Day 1 - Start of one week wildlife photography in Finland's east

Today is the first day of a seven days adventure full of wildlife photography in the very east of Finland close to the border to Russia. The plan is to have three nights in the hide with Boreal Wildlife Centre in Kuhmo and after that another three nights with Martinselkonen. Our main target is to take photographs of bears, wolverine and wolf. After that we will try to get a hide to photograph nesting owls which is not confirmed yet.

Arriving early afternoon at the Boreal Wildlife Centre, Kari the owner welcomed us and showed us our room for the next three days. The room was very clean, cozy and equipped with a bathroom for our own. Anyways, due to the COVID-19 pandemic we will be the only guests during the next three days. During dinner Kari asked us about our expectations and we made plans for the coming days. Unfortunately, the wolf has not been seen during spring and it is to early to use the hide at the lakeside. But Kari offered a possibility to have a night in the hide at in the swamp with the black grouse.

After a delicious dinner, Kari drove us to the forest hides which are located within the border zone to Russia. The hides in the forest offer a nice location to take photographs of the bear and the wolverine. There are green trees, some rocks and the ground is covered by green berry bushes. The hide itself is equipped with beds, mattresses, sleeping bags and a gas heater in case it will be a cold night. However, it is recommended to bring your own sleeping bag. To do not get hungry, Kari prepared a lunch bag with sandwiches, cookies and hot drinks which was much appreciated.

During the first night we saw the bear and got lots of nice images and video footage. We where absolutely happy with the images we got. Driving back to to camp at 7:00 a.m., having a delicious breakfast and taking a nap until afternoon.

Entering the border zone to Russia

Inside the forest hide

Image taken from the forest hide