A poke around a few of the shorebird hotspots in nearby Siilinjärvi last evening was sure indication that shorebird migration is well underway in Finland.
While there were no rarities, a number of the usual suspects were milling around the mudflats in good numbers. Wood Sandpipers (Liro) were especially abundant, but one location saw them outnumbered by Ruffs (Suokukko). Also making a strong presence were Common Ringed Plovers (Tylli) and Temminick's Stints (Lapinsirri). A few Dunlin (Suosirri), Curlews (Kuovi), Common Sandpipers (Rantasipi) and Common Greenshanks (Valkoviklo) rounded out the majority, while Common (Punajalkaviklo) and Spotted Redshanks (Mustaviklo) added some spice.
Especially interesting was the chance to see a few of these birds up close and personal while being ringed at Raasio. Amazing how small these critters really are ...
Posted by jaredclarke at August 3, 2005 06:53 PM