In Finland, many breeding bird species have their wintering grounds in Asia. However, virtually nothing is known of the migration routes and wintering areas of these migratory species. Studying of south-eastern flyways is topical because there are many declining species among these fascinating migrants. Asia's major environmental problems and global warming are likely to tax the declining species. The main goal of this study is to reveal the migratory routes and wintering grounds using light-level-geologgers attached to the birds. Finally, we hope to be able to identify and locate the main threats to the declining species. The accumulated information will help in targeting more effective conservation measures through international cooperation at nesting, migration and wintering areas.

The research project started in the summer of 2015 with the main focus on Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), Blyth's Reed warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum), Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus), Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) and Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica). The first results are expected in 2020.

The study is coordinated by Tuomo Jaakkonen (University of Oulu), Markus Piha (Finnish Museum of Natural History LUOMUS, University of Helsinki), Kari Koivula (University of Oulu) and Toni Laaksonen (University of Turku). Project is funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation.