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February 2008 Finnature are one of the original companies offering “rent-a-hide” wildlife photography, if not the original. They have been providing golden eagle photography tours for some years at feeding stations.
With species such as these photography can never be certain. If the eagles do not feel like coming in they don’t and the waiting is tedious. Entering the hides before first light is vital and you stay there until well after dark. In February this meant 12 hours of waiting. The hides are comfy and almost warm. It got as cold as -29c outside so a heater is installed to keep the occupants from freezing. In addition sleeping bags are provided, which you can sit inside.
In 2008 there were 3 hides at the site near Oulu and the one we occupied could sit 3 photographers. Better if there are fewer as it gives more room to spread out.
The normal tour on offer for golden eagles is for 3 days in the eagle hide and one spare day when a visit to feeders for small birds can be arranged or attempts on any owls in the area. Harri Taavetti our guide for the trip, picked us up from the airport at Oulu and took us to our hotel for an evening meal. An early rise is required to drive to the hides and a short walk into the woods.
For most of the day ravens are present feeding on the bait, but we only had eagles down on one of the three days and that was the last day. They were present for about 4 hours and two birds attended at once involving a bit of fighting. Such long waits may be necessary, but sometimes the eagles come down everyday.
Raven Our last day was spent at a nearby feeder where the main visitors were willow, crested, blue and great tits, along with yellowhammers.
Crested tit Finnature www.finnature.fi
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