Kuusamo is highly appreciated among photographers as a sanctuary of natural beauty and a haven for capturing the exquisite moments of wildlife, landscape, and the changing seasons.

Nearly two years ago, my first visit to Kuusamo left me captivated by its unique charm and rich natural offerings, igniting within me a strong desire to return, delve deeper into its enchanting landscapes, and further acquaint myself with its diverse wildlife.

Why Kuusamo?

Kuusamo’s uniqueness is profoundly rooted in its untouched landscapes and rich wildlife.

Surrounded by the embrace of the Arctic wilderness, this region unveils a raw and unspoiled allure, extending an irresistible invitation to adventurers and nature aficionados. Its dense, ancient forests, tranquil lakes, and majestic wildlife collectively form an immersive expedition into the very heart of Finland’s untamed wilderness.

Nestled in the northeast, just a stone’s throw from the Russian border and approximately 850 kilometers from the Finnish capital, Kuusamo occupies a distinct position on the map of Finland.

In this story, I’ll take you on a journey to explore a swamp nestled near Junganjärvi Lake in Kuusamo, where I had the opportunity to capture the essence of the local avian residents, including the Siberian Tit, Willow Tit, and Magpie, through my lens during our recent visit in September.

Misty swamp

During our September 2022 visit to Kuusamo, we were delighted to stay at Oivangin Lomakartano, a tranquil retreat perched by the shores of Oivanki Lake. Our stay offered more than we had anticipated, as we ventured out to explore a celebrated swamp known for its enchanting Northern Lights displays. While the auroras eluded us during our visit, one memorable morning treated us to a different, yet equally enchanting, natural spectacle.

Driven by curiosity, I ventured into the swamp, where autumn’s vibrant colors were veiled by a mystical shroud of mist. The morning air was crisp, the sky overcast. Yet, as the sun pierced through the cloud cover, it bathed the swamp in a radiant tapestry of gold and amber, while the mist draped the trees, crafting an enchanting and captivating atmosphere.

In the distance, I could hear the soft calls of birds. Though my camera’s lens could freeze the image of mystic swamp, it couldn’t quite capture the full sensory experience of that magical morning in the Kuusamo swamp. The sounds, the smells, and the feeling of being enveloped by nature’s embrace were all part of an unforgettable encounter with this serene and mystical landscape.

I decided to return to the swamp during our next journey to Kuusamo, as I noticed a photo hide and bird feeding place there to explore it’s avian inhabitants.

One year later – photo shoot session

After an exhilarating day in Eagle photo hides, our car threw us a curveball on the way back. A tire pressure alarm alerted us to a flat tire, leaving us stranded in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, our car’s alarm system came to the rescue, and we summoned a tow truck. Instead of dining out, we found ourselves perched in the car, waiting in the dead of night.

This unexpected turn of events meant we were without a car the next day, so we decided to explore a nearby swamp. To our delight, the folks at Kuusamo Nature Photography, the owners of the photo hide, graciously granted us access. They also hinted at the possibility of spotting a Siberian Tit, a bird I had never encountered before.

Siberian Tit

The Siberian Tit (Poecile cinctus, Lapintiainen) is a bird species that primarily inhabits the northern parts of Finland. It is commonly found in the boreal and taiga forests of northern and eastern Finland. These birds prefer dense coniferous forests, especially those with mature spruce and pine trees.

They are well adapted to the cold and harsh winters of northern Finland and are known to frequent bird feeders in residential areas during the winter months when natural food sources are scarce.

Despite the overcast and rainy conditions, the swamp provided a picturesque backdrop for the bustling activity of various birds, including Willow Tits and Great Tits. Then, in that serene wet morning, I finally caught sight of the Siberian Tit – a tiny, damp creature that left a lasting impression.

This was my first-ever encounter with this elusive bird.

Catching a glimpse of the Siberian Tit was a highlight of our swamp adventure.

Thanks to the generosity of Kuusamo Nature Photography, we had the privilege of witnessing the Siberian Tit’s grace and charm in its native habitat, a memory we’ll cherish forever.

Please, check more info of this enchanting bird in Luontoportti.

Willow Tit

Magpies

Magpies are medium-sized birds known for their striking black and white plumage, with a long tail and often a colorful iridescent sheen on their feathers. They are known for their intelligence and can be found in various parts of the world, including Europe and North America.

Magpies are known for building large, sturdy nests. These nests are often found high in trees and are constructed from twigs, sticks, and other plant materials.

The nests are typically domed or cup-shaped with a side entrance, providing protection for the eggs and young birds against predators and the elements. Magpies are known for their architectural skill, and their nests can be quite elaborate structures.

Magpies have a diverse diet that includes insects, small mammals, berries, and even carrion, making them opportunistic omnivores.

While our primary goal for the trip was to photograph the Golden Eagle, I found immense joy in observing these smaller birds by the swamp.

Thank you for visiting my blog, hopefully you enjoyed your stay. As I wrote in my previous post, people who has visited Kuusamo, say that Kuusamo has a way of enchanting your soul, a phenomenon often referred to as Kuusamo fever, and I can attest that it is real. The moment I set foot in this beautiful place, I was overcome by its spell, and, like so many others, I found myself longing to return to Kuusamo again and again.

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