Samuel Bloch
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A Barnacle goose among purple flowers, in Suomenlinna

BEST OF BIRDING IN HELSINKI

Easily accessible from the heart of Helsinki, the best local nature reserves have a lot to offer to the keen birder. Woods, reedbeds, fields and mudflats form a myriad of microhabitats that host countless birds. From the rare Citrine Wagtail to the majestic White-tailed Eagle, from the endearing Horned Grebe to the hectic Common Rosefinch, there are wonders waiting to be discovered!
The main hotspots are Vanhakaupunki, Laajalahti and Suomenoja. They all have their own specificities, but one thing for sure is that they have birds, and they are easy to explore through paths, boardwalks and birdwatching towers.

Why me
I am a professional guide, I have experience with international customers, and I love birding around Helsinki. In the field, I am known for my relaxed but dedicated attitude. I find joy in helping people and sharing my enthusiasm for the natural world, therefore I make sure to involve everyone so you can make the most of your time outdoors.
​I provide a birding scope for our outing, and of course I bring all my experience and motivation!
The places
Vanhakaupunki: an extensive wetland, complete with light woods, fields, reedbeds and ponds. Citrine Wagtail is the real prize there, but there's also an abundance of waders, ducks, warblers and other songsters. Highlights include a White-tailed Eagle nest among a busy cormorant colony and maybe a Penduline Tit.
​Laajalahti: an amazing wetland on the other side of the city, with a similar habitat patchwork. Spectacular during migrations for ducks, terns and waders, we will also look for a Common Rosefinch singing it's signature "Pleased to meet you" song. The woods hold Wood Warblers and woodpeckers, among other.
Suomenoja: this wetland holds the largest Black-headed Gull colony in Finland. Among those loud birds, we'll find nesting Horned Grebe, Common Goldeneye, Eurasian Shoveler... it's a small but wild place, there is always something happening.

​Rates
1 person: 50€
2 persons: 80€
3 persons: 110€
​Any additional person, up to 6: +20€

Dates (2023)
May 23 - July 10
August 14 - September 30
Pick your day, please enquire!

Schedule
You decide when you want to go. Early morning is usually the most productive time, but sunset and other times work too.

​​Recommended gear
Binoculars
Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking on easy paths. A jacket against wind and rain.
Water and snacks, as needed.

The languages I speak
English, French, some Spanish and some Finnish
A backlit bird image showing what creative possibilites Suomenlinna offers
Birding in Helsinki
What you pay for
3 hours of private guiding through one of the best nature reserves in Helsinki.
​A birding scope for use during the trip.
​Not included
Transportation (we meet on-site, you can get there by metro or bus)
Insurance
​Food and other extras
Picture
Wood Warbler (sirittäjä)
Picture
Northern Shoveler (lapasorsa)
Picture
Horned Grebe (mustakurkku-uikku)
This experience is for you if... you want to explore the wild side of Helsinki in a relaxed setting, get to know birds and admire them without pressure. It is very suitable for families with children, and you don't need any prior birding experience.
This is not for you if... you want to bag as many species as possible in as little time as possible.

    Contact me to book your trip

    Tell me about your preferred date(s) and the birds you would like to see.
Send

Gallery
Common Goldeneye (telkkä)
Spotted Redshank (mustaviklo)
Common Rosefinch (punavarpunen)
Black-headed Gull (naurulokki)
Common Pochard (punasotka)
Common Goldeneye (telkkä)
Common Reed Bunting (pajusirkku)
Mute Swan (kyhmyjoutsen)
Gadwall (harmaasorsa)
Sedge Warbler (ruokokerttunen)
Common Goldeneye (telkkä)

​All pictures are mine. Do not use without authorization.
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  • Home
  • Portfolio
    • Conservation
    • Sea
    • Shore
    • Wetland
    • Grassland
    • River
    • Forest
    • Mountain
    • Desert
    • Urban
  • Print shop
  • Workshops
    • Central Asia photography tours
    • Creative bird photography in Suomenlinna
    • Best of Birding in Helsinki
    • 1-on-1 online coaching
  • Learning
    • Articles
    • Blog
  • About
  • Contact