White-tailed Eagle photography in Kuusamo
The best time to photograph White-tailed Eagles in Kuusamo is late winter, from mid March until end of April. That is the time when migrant White-tailed Eagles return to these northern areas and they visit feeding sites actively, since it is still practically winter and there is not so much prey to hunt.
This is trip for serious photographers, since we will spend three full days in eagle hides. You will photograph the Eagles from different distances (from 20meters up to 50meters) to give you a variety of shots. Also Golden Eagles are visiting the same feeding site.
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. From early April onwards it would be possible to photograph Black Grouse lekking during early mornings!
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.
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!
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 White-tailed Eagle photography. Early breakfast followed by transportation close to the Eagle hides. We should be in the hide before sunrise to avoid disturbance of eagles. Days will be devoted to photographing White-tailed and Golden Eagles. Departure is allowed from the hide well after sunset. Other species possible to photograph from the hides are Raven, Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Willow Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker etc.
Day 5. One day other photography in Kuusamo region. Species possible includes passerines and woodpeckers at the feeders and some of the Owl species in region, which might include Great Grey-, Hawk- or Pygmy Owls. From early April onwards it would be possible to photograph lekking Black Grouse.
