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 inclu...