Heated Spring 10.–16.5.2025

In early spring the atmosphere heats up in the forests, swamps and fields of Kuusamo. Migration birds are arriving and lekking display starts. It’s time to battle and mate!

In this 6 night’s tour you will get to photograph all the main species of the Kuusamo area; lekking Capercaillies, fighting Black Grouses, pickering Whooper Swans and dancing Common Cranes. We will be photographing these species mostly from hides so these sensitive birds won’t be disturbed by us. Depending on the year it is possible to photograph also willow ptarmigan, hazel grouse, siberian tit, siberian jay and woodpeckers.

Information of the tour

Time: 10 – 16 of May 2025.

Duration: 6 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 single rooms. (https://www.kuusamonportti.fi/en).

Equipment: Everybody should have their own photography equipment and tripod heads (also possible to rent, ask beforehand.) Also outdoor suitable warm clothing and hiking boots would be good. Rubber boots can be loaned from the organizer if needed.

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: 3500€. 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

10.5. Saturday

Arrival in Kuusamo

Arrival Kuusamo airport (approx. 12:30) 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 4 pm – 8 pm:

Return to the hotel for dinner at 8pm.

11.5. Sunday

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.

Evening photo session between 6 pm- 10 pm :

Early dinner at the hotel 4pm.
Depart for the Bear hide around 5 pm.
Return to the hotel at 11 pm.

12.5. Monday

Breakfast at 7am.

Morning photo session

Small Birds studio or bird photography without hide

Daytime break:

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

Dinner at the hotel 4pm.

Departure to Capercaillie hides (5pm):

Overnight in Capercaillie hide (6pm-7am.)

13.5. Tuesday

Photographing Capercaillie:

Return to the hotel for breakfast (approx. at 8am).

Daytime break:

Time to relax, review, and organize your photos from the last night and morning session.
Dinner at the hotel 4pm.

Evening photo session:

It’s time to head to the Crane hide to photograph Cranes and Bean geese.

14.5. Wednesday

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.
Dinner (4pm.)

Departure to Capercaillie hides (5pm):

Overnight in hide (6pm-7am.)

15.5. Thursday

Photographing Capercaillie

Return to the hotel for breakfast (approx. at 8am).

Daytime break:

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

Evening photo session:

Depart for the Bear hide around 5 pm.
Return to the hotel at 11 pm.

16.5 Friday

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.

Please note that the schedule may change depending on the bird situation!

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 (€ 500). 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.