Finland and Norway - The Drive East

We headed east towards Kuusamo through a typical landscape of Pine forest and lakes. We made frequent stops searching likely habitat for Rustic Bunting, Hazelhen and Red flanked Bluetail all of which eluded us but there were plenty of other birds to enjoy, including Greenish warbler, Waxwing, Osprey, Smew, Common Crane and Taiga Bean goose. Wood Sandpipers became regular features of the boggy terrain as they displayed and called high up in the clear blue skies. It was an early start the next day though that proved to be particularly rewarding. The early morning drive right up to the Russian border zone produced amazing views of Hazelhen, and male and female Capercaille, as well as Little Bunting, Velvet Scoter, Red necked Grebe and Siberian Tit.

Siberian Tit

Honey Buzzard

Honey Buzzard

Hazelhen, thru the bus window!

Capercaille

Capercaille

Dotterel

Red necked Grebe

The next day started early to have another crack at Red flanked Bluetail before the long drive to Ivalo. A steep climb up a wooded hillside was eventually rewarded with views of a singing Red flanked Bluetail with the added bonus of Siberian Jay. Every lake had something of interest as we continued north, with Little Gulls, and Arctic terns in perpetual motion taking insects from the surface. Black throated Divers glided gracefully over the water and a variety of Ducks decorated the fringe areas.

Little Gull

Little Gull

Little Gull

Black throated Diver

Black throated Diver