Kalvträsk 2022

Kalvträsk in autumn colors

I went to Kalvträsk early in October 2022 with the hope of photographing Golden Eagles as well as Siberian Jay in autumn colors. I dedicated 6 photo days for this project as it always is a little dicey at the start of the season when it comes to birds of prey.

Still, I must admit that Kalvträsk delivered once more when it come to Golden Eagle. We had visits each days of the old female and the young female that was raised this season. The only sad part was that the male never came in front of the hide. We did see it but he stayed clear of the photographers this time.

autumn means high iso

The downside of autumn and photographing moving subjects is that you often have to use high ISO. High ISO corresponds to more noise in the picture so either you accept it or you shoot at a slower shutter speed. I most often do the later which means I get lots of unsharp images. This is often frustrating, but I do not like to push the ISO too much when I know I still will get a few keepers. I would not recommend anyone this approach if it is the first time in an Golden Eagle hide.

the passerine hide

I tested a new hide after four days in the Golden Eagle hide. I really liked how it was situated just by a lake and that I could get out of the hide without disturbing sensitive birds like eagles. The main species here was the Crested Tit and the Willow Tit. Both small passerine birds that are resident in the area. I got a few pictures I like and even had squirrels and Eurasian jays visiting. The small hide was seriously was and I was pleased to be alone so I could strip down to not overheat.

Visiting the siberian jays

I had so much fun photographing the Siberian Jays. Had crazy activity on site for the whole stay. At times there where three different birds moving around in this old habitat that is part of a National Park. They are far from shy and will come much closer than you think. Next time I go there I will probably spend more time with these lovely birds and less time in hides. I like being out and about, but that is of course hard when it comes to photographing birds of prey.

thoughts after revisting kalvträsk

I am happy that I went up to Conny to revisit him during the autumn. Sadly, had a small storm that came in a blew most of the autumn leaves of the trees. Still, I had opportunities to get nice pictures of birds during autumn when the colors are more saturated. Had like to one proper day with sun at the Golden Eagle hide, but I suppose I leave if for next visit.

Photo ALBUM: Kalvträsk in autumn colors 2022