Previously common in southern and central Europe, the egret has also spread to northern Ostrobothnia. Storks have also been seen in the centre of Oulu.
The all-white bird, which slightly resembles a crane, has been seen here in a few individuals before, but this autumn, for example, flocks of more than twenty have been seen in Liminga Bay.
In the Oulu estuary, there is a heron on Rommakonselkä and Hartaanselkä, and a stork has also been seen in the direction of Kuivasjärvi.
Hohtola says that in early summer a pair of birds was also spotted in Muhox, apparently nesting, although no actual nesting has been recorded.
According to Esa Hohtola, the reason behind the phenomenon is the increase of the species in its main areas.
– The bird population has increased so strongly in Europe that it can now also be seen as a sudden increase in the peripheral areas of its range, says Hohtola.
In addition to the great egret, exceptionally large flocks of red-footed hawks have been observed in the province during the summer. Usually, this peregrine falcon has been an occasional summer visitor. Hikes are seen every few years, but Esa Hohtola estimates that the August hike was a bigger phenomenon than usual.
A single little Canada goose is also a rarity, which has now been found for the second time at the Virkula bird tower in Limingan bay. The bird is originally a North American species.
_Follow what’s happening near you. Read more news from Northern Ostrobothnia._