24th May to 29th May

Background Information- Location

• Leader- Andy Hirst +447947 068125 & local guide Ari Latja
• Focus- Various woodland habitats for mainly Owl species, including Hawk, Eagle, Great Grey, Tengmalm's and Pygmy. But of course we will also be looking for Siberian Tit and Siberian Jay as well as raptors and other woodland species.
• Habitats- Mainly woodlands, but no doubt including some of the many lakes& bays in the area.
• Climate/ Weather- Should be very pleasant at this time of year although it can be changable, although, as at home prepare for any weather conditions. We will experience 20+ hours daylight a day.
• Transport- Will be in a 9 seat mini bus, plus a 4 door saloon. Transport is very expensive here, so we might be cozy.
• Accommodation- We have b+b accommodation booked in several lodges, centres and towns. We will probably return to these for our main meals.
• Food- Staying in b+b accommodation, breakfast will be provided. This will probably vary from cold meat buffets to cereals etc...
• Pace- Will be fairly relaxed as we undertake walks of several miles through woodlands. The days will be long, with some very early mornings and late finishes, to take advantage of our short stay and maximise the 20+ hours of daylight.
• Daily Routine- Up very early for pre-breakfast birding. Return for breakfast, then out for the day. Lunch in a local town, or centre, then out for the remainder of the day returning for an evening meal. We will probably go out after the meal for a couple of hours.
• Recommended Reading- TBA
• Maps- TBA

For previous tour reports- please go to the Tour Reports Page, for reports and species lists

Background Information- Travel

• Weight Allowance- Flight/ hand Luggage- 20kg hold luggage, carry on luggage: 8kg- 56cm x 45cm x 25cm
• Travel Arrangements/ Pick-up- We will probably arrange a taxi minibus to take our party to London. This will be on top of the tour price as it's extra. The tour starts and finishes at the airport. 04:00 from Dinnington, 04:10 from Anston crossroads.
• Currency/ Requirements- Finland uses the Euro so you will need enough to buy lunches and evening meals for the duration of the tour. Please bear in mind Finland is an expensive country, so you will need at least £30-£40 a day to cover these.
• Passport / Visa Requirements- A valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining on day of return) will be required. Visas are not necessary for EU nationals.
• Health Requirements- A valid European Health Insurance Card is needed should you require medical attention. This is the replacement for the E111 we used to have. Apply at the Post Office if you don't have one already.
• Special Equipment- A first aid kit will be available at all times. I will also be taking a an Ipod with all the bird songs and calls of Europe installed. A top quality Fluorite 82mm telescope with 30x eyepiece will also be freely available to use.
• Clothing- Early mornings and evening might be nippy- the days should be pleasant, but it can rain, so warm, waterproof outer layers and a warm thermal mid layers, plus t shirts etc... should be taken. Wellies won't be required, but comfortable waterproof boots will be.
• Nuisances- Scandinavia is famous for it quantity of Mosquitos. They emerge in mid June, long after we have returned. Although if it's exceptionally mild they may emerge earlier, so proprietary insect repellent containing DEET is the most effective and should be taken.

Useful equipment check list