to
find than Rustic Bunting. Normally still singing at this time of the year.
Vuotunki area is good for Little Bunting.
Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)
Relatively
common.