Guided Excursions in Kuusamo 2011

Description

During guided birdwatching excursion we aim to find interesting species in Kuusamo region such as owls, woodpeckers, grouse species. For instance owls as is well known are difficult to be found without precise instructions for location and guiding. Knowledgeable guides work hard to find the birds and promising territories of any interesting species in advance. By joining a small group you get to see interesting species. A small group setting with competent guide will minimize human disturbance to breeding birds.

Excursion takes a minimum of 8 hours and there will be moderate walks. Transportation will be provided by a minibus that takes 7 persons and Kuusamo Birding guide as a driver. Departure will be realized at minimum 3 persons.

Outdoor snacks will also be provided on excursion; coffee/ tea, a light sandwich and pastry snack, fruits and water. Please advise your possible food allergies and special dietary requirements when booking your excursion.

Target species

E.g. Red-flanked Bluetail, Rustic Bunting, Little Bunting, Two-barred Crossbill, Siberian Jay and Siberian Tit, Hawk Owl, Tengmalm´s Owl, Capercaillie, Willow Grouse, Hazel Hen and Black Grouse.

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

Special conditions

Please notice that maps or GPS devices are not allowed to be used on these excursions. In order to control the disturbance for the nest sites, you are allowed to visit the nest sites only with Finnature guides.

Please also notice that the nestsite location is not public information and while signing in to join our excursions, you agree that you will not pass the information onwards.This is purely the safety matter and is essential for the welfare of the breeding owls!

Every year we will put up many new nestboxes to the new sites in Finnish forests, so by joining in to our excursions you are actually helping Finnish birds! 

There are no special physical requirements for straneous efforts. If you have a health problem or other physical limitation, please advise us in detail.

We recommend to bring your telescope and binoculars with you. Warmer wind and waterproof clothing is essential. We recommend to dress in layers, because it can be quite chilly during the early hours in the morning. Sturdy, rubber-soled hiking boots are recommended.

These excursions are particularly designed for birdwatching and photography is difficult during excursions because it takes more time. There are separate sites for photographers and we kindly ask you to contact Finnature office regarding photography tours. We do not combine birdwatchers and photographers on the same excursions because photographers wish to stay longer on one site.

Set departures in Kuusamo for 2011

Price includes

Guiding and transportation for a minimum of 8 hours and light outdoor snacks.

Collect your own group

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

Meeting point

Sokos Hotel Kuusamo reception in Kuusamo town
Address: Kirkkotie 23, 93600 KUUSAMO
Tel: +358 (0)20 1234 693
Kuusamo Birding guide Olli Lamminsalo,
mobile phone number +358 500 501706

Booking for birdwatching excursion in Kuusamo 2010

Methods of payment

1. If you wish to pay by credit card, please fax your credit card details to +358 8 381 914 or call to +358 45 129 4264. In this case please advise credit card number, expiry date / year and security number (three last digits/numbers from back side of your card where your signature is)
2. Bank transfer is possible. When payment will be settled by either of the above methods, you will receive electronic Confirmation of order by e-mail. Please take your Confirmation of order with you.
3. Payment is possible in cash on site.

Terms and conditions of booking

The excursion should be booked and the balance for it must be paid latest 7 days before the excursion is due to commence. If the minimum group size requirement of 3 persons on set guided excursion won´t be realized, the particular excursion will be cancelled. You can change the excursion to another set day, if your provisionally booked departure won´t materialize. If any of the alternative dates won´t suit you, your payment you have made to Finnature will be reimbursed in full.

In the event of you canceling excursion that you have already paid Finnature has the right to retain 30 euros cancellation fee.