When we observe birds in the wild, we often see them only as a small dot, as part of a landscape. At the same time, our observation tells us about the living environment in which the bird thrives.
It is intrinsic for birds to spread across all kinds of environments. Birds are especially abundant in locations featuring a fine-grained blend of land and water where it is difficult to survive as a quadruped: mires, river deltas and areas of the tundra dotted with little ponds and pools.
A handful of species survives in the midst of humans, with many more shunning and avoiding humans until there remains no choice but to adapt. Sudden changes such as forest felling and, more often still, the exploitation of fields and other sites for maximum yield, sweep birdsong away.
Bird photography that focuses on species often relegates an important part of birdlife – the bird’s home range – outside the picture. Jorma Luhta is particularly interested in the interaction between the bird and its environment. At the same time, Avian Landscape shows us habitats whose preservation is key to the conservation of birds.
Jorma Luhta (b. 1951) is one of Finland’s most notable nature photographers. Having observed birds and nature for more than 50 years, he has carved out an impressive career in photography and writing.
