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!
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 others.
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. A bay nearby may hold Red-necked Grebes.
All seasons
In Helsinki, the peak period for birds is from early May to late June, when birds are migrating north, singing, nesting, raising chicks... but all seasons have something to offer. March and April bring the first migrating birds (Northern Lapwing, grey geese, Whooper Swan...) and some waders already show up in late July for autumn migration, which continues through until October. Winter is a quiet time, but birding in the forest and around feeders can yield jewels such as White-backed Woodpecker, Eurasian Bullfinch or even a Northern Hawk-Owl or a Great Grey Owl!
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 others.
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. A bay nearby may hold Red-necked Grebes.
All seasons
In Helsinki, the peak period for birds is from early May to late June, when birds are migrating north, singing, nesting, raising chicks... but all seasons have something to offer. March and April bring the first migrating birds (Northern Lapwing, grey geese, Whooper Swan...) and some waders already show up in late July for autumn migration, which continues through until October. Winter is a quiet time, but birding in the forest and around feeders can yield jewels such as White-backed Woodpecker, Eurasian Bullfinch or even a Northern Hawk-Owl or a Great Grey Owl!
Rates
1 person: 65€ 2 persons: 100€ 3 persons: 130€ Any additional person, up to 6: +20€ Dates 2024: from January 7 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. Multiples layer, according to the weather. Water and snacks, as needed. Mosquito repellent. The languages I speak English, French, some Spanish and some Finnish. Bird names in all languages! |
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 |
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.
This is not for you if... you want to bag as many species as possible in as little time as possible.
Payment
I will send you an invoice by email. You can pay me:
- by cash, when we meet
- by bank transfer, before we meet
- by Paypal or Wise, before we meet (with a small fee)
I will send you an invoice by email. You can pay me:
- by cash, when we meet
- by bank transfer, before we meet
- by Paypal or Wise, before we meet (with a small fee)
Accessibility
We will walk on well-graded paths and boardwalks, some of them narrow.
Distance walked: 2 to 7 km, depending on your abilities and wishes, location and bird activity.
Many bird towers are accessed with steep stairs, but some can be reached with a gentle ramp.
Contact me for more details!
We will walk on well-graded paths and boardwalks, some of them narrow.
Distance walked: 2 to 7 km, depending on your abilities and wishes, location and bird activity.
Many bird towers are accessed with steep stairs, but some can be reached with a gentle ramp.
Contact me for more details!
Note: I do not use playback to attract birds.
Testimonials
"Samuel was a fantastic birding guide. He was well versed in Helsinki birds and excellent in setting up his spotting scope and getting you a look. Highly recommended!"
Mark, United States
"We arranged a car and went to several places in and around Helsinki. We had discussed a target list before hand with Samuel and we managed to see several of the species on it, as well as some other nice sightings. Samuel's knowledge and enthusiasm contributed greatly to a very enjoyable day."
Tim, Finland
Mark, United States
"We arranged a car and went to several places in and around Helsinki. We had discussed a target list before hand with Samuel and we managed to see several of the species on it, as well as some other nice sightings. Samuel's knowledge and enthusiasm contributed greatly to a very enjoyable day."
Tim, Finland
Trip reports
Read short reports from past outings here.
Customize your tour
Do you want to spend longer in the field? Do you want to target specific species? Let me know, I'm sure we can arrange it.
Our targets could include Black Grouse, Red-throated and Black-throated Diver, Common Crane, Pallid Harrier, Long-tailed Duck, Tawny Owl, White-throated Dipper, European Nightjar, Elk (Moose)...
I cannot drive, but if you have a car (your own or rental), I can hop on and guide from the passenger seat.
Our targets could include Black Grouse, Red-throated and Black-throated Diver, Common Crane, Pallid Harrier, Long-tailed Duck, Tawny Owl, White-throated Dipper, European Nightjar, Elk (Moose)...
I cannot drive, but if you have a car (your own or rental), I can hop on and guide from the passenger seat.
Gallery
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All pictures are mine. Do not use without authorization.