Trip Report – Northern Sweden’s Eagles in Winter

From 5 – 10th March, Robin, once again, led our 2026 Northern Sweden’s Eagles in Winter Photography Holiday, with a focus on photographing golden eagles & a rich variety of boreal birdlife in a lovely snowy landscape. As expected for this time of year, conditions were superb — beautifully soft, directional winter light that makes this region so special for wildlife photography.

• Dates: 5–10 March 2026
• Location: Northern Sweden (boreal forest, Lapland)
• Lead guide: Robin Lowry
• Primary subjects: Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Eurasian Bullfinch, boreal forest species
• Conditions: Deep snow, clear skies, excellent winter light

What Was Golden Eagle Photography Like in the Winter Landscape?

Over four full days in the field, the group worked from two different hides, each offering slightly different angles & photographic opportunities. Time in the hides is always a balance of patience & anticipation, but on this trip, the rewards came frequently.

Golden eagles were seen well throughout the trip, with the male bird making the majority of appearances. He proved to be an excellent subject, often remaining in front of the hides for extended periods — sometimes up to an hour at a time. This allowed the group to move beyond simply capturing the moment & instead refine compositions, experiment with exposure, & explore more creative approaches using the winter light.

One of the standout moments came when the male began calling. Shortly afterwards, the female arrived, giving the group the rare opportunity to photograph two golden eagles together. Having both birds in frame at once changed the dynamic completely — the interaction, posture shifts, subtle positioning, & the way the female assessed the scene before committing to land gave the group a chance to photograph genuine eagle behaviour rather than single-bird portraits.

Which Other Species Stole the Show Alongside the Eagles?

While the golden eagles were the primary focus, the diversity of birdlife visiting the feeding areas added depth & variety to the photographic experience — & in some cases, stole the spotlight entirely.

The black woodpecker quickly became a firm favourite among the group. Its size, presence, & striking appearance — particularly the vivid red crown against the monochrome tones of the forest — made it an irresistible subject. The contrast of that deep black plumage against snow, combined with the bird’s deliberate, unhurried movement on the trunk, produced images with a graphic quality quite different from the eagle work.

A wide range of woodland birds kept activity levels high throughout each day. Jays & woodpeckers all made appearances, alongside nuthatches, great tits & greenfinches — ensuring there was always something to photograph, even during quieter periods between eagle visits.

The lighting conditions also played a significant role in the success of the trip. With low winter sun filtering through the trees, photographers were able to experiment with backlit compositions — capturing rim-lit feathers, glowing snow crystals, & more atmospheric, creative images that went beyond traditional wildlife portraits.

What Made the Bullfinch Encounters a Special First?

Among all the species encountered, the bullfinches stood out as the little stars of the trip. Their vibrant red plumage provided a striking contrast against the snow, creating classic winter compositions that were both clean & visually powerful. They were also wonderfully cooperative, frequently perching in ideal positions & allowing the group ample time to capture a range of images.

Adding to the variety was a visit from a Siberian jay — a first for this particular trip. Its subtle beauty & calm behaviour made it an instant favourite, & its appearance provided a photographic opportunity that elevated the week even further.

Moments like this are what make each departure slightly different. Even on well-established trips, there is always the potential for something unexpected, & this sighting was a perfect example of that.

What Happened Between Photography Sessions?

As with all NaturesLens trips, the experience extended beyond the hides. Between sessions, the group enjoyed excellent home cooking — simple, hearty meals that were particularly welcome after long periods in cold conditions. The shared focus on photography meant conversations over meals naturally centred around the day’s images, with plenty of ideas exchanged & techniques discussed.

What Are the Takeaways from This Trip?

This March departure of the Northern Sweden’s Eagles in Winter Photography Holiday delivered on every level. Golden eagles provided extended & intimate photographic opportunities, including the highlight of both birds together. The supporting cast of woodland species added richness & variety, with the black woodpecker & bullfinches proving especially popular.

The addition of a Siberian jay brought an unexpected highlight, while the winter conditions themselves — snow, light, & atmosphere — tied everything together.

Robin’s guidance throughout was characteristically understated & effective — knowing when to advise & when to let the group work. The consistency of eagle activity across the week meant photographers left with cohesive portfolios rather than isolated lucky frames, & the quality of the supporting species ensured variety throughout. For photographers drawn to a more reactive, multi-species eagle experience, our Eagles of the Hortobágy photography holiday in January offers a compelling counterpoint — the Hungarian Winter Wildlife programme delivers intensity where Sweden delivers refinement.

• NaturesLens trips are designed around photographic opportunity – schedules, positions, & access are all structured to give you the best light.
• Small groups, normally four to six photographers, ensure unhurried access & individual guidance, with the exact maximum shown on the trip page.
• Single occupancy is included as standard on the majority of our wildlife photography holidays.