Guided birdwatching excursion in Kuusamo (2021)

Eastern and northern bird specialities in one day

During our guided birdwatching excursions we aim to find interesting species in Kuusamo region such as owls, eastern and northern passerines, and grouse species. For instance, owls are particularly difficult to find without a local guide and precise instructions. Our knowledgeable guides work hard in advance to find the birds and promising territories of any interesting species. By joining a small group you get to see interesting species and a small group setting with a competent guide will also minimize disturbance to the breeding birds.

The excursion takes a maximum of 8 hours and there will be moderate walks. Transportation is provided by a minibus and Kuusamo Birding guide as a driver. Departure will be realized at minimum of 3 persons.

Target species

Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Hawk Owl, Boreal Owl, Red-flanked Bluetail, Rustic Bunting, Little Bunting, Capercaillie, Willow Grouse, Hazel Grouse and Black Grouse.

Unfortunately we cannot guarantee any of the species, but our expert local guides will do their utmost to ensure sightings. Owls, for example, show large fluctuations in breeding success that correlate with vole population cycles from year to year. If time allows, we will make stops to search for any uncommon species.

Set departures for 2021:

• 13.5.2021 at 03.00hrs
• 14.5.2021 at 03.00hrs
• 20.5.2021 at 03.00hrs
• 21.5.2021 at 03.00hrs
• 27.5.2021 at 03.00hrs
• 28.5.2021 at 03.00hrs
• 3.6.2021 at 03.00hrs
• 4.6.2021 at 03.00hrs

Price: 260 € /person

Meeting point: Karhuntassu Tourist Centre, Kuusamo

Price includes:

Guiding and transportation for a maximum of 8 hours and hot drinks (coffee or tea) & biscuits during the excursion.

Collect your own group

If you book two of our excursions (in Kuusamo, Oulu and Helsinki) as a group (6 persons) – you will get one free place in both excursions!

Special conditions

Please note that these excursions are particularly designed for birdwatching and photography will be difficult during excursions. Time does not allow for photography: we will not spend extended time on any site and we do not combine birdwatchers and photographers on same excursions. Photographers wish to stay longer at one site and therefore time spent in one site will be away from birdwatching elsewhere and, in that case, some species will most likely be missed. If you are interested in photographing Finnish birds, we kindly ask you to contact Finnature office regarding your wishes. 

Please note that maps or GPS devices are prohibited to use on these excursions. In order to control the disturbance at the nest sites, you are allowed to visit the nest sites only with Finnature guides.

Please also note that you are not allowed to go back to the nest sites on your own and that the nest site locations are not public information. While signing in to join our excursions, you agree that you will not pass the bird site information onwards. This is purely a safety matter and is essential for the welfare of the breeding birds. Please be a considerate birder and do not pass the information onwards.

Check our Flickr gallery for images from Oulu and Kuusamo areas in May – June!