Keen wildlife photographers of all experience levels are invited to join Dan for this six-night Winter Eagles of Norway photography holiday in Flatanger, Norway.
The six-night photography holiday has an itinerary designed for photography of Golden Eagles, White-Tailed Sea Eagles & the Northern Goshawk in snowy conditions.
Over the duration of this six-night trip, the locations should provide opportunities for capturing images of Golden Eagle, Northern Goshawk, White-tailed Sea Eagle & more besides.
Which Eagles live in Norway?
Eagles are found across mainland Norway, however, they have not reached the Svalbard archipelago, located further north. Some ornithologists are concerned that global warming & other manmade factors may cause the eagles to migrate to the region in the near future.
The White-tailed Eagles of Norway
Although the White-tailed eagle is found across much of the Old World, nowhere is it more closely associated than with Norway. This avian species has been a common sight along the coastlines & inland areas of the country for centuries.
The White-tailed eagle, (Haliaeetus albicilla), is the national bird of Norway & the largest native raptor in the country. These majestic creatures can have a wingspan of up to 2.43m & generally weigh between 3.6 & 6.3kg. They are often identified by their long, broad wings, white head & tail, & dark brown body.
White-tailed eagles can typically be found around Norway's coastal areas or on its many inland lakes & rivers. The birds tend to nest in tall trees close to the shoreline, often near rivers with plenty of fish. They are mainly fish eaters, although they will also eat carrion & small birds & mammals.
Despite their large size, White-tailed eagles fly gracefully & soar on thermal updrafts. It's not unusual to see them soaring high above Norway's coastline in search of prey.
The White-tailed eagles of Norway are an important part of the country's natural heritage. Many Norwegians have grown up watching these birds soar across their skies & the species has become a symbol of vitality, freedom & strength.
The Golden Eagles of Norway
In addition to the White-tailed eagles, Norway is home to the majestic Golden Eagle, one of the largest birds of prey found across Europe. This magnificent species can be found all over the Norwegian landscape, commonly seen soaring high above with its wingspan measuring up to two & a half meters wide. The Golden Eagles of Norway can weigh up to four kilograms, making them a formidable presence in the sky.
Golden Eagles typically feed on small mammals such as rabbits, marmots, & hares, though they are also known to scavenge carrion or dead animals. In the summer months, it is not uncommon to spot a Golden Eagle feasting on ptarmigans or other mountain birds.
Golden Eagles are known for their stunningly beautiful plumage & regal stature. Males have a light brown head with a white crown, a dark chocolate brown back & upper wings, & a white lower body, while females are darker with more mottled underwings & tail feathers. Each bird's feathers are marked with unique light speckles, resembling a golden hue.
In terms of habitat & nesting sites, the Golden Eagle of Norway prefers to claim territories & build nests atop steep cliffs & rocky mountain peaks. This helps the eagle maintain a territorial advantage over predators, allowing them to protect & feed their young with minimal risk.
The largest of Norway's Golden Eagle populations can be found in the Western part of the country, particularly near the Hardangervidda National Park.
Although their numbers have been declining since the 1960s due to habitat destruction & destruction of prey animals, conservation efforts in Norway & across Europe have helped increase the Golden Eagle population in recent years. Through proper protection & management of their habitat, the Golden Eagles of Norway will continue to thrive in the wild for years to come.
