This March has been very good for Owl photography close to Oulu town in Finland. We have very co-operative Hawk- and Great Grey Owls still here at the moment. Many photographers have come to our workshops to photograph these beautiful birds and all of visiting photographers have got stunning images of both species.

The secret for succesfull Owl photography is to feed them. We are feeding the owls with dead mice and voles. Throughout the year I collect trapped rodents from my home village and put them in freezer. Then when we start to feed the owls, I have food for the owls ready.

In extreme cases I believe we actually save lives of owls. Since owls come most eagerly to the offered bait when they are starving. This winter Great Grey Owls have been struggeling in Northern Finland, since there are almost no voles at all.

Just few days ago Great Grey Owls came out from the forest in Oulu area. This is probably due to heavy snow fall and not so good situation with voles here. At the moment it looks like Great Grey Owls could be photographed out in open this winter. Finnature´s principle guide and wildlife photographer Harri Taavetti will go out on Monday to look out for the owls and if he is succesfull with photography, then I think it is good idea to come as soon as possible!

At the moment I am in Greece for Wild Wonders of Europe commission for Dalmatian Pelicans, but do not hesitate to contact me if you would like photograph Great Grey Owls in Finland this winter! Also our Golden Eagle feeding site is still going on well and there has been many eagle coming at daily basis to the baits offering some good photo-opportunities!