. . Lintuharrastajan päiväkirja Birders diary . .

We met Gavin in Foula trip and we already discussed then that when he comes to Finland we will show his target birds for him. I had chance to go birding with Gavin and Sharon for 3 days. Firs we went to see Ural and Tengmalm´s Owls. After heavy dinner we were ready to go to sleep. Alarm clock wake us up before sunrise. We visited several birding sites good for night singers and after sun rice we searched birds that are most active during mornings. We heard and saw many Blyth’s Reed Warblers, Thrush nightingales, pair of White-backed Woodpeckers, Icterine warbler and many more common birds. Forest birding produced huge male Capercaillie, Hazel grouses and Red-breasted Flycatcher. Temperature rose up to 28°C and we were ready to sleep.

After sleeping several hours we woke up to continue our journey towards North-Karelia. On the way we stopped in Pohjanranta bird tower and our good field areas. Gavin was happy to see 3 Hen Harriers on their breeding field. We stopped also in good tall forest were Great Grey Owl female was laying besides its nestling. Temperature was very high and we were wondering what rarities this wind might bring.

In Värtsilä we made stop on Great Snipe lecking area. These birds did not show up in middle of afternoon, but we saw very nice and tame Ruff on same field. We arrived to Kitsi late in the evening in same time when cold front arrived with some rain showers. Our accommodation was in nice old rustic school building.

In morning Sharon continued sleeping white I and Gavin left to forest birding. We arrived Hemminvaara hill before sun rise. Three Toed Woodpeckers had started incubating and thus they were silent, but Greenish warbler, Red Flancked bluetail and several Red-breasted Flycatchers were singing nicely.

After our lunch time breakfast we decided to go walking in Patvinsuo National park. Crazy Willow Grouse did not show up even with shoe attrapp. There was lots of waders calling along the wooden trail and adder laying on trail. Back in Kitsi we had very good Elk stew as dinner and after we were ready to sleep.

Bog-Rosemary was flowering everywhere in Patvinsuo National park.


Next morning our target location was Autiovaara trail in very good old growth forest. Weather was not very good so we walked this trail almost twice. There was several Red-Breasted flycatchers, Bluetail, other forest birds and only couple of times drumming Three-toed Woodpecker.

After Autiovaara Gavin and Sharon left towards Martinselkonen, to see bears and Hawk Owls. I came back home from Joensuu.

H.A.