White Wednesday

Wild Brown Bear Centre Finland | Kuhmo | Finland

We woke this morning to a white landscape, even through the eyes of Karhu, it was a beautiful sight. It had started falling at 5am and had already accumulated 10 centimetres in some places. The trees are heavily covered, and their branches are bending towards the ground. I took a loner Sigma 35mm F1.4 out before breakfast, capturing the change in scenery around the lodge. The heavy snow fall had created a small winter wonderland around the Centre, and it was nice to compose some different and unique images on my front doorstep. A scene that will probably be absent for the remainder of my stay here. 

On Monday morning, Sam and I drove out of Vartius and headed northwards in search for some landscapes, after an exhilarating night in the hides. After an hour we found a dirt track leading to Hepoköngäs, one of Finland's largest waterfalls. After a short walk through thick pine forest, we came to the top of the falls. The main section had a steep 20m drop, with smaller cascades surrounding it. The area was extremely photogenic, with snow still deep in the surrounding forest, and ice formations framing the waterfall. 

On our walk back to the car, we spotted some fresh wolf tracks on the snow, It was a nice indication that the area holds a healthy population of Canis Lupis, and a good addition to the sightings that myself and visitors have had over the last month. I will definitely return to this waterfall over summer and in the Autumn when the colours will be amazing, perhaps even with some guests as part of a workshop.

The coast is clear

Wild Brown Bear Centre | Kuhmo | Finland

Last evening I thought it was about time I endured another sleepless night, in the quest for the perfect bruin. The weather in the north has finally shifted towards Spring, the days are getting longer, the nights are no longer dark. The rising temperatures show that winters grip will finally be released in the coming weeks. The various lakes around the Centre have begun to thaw, revealing dark, black water, that hasn't seen the light of day since November.

This change has sparked a leap in activity at the hides, with various species of waders and ducks visiting frequently during the evening. Two pairs of Goldeneye where swimming the perimeter of the pond, tirelessly searching for food deep beneath the water. After a day of cloudy, desaturated light, the sky opened up and revealed the brilliance of the Spring sun. The sunset pictured above was one of the nicest since I have been here, the pink clouds seemed to dance across the sky in a stiff breeze, just as the sun was dipping out of sight.   

The coast is clear 

In a sudden rush, two, year-old cubs darted from the edge of the forest. Their cautious mother bounded after them, vocally warning them not to move any further out onto the wetland. After calling them back towards her, she slowly moved forward, tasting the air and scanning the area for dangers. As the wind was blowing towards the hides, our scent took longer to reach her and the cubs, but after about 20 seconds she got wind and moved quickly across the open ground, calling for her cubs to follow. 

Whilst scanning for the large predators I took photographs of some of the bird life. This Wagtail seemed extremely intrigued with its reflection in the water, seeing itself for the first time after the winter perhaps. With such a great abundance of wildlife in the area, an evening spent in the hides is frantic and filled with excitement. With a lone ranger inbound, I will be spending many more nights in the hides in the coming week, and hope to catch up with the cubs and their mother. 

Moonscape

Moonrise - 15th April, ~ 23:00 pm, -5 Degrees Celsius

Although this image may appear more like a sunrise at 5:00 am, It is in fact a full moonrise at 23:00 pm. The fury critters had turned in for the night, and I slipped into the 24-105 for some ball-head mounted landscapes. I had the shutter set to about 2 and half minutes, F4/F5.6 and a reasonable ISO to minimize all distracting noise. I am always pleased with long exposures if they turn out correctly, as it's definitely not an exact science. It was nice to see the scenery under a completely unique light for the first time as well. Pictured is 'Hide 1', the first photo specific hide which was built almost 15 years ago.

I challenge anyone to find a more tranquil start to your day than waking to this scene. The echoing noise of a pecking woodpecker, skimming across the frozen ground, and the rising sun soaking the trees in a rich, golden light. Nothing is more peaceful. 

Black & White but still Brown

I am very pleased with how April panned out. Ari told me that I have been extremely lucky with the depth and diversity that has presented itself throughout the month. For me, I am also really pleased with the range, and dare I say, quality of some of the images I have been able to produce, and I feel equally, 'document' during the entirety of April. 

The photo above was taken on the 16th April during the evening, the snow cover was still thick, and the night was extremely fresh, cold and clear. It was also the night of the blood full moon, but I shall touch again on this night by exhibiting some landscapes later on. The bear photographed is my favourite bear so far, I feel as though I am slightly bias due to the fact this was my first ever European Brown Bear, but nonetheless this male is an incredible specimen of power and size. He is easily recognisable by his very dark fur and evident scar - dead centre - between his ears. 

As a result I chose B&W to document this moment, as he was wading through the thick snow towards me. For his dark fur contrasted against the white sky and ground make for a nice image. The composition was also aided by having two dark ravens perched in the background, but they can take all the credit for being there. 

One of my favourite times of the day is breakfast, partly due to being able to feast on continental treats, but also because the photographers return from the hides, and we are always interested in what they have seen, and witnessed throughout the night. One specific night a Hungarian couple were staying for two brief nights en route back from a trip further north. After their second and final night in the hide, I met them at breakfast and engaged in the usual questions about the night before. It turned out that they, and the other guests at the time, had witnessed the first Grey Wolf in the area since October, and although it had been an extremely brief encounter, it had occurred near, and in good light.
It is hardest at these times not to let jealously creep into the equation, although in hindsight I had an even more incredible night on the way. A night that kept me awake throughout, and in a buzz of excitement.