Webcam: Red Squirrels and Forest Birds in Helsinki (Finland)

Forest Feeder in the Finnish Woods

The live webcam is set up in a coniferous forest near Helsinki — in the Nuuksio National Park area. The camera is pointed at a special feeder that attracts wild inhabitants of the Finnish forest every day. Nuts, seeds, and other treats are laid out on tree stumps and logs, drawing both rodents and birds. The broadcast runs around the clock, allowing you to observe forest life at any time.

This is not just a static image — it's a real live stream from an actual location. The webcam shows in real time how red squirrels share territory with tits, how woodpeckers probe bark in search of insects, and how the landscape changes depending on the time of day and weather.

Nuuksio National Park — the Heart of Uusimaa

The camera is located in Nuuksio National Park (Nuuksion kansallispuisto) — one of Finland's most visited nature reserves. The park lies in the Uusimaa region, just 35 kilometers from central Helsinki and in close proximity to the city of Espoo.

Nuuksio is a classic Finnish landscape: dense coniferous forests, rocky granite outcrops, dozens of lakes, and marshy lowlands. It is here that the population of red squirrels (Eurasian red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris) has been preserved — they have become the symbol of the park. Unlike grey squirrels introduced from North America, red squirrels are native inhabitants of European forests.

Red Squirrels: Inhabitants of the Coniferous Forest

The red squirrel is one of the most recognizable representatives of Finland's fauna. In Nuuksio, these animals feel safe: the national park provides them with a natural habitat rich in coniferous trees, their primary food source.

An interesting trait of red squirrels is their food-storing strategy. Unlike grey squirrels, which hide nuts in numerous small caches (scatter hoarding), red squirrels are "larder hoarders" — they store supplies in one central location, known as a midden. This behavior is especially typical of coniferous forests, where finding a suitable hiding spot is easier.

The territory of a single red squirrel in the Helsinki area averages 28 hectares. This is a fairly large area, indicating low population density and the importance of preserving large forest tracts. At the Nuuksio feeder, you can observe squirrels competing for access to treats, demonstrating their social hierarchy.

The red squirrel's diet is diverse: seeds of coniferous trees (especially pine), forest nuts, pine nuts, berries, mushrooms, and tree buds. Sometimes they don't shy away from insects and even bird eggs. At the feeder, squirrels happily eat the nuts and seeds provided for them, making watching them especially fascinating.

Feathered Guests at the Feeder

The Nuuksio feeder attracts more than just squirrels. Dozens of forest bird species gather here, each with its own habits and character.

Great tits are the most frequent visitors. These bright yellow-and-black birds are bold and curious. They are the first to fly to the feeder and often clash with squirrels over sunflower seeds.

Crested tits are rarer and more timid visitors. They are easily recognized by the distinctive crest on their heads. Unlike great tits, they prefer to settle in old coniferous forests and are less inclined to interact with humans.

Great spotted woodpeckers appear at the feeder less often, but their appearance is always an event. These black-and-white birds with red undertail coverts feed mainly on insects, but in winter they readily eat unsalted suet and nuts.

Besides tits and woodpeckers, jays, tree sparrows, chaffinches, and other species visit the feeder. In spring, starlings can be seen, and in summer months, nightingales that nest in the undergrowth.

Seasonal Rhythms of Forest Life

Watching the webcam at different times of the year gives completely different impressions. In winter, when snow falls, the feeder becomes a center of attraction for all forest inhabitants. Birds and squirrels come here more often, as natural food in the forest becomes scarcer.

In spring, the mating season begins. Squirrels become more active — you can observe their games and chases. Birds start building nests, and the feeder empties as they switch to natural food rich in insects.

In summer, activity at the feeder declines. The forest has an abundance of berries, seeds, and insects, so animals depend less on supplementary feeding. However, during dry periods, the feeder fills up with visitors again.

Autumn is harvest time. Squirrels begin actively stockpiling nuts and seeds, preparing for winter. This is the best time to observe their characteristic behavior: how they select the highest-quality nuts, how they hide them in secluded spots, and how they protect their stores from competitors.

What You Can See on the Camera

The live webcam shows a forest feeder set up with moss-covered tree stumps and logs. In the foreground are the treats: nuts, seeds, and possibly pieces of fruit. In the background, you can see the trunks of coniferous trees — pines and spruces — forming a typical Finnish forest.

At any moment, you can spot red squirrels nimbly moving along the logs and stumps. Next to them or waiting their perch sit tits, sparrows, and other birds. Sometimes a woodpecker appears, leisurely inspecting the feeder.

The camera operates 24/7, so at night you can notice other inhabitants: mice, voles, and in rare cases — owls or flying squirrels. Although most activity occurs during daylight hours, the nighttime broadcast has its own charm — the silence of the Finnish forest and rare guests illuminated by infrared lights.

This webcam is a unique opportunity to observe Finland's wildlife without leaving your home. Whether it's a morning visit from tits, daytime squirrel activity, or an evening trip to the feeder — every moment brings new discoveries.