FINLAND AND WHITE RUSSIA
Brown Bears, Belugas and Birds
Fri 11 July - Fri 18 July 2008
Price: £2345pp
Single Supp: £160pp
Deposit: £500 pp
 
Upon arrival in the north of Finland, we are transported back into a wild land of deep forest and vast expanses of sphagnum bog, where northern specialities abound and we spend the long, light arctic night in a specially designed hide watching foraging Brown Bears. Our journey continues into arctic Russia, and high up to the White Sea, where we explore the enchanting, historical Solovetski archipelago, and enjoy the sight of the threatened white Beluga Whale in the dark blue waters. As well as the variation of wildlife and stunning scenery, we will get a real feel for the tranquility and space of this incredible part of the world.
Along with Beluga and Bears, we hope to encounter imposing Elk in the forests, along with wild forest Reindeer, Canadian Beaver and if we are fortunate enough, the shy and elusive Wolverine can often be seen during the night time vigil. At the coast, we may see Bearded Seal and Ringed Seal, and, of course, there are always birds to see as well...
 
Walking through the mystical, ancient, lichen-clad forests of the Russian borders, with their myriad of bogs, small lakes and fast-flowing burns, we may encounter Rustic and Little Buntings, Scarlet Rosefinch, Waxwing, breeding Fieldfare and Redwing. Common and Parrot Crossbill can be found amongst the commoner tit and finch flocks. Whooper Swans, Red-breasted Mergansers, Smew, Scaup, Common and Velvet Scoters, Goosanders, and Black-throated and Red-throated Divers can be seen on the water, Black and Three-toed Woodpecker, Siberian Jay and Siberian Tit in amongst the trees. Honey Buzzards hunt overhead, along with the more common Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk or Hobby. Capercaillie, Black Grouse and Hazel Grouse can be encountered in the heart of the forests with a little luck and patience. Common Cranes may be found breeding around the plentiful lakes and mires.
At the White Sea, the boggy forests surrounding Solovetski village are home of several pairs of Little Bunting, and the numerous lakes of Solovetski hold plenty of confiding
Red-throated Diver pairs, White-tailed Eagle is a common sight above the islands and large colonies of noisy Arctic Terns are found along the coast. Near Kem, on the mainland, we have a chance of Terek Sandpiper which is a rare breeding species, but we need to be lucky to find one…
This carefully planned trip is designed to maximise our chances of Brown Bears and Beluga Whale, and due to this we unfortunately miss the most active birding season, though you will still enjoy plenty of birding!
 
Price includes: return scheduled flight from London – Oulu via Helsinki, airport taxes, Russian visa, all ground transportation, accommodation in comfortable en-suite hotels and lodges (2 nights at Wild Brown Bear site, Kuhmo, Finland, 1 night at Hotel Prichal, Rabotcheostrovsk near Kem, Russia, 2 nights at Hotel Priut in Solovetski Island, Russia, 1 night at Hotel Prichal, Rabotcheostrovsk near Kem, Russia, and 1 night at Wild Brown Bear site, Kuhmo, Finland in double /twin rooms), all meals, incidental tips, and the services of the leader Harri Taavetti and with more than seven clients Ian Ford or Dave Pullan. Max. 14 clients
Request more detail
in our EXTRA PACK for this holiday
Please note: all itineraries are given as a guide only. Actual
holiday content may vary according to the judgement of your guide, and
elements beyond our control (eg weather).
|
|
