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For our second night at Martinselkonens we opted for the pond hide. Here the bears are fed around the edge of a small lake.
You really need calm conditions at this location to get some nice reflections.
Click on image to enlarge
Click on image to enlarge
We were fortunate once again that the light levels were much better this year than last. We didn’t have it all our own way though as we had a glorious but all too fleeting period of golden light with no bears to show for it. Sod’s law of course dictated they dropped in ten minutes after the midnight sun disappeared behind a cloud. Oh well, you can’t have it all your own way. Besides, I actually quite like the slightly softer, warm feel to the images and the way in which the light picks out the detail in the bears’ fur.
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There was also a lot of action right in front of the hides also. It was a real privilege to be in the presence of this old male, as he lumbered through. At one time he was the alpha male in the area. Being so close to what is a huge animal is a truly humbling experience.
Click on image to enlarge
Click on image to enlarge
Click on image to enlarge
Once again the activity was excellent throughout the night as different bears decided to take their turn to make an appearance and walk beside the lake. It really is a peaceful, idyllic setting and another of our favourite locations at Martinselkonens.
Click on image to enlarge
Click on image to enlarge
Click on image to enlarge
There’s always one though. Not content just to enjoy a quiet stroll this particular bear decided to go for a climb. Not that she had much of a head for heights. That’s what I love about the Brown bears of Finland, you’re never quite sure what they’re going to get up to next!
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Which is a nice segway into next time’s blog, when we return to the swamp and were treated to the antics of the ASBO cubs. Definitely the highlight of the trip and a night we will never forget. Can’t wait to share the images with you. Until next week…
Looks like some more good images. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of shots from here and you’ve done the site proud!
Cheers Ian. Thanks for stopping by. Comments and support appreciated as always
Another great collection of shots, Jules. Looking forward to the next installment!
Simon
Cheers Simon. You’re a gent. Hopefully I haven’t overplayed it for the next instalment now. Like the ladybirds on UKNPN btw. Really nice
Great stuff. I particularly like the shots following the text “Once again the activity was excellent throughout the night as different bears decided to take their turn to make an appearance and walk beside the lake. It really is a peaceful, idyllic setting and another of our favourite locations at Martinselkonens.” The one framing a very muscular hoary looking bear about to drink is my favourite. Such a study of its musculature – a cracking shot of a superb animal.
Thanks Dad, thank you for your continuing love and support as always. Lovely to spend time with you and mum at Birdfair.
Hope you are both well and enjoying France. Happy wedding anniversary!
Our love as always
Julian and Preslava
Just come across your photography for the first time and it is simply amazing. I’ll be visiting this site a lot more! Great work.
Cheers Tim. Thanks for stopping by and saying such nice things