Photograph some of the most fascinating birds of Finland

Hectic spring in Finland brings a lot of opportunities for bird photographers. Many summer migrants are arriving back to their breeding grounds and local birds start nesting again. Nature is filled with life! During these photography excursions we photograph interesting birds such as Owls, Woodpeckers, Grouse and summer migrants such as Slavonian Grebe. These excursions are particularly designed for photography and we will stay longer in each site. The aim is not to see as many birds as possible but to enjoy relaxed photography of some of the most fascinating birds in Finland.

Finnature’s competent guides work hard in advance to find the birds and promising territories of any interesting species. For instance, Owls are well known to be difficult to find without guiding and precise instructions for location. By joining a small group you get to photograph interesting species and a small group setting with a knowledgeable guide will minimize the disturbance to breeding birds. Excursions take place in the evening so we can make the most out of the beautiful evening lights.

Excursion takes a maximum of 8 hours and there will be moderate walks. Transportation is provided by a minibus and Finnature guide as a driver. Departure will be realized at minimum of 3 persons. Maximum group size is 4 persons.

Target species

Great Grey Owl, Ural Owl, Hawk Owl, Short-eared Owl, Long-eared Owl, Boreal Owl and Pygmy Owl, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Black Grouse, Hazel Grouse, Slavonian Grebe and Ortolan Bunting.

Unfortunately we cannot guarantee any of the species, but our expert Finnature guides do their utmost to ensure photography. Owls, for example, show large fluctuations in breeding that correlate with vole population cycles from year to year. Also, spring time in Finland is a hectic season for birds and different birds are easier to see at different times of the breeding season. For example, Grouse are typically more common and easier in the early season. On the other hand, some song birds, especially the so-called night-singers, arrive later in the season. Photography excursions do not include any hide photography.

Set departures for 2023:

• 19.5.2023 at 16.00hrs – FULLY BOOKED
• 26.5.2023 at 16.00hrs – FULLY BOOKED
• 2.6.2023 at 16.00hrs – FULLY BOOKED
• 9.6.2023 at 16.00hrs

Price: 380 € / person

Meeting point: Airport Hotel Vihiluoto

Price includes:

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

Special conditions

Please note that these excursions are particularly designed for photography. We will spend more time in the locations and focus on fewer bird species than on birdwatching excursions. Typically we will visit 3-4 different sites during the photography excursion. We do not aim to see as many species as possible. We do not combine photographers and birdwatchers on same excursions. If you are interested in seeing more bird species, we warmly recommend our Guided birdwatching excursions in Oulu and in Kuusamo.

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 photographer and do not pass the information onwards.

Interested in other photography opportunities?

It is easy to add a photography hide session or two to our guided photography excursion! For example, a visit to our Ruff hide or Eagle Owl hide near Oulu can be easily arranged. If you are interested in wildlife photography, we can choose the best sites from our local partners for Brown Bear, Wolf and Wolverine photography. Ask for more information from our office at info@finnature.fi!

Check our Flickr gallery:

For more information about Oulu region visitoulu.fi