Finland
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Brown Bears, Wolverines, and Boreal Birds
Finland is an extraordinary country, a throwback to an older more wild Europe. It is a land of great evergreen forests, rugged coastlines, shimmering lakes and stunning wildlife. In fact Finland is arguably the best country in Europe to observe Brown Bears and probably the best place in the world to see the enigmatic Wolverine. We will concentrate our efforts on these two species, but we are traveling to Finland in the spring which will find us there at the best time to see owls, lekking grouse species and migrating shorebirds.
We will arrive in Finland’s capital of Helsinki, but will fly to the northern city of Joensuu to begin our adventure. Joensuu is our jumping off point for two very remote areas where we will use specially designed hides to look for Brown Bears and Wolverines. Wolves occasionally show up at both hides and even the mysterious Eurasian Lynx sometimes makes a brief appearance. Being able to observe and photograph these iconic mammals of the north will be a rare and special privilege.
From the mammal hides we will travel to Kuusamo in the midst of the boreal forest where we will search for specialty birds like Willow Ptarmigan, Black Grouse, Capercaille, and boreal songbirds. From Kuusamo will travel west to Oulu and the Baltic Sea. In the areas surrounding Oulu we will explore the forest in search of owls – an incredible seven species breed here. Grouse, woodpeckers and a variety of songbirds are also found in these forests. The seacoast of Oulu is home to a spectacular shorebird migration. We will witness migrating shorebirds and waterfowl at Liminka Bay which is an internationally important wetland reserve. Cranes dancing in the grasslands and Ruffs bedecked in crazy breeding plumage will be among the highlights from Liminka.
EcoQuest Travel proudly invites you to join us as we seek the birds and mammals of Finland.
13-Day Trip Sample Itinerary
THE BIRDS AND MAMALS OF FINLAND
Brown Bears, Wolverines, and Boreal Birds
Day 1 : Home City to US Gateway and on to Helsinki, Finland
Day 2 : Arrival in Helsinki and Transfer to Flight to Joensuu
Days 3 & 4: Lieksa – Wolverine Hides
Days 5 & 6: Viiksimo – Brown Bear Hides
Day 7: Travel to Kuusamo
Days 8 & 9: Kuusamo – Birding the Boreal Forest
Day 9 : Drive to Oulu
Days 11 & 12: Birding Oulu – Forests and Liminka Bay
Day 13: Departure to Helsinki and on to the US
Please note that EcoQuest Travel will make every effort to adhere to this itinerary, but dates, times, activities and prices are subject to change depending on scheduling and availability.
Finland | freeworldmaps.net
