Eagle photography in Kuusamo (March- April)
The best time to photograph Golden Eagles in Kuusamo is winter, from January until April. The shortish winter days and cold weather force the birds to visit feeding sites actively. Eagle activity at the carcass is at its best when the days are shorter, but they make daily visits even in late April.
In early part of winter; January- February, it make sense to book Eagle hides both in Oulu and in Kuusamo, but from March onwards Kuusamo is better for Eagles! Also in Kuusamo White-tailed Eagles are visiting the baits especially from late March onwards.
You will photograph the Eagles from different distances (from 20meters up to 50meters) to give you a variety of shots. Winter 2008 we saw more than 20 times mating couple in front of the hide (distance 50m).
One additional day in this workshop is spent by the forest feeders with passerines and woodpeckers coming to the feeding site. Also there is good possibility to photograph one or two of the special Finnish owl species during this additional day. If there is a good owl situation one should book more days to concentrate on them.
Species Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Raven, Other birds from the eagle hide Siberian Tit, Siberian Jay, Willow Tit,Great Spotted Woodpecker, You will be able to get really close to these birds and a wide angle lens with remote contol will be great for these photos.
Winter is beuatiful time in Kuusamo, since early part of the winter forest is covered with snow. Also there is fair chances for Aurora borealis images during the nights!
Our hides are well-insulated and even if there is -30 °C outside, it will be warm and cozy inside the hide! Hides are designed by photographers so one will be able to take also flight shots and images where eagles perch in trees or in snow. If possible, we always use natural baits e.g. arctic hare (road kills) and eagles are very eager to feed on them!
Lenses
For flight shots of Eagles 300 mm lens is ideal. For portraits 500 mm lens is better.
Converters can be used as well. For possible Northern Lights wide angle is the best choice.
There is no need to bring tripod. However, please bring your tripod head with you. You can attach your tripod head in board in our hides. Also bean bags can be borrowed here.
Drive to Oulanka National Park situated about 70 km distant from Kuusamo airport. Dinner and accommodation at Oulanka Research Station. Introduction of the following days' program.
Days 2.- 4. Three full days Golden Eagle photography. Early breakfast followed by transportation close to the Golden Eagle hides. We should be in the hide well before sunrise to avoid disturbance of eagles. Days will be devoted to photographing Golden Eagles. Departure is allowed from the hide well after sunset. Other species possible to photograph from the hides are Ravens and Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit etc. With good luck White-tailed Eagle or Goshawk can be visiting the baiting site.
Day 5. One day other photography in Kuusamo region. Species possible includes passerines and woodpeckers at the feeders, Dippers on winter rivers and even some of the Owl species in region, which might include Great Grey-, Hawk- or Pygmy Owl.
