Travelling to remote areas of the world can often reveal some of the most astounding & awe-inspiring sights imaginable. Ask anyone who has visited the wilderness of Sweden, where Northern Sweden's Eagles soar in the skies, gliding effortlessly through the air with a grace & beauty that can only be experienced firsthand.
From the dense forests below to the vibrant tundra up high, sharing the magnificent creatures of the northern skies is an unforgettable experience.
At first glance, one may think that such a distant area wouldn't be home to any thriving wildlife, let alone eagles. But upon further exploration, it becomes clear that this corner of the globe boasts some of the most significant concentrations of these magnificent birds.
On a clear day, the birds can be seen gliding through the air with remarkable power & control. It's almost as if they were born to fly! As you observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, you cannot help but admire their untamed spirit. The majesty of Northern Sweden's eagles awaits you, a unique & remarkable sight you will never forget.
What are the different types of eagles which are found in Sweden?
Two different species of eagle are commonly photographed in Sweden: the White-tailed Eagles & the Golden Eagles. The White-tailed Eagle is Sweden's national bird & the most common eagle in the country. It has long, broad wings, & its tail is white with black tips.
About the Golden Eagles of Northern Sweden
The Golden Eagle is an iconic symbol of strength & focus, & these majestic birds of prey are found across many of the countries of Northern Europe. Of these, one of the more established populations of Golden Eagles can be found in Northern Sweden.
The Golden Eagles of Northern Sweden vary from their siblings in different parts of the world, as they are significantly larger, & have denser feathers to better survive the cold weather. They are also powerful & can carry up to three times their body weight in flight.
A full-grown adult Golden Eagle found in this region can measure up to 3 feet tall & have a wingspan of 8 feet or more.
Their diet consists primarily of smaller mammals & birds, along with some reptiles & fish, but they also scavenge on carrion occasionally. These eagles are generally solitary creatures & mate for life, with the breeding season lasting from April to early June. This period is characterised by elaborate courtship rituals culminating in the eagle constructing a large nest, typically building between 15-20 feet high, using branches, twigs, & other materials in the forest.
Golden Eagles are vital to the environmental & ecological health of Northern Sweden, as they help in controlling & moderating the animal populations there. As a result, the government has stringent laws & regulations to protect these magnificent birds & ensure that their population doesn't decline. As they symbolise power, they have been celebrated & honoured in Swedish culture for centuries & remain an awe-inspiring sight!
About the White-tailed Eagle
The White-tailed Eagle is a majestic species native to Northern Sweden. Averaging between 70-90 cm in length & with a wingspan ranging from 170cm – 230cm, this species is the largest bird of prey in the country. The eagle is also one of the most recognisable birds in Sweden, as it has a primarily white-coloured tail with a yellowish-brown beak & wings.
The White-tailed Eagle lives in both coastal & inland regions, where they hunt for fish, rabbits, hares, other small animals, & carrion. These eagles can be found perched on top of trees, cliffs, or other lookout points while searching for food.
When breeding, the White-tailed Eagle builds its nest high in trees, sometimes as tall as 60 feet off the ground. They are highly territorial & will mate within the same nesting sites for many years. Courtship rituals include aerial displays such as chases, dives & vertical climbing. This time is also when their iconic call can be heard—a resounding, loud peal described as resembling thunder.
Due to decreased numbers over the past few decades, these eagles are now a protected species in Northern Sweden. Their numbers have been significantly reduced due to human interference, such as poaching, habitat destruction, & pollution. Conservation efforts, including the designation of National Parks & a ban on hunting Eagles, are helping to increase their numbers.
The White-tailed Eagle found in Northern Sweden is a stunning avian species. Its impressive size & powerful call are sure to inspire awe & appreciation.
Are Northern Sweden's Eagles endangered?
The majestic eagles of Northern Sweden have been a symbol of beauty, freedom & strength for centuries. But unfortunately, the population of these magnificent birds is in decline, leading to the question: Are the eagles of Northern Sweden endangered?
The answer to this question is yes, & the causes of their decrease can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the availability of food & nesting areas has decreased as land is cleared for development, while human activities such as hunting & poaching have also taken their toll. Climate change has also caused warmer temperatures, increasing the number of parasites that can harm the eagles. Furthermore, the use of pesticides by farmers had a detrimental effect on the birds' health.
In terms of conservation, several initiatives have been taken to protect the Eagles of Northern Sweden. For example, public awareness campaigns have been created by local NGOs. In contrast, protected areas of natural habitat have been designated to help the birds find food & nesting grounds. Hunting & poaching have also been restricted, & stricter penalties have been applied for those caught breaking the law.
The future of the Eagles of Northern Sweden is uncertain, however, as the effects of habitat loss, climate change, poaching & other threats continue to increase. It is up to us, then, to ensure that we do what we can to protect these beautiful birds & that they remain a part of our natural heritage for many years.
What is the largest eagle in Europe?
The majestic eagles of Northern Sweden take flight in the deep, blue sky, captivating observers with the grace of their wings. Amongst them is the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), the largest eagle in Europe. With a wingspan that can reach up to 2.5 meters, these eagles soar through the northern skies of Scandinavia, providing a sight that is sure to take your breath away.
They are often referred to as the Sea Eagle, the White-tailed Eagle is commonly seen along coastal areas throughout the north of Sweden due to its reliance on fish & other marine life as its primary food source. They are also believed to purposefully select the coastal areas because they provide strong air currents, allowing them to stay afloat while soaring in the sky effortlessly.
The White-tailed Eagle also has one of the longest recorded migrations in Europe, as they travel south to survive the winter cold. Many eagles fly up to 3,000 kilometres during this migration, which is made possible by their strong wings. To identify the White-tailed Eagle amongst the other species of eagles, look for the unique colouration of its feathers. It is recognised by its colossal wingspan & white tail feathers, which contrast against its otherwise dark-brown feathers, making it a stunning bird to observe.
Which Photography Tours Does NaturesLens Schedule for Photographing Northern Sweden's Eagles?
NaturesLens offers a range of photography holidays designed to allow any wildlife photographer of any experience level to spend whole days photographing Golden Eagles. These trips generally are conducted in early March when the Swedish wildlife is most active.
Our photography holidays are intended to allow photographers to capture stunning images of the Golden Eagle & other species found in the forests of Northern Sweden.
During our trips, photographers may also be able to photograph various other wildlife, including White-tailed eagles, Goshawks & Red Foxes.
At NaturesLens, we aim to provide photographers with an unforgettable experience that will leave them with beautiful, memorable images. Our Swedish Eagle photography trips are led by Robin Lowry, an experienced wildlife photographer who is passionate about wildlife photography & is dedicated to helping photographers capture the best images possible.
