Eagles and Grouses on snow 7.–12.4.2025 – Kuusamo Nature Photography

Join us on an unforgettable early spring bird photography tour in Northern Finland. This tour offers a great opportunity to capture the stunning Black Grouse in their dramatic display and witness the powerful Golden Eagles in action. And, of course, you’ll have the best chance to photograph the elusive Great Grey Owl searching for food in the snowy landscape.

As spring unfolds and bird activity intensifies, you’ll encounter a wide range of species to photograph, including Whooper Swans, Willow Grouse, Dippers, White-tailed Eagles, and many more. This tour is perfect for nature photographers looking to capture the beauty of Finnish wildlife in a truly unique setting.

Information of the tour

Time: 7. – 12. of April 2025.

Duration: 5 nights.

Target group: The tour is well suited for anyone interested in nature photography, both beginners and those who have taken pictures for a longer period of time. The tour involves walking a few hundred meters to reach the hides, so a basic level of fitness is required.

Group size: Maximum 6 people.

Accommodation: Hotel Kuusamon Portti in a private rooms. (https://www.kuusamonportti.fi/en).

Equipment: Everybody should have their own photography equipment and tripod heads. Also decent winter clothes for maximum -20 degrees would be good. Tripod heads and winter clothes are possible to rent in Kuusamo, remember to ask from us beforehand.

Meals: 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch/picnic lunch, and dinner)

Guides: Our professional photography guides Jarmo Manninen, Mikko Oivukka or Anna Välimäki will guide you during the tour.

Price: 2500€. Price includes photo hides, guiding services, transportation in Kuusamo (from Kuusamo airport to Kuusamo airport), accommodation, meals.

Reservations: Make your reservation online from our website or by email info@kuusamonaturephotography.fi

Planned program

7.4. Monday

Arrival in Kuusamo

Arrival Kuusamo airport (approx. 11am) and transportation to the hotel (30 minutes).
Enjoy a delicious lunch while getting acquainted with the bird situation and reviewing the program for the upcoming days.
Settle into your rooms and take a short break to relax and check the photo gear for afternoon photo session.

Afternoon photo session between 3 pm – 7 pm:

Capture stunning shots of Dippers, Siberian Jays, or Owls (if available).
Dinner at the hotel (approx. 8pm)

8.4. Tuesday

Early Morning photo session between 3 am – 9 am:

Departure for Black Grouse hides 2 hours before sunrise.
Enjoy an active morning photo session capturing the Black Grouse.
Return to the hotel for breakfast (approx. at 9am).

Daytime break:

Time to relax, review, and organize your photos from the morning session.

Afternoon photo session between 3 pm – 9 pm:

Early dinner at the hotel
Depart for the Whooper Swans hide
Photograph the Whooper Swans during the golden hours.
Return to the hotel after sunset (approx. at 9pm).

9.4. Wednesday

Full day photo session between 7 am – 8 pm:

Breakfast at 7am at the hotel
Departure for full photo session at Oulanka Eagle hides (at 8am)
Return to the hotel for dinner (approx. at 8pm).

10.4. Thursday

Early Morning photo session between 3 am – 9 am:

Departure for Black Grouse hides 2 hours before sunrise.
Enjoy an active morning photo session capturing the Black Grouse.
Return to the hotel for breakfast (approx. at 9am).

Daytime break:

Time to relax, review, and organize your photos from the morning session.

Afternoon photo session between 3 pm – 9 pm:

Early dinner at the hotel
Depart for the Whooper Swans hide
Photograph the Whooper Swans during the golden hours.
Return to the hotel after sunset (approx. at 9pm).

11.4. Friday

Full day photo session between 7 am – 8 pm:

Breakfast at 7am at the hotel
Departure for full photo session at Oulanka Eagle hides (at 8am)
Return to the hotel for dinner (approx. at 8pm).

12.4. Saturday

Early Morning photo session between 3 am – 9 am:

Departure for Grouse driving at the sunrise. During the driving we try to photograph Willow Grouse, Capercaillie or Hazel Grouse.
Return to the hotel for breakfast (approx. at 9am).
Transportation back to airport depends of the flight schedule.

Good to know

Payments:

Registration is binding after payment of the booking fee of 500 euros. Final payment will be sent by email and it has to be paid 30 days before the starting date.

Insurance:

Participants are responsible for their own insurance. Leisure accident insurance, etc. and insurance of photography equipment are also recommended.

Cancellation policy:

If the cancellation is made later than 45 days, but no later than 30 days before the start of the tour, we will withhold the booking fee (€ 100). If the cancellation is made later than 30 days but no later than 14 days before the start of the tour, we will withhold 50% of the tour fee. If the cancellation is made later than 14 days before the start of the tour, we will withhold the full tour fee.

The organizer has the right to cancel the tour one month before the start of the tour. If the tour is canceled by the organizer, all payments will be refunded.

NOTE: Before you will buy flight tickets, make sure that tour is confirmed.

Additional information: Please contact us by e-mail info@kuusamonaturephotography.fi, if you need more information.