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Level of fitness required
low
two full nights in eagle owl hides, low ruff hides
Possible inconveniences
During this trip we will visit two places in Finland that offer the opportunity to photograph some extremely unique species: Ruff and Eagle Owl.
Ruffs are famous for the colorful plumage of the males, each of which has a unique and unrepeatable pattern. Males demonstrate their charms best during courtship and mating fights, which we can witness ourselves. We will photograph these birds from hides placed on the edge of vast floodplains. Ruffs and other waders like to visit the shallows, feed there and have their leks there.
The Eagle Owl is the largest European owl, rare and difficult to observe, as it is active mainly at night. In the place we will visit, the eagle owl is a regular and poses in front of the hide at a distance of about 20 m. Since it visits here mainly at night, the place is lit with a constant LED light, allowing photography without the use of flashes. Two camping caravans (heated, with WC) have been adapted here for the hides, so they are comfortable enough to survive the whole night in them.
Expected bird species: Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Gull and Black-headed Gull, Eagle Owl, Goshawk
Details about this tour can be sent on request!
Photos in the gallery: Marek Kosinski, May 2024
sunrise: 3.45; sunset: 22.45
Day 1 – flight to Oulu, hotel check-in, dinner, transfer to the Eagle Owl hide, overnight stay in the hide
Day 2 – morning departure from the hide, transfer to the hotel, breakfast, break during the day, lunch, after lunch transfer to the Eagle Owl hide, overnight stay in the hide
Day 3 – morning departure from the hide, transfer to the hotel, breakfast, break during the day, lunch, after lunch transfer to the Ruff hide; we stay in the hide until late evening and return to the hotel for the night,
Day 4 – early morning session in the Ruff hide, return to the hotel for breakfast, break during the day, lunch, after lunch transfer to the Ruff hide; we stay in the hide until late evening and return to the hotel for the night,
Day 5 - early morning session in the Ruff hide, return to the hotel for breakfast, transfer to the airport in Oulu, flights
Note! Overnight in Ruff hides possible but in this case bringing your own sleeping bag is necessary!
payment:
Included in the price
Not included in the price
15-19 May 2025
Available dates
Finland, Oulu area
Location
ruff, waders, curlew, eagle owl, goshawk, from hides
min 5, max 6
Number of participants
Tour leader/Guide
Marek Kosiński
hotel near Oulu, twin/double and singles rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Accommodation
breakfast in the hotel, lunch and dinner in local restaurants
Meals
Recommended equipment
minibus
Transportation