Finnish Focus on Great Grey Owl

Great Grey Owl (or Lapland Owl if you believe such things) is arguably the jewel in the crown of Finnish birding.

There are few birds which top the most wanted list for visitors to the country.

My first Great Grey Owl came over a decade ago on the grounds of an old mansion in Espoo. I was blown away by just how incredible a bird it was with what I termed at the time "It's fluffy paws of death".

Gandalfs as I call them, are rare birds down south Finland, always drawing a crowd when one pops up and becomes reliable (most of the time if one is found, it's not seen subsequently).

Great Grey Owl - Traskanda

Great Grey Owl - Matinkylä, Espoo

This bird was by far the most unusual I have seen in that it was found in mid June. Truly bizarre this far south at that time of year.

It was an incredible bit if good fortune for my dad, who was staying with us the week after my wedding.

Whilst several friends were off along the eastern border enjoying Finnish specialities, which included Great Grey Owl, Don managed this amazing grab back in style, with this bird appearing just a couple of hundred meters from the in laws, where we were gathered for a BBQ anyway. A lifer mega owl and a slap up meal. That's just how we roll.

Great Grey Owl - Malmi Cemetery, Helsinki

Great Grey Owl - Röylä, Espoo

This bird attracted lots of admirers, due to it's choice of nice open fields to hunt, from obvious perches suchs as telephone wires and solitary trees. Staying a few days was also helpful! What an absolute beauty.

It's now been a few years since I have seen a Gandalf and I have to say, I am craving one badly. Still time for one to pop up before spring hits proper, so fingers crossed.