Birds

Birds of prey

The birds of prey nest in the coniferous forest belt and many of them can be observed in the Wild Taiga area as well. Hawks and owls are a familiar sight in the eastern Finland sky and forest. The owls are easiest to observe in the beginning of summer. Separate hides have been put up for photographing the Golden Eagle in the winter. With some luck the Golden Eagle and its nest may be found in an old dried up pine tree. White-tailed Eagle and the Kite can be observed from the bear watching sites.

Gallinaceous birds

Black grouse, capercaillie, hazel grouse and willow grouse are the most common gallinaceous (Game) birds in Kainuu. This is because of the vast uninhabited wilderness areas in the region. Among others the capercaillie, Finland´s largest gallinaceous bird, needs vast forest areas for lekking (breeding). Black grouse can be found in humid forests and near swamp areas, as well as in birch forests in the winter. The capercaillie and black grouse leks are observed from small hides or tents early in the morning just after sunrise. Their magnificent feathering displays and rituals are impressive. The best photographs are taken through the lekking season which is April to May.