First barn swallows arrive in Finland

The first barn swallows of spring have been spotted in Finland, according to Birdlife Finland, marking the start of the migratory season despite slow progress in recent days.

The birds were observed in multiple locations, including as far north as Ylitornio, the organisation reported. Red-backed shrikes have also been seen in Helsinki, Imatra, and Tornio.

Despite warm weather, migration has advanced sluggishly over the past week. Birdlife Finland attributes this to a persistent high-pressure system over the country, which has created unfavourable conditions for migrating birds along its southern edge.

Around ten new migratory species have been recorded in the past week, though some remain conspicuously scarce. Red-flanked bluetails have been notably few, while fieldfares have only appeared in larger numbers in the last few days, the organisation stated.