At Erä-Eero’s wildlife hides, you have the chance to observe and photograph not only wolverines and bears, but also a wide variety of other species. These other animals tend to appear more sporadically in the area, so while certain times of the year may be ideal for spotting them, we cannot guarantee their presence during your visit. Spending multiple days in the hides increases your chances of success.

In autumn and winter, both white-tailed and golden eagles frequent the area around the hides, offering excellent opportunities to view and photograph them in snowy conditions. In spring, they migrate to their nesting grounds and return again in the fall. The eagle photography season typically runs from September to around April, although yearly variations may occur.

Wolves roam the area year-round, but being a very cautious species, they are only occasionally seen. With a bit of luck, you may spot and photograph wolves at our hides, especially in summer, when the long daylight hours make it easier to observe nocturnal activity.

Other species occasionally seen in the area include foxes, martens, beavers, and even lynx. Birdlife is rich and varied, ranging from tiny forest tits along the Keljänpuro stream to whooper swans on the ponds and hawks in the forests. The seasonal calendar below provides a general idea of how the movements of eagles, other bird species, and wolves change throughout the year.

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JANUARY

- The fight for survival in the cold and dark -

January is the time of the deepest winter and especially on very cold days, eagles visit the stands to feed. There are young individuals among them and sometimes older golden eagle pairs. The eagle is on the move from daylight to dusk. Sometimes they stay on duty in the treetops for long periods before landing on the ground, sometimes they appear as if from nowhere. Despite their large size, eagles are generally very shy birds, so even the slightest movement can send them flying and back into the air.
Filming and viewing activities according to the winter season schedule.

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FEBRUARY

- Activity on the ice and ponds -

The weather is often cold and snowy in February. Despite the winter weather, in addition to wolverines, several different mammal species move around our area, the newest arrival being the otter, which has been observed in both Keljänpuro and Uuronlampi. Foxes and martens also occasionally visit our viewing and photography booths. More days of visit increase the probability of observing and photographing different species. Other winter species in the area in February include various tits, woodpeckers, hawks, eagles, wolves and lynx.
Viewing and photography activities according to the winter season schedule.

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MARCH

- Eagle season is coming to an end -

March is still a good time for eagle photography. Golden eagles in particular enjoy the area and can visit for feeding almost daily. Established pairs are usually already in full swing with mating and nest building, but younger eagles that move alone sometimes follow a very strict schedule. As spring progresses, eagle visits to the stands become less frequent and the eagle season ends. In addition to golden eagles, many other bird species are also active in the area in March, such as great tits and crested tits, pine and grey-headed woodpeckers, jays, various hawks and ravens.
In addition to daytime photography, it is possible to stay overnight at the hide.

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APRIL

- Return of the Whooper Swans -

In April, the snow cover thins and the weather warms up. Nature awakens to spring. Migratory birds begin to arrive in the area, of which the Whooper Swan is one of the first species. These majestic birds return to their breeding grounds in the spring and sometimes fierce territorial battles take place. Swans usually mate for life. In addition to several bird species, the area is also home to foxes and wolves. Since the vegetation is still low, even smaller animals stand out more clearly from the terrain.
During April, we will slowly transition to a summer schedule. Deviations can be agreed upon separately.

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MAY

- The most intense spring -

In early May, there are often still bird calls to be heard and some late migrants may even stop at the stands to rest. The alfa females of wolf packs give birth around mid-month and the pack's movement is more focused on the litter during the summer. Bright spring days and longer nights make it easier to observe different species. Typical spring species include various waterfowl species, hawks, wolves, foxes, whooper swans and cranes.
Viewing and filming activities according to the summer season schedule, exceptions possible by separate arrangement.

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JUNE

- Summer babies -

June is a slightly quieter time, especially in the bird world, as many species are in the nesting and chick phase. After hatching, the chicks move closely with their mothers and learn the ways of the species. You can spot mother birds of various species with their chicks, especially at ponds. The daylight hours are long in June, which makes it possible to observe and photograph several other species that move more randomly in the area. Such species include, for example, wolves, herons, beavers, foxes and lynx.
Observation and photography activities according to the summer schedule.

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JULY

- Oh, the heat! -

July is often the warmest month of the year and many animals need to cool down. Even wolves can get hot, so they may cool off by swimming. The chances of seeing and photographing many other mammal and bird species are excellent. There is still enough light almost 24 hours a day. Towards the end of the month, the nights start to get darker. In addition to wolverines and bears, other species that can be found in the area in July include wolves, grey herons, foxes and whooper swans.
Viewing and photographing activities according to the summer season schedule.

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AUGUST

- Hustle and bustle -

August is still a good month for observing and photographing various animal and bird species. At the forest hides, you can see a squirrel rustling on the branches of trees and at Uuronlampi you can see various activities of a large flock of ducks. It is also still possible to observe animals moving at dusk. Towards the end of the month, the nights start to get darker.
In August, various waterfowl with their chicks, hawks and wolves are typically on the move.
Observing and photographing schedules according to the summer season.

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SEPTEMBER

- Eagle season starts in autumn colours -

Eagle season starts in September. Young white-tailed and golden eagles that have been quiet during the summer start to migrate, and eagles that live more permanently in the area also start to be more visible in searching for food.
Both white-tailed and golden eagles can be seen in the area, especially in autumn. However, the movement of eagles is not very regular, especially at this time of year, so it is a good idea to reserve several days for observing and photographing.
Activities according to the summer schedule.

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OCTOBER

- Wondering about the first snow -

October often sees the first snow and the likelihood of viewing and photographing eagles increases with the approaching winter. Golden and white-tailed eagles are on the move during daylight hours, from early morning to dusk. At night they settle down to rest. When searching for food, they may sit for long periods in the tops of trees and branches before striking their target. The amount of daylight is decreasing, so it is worth setting aside several days to photograph eagles.
Observing and photographing activities according to the winter season schedule.

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NOVEMBER

- Life in the grey -

In November, there can sometimes be a lot of snow and sometimes only the first snow has fallen. However, the shorter days and cooler weather drive different falcon species to search for food despite the conditions. In our area, it is possible to observe and photograph sparrowhawks and goshawks in particular in winter. In good vole years, buzzards may also stay to winter in the Kontiovaara forests. However, the movement of these birds in the area is sporadic, so it is worth booking more than one day to visit.
Observing and photographing activities according to the winter season schedule.

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DECEMBER

- Howling in the Dark -

December is the darkest time of the year, which is why observing and photographing different animal species requires perseverance and time. Despite the darkness, however, several different bird and animal species move around the area. Under the cover of darkness, you may see, for example, a lynx or a wolf. Eagles can also appear during daylight hours. Smaller birds and squirrels are busy feeding.
Since the daylight hours are short, it is usually worth setting aside several days for observation to ensure success.
Observation and photography activities according to the winter season schedules.