Lapland Lapland

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Orange Route (Kemi-to-Utsjoki Route, Road E75; Road 4) is route also begins from the northern tip of the Gulf of Bothnia (Kemi) and goes up into Norway, to the Varanger Fjord. e pools of water in Veitsiluoto are excellent resting places for migrating birds, especially in the autumn. Kattilanlahti Bay (7287396:392219) has a bird tower. Simo birdlife wetlands (e.g. Martimoaapa aapa mire; Lake Martimojärvi bird tower (7302278:417666) and Järviaapa bird tower (7303113:419093) are among Finland’s best wetlands for observing birds. From Kemi, this route proceeds to Rovaniemi. e vast riverside fields are fa- voured by large numbers of migrating birds. ROVANIEMI has several bird sites and so there is the option of exploring the local bird-observation route. About 7 km before Rovaniemi town centre there is the Niskanperä field and bay area (3) on the eastern side of road no. 4. A local road 5 km in length leaves from road no. 4. e local bird tower (7371307:438146) offers nice views over the nearby bay of Kemijoki River, Blue Route (Tornionjoki River Route, Road E8) e Tornionjoki River Route starts from the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Bothnia from TORNIO and proceeds northwards along Road E8 to Skibotn in Norway. e sediment-filled Alkunkarinlah- ti Bay is at the mouth of Tornionjoki River, and it is a significant nesting and gathering place for aquatic birds. ere are two bird towers and lean-to shelters at this location (S: 7297826:372844; N: 7298321:372614). e readily-accessible Kaupunginlahti Bay (7306363:368934) is located between the city centres of Tornio (Finland) and Haparanda (Sweden); following its eutrophication, it has become one of the best sites for aquatic birds in Lapland. Lake Karunginjärvi is located some 29 km north from Tornio (bird tower: 7328241:364397). is lake is a protrusion of Tornionjoki River. e lake and its shoreline serve as an important resting place for aquatic birds, especially in the autumn. Canadian Goose (Branta canadensis) nests there. YLITORNIO’s Kainuunkylä Islands (7347626:3532386) constitute a diverse birdlife site during both migration and nesting. If you have time to spare, it is worth the effort to make a detour from Road E8 eastwards at Aavasaksa. Lake Portimojärvi (10) near Ylitornio is located close to the Aavasaksa-Raanujärvi road (road no. 932), some 10 km from Aavasaksa in the direction of Raanujärvi. Lake Porti- mojärvi is a regulated lake and one of Lapland’s best bird lakes, both when birds are nesting and when migrating. ere is a bird tower (7366082:362102) located along the north shore of the lake. To get to the Meltosjärvi lakes (11; Lake Iso Meltosjärvi - Lake Vähä Mels- tojärvi – Lake Pitkäperä) you need to drive eastwards from Aavasaksa for some 50 km; from Lake Portimojärvi the distance there is some 40 km (road no. 932). is location is a diverse nesting area favoured by many southern bird species. e service offering at the location includes two bird towers (Lake Iso Meltosjärvi: 7381765:394319; Lake Pitkäperä: 7380777:395313). Lake Pellojärvi (12) birdlife place of interestpoista is located some 4 km east of the village of PELLO. is site is a significant nesting and migratory location. ere are two bird towers (Hannunranta: 7407237:369202; Pitkäniemi: 7407396:368004). e Hannunranta tower is also wheelchair-accessible, but getting to the Pitkäniemi tower is fairly difficult if there is a flood as access to it is arranged by means of a duckboarded path. KOLARI has two interesting birdlife-tourism sites. Not far from the Ylläs Tourism Centre (19) are two bird towers, Äkäslompolo tower (7502615:379447) and Ylläslompolo tower (7489819:385627) and the Teura-Kivijärvenvuoma wetland areas (20), which also has two bird towers (Teurajärvi bird tower: 7473243:373560; Kurtakko bird tower 7473243:373560) located along the hiking trails. Lompolo is a regional word meaning an enlarged part of a river, which looks like a small lake. ey provide nesting and gathering places for numerous aquatic bird species. e Ylläslompolo bird tower enables access by wheelchairs to the lower level of the tower. e Teuravuoma site is provided with a fine network of hiking trails with duck- boards and lean-to shelters. Teuravuoma mire is a place where numerous wetland bird species nest. A detour from Kolari to KITTILÄ (Levi) bird areas requires taking road no. 939. e Kittilä district has several good wetlands supporting numerous bird species, e.g. Naatsukka-aapa (7565938:452746), Juusto- vuoma (7451784:396169) and close to Akanvuoma (northern side of the Sirk- which is a particularly good gathering place for waders during the spring migration period. Immediately after Niskanperä, road no. 4 crosses Kuolajokisuu (2), another gathering place for waders during the spring migration period. e numbers of birds at Niskanperä and Kuolajokisuu is affected by the presence of sediments, which are dependent on floods and the regula- tion of the river. e delta of Ounasjoki River (1; Koivusaari floating bird tower: 7377852:4437201) is an area where 150 bird species have been recorded, and about half of them nest there. Hundreds of swans rest here in September-October. e town centre, near the church, is where two small lakes Kirkko- lampi and Harjulampi (4; bird tower: 7374714:443118) are located and they also attract birds. Harjulampi is a small lake, and close to 100 bird species have been recorded and it is home to one of Lapland’s largest colonies of Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus). Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) favours this site in the summer looking for prey. e Harjulampi tower is also wheelchair accessible. Having reached Rovaniemi, the zoo in RANUA is an interesting place to visit. About 25 km from Rovaniemi in the direction of Ranua (road no. 78) is the Kivitaipale Lake Kivijärvi birdlife wetland (5; 7356734:487246). e site lies less than 1 km east of the road, along a smaller road called Ulkulantie. It is a nes- ting place for numerous southern bird species. Also alongside road no. 78 in Ranua is where Lake Portimojärvi (bird tower: 7331679:469345) is located. Another place of interest is Lake Kuhajärvi (9, bird tower 7309126:587239), which lies some 12 km from Ranua in the direction of Posio (road no. 941) in the village of Kuha. is lake is an important site during migration and nesting. Having visited this site, you can carry on along road no. 941 towards POSIO. ere are several interesting birdlife sites along the road joining Posio and Rovaniemi (road no. 81). e two fo- remost ones are Korouoma (8; 7341248:520500 end of the road then a path leading to the canyon) in Posio and Auttiköngäs ra- pids (7; point of departure of the hiking route: 7352051:509051) in Rovaniemi. Both are known to be sites where several deman- ding forest bird species occur, e.g. Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus), Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis), Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides), Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), and Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius). In addition, Auttiköngäs is where White-throated Dipper(Cinclus cinclus) and Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) are known to nest. Both sites are provided with a good network of hiking paths. When continuing along the road no. 4 Orange Route northwards from Rovaniemi towards Sodan- kylä, the next place of birdlife interest is within Napapiiri/Vaattunki ulkoilualue (outdoor area) (6; point of depar- ture for the walks: 7386462.460939, which includes Vianaapa (bird tower, 7384330:461931). is site is provided with a fine network of paths and lean-to shelters. e distance from Rovaniemi to this site is approx. 20 km. is is a site where species such as ree-toed Woo- dpecker (Picoides tridactylus), Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica), along with many typical wetland species, nest. In the winter, a fine site for observing White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) in its element along Raudanjoki River is east of the village of Vikajärvi and road no. 4. e easiest way to do this is from the bridge on the road joining Vikajärvi and Kemijärvi (road no. 82), some 100 m east from road no. 4. e outdoor recreation areas at both Napapiiri and Auttiköngäs include freely-accessible path. SODANKYLÄ is along this route and there are two readily accessible and well-appointed bird observation sites (nature trails, duckboarded walks, leant-to shelters, bird towers). Viiankiaapa wetland (18) lies some 20 km north of Sodankylä, on the eastern side of road no. 4. ere are two bird towers (Kersilö bird tower: 7493557:491706; Siurunmaa bird tower: 7484473:493617). e site is a significant nesting area for many boreal aapa mire bird species. Road no. 4 crosses Ilmakkiaapa aapa mire (17) some 35 km north of Sodankylä. ere is a lay-by at this point along the road, and a duckboarded path (300 m) leaves from there to Lake Ilmakkijärvi bird tower (7510226:489259). Lake Ilmakkijärvi is a significant gathering place for aquatic birds during their migration period and the wetland area attracts many species characteristic of fertile aapa mires. Before these sites road no. 4 (E75) crosses Sattas- joki River, some 12 km north of Sodankylä. Good views open from the parking area over to the river delta on the west side of the road. On reaching INARI, a place worth visiting is the mouth of Ivalo- joki River (22; Juurakkovuopaja bird tower: 7628770:526296). To reach this site, you need to drive some 8 km along the road from Ivalo to Nellim (road no. 969) and then turn north onto the Veskoniemi road. e lay-by at Veskoniemi is provided with information on how to get to the bird tower at a distance of about 1 km with some duckboarding along the path. Both southern and boreal bird species are attracted to this site, and the chances for seeing some rare Arctic species are fairly good. e presence of wetland bird species is influenced by the regulation of Lake Inarijärvi. On the southern side of the village of Kaamanen, in Tovioniemi, there is a bird tower (7628770:526296) enabling numerous boreal aquatic bird species to be observed. Jurmukoski rapids (7638679:492577) in Inari is one of the foremost overwin- tering sites of White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) in Lapland. On the northern side of the road joining Kaamanen and Kari- gasniemi (road no. 92; 25; 7331679.469345) there are several extensive and difficult-to-traverse wetlands with populations of nesting species such as Long-tailed Skua (Stercorarius longicaudus), Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus), Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica), and Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicus). Mellanaa- va wastewater treatment plant site (619819:526151) is located at Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) ka-to-Köngäs road: 7527720:408825). Kittilä’s best birdlife lake is Lake Munajärvi (7531452:411563) in the village of Köngäs. Muonio has two bird towers (Puthaanranta 7542218:360658 and Rukomasaari 7543828:359455) on the shore of Lake Muonion- järvi (21). Lake Muonionjärvi is a diverse birdlife site both at migration time (especially swans) and during nesting time. ENONTEKIÖ is home to Finland’s most significant ell birds’ nesting area. ere are several sites of interest from the viewpoint of birdlife-tourism at Enontekiö, e.g. Lake Sotkajärvi and Sotka-aapa aapa mire (23; bird tower: 7582163.346822) and Markkinajänk- kä-Hietajänkä mires (24; Mannakoski bird tower 7603965). Lake Sotkajärvi and its surroundings constitute perhaps the foremost site for aquatic birds in northernmost Lapland. Impressive views of the wetlands and their birdlife can be enjoyed from atop the Mannakoski bird tower, which is located along the main road. If your fields of interest also include marine birdlife, you can easily continue your journey into Norway (Skibotn). a distance of 5 km east from the village of Ivalo along the road to Nellim (road no. 91) and north of the village of Akujärvi. It attracts a diversity of bird species at migration times. e site is locked, but you will be allowed to enter when you explain at the gate that you just want to observe the birds. e Nuorgam sec- tion of the road from Inari to Utsjoki is known for is occasional occurrences of many Arctic bird species, which have accidentally entered Finnish air pace by following Tenojoki River and Utsjoki River. e destination of this route, Varanger Fjord in Norway, has much to offer to bird enthusiasts as regards Arctic species, e.g. White-billed Diver (Gavia adamsii), King Eider (Somateria spec- tabilis) and Steller’s Eider (Polysticta stelleri), Glaucos Gull (Larus hyperboreus) and Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides), Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), Arctic Puffin (Fratercula arctica), Brünnich’s Guillemot (Uria lomvia), Little Auk (Alle alle), and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus). Eastern Lapland’s bird sites are best approached via KEMI- JÄRVI. It is less than 90 km from Rovaniemi to Kemijärvi. Road no. 82 (to Kuusamo) crosses Kemijoki River in the town centre of Kemijärvi. e parking area alongside this embank- ment stretch of the road (7399789:519935) offers good views on Lake Kemijärvi (16) birdlife areas. is parking area is located just 500 m from the town’s church. is site is a signifi- cant resting area in the spring for waders and other aquatic bird species (the numbers of birds to be seen depend on the amount of sediments and these depend on floods and the regulation of Kemijoki River). Hundreds of Whooper Swans and other aquatic birds gather here in the late autumn. From Kemijärvi, it is easy to head for the bird sites of Pelkosenniemi by taking road no. 9643 from Kemijärvi’s Kallaanvaara towards Pelkosenniemi and the north. e banks of Kemijoki River alongside Kosta- mo-Kummunkylä-Varrio form an important feeding area for Whooper Swans during their autumn migration. e mouth of Arvosjoki River (14; bird tower: 7438144:525183) is a signi- ficant bird-observation site during both migration and nesting. e road joining Pelkosenniemi and Savukoski (road no. 965) crosses Sokanaapa aapa mire (13), and the parking area there by the roadside is the departure point for a duckboarded path to the bird tower (7449452:524704). e bird tower is readily-ac- cessible to wheelchaired visitors as well. You can also head off to birdlife sites in SALLA and SA- VUKOSKI. In Salla, Lake Termusjärvi’s (15) bird tower (7418068:570490) is located northeast of the village of Salla. You need to drive about 500 m in the direction of Savukos- ki. en turn left onto the Vallovaara-Ahvenselkä road, and you will come to a sign pointing to the bird tower. e tower provides good views of both the lake and the aapa mire. is area is rich in wetland bird species, e.g. Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla). Savukoski is perhaps the only place in Finland where White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera) nests regularly. Smew (Mergellus albellus) Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca) Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) Eurasian Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus) Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus) Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) Esa Huhta Markus Varesvuo Markus Varesvuo Markus Varesvuo Cover photo: Kuvaliiteri / Markus Varesvuo Graphics and layout: Mari Anteroinen Maija Yliniemi Kuvaliiteri / Markus Varesvuo Kuvaliiteri / Markus Varesvuo Kuvaliiteri / Markus Varesvuo Olli-Pekka Karlin Olli-Pekka Karlin Markus Varesvuo Kuvaliiteri / Jorma Luhta Kuvaliiteri / Markus Varesvuo Bird routes in Lapland Bird routes in Lapland “Bird Routes in Lapland” guides the reader to places of birdlife interest characterised by diverse and invaluable conglomerations of bird species during either migration or nesting. Finnish Lapland has much to offer to those interested in birds: e world’s most diverse wetland / mire avifauna (e.g. Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus), Broad-billed sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus) Fjell bird species (e.g. Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta), which in Finland nest only in Lapland Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus), probably Finland’s most interesting bird species when considering birdlife tourism Significant gathering / stopover places of migratory birds (e.g. Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus), Arctic wader species) 312 recorded bird species, with 190 of these having nested in Lap land In the winter, there are 80 bird species to be encountered. Additional information about places of birdlife interest in Finnish Lapland: www.lly.fi (Lintutornit/P. Aalto), www.xenus.fi, www.tiira.fi is brochure is a joint project by Lapin lintukohteet (LapLinko) and the MAALI (Maakunnallisesti arvokkaat lintualueet) project of Lapin lintuti- eteellinen yhdistys (e Ornithological Association of Finnish Lapland). e foremost places of birdlife interest (25 in all) have been arranged into groups along the routes. e co-ordinates of these places are set out as per the ETRS-TM35FIN system. Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus) Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) Jukka Jokimäki

Transcript of Lapland Lapland

Page 1: Lapland Lapland

Orange Route (Kemi-to-Utsjoki Route, Road E75; Road 4)

This route also begins from the northern tip of the Gulf of Bothnia (Kemi) and goes up into Norway, to the Varanger Fjord. The pools of water in Veitsiluoto are excellent resting places for migrating birds, especially in the autumn. Kattilanlahti Bay (7287396:392219) has a bird tower. Simo birdlife wetlands (e.g. Martimoaapa aapa mire; Lake Martimojärvi bird tower (7302278:417666) and Järviaapa bird tower (7303113:419093) are among Finland’s best wetlands for observing

birds. From Kemi, this route proceeds to Rovaniemi. The vast riverside fields are fa-voured by large numbers of migrating birds.

Rovaniemi has several bird sites and so there is theoption of exploring the local bird-observation route. About 7 km before Rovaniemi town centre there is the Niskanperä field and bay area (3) on the eastern sideof road no. 4. A local road 5 km in length leaves from road no. 4. The local bird tower (7371307:438146) offers nice views over the nearby bay of Kemijoki River,

Blue Route (Tornionjoki River Route, Road E8)

The Tornionjoki River Route starts from the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Bothnia from ToRnio and proceeds northwards alongRoad E8 to Skibotn in Norway. The sediment-filled Alkunkarinlah-ti Bay is at the mouth of Tornionjoki River, and it is a significant nesting and gathering place for aquatic birds. There are two bird towers and lean-to shelters at this location (S: 7297826:372844; N: 7298321:372614). The readily-accessible Kaupunginlahti Bay (7306363:368934) is located between the city centres of Tornio (Finland) and Haparanda (Sweden); following its eutrophication, it has become one of the best sites for aquatic birds in Lapland. Lake Karunginjärvi is located some 29 km north from Tornio (bird tower: 7328241:364397). This lake is a protrusion of Tornionjoki River. The lake and its shoreline serve as an important resting place for aquatic birds, especially in the autumn. Canadian Goose (Branta canadensis) nests there.

YliToRnio’s Kainuunkylä Islands (7347626:3532386) constitutea diverse birdlife site during both migration and nesting. If you have time to spare, it is worth the effort to make a detour from Road E8 eastwards at Aavasaksa. Lake Portimojärvi (10) near Ylitornio islocated close to the Aavasaksa-Raanujärvi road (road no. 932), some 10 km from Aavasaksa in the direction of Raanujärvi. Lake Porti-mojärvi is a regulated lake and one of Lapland’s best bird lakes, both when birds are nesting and when migrating. There is a bird tower (7366082:362102) located along the north shore of the lake. To get to the Meltosjärvi lakes (11; Lake Iso Meltosjärvi - Lake Vähä Mels-tojärvi – Lake Pitkäperä) you need to drive eastwards from Aavasaksa for some 50 km; from Lake Portimojärvi the distance there is some 40 km (road no. 932). This location is a diverse nesting area favoured by many southern bird species. The service offering at the location includes two bird towers (Lake Iso Meltosjärvi: 7381765:394319; Lake Pitkäperä: 7380777:395313).

Lake Pellojärvi (12) birdlife place of interestpoista is located some4 km east of the village of Pello. This site is a significant nestingand migratory location. There are two bird towers (Hannunranta: 7407237:369202; Pitkäniemi: 7407396:368004). The Hannunranta tower is also wheelchair-accessible, but getting to the Pitkäniemi tower is fairly difficult if there is a flood as access to it is arranged by means of a duckboarded path.

KolaRi has two interesting birdlife-tourism sites. Not far from theYlläs Tourism Centre (19) are two bird towers, Äkäslompolo tower (7502615:379447) and Ylläslompolo tower (7489819:385627) and the Teura-Kivijärvenvuoma wetland areas (20), which also has twobird towers (Teurajärvi bird tower: 7473243:373560; Kurtakko bird tower 7473243:373560) located along the hiking trails. Lompolo is a regional word meaning an enlarged part of a river, which looks like a small lake. They provide nesting and gathering places for numerous aquatic bird species. The Ylläslompolo bird tower enables access by wheelchairs to the lower level of the tower. The Teuravuoma site is provided with a fine network of hiking trails with duck-boards and lean-to shelters. Teuravuoma mire is a place where numerous wetland bird species nest.

A detour from Kolari to KiTTilä (Levi) bird areasrequires taking road no. 939. The Kittilä district has several good wetlands supporting numerous bird species, e.g. Naatsukka-aapa (7565938:452746), Juusto-vuoma (7451784:396169) and close to Akanvuoma (northern side of the Sirk-

which is a particularly good gathering place for waders during the spring migration period. Immediately after Niskanperä, road no. 4 crosses Kuolajokisuu (2), another gathering placefor waders during the spring migration period. The numbers of birds at Niskanperä and Kuolajokisuu is affected by the presence of sediments, which are dependent on floods and the regula-tion of the river. The delta of Ounasjoki River (1; Koivusaarifloating bird tower: 7377852:4437201) is an area where 150 bird species have been recorded, and about half of them nest there. Hundreds of swans rest here in September-October. The town centre, near the church, is where two small lakes Kirkko-lampi and Harjulampi (4; bird tower: 7374714:443118) arelocated and they also attract birds. Harjulampi is a small lake, and close to 100 bird species have been recorded and it is home to one of Lapland’s largest colonies of Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus). Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) favours this site in the summer looking for prey. The Harjulampi tower is also wheelchair accessible.

Having reached Rovaniemi, the zoo in Ranua is an interestingplace to visit. About 25 km from Rovaniemi in the direction of Ranua (road no. 78) is the Kivitaipale Lake Kivijärvi birdlife wetland (5; 7356734:487246). The site lies less than 1 km eastof the road, along a smaller road called Ulkulantie. It is a nes-ting place for numerous southern bird species. Also alongside

road no. 78 in Ranua is where Lake Portimojärvi (bird tower: 7331679:469345) is located. Another place of interest is Lake Kuhajärvi (9, bird tower 7309126:587239), which lies some 12km from Ranua in the direction of Posio (road no. 941) in the village of Kuha. This lake is an important site during migration and nesting.

Having visited this site, you can carry on along road no. 941 towards Posio. There are several interesting birdlife sites alongthe road joining Posio and Rovaniemi (road no. 81). The two fo-remost ones are Korouoma (8; 7341248:520500 end of the roadthen a path leading to the canyon) in Posio and Auttiköngäs ra-pids (7; point of departure of the hiking route: 7352051:509051)in Rovaniemi. Both are known to be sites where several deman-ding forest bird species occur, e.g. Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus), Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis), Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides), Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), and Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius). In addition, Auttiköngäs is where White-throated Dipper(Cinclus cinclus) and Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) are known to nest. Both sites are provided with a good network of hiking paths.

When continuing along the road no. 4 Orange Route northwards from Rovaniemi towards Sodan-kylä, the next place of birdlife interest is within Napapiiri/Vaattunki ulkoilualue (outdoor area) (6; point of depar-

ture for the walks: 7386462.460939, which includes Vianaapa (bird tower, 7384330:461931). This site is provided with a fine network of paths and lean-to shelters. The distance from Rovaniemi to this site is approx. 20 km. This is a site where species such as Three-toed Woo-dpecker (Picoides tridactylus), Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica), along with many typical wetland species, nest. In the winter, a fine site for observing White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) in its element along Raudanjoki River is east of the village of Vikajärvi and road no. 4. The easiest way to do this is from the bridge on the road joining Vikajärvi and Kemijärvi (road no. 82), some 100 m east from road no. 4. The outdoor recreation areas at both Napapiiri and Auttiköngäs include freely-accessible path.

sodanKYlä is along this route and there are two readilyaccessible and well-appointed bird observation sites (nature trails, duckboarded walks, leant-to shelters, bird towers). Viiankiaapa wetland (18) lies some 20 km north of Sodankylä, on the easternside of road no. 4. There are two bird towers (Kersilö bird tower: 7493557:491706; Siurunmaa bird tower: 7484473:493617). The site is a significant nesting area for many boreal aapa mire bird species. Road no. 4 crosses Ilmakkiaapa aapa mire (17) some 35km north of Sodankylä. There is a lay-by at this point along the road, and a duckboarded path (300 m) leaves from there to Lake Ilmakkijärvi bird tower (7510226:489259). Lake Ilmakkijärvi is a significant gathering place for aquatic birds during their migration

period and the wetland area attracts many species characteristic of fertile aapa mires. Before these sites road no. 4 (E75) crosses Sattas-joki River, some 12 km north of Sodankylä. Good views open from the parking area over to the river delta on the west side of the road.

On reaching inaRi, a place worth visiting is the mouth of Ivalo-joki River (22; Juurakkovuopaja bird tower: 7628770:526296). To reach this site, you need to drive some 8 km along the road from Ivalo to Nellim (road no. 969) and then turn north onto the Veskoniemi road. The lay-by at Veskoniemi is provided with information on how to get to the bird tower at a distance of about 1 km with some duckboarding along the path. Both southern and boreal bird species are attracted to this site, and the chances for seeing some rare Arctic species are fairly good. The presence of wetland bird species is influenced by the regulation of Lake Inarijärvi. On the southern side of the village of Kaamanen, in Tovioniemi, there is a bird tower (7628770:526296) enabling numerous boreal aquatic bird species to be observed. Jurmukoski rapids (7638679:492577) in Inari is one of the foremost overwin-tering sites of White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) in Lapland. On the northern side of the road joining Kaamanen and Kari-gasniemi (road no. 92; 25; 7331679.469345) there are severalextensive and difficult-to-traverse wetlands with populations of nesting species such as Long-tailed Skua (Stercorarius longicaudus), Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus), Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica), and Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicus). Mellanaa-va wastewater treatment plant site (619819:526151) is located at

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus)

ka-to-Köngäs road: 7527720:408825). Kittilä’s best birdlife lake is Lake Munajärvi (7531452:411563) in the village of Köngäs. Muonio has two bird towers (Puthaanranta 7542218:360658 and Rukomasaari 7543828:359455) on the shore of Lake Muonion-järvi (21). Lake Muonionjärvi is a diverse birdlife site both at migration time (especially swans) and during nesting time.

enonTeKiö is home to Finland’s most significant fjell birds’nesting area. There are several sites of interest from the viewpoint of birdlife-tourism at Enontekiö, e.g. Lake Sotkajärvi and Sotka-aapa aapa mire (23; bird tower: 7582163.346822) and Markkinajänk-kä-Hietajänkä mires (24; Mannakoski bird tower 7603965). LakeSotkajärvi and its surroundings constitute perhaps the foremost site for aquatic birds in northernmost Lapland. Impressive views of the wetlands and their birdlife can be enjoyed from atop the Mannakoski bird tower, which is located along the main road. If your fields of interest also include marine birdlife, you can easily continue your journey into Norway (Skibotn).

a distance of 5 km east from the village of Ivalo along the road to Nellim (road no. 91) and north of the village of Akujärvi. It attracts a diversity of bird species at migration times. The site is locked, but you will be allowed to enter when you explain at the gate that you just want to observe the birds. The Nuorgam sec-tion of the road from Inari to Utsjoki is known for is occasional occurrences of many Arctic bird species, which have accidentally entered Finnish air pace by following Tenojoki River and Utsjoki River. The destination of this route, Varanger Fjord in Norway, has much to offer to bird enthusiasts as regards Arctic species, e.g. White-billed Diver (Gavia adamsii), King Eider (Somateria spec-tabilis) and Steller’s Eider (Polysticta stelleri), Glaucos Gull (Larus

hyperboreus) and Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides), Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), Arctic Puffin (Fratercula arctica), Brünnich’s Guillemot (Uria lomvia), Little Auk (Alle alle), and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus).

Eastern Lapland’s bird sites are best approached via Kemi-jäRvi. It is less than 90 km from Rovaniemi to Kemijärvi.Road no. 82 (to Kuusamo) crosses Kemijoki River in the town centre of Kemijärvi. The parking area alongside this embank-ment stretch of the road (7399789:519935) offers good views on Lake Kemijärvi (16) birdlife areas. This parking area islocated just 500 m from the town’s church. This site is a signifi-cant resting area in the spring for waders and other aquatic bird species (the numbers of birds to be seen depend on the amount of sediments and these depend on floods and the regulation of Kemijoki River). Hundreds of Whooper Swans and other aquatic birds gather here in the late autumn. From Kemijärvi, it is easy to head for the bird sites of Pelkosenniemi by taking road no. 9643 from Kemijärvi’s Kallaanvaara towards Pelkosenniemi and the north. The banks of Kemijoki River alongside Kosta-mo-Kummunkylä-Varrio form an important feeding area for Whooper Swans during their autumn migration. The mouth of Arvosjoki River (14; bird tower: 7438144:525183) is a signi-ficant bird-observation site during both migration and nesting. The road joining Pelkosenniemi and Savukoski (road no. 965) crosses Sokanaapa aapa mire (13), and the parking area thereby the roadside is the departure point for a duckboarded path to the bird tower (7449452:524704). The bird tower is readily-ac-cessible to wheelchaired visitors as well.

You can also head off to birdlife sites in salla and sa-vuKosKi. In Salla, Lake Termusjärvi’s (15) bird tower (7418068:570490) is located northeast of the village of Salla. You need to drive about 500 m in the direction of Savukos-ki. Then turn left onto the Vallovaara-Ahvenselkä road, and you will come to a sign pointing to the bird tower. The tower provides good views of both the lake and the aapa mire. This area is rich in wetland bird species, e.g. Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla). Savukoski is perhaps the only place in Finland where White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera) nests regularly.

Smew (Mergellus albellus)Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca)Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus)

Eurasian Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus)

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus) Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla)

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

Esa Huhta Markus Varesvuo

Markus Varesvuo

Markus Varesvuo

Cover photo: Kuvaliiteri / Markus VaresvuoGraphics and layout: Mari Anteroinen

Maija YliniemiKuvaliiteri / Markus VaresvuoKuvaliiteri / Markus Varesvuo

Kuvaliiteri / Markus Varesvuo

Olli-Pekka Karlin

Olli-Pekka Karlin

Markus Varesvuo

Kuvaliiteri / Jorma Luhta

Kuvaliiteri / Markus Varesvuo

Bird routes in Lapland

Bird routes in Lapland

“Bird Routes in Lapland” guides the reader to places of birdlife interest characterised by diverse and invaluable conglomerations of bird species during either migration or nesting. Finnish Lapland has much to offer to those interested in birds:

• The world’s most diverse wetland / mire avifauna (e.g. Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus), Broad-billed sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus)• Fjell bird species (e.g. Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta), which in Finland nest only in Lapland• Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus), probably Finland’s most interesting bird species when considering birdlife tourism• Significant gathering / stopover places of migratory birds (e.g. Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus), Arctic wader species)• 312 recorded bird species, with 190 of these having nested in Lap

land In the winter, there are 80 bird species to be encountered.

Additional information about places of birdlife interest in Finnish Lapland: www.lly.fi (Lintutornit/P. Aalto), www.xenus.fi, www.tiira.fi

This brochure is a joint project by Lapin lintukohteet (LapLinko) and the MAALI (Maakunnallisesti arvokkaat lintualueet) project of Lapin lintuti-eteellinen yhdistys (The Ornithological Association of Finnish Lapland). The foremost places of birdlife interest (25 in all) have been arranged into groups along the routes. The co-ordinates of these places are set out as per the ETRS-TM35FIN system.

Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus)

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

Jukka Jokimäki

Page 2: Lapland Lapland

PeRcePTabiliTY chaRT

Pintail (Anas acuta)

Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus erythrinus) Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica)

Markus Varesvuo

Kuvaliiteri / Markus Varesvuo

Kuvaliiteri / Markus VaresvuoKuvaliiteri / Markus Varesvuo

24

23

21

19

20

25

22

18

17

21

8

34

15

13

14

16

5

6

7

9

12

11

10

Ounasjoki

Salla

Savukoski

S A A R I S E L K Ä

Sorsatunturi

Ylitornio

Tervola

Pello

Muurola

Karunki

Kem

ijoki

Sirkka

Kolari

Äkäslompolo

Levi

Sokosti

Pelkosenniemi

KEMIJÄRVI

Pyhätunturi

Tornionjoki

K I V A L O

Inari

Inarijärvi

Ivalo

Yli-Ii

Ranua

Utsjoki

Muotkatunturit

Tenojo

ki

Karigasniemi

Ropi

Halti

Saana

KEMI

TORNIO

Simo

Ii

Muonio

Enontekiö

Ounastunturi Pippovuoma

Latvajärvi

Lompojärvi

PorttijärviKurtakko

Paamajärvi

Ahvenjärvi

Lehtojärvi

Paavalniemi

Papinpalo

Takajärvi

Mielikköjärvi

Roavvetsohkka

Tunturiaapa

Keminsaaret

Kokonaapa

Termusjärvi

Topsakka-aapa

Kilpiaapa

Kairanaapa

Peurasuvanto

Hanhiaapa

Pikku-Tankavaara

Sompiojärvi

Lokka

Tervamaa

Toivoniemi

Yrjö Kokko-lintutorni

Pallastunturi

Muonionjoki

Kaaresuvanto

Ylläs

Kilpisjärvi

B O T H N I A N B A Y

KUUSAMO

Taivalkoski

Posio

Iso-Syöte

Ruka-tunturi

Pudasjärvi

Porttipahdantekojärvi

Lokan tekojärvi

Kittilä

Sodankylä

Sinettä ROVANIEMI

LemmenjokiNational Park

Urho KekkonenNational Park

Pallas-YllästunturiNational Park

Pyhä-LuostoNational Park

OulankaNational Park

Syöte National Park

ARCTIC CIRCLE

Ounasjokisuisto

Niskanperä

Portimojärvi

Pellojärvi-SäynäjäjärviPitkäniemi

Sokanaapa

Ilmakkijärvi

Ivalojokisuu

Viiankiaapa

KersilöYlläslompolo - Äkäslompolo

Teuravuoma-Kivijärvenvuoma

Sotkajärvi-Sotka-aapa

Piesjärvi- ja suo

Markkinajänkä-Hietajänkä

Muonionjärvi

Arvosjoki

Aapa-Tuohilampi

Iso MeltosjärviVähä Meltosjärvi

Kivijärvi

Kuhajärvi

Auttiköngäs

Korouoma

Kuolajokisuu Harjulampi

Vianaapa Vaattunkiköngäs

Map legend

Blue route

Orange route

Rovaniemi area’s bird sites

Bird Tower

National Park

Nature Park

Other Nature Reserve

Laulujoutsen (Cygnuc cygnus)

Mustakurkku-uikku (Podiceps auritus)

Silkkiuikku (Podiceps cristatus)

Härkälintu (Podiceps grisegena)

Heinätavi (Anas querquedula)

Lapasorsa (Anas clypeata)

Pilkkasiipi (Melanitta fusca)

Jouhisorsa (Anas acuta)

Jänkäsirriäinen (Limicola falcinellus)

Jänkäkurppa (Lymnocryptes minimus)

Suokukko (Philomachus pugnax)

Mustaviklo (Tringa erythropus)

Vesipääsky (Phalaropus lobatus)

Punavarpunen (Carpodacus erythrinus)

Punakuiri (Limosa lapponica)

Sinipyrstö (Tarsiger cyanurus)

Pikkusirkku (Emberiza pusilla)

Pohjantikka (Picoides tridactylus)

Kuukkeli (Perisoreus infaustus)

Lapintiainen (Parus cinctus)

Pohjansirkku (Emberiza rustica)

Virtavästäräkki (Motacilla cinerea)

Idänuunilintu (Phylloscopus trochiloides)

Lapinuunilintu (Phylloscopus borealis)

Metso (Tetrao urogallus)

Tunturikihu (Stercorarius longicaudus)

Lapinkirvinen (Anthus cervinus)

Who

oper

Swan

(Cyg

nuc c

ygnu

s)

Horne

d Gre

be (P

odice

ps au

ritus

)

Long

-taile

d Sk

ua (S

terco

rariu

s lon

gica

udus

)

Red-

thro

ated

Pipi

t (An

thus

cerv

inus

)

Grey W

agta

il (M

otac

illa ci

nere

a)

Green

ish W

arbl

er (P

hyllo

scopu

s tro

chilo

ides)

Arct

ic W

arbl

er (P

hyllo

scopu

s bor

ealis

)

Cape

rcai

llie (

Tetra

o uro

gallu

s)

Red-

flank

ed B

luet

ail (

Tarsi

ger c

yanu

rus)

Little

Bun

ting

(Em

beriz

a pus

illa)

Thre

e-to

ed W

oodp

ecke

r (Pic

oide

s trid

acty

lus)

Sibe

rian

Jay (

Peris

oreu

s inf

austu

s)

Sibe

rian

Tit (P

arus

cinc

tus)

Rust

ic Bu

ntin

g (E

mbe

riza r

ustic

a)

Velve

t Sco

ter (

Mela

nitta

fusc

a)

Pint

ail (

Anas

acut

a)

Broa

d-bi

lled

Sand

pipe

r (Lim

icola

falci

nellu

s)

Jack

Snip

e (Ly

mno

cryp

tes m

inim

us)

Ru� (P

hilo

mac

hus p

ugna

x)

Spot

ted

Reds

hank

(Trin

ga er

ythr

opus

)

Red-

neck

ed Ph

alar

ope (

Phal

arop

us lo

batu

s)

Scar

let G

rosb

eak (

Carp

odac

us er

ythr

inus

)

Bar-t

aile

d God

wit

(Lim

osa l

appo

nica

)

Great

Cre

sted

Gre

be (P

odice

ps cr

istat

us)

Red-

neck

ed G

rebe

(Pod

iceps

grise

gena

)

Garga

ney (

Anas

quer

qued

ula)

Shov

eler

(Ana

s clyp

eata

)

K

K

K

K K

K

K

K

KS

S

S

S

S

S

S

P

K

P

KP

KP

K

PK

P

KP

PPP

P

P P

P

K

KP

K

K

P

K

K

P

P

P

P PP P

P P

P

P P P

P

P

P P P P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P PP PP

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P P

P

P

P P P

P

P

P

P

P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P T T TTP

P

P

P P P

PP

P

P

P

P

P

P

P P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P P

PP

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

SP

P

SKP

SKP

P

P

Ounasjokisuisto

Kuolajokisuu

Niskanperä

Harjulampi

Kivijärvi

Vianaapa - Vaattunkiköngäs

Auttiköngäs

Korouoma

Kuhajärvi

Portimojärvi

Meltosjärvet

Pellojärvi - Säynäjäjärvi

Sokanaapa

Arvosjokisuu

Termusjärvi

Kemijärvi

Ilmakkiaapa ja -järvet

Viiankiaapa

Ylläslompolo - Äkäslompolo

Teuravuoma - Kivijärvenvuoma

Muonionjärvi

Ivalojokisuu

Sotkajärvi ja -aapa

Markkinajänkä - Hietajänkä

Piesjärvi ja -suo

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Ounasjokisuisto

Niskanperä

Kuolajokisuu Harjulampi

1

423 Paavalniemi

ROVANIEMI

K

S

P

T

Gathering/stopover site (Spring)

Gathering/stopover site (Autumn)

Breeding site

Observed only occasionally

Occurrence status not clear

Chart legend

Siberian Tit (Parus cinctus)

Jukka JokimäkiJukka Jokimäki