The boreal forest belt that runs from Scandinavia proper throughout to the Pacific and past holds some resilient hen species, that are in a position to survive the tough and darkish winters. When the times lengthen and the snow progressively begins to soften, a few of these birds get into breeding plumage and nest within the deep forest whereas others migrate even additional north to breed. I’m accustomed to the western finish of this forest in Finland and Sweden. To look at a few of its birds in spring and early summer time, throughout the quick breeding season, presents us a glimpse of the great thing about a few of these birds that many people residing additional south solely see, in the event that they attain us that’s, in winter plumage. These birds of the Boreal belt shifted their geographical vary southwards throughout the Pleistocene glaciations, some reaching as far south as France however not past.
A favorite place of mine, and lots of birders, is Kaamanen in Finland. At 69oN, it’s effectively inside the Arctic Circle within the coronary heart of the Finnish Lapland. That is the land of reindeer and large tracts of coniferous forest. The lodge at Kammanen is the best staging publish on the way in which as much as Arctic Norway. The slopes behind the lodge are stored consistently equipped with seeds, making it a super location to see and {photograph} the native resident birds and people transferring by means of. The native squirrels additionally get interested in the meals supply. The images illustrating this text had been all taken at Kaamanen, albeit at totally different instances of the spring-early summer time season.
Probably the most putting hen of this forest is, for me, the Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator). You can not however be struck in awe once you first see this passerine – it’s large! The males are a shiny pink however the golden-coloured females are additionally beautiful in their very own proper. A few of these birds transfer south, a comparatively quick distance, for the winter however others are resident. In spring you get a mixture of migrants and residents on the feeders.
If the Pine Grosbeaks are spectacular, there’s a hen that beats it for color. It’s a hen I used to be accustomed to however which I all the time wished to see throughout the slim window when it obtains its breeding plumage. I’m speaking of the male Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla). It’s a must to get them effectively into the spring if you wish to discover birds with a full black head, with none white spots.
Kaamanen additionally presents us an opportunity to check two closely-related finches. Right here you might be within the overlap zone of the breeding vary of the Widespread Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) and the rarer Arctic (or Hoary) Redpoll (Acanthis hornemanni). What beauties these little finches are.
At all times in attendance on the feeders are the great Siberian Jays (Perisoreus infaustus). If you happen to like corvids, Siberian Jays is not going to disappoint you. Their antics and daring behaviour, permitting you to stand up shut, will quickly win you over. There may be one other hen of the forest, one which I photographed elsewhere in Finland, which I wish to finish with. Get them early within the spring and also you’ll catch them nonetheless of their all-white winter plumage – the Willow Grouse (Lagopus lagopus). This hen might be troublesome to find because of the approach it blends within the snow however in early spring the males will climb up tree branches to “sing” and show to the females.
One final phrase on resilient species. I’ve highlighted among the Boreal Forest specialities however we should always not overlook some residents which we will discover throughout a lot of Europe and that are ready to deal with the tough situations up right here. Amongst them are Nice Tit (Parus main) and Greenfinch (Choris chloris). My subsequent article will have a look at the winter in these forests.
