Spring Awakening

As winter slowly loosens its grip, the Finnish Boreal forests begin to awaken. With their pristine winter coats, the giants of the forest are emerging from their winter's hibernation, and are determined to feed amongst the snow-blanketed landscape. The first Bears of the season usually arrive by early to mid-April, large males being the first of which to emerge. The Bears at this time of year are looking stunning in their winters coat, with the mosaic of brown tones to their fur, contrasted against the fairytale-like winter landscapes, photographers can be rewarded with unbeatable photographic potential when conditions are favourable.

The transition from late April into May prompts a steady increase in temperature, as the layer of ice and snow finally recedes to reveal the vegetation below. After a long winter, the landscape slowly becomes visible once again, and the calm Spring days often produce mirror-like reflections on the sheltered boreal lakes. Mid May also signals the start of the bear’s rutting season, as competition for female’s increases. Late Spring is also one of the best times to observe cubs, which venture into the area in search of food alongside their mother’s. Bird activity noticeably increases as more vegetation is revealed throughout the rapidly thawing landscape.