Lauantaina 9.8.2025 lÀhdin liikkeelle aikaisin, kello nÀytti vasta seitsemÀÀ, kun auton nokka kÀÀntyi kohti Konneveden Siikakoskea. PerillÀ olin vÀhÀn ennen kahdeksaa. Elokuinen sÀÀ helli kuvaajaa: aurinko paistoi kirkkaalta taivaalta ja lÀmpömittari nÀytti 17 astetta.
Koskella riitti elÀmÀÀ. Veden pintaa rikkoivat sukeltavat koskelot ja telkÀt, ja vÀstÀrÀkit hyppivÀt kiveltÀ toiselle kuin kiireettömÀt satamatyölÀiset. Lokkeja ja selkÀlokkeja kaarteli ylÀpuolella, ja varikset pitivÀt ÀÀnekkÀÀsti huolta siitÀ, ettei kenenkÀÀn lÀsnÀolo jÀÀnyt huomaamatta. Isommat linnut kÀvivÀt sÀÀnnöllisesti piipahtamassa viereisillÀ kalankasvatusaltailla, selvÀsti toivoen helppoa ateriaa.
Kameran suljin lauloi pitkin aamua. Sain tallennettua monta onnistunutta otosta, kun vesilinnut sukelsivat kosken kuohuissa ja auringonsĂ€teet osuivat veden roiskeisiin. Oli mukava viettÀÀ parituntinen kosken kohinan ja kauniin luonnon keskellĂ€. TĂ€llaiset hetket muistuttavat, miksi kamera kannattaa ottaa mukaan â koskaan ei tiedĂ€, mitĂ€ kaikkea voi nĂ€hdĂ€, kun lĂ€htee varhain liikkeelle.
In english
On Saturday, 9 August 2025, I set off early for a bird photography trip to Siikakoski Rapids in Konnevesi, Central Finland. It was 7 a.m. when I left home, and I arrived just before eight. The August morning was perfect for wildlife photography: the sun was shining from a clear blue sky and the temperature was a comfortable 17°C.
Lively Morning at Siikakoski Rapids
The Siikakoski Rapids were full of activity. Common mergansers and goldeneyes surfaced and dived for food in the fast-flowing water. White wagtails hopped from rock to rock, while gulls and lesser black-backed gulls circled overhead. A few crows made their presence known with loud calls. Larger birds visited the nearby fish farming pondsfrom time to time, clearly hoping for an easy catch.
Photographing Waterfowl in Their Habitat
Throughout the morning, my camera shutter clicked away. I captured several sharp shots of diving waterfowl in the rapids, with sunlight highlighting the spray and creating beautiful contrasts. The sound of rushing water and the peaceful surroundings made the experience even more rewarding.
Why Siikakoski is Worth Visiting for Bird Photography
Spending a couple of hours at Siikakoski Rapids reminded me why this location is such a hidden gem for birdwatching and nature photography in Finland. Arriving early in the morning gives you the best light, less disturbance, and a good chance to see active birdlife.
If youâre planning a photography trip in Central Finland, make sure to add Siikakoski in Konnevesi to your list. The combination of beautiful scenery, diverse bird species, and the soothing sound of the rapids makes it a truly special place.
-juha-
