This photo won main prize at Estonian Nature magazine photo competition 2019.

This photo won the second place in the category “Animals in their environment” at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2019.

In the end of summer common cranes gather into large groups to prepare for long migration to the south. They sleep in wetlands where they are safe from predators. I left my camera to one such place with an automatic trigger that will take photos according to predefined schedule. This way I was able to capture this photo of cranes in their natural habitat.

This photo won the third place in the category “Animals in their environment” at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2018.

Bird of the year 2018

https://www.eoy.ee/metsis/

Sweden, Sarek national park, February 2012

Estonia, January 2018

Two years ago, we moved to a house with my family. We got this woodpecker as a bonus when buying a house. The bird has set up a smithy in our garden. The great spotted woodpecker bring pine cones from trees nearby and then puts them into a hole in the oak tree. Then he starts to hammer the cone to find seeds to eat. It is exciting to watch the bird from kitchen window. Our neighbor’s children have named the bird Woody
Estonia, November 2016

Today is Finland’s 100th birthday! Happy birthday Finland and all Finnish people.

Estonia, April 2017

Common cranes gather into swamps in the end of summer to prepare for long migration to the south. To capture this photo I left my camera to the one such place for many weeks with trigger that took photos with a few minute interval at sunrise and sunset times. I was very lucky to find such photo on the camera card. A common crane family was waling on the foreground and a flock of cranes flying in the sky at the same time. And all of this in beautiful light at sunset.

This photo was highlighted by the jury in category “Animals in their environment” at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2016.

Estonia, August 2015

It is busy times for kingfisher parents. There are 6 hungry kingfisher chicks in the nest (upper right corner) waiting for the food. The photo is taken with wide angle tilt-shift lens using remote wireless trigger. The lens in tilted and rotated to get the bird and it’s nest to focus in one shot.

This photo was highlighted by the jury in category “Animals in their environment” at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2016.

Estonia, July 2015

This photo was highlighted by the jury in the World nature category at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2016.

Sweden, September 2014

Black-headed gulls playing on swamp lake.

This photo was awarded a second place in category “Animals in their environment” at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2015.

Trees in Riisitunturi National Park get covered by a thick layer of snow during winter. These spruce trees seem to be bowing under the heavy weight.

Finland, March 2012

Estonia, June 2015

Estonia, August 2014

Estonia, January 2015

Thermometer shows 20 degrees C below zero, but water at the spring is flowing like it did in the summer. Morning sun is peeking behind frost covered trees. It seems like I’m in some fairy tale without any rules where everything is possible. This is the magic of Estonian winter.

Estonia, January 2016

Estonia, January 2015

Estonia, January 2014

This photo won prize for best photo of worlds holy places in local competition organized by Estonian House of Taara and Native Religions.

I was hiking with my friend in Sarek national park in Sweden. We stayed two nights on top of mount Nammatj. You can enjoy a breathtaking view over Rapa river delta from top of that mountain, so it’s not a surprise that Sami people consider it a Sacred place. Photo is taken at the dawn when first rays of light shine over mountains at distance.

This photo won biodiversity special prize on Estonian Nature magazine photo competition 2015.

Estonia, October 2015

This photo was highlighted by the jury in the Animal portrait category at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2016.

Estonia, May 2015

Winning image of “Canon Spring Photo 2015″ competition held in Estonia.

Estonia, March 2014

This photo was awarded a second place in category “Animals in their environment” at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2015.

Estonia, August 2014

Estonia, May 2013

Spring sun has melted interesting patterns on bog pool ice.

Estonia, March 2015

Bean and greater white-fronted geese

Estonia, April 2013

Lagopus muta

Sweden, September 2014

Sweden, September 2014

Estonia, June 2013

Carduelis flammea

Estonia, January 2014

Estonia, October 2010

Mute Swan / Cygnus olor

Estonia, May 2012

Estonia, January 2015

Estonia, April 2014

Sweden, September 2014

Estonia, July 2012

Estonia, May 2014

Estonia, December 2012

Estonia, August 2014

Estonia, February 2011

Willow grouse in winter plumage.

Sweden, March 2012

Estonia, December 2013

Estonia, January 2012

Finally long waited minus degrees (C) have arrived. This is one of the most beautiful times to visit bogs.

Anser fabalis
Estonia, April 2014

Bean Goose / Anser fabalis

Estonia, April 2014

Sweden, September 2014

Estonia, May 2014

Estonia, May 2014

Estonia, March 2014

Estonia, April 2014

Estonia, October 2014

A horned grebe doing a morning exercise.

Estonia, April 2014

Estonia, March 2014

Rapa river delta, Sarek National Park, Sweden

Sweden, September 2014

Sweden, September 2014

Sweden, September 2012

We know that common cranes are large birds, but usually we see them only from far, so it’s hard to tell their real size. I chose a picture with a duck on it to show how big those magnificent birds really are.

Estonia, September 2014

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

Estonia, May 2013

Estonia, December 2013

Estonia, May 2014

Estonia, August 2014

Carduelis carduelis

Estonia, July 2014

Black terns / Chlidonias niger

Estonia, June 2013

Estonia, March 2014

Asio otus

Estonia, June 2014

Estonia, April 2014

Estonia, June 2014

Horned grebes fighting for territory

Estonia, April 2014

Estonia, June 2014

Estonia, Mai 2014

In early spring strong winds will sometimes create huge ice hummocks to shores of lake Peipsi (4th biggest lake in Europe). This is great time for nature photographers, but not so good for local people, as the unstoppable ice hummocks can sometimes even destroy houses. 100 years ago half of one village was completely swept away by moving ice.

This time we had winds blowing from the south so 5-6 meter high ice hummocks evolved to the northern shores of the lake. That is the place with some of the most beautiful sand beaches and dunes covered with pine forests. Some ice reached the sand dunes, but second wave of ice stopped before arriving to the shore.

The morning I went to take photos the wind had already calmed down. During night some fresh ice had formed on spots of free water. So we can see ice in many different stages. New ice that was created a few hours ago and older ice from the beginning of winter. All this ice will share the same destiny. Soon the warm springtime sun will rise and start melting this magnificent icy landscape.

Estonia, March 2014

Black-headed Gull / Larus ridibundus

Estonia, April 2014

Estonia, April 2014

Tetrao urogallus

Estonia, May 2013

Estonia, January 2014

Willow grouse in winter plumage.

Sweden, March 2012

Finland, March 2012

Estonia, April 2012

Finland, March 2012

Estonia, January 2014

Circus is visiting us this winter. Common Redpolls from the north.

Estonia, January 2014

There is a good reason to be proud. This male raised up 6 kingfisher chicks.

Kingfisher week! This week I will publish a new kingfisher photo every workday.
http://www.facebook.com/jaakphoto

Kingfisher week! This week I will publish a new kingfisher photo every workday.
Like me on Facebook so you will not miss any of the photos: http://www.facebook.com/jaakphoto

A young kingfisher few minutes after leaving the nest. The plumage and legs of the young kingfisher are duller and the beak shorter than adult’s. In few days it has to learn how to fish, as kingfisher parents only feed their chicks for couple of days after leaving the nest.

Kingfisher week! This week I will publish a new kingfisher photo every workday.
Like me on Facebook so you will not miss any of the photos: http://www.facebook.com/jaakphoto

Kingfisher week! This week I will publish a new kingfisher photo every workday.
Like me on Facebook so you will not miss any of the photos: http://www.facebook.com/jaakphoto

Estonia, July 2011

Kingfisher week! This week I will publish a new kingfisher photo on every workday. Click “Like” on my FB page so you will not miss any of the photos:
http://www.facebook.com/jaakphoto

Black tern chick learing to fly

This photo was awarded a third place in the animal action category at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2014.

Estonia, December 2013

Beaver

Estonia, December 2012

Hawk-owl caught a mouse and started eating it right in front of me. Estonia, January 2012

Estonia, July 2011

Sweden, September 2013

Estonia, August 2013

Sweden, September 2013

Estonia, October 2010

Estonia, June 2013

Black Terns

Estonia, May 2013

Sweden, September 2013

In the evenings you can find gold in Sweden mountain rivers.

Sweden, September 2013

Estonia, June 2013

Estonia, July 2013

Estonia, August 2013

On one foggy morning I was lucky to photograph how common terns were feeding their almost grown-up chicks. But when downloading this picture to my computer I could not believe that it is a real photo. It feels almost like somebody has painted it with watercolors. A delicate moment captured in very soft light.

Estonia, July 2012

Autumn is not far. Common cranes are gathering to their traditional sleeping places. I put my tent to one such a wild place already in spring. It is unbelievable experience when a choir of thousands of cranes is making their trumpet sounds around you. Usually I only get to enjoy their sounds as the cranes arrive in dark and leave before dawn when there is not enough light for photography. This time a was lucky and got to take a few shots in the early morning before cranes left.

This photo was highlighted by the jury in the category “Animals in their environment” at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2013.

Please also visit my Facebook page and click Like.
http://www.facebook.com/jaakphoto

Estonia, August 2013

Sweden, September 2010

Finland, September 2010

This photo got into finals in international Big Photo Competition organized by California Academy of Sciences.

Beautiful northern lights in the sky and full moon lighting trees covered with deep snow. This is a wonderful winter night in the north.

Finland, March 2012

BTW. Can you see Venus and Jupiter in the sky?;)

This photo came to 6th place on The Baltic Photo Competition 2013 in Landscape category.

Norway, September 2012

Estonia, January 2013

Estonia, October 2010

Some friendly cooling is welcome on a hot summer evening.

Black tern chicks.

Estonia, June 2013

This photo of black terns mating was awarded a third place in Estonian competition “Canon Spring Photo 2013″ .

Estonia, May 2013

Estonia, July 2012

A male black tern brings food to the hatching female.

This photo won first award on Estonian Nature magazine photo competition 2013 in animal photo category.

Estonia, May 2013

Estonia, January 2013

Estonia, July 2011

Estonia, January 2013

Estonia, May 2012

Sweden, February 2013

Estonia, May 2013

This photo was highlighted by the jury in the animal action category at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2014.
Estonia, May 2013

This photo was awarded a third place in the animal portrait category at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2013.

Estonia, April 2012

This photo was awarded a third place in the black and white category at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2013.

Estonia, April 2012

I’m pleased to announce that this photo was awarded the title “Highlight” in the Asferico 2013 international nature photo competition in animal portrait category. Other awarded photos can be seen on the link below. Overall winner of the competition will be announced on 3rd of May in Italy.
http://www.asferico.com/concorso/gallerie/e_galleria2013.htm

Estonia, April 2012

Sweden, February 2013

Estonia, January 2013

Estonia, January 2013

Estonia, April 2012

Sweden, September 2012

Estonia, April 2012

Estonia, December 2012

Estonia, October 2012

Estonia, January 2012

Goodbye 2012 and happy new year 2013! Follow the dance moves of the beaver tonight:)

Estonia, December 2012

Estonia, December 2012

Estonia, December 2012

Merry Christmas dear friends! Hopefully you found something as beautiful as this Northern Hawk-Owl for your Christmas tree decoration;)

It was unusual sight for me to see cottongrass and ice together in one picture. But in Norway anything is possible.

Norway, September 2012

Sweden, October 2012

A young common tern looking at it’s reflection.
Estonia, July 2012

Estonia, June 2012

A Red-necked Grebe drying it’s feathers.

Estonia, June 2012

Estonia, October 2012

Can you guess what country is this bird from?

Estonia, October 2012

This summer I met one pair of Black-necked Grebes, who are very rare in Estonia.

Estonia, June 2012

Estonia, October 2012

A View to the South-East

Norway, September 2012

Norway, September 2012

This photo is taken from the same place as previous one. This is view to the north in the evening. Last one was view to the west. Stay tuned for the view to the east…

Stiched panorama with digital graduated filter from 10 shots. 5 for the sky and 5 for the ground.

Norway, September 2012

Norway, September 2012

Norway, September 2012

A young common tern demanding for a breakfast.

Estonia, July 2012

Estonia, September 2012

Common tern bringing food to it’s chick.

This photo came to 5th place on The Baltic Photo Competition 2013 in Birds category.

Estonia, July 2012

Estonia, December 2011

Estonia, July 2012

Estonia, July 2012

Estonia, January 2012

Estonia, June 2012

During the summer this shallow pond has grown full of water plants making it a paradise for water birds.
Estonia, June 2012

Kingfishers decided to make nest to this sandstone wall like they did last year. Fortunate for them as the sandstone wall collapsed during the best breeding season. It remains mystery how the kingfishers knew it coming. Hopefully they will be back next year.

Estonia, June 2012

Estonia, June 2010

Estonia, June 2011

Estonia, June 2012

Estonia, May 2012

Estonia, May 2012

Estonia, May 2012

Look at those claws! You don’t want to be a fish when this bird attacks.

Estonia, May 2012

Estonia, May 2012

Recetly I was lucky to peek into Red-necked Grebes bedroom. Mating lasted exactly 4 seconds and female was completele submersed in the end.

Estonia, May 2012

Estonia, May 2012

I met a nice couple of red-necked grebes. They are building a nest currently, hopefully they get a lot of chicks in June.

Estonia, May 2012

Estonia, June 2010

Finland, March 2012

Estonia, June 2011

Estonia, February 2011

Finland, March 2012

Estonia, April 2012

Estonia, May 2011

Estonia, January 2012

Sweden, March 2012

Willow grouse in winter plumage.

Finland, March 2012

Finland, March 2012

I met the Groke (Mårran in Swedish, Mörkö in Finnish) in the Moominland. She had just eaten the sun and therefore in a good mood.

Estonia, January 2012

Northern Hawk-Owls (Surnia ulula) are rare in Estonia. There are only 4 known nestings, first one dating back more than 100 years. During winter some birds visit us from northern countries if it gets too cold in their home.

Estonia, May 2010

Estonia, March 2011

Estonia, January 2012

Estonia, January 2012

Estonia, May 2011

Estonia, January 2011

Estonia, December 2010

Estonia, January 2011

Estonia, December 2010

Estonia, March 2011

Sweden, September 2010

Estonia, December 2011

Sorry, this entry is only available in Eesti.

Norway, September 2010

Estonia, October 2010

Estonia, December 2010

Finland, September 2010

Sweden on the left, Finland on the right and mountains of Norway in the distance.

Estonia, June 2011

Sweden, September 2010

Norway, September 2010

Estonia, October 2010

Estonia, August 2011

Kingfisher father is sitting on the branch to make sure that the coast is clear before flying to the nest.
Estonia, June 2011

Estonia, August 2011

In August mornings you can encounter some nice bog and unbelievable views in Estonian bogs.

Estonia, August 2011

Estonia, January 2011

Estonia, October 2010

Estonia, February 2011

Estonia, October 2010

Sweden, September 2010

Estonia, May 2010

Estonia, June 2010

Norway, September 2010

Norway, September 2010

Sweden, September 2010

Estonia, May 2010

This photo was awarded a “Premia” special prize at the Estonian Nature Photo Competition 2012.

Estonia, May 2010

Sweden, September 2010

Estonia, May 2011

Estonia, March 2011

I did not have telephoto lens when taking this picture, so I had to take off my pants and get to freezing water to get this shot.
Estonia, August 2009

Norway, September 2010

Estonia, May 2010

You may find gold also in Estonian rivers, specially when temperatures approach -20 degrees Celsius.
Estonia, February 2011

This photo came to 4th place on The Baltic Nature Photo Competition 2011 in World Nature category.

Norway, September 2010

Freezing cold nights with temperatures reaching -30 C have painted clear frost trails on ice, reducing river coast about 1 metre per night.
Estonia, February 2011

Estonia, May 2011

Finland, September 2010

Estonia, January 2011

Estonia, January 2011

Estonia, October 2010

Norway, September 2010

Estonia, May 2010

Estonia, December 2009

About a month after leaving the nest the young kingfisher is looking almost like adult, but darker chest and legs reveal that it is still a juvenile. Already a master in fishing the young kingfisher focuses on river to find something for the dinner.
Estonia, July 2011

Northern lights painted this magical green arc to the sky and a reflection over a Norwegian lake made this moment perfect.

This photo came to 6th place on Baltic Nature Photo Competition 2011 in World Nature category.

Norway, September 2010

First morning rays of sunlight painted this greyish bank with magical colors. This colorful moment lasted only for a few seconds and mornings like this are very rare.

Estonia, July 2009