SOME HIGHLIGHTS

  • Wild Golden and White-tailed eagles at close range
  • The hide also has ground-level openings to allow for low-angle photography
  • The area holds 5-6 Golden eagles and 20-30 White-tailed eagles
  • Good chances to photograph eagles that are interacting with other eagles but also with ravens
  • A maximum of only TWO photographers in the hide

Getting really close to Golden Eagles and White-tailed Eagles in the wild is practically impossible without concealment. At our eagle hide, located in the Västmanland Bergslagen region in Svartådalen, you sit warm and comfortable with the chance of eagle visits from less than 20 meters away. Our hide is situated on a bog with open ground and small pine trees. We have also “planted” dead trees that are both photogenic and provide convenient perches for the eagles. There are also several natural pine trees in the surroundings where eagles may perch. The view faces north, giving side and front light throughout the day. For low-angle “frog perspective” shots, we have added three reclining positions. The floor is insulated with thick mats and sheepskins for maximum comfort.

The hide is made of wood with insulated walls, floor, and ceiling. It is equipped with a gas heater and a toilet. There are three comfortable adjustable chairs to sit in. You mount your camera/tripod head (e.g., Gimbal) on a bench, with the lens poking through a fabric sleeve with an elastic band that closes snugly around the lens. You observe the eagles through a panoramic window above the opening, which spans the entire front of the hide, giving you excellent ability to follow the birds’ movements.

BOTH GOLDEN EAGLES AND WHITE-TAILED EAGLES
Both White-tailed Eagles and Golden Eagles (as well as corvids) are often present. Golden Eagles are always fewer in number. Typically, we see 5–6 individual Golden Eagles regularly in a season (sometimes on the same day), while White-tailed Eagles can number 20–30, occasionally at the same time. That said, there are also many days with only one or a few eagles present. Occasionally, there are days each season when no eagles appear, sometimes without any apparent reason—this is simply part of nature’s variation. We are generous with free return visits for anyone who sees nothing.

YOUR BEHAVIOR MATTERS
It is important to move carefully, both personally and with your camera, so the eagles remain relaxed. A good strategy is to wait until the first eagle begins feeding before you start photographing; this way, they relax and stay longer, and it signals to other birds that it’s safe to approach and eat. Remember, your behavior has a direct impact on how successful your hide visit will be. Silence, calm, and patience are essential qualities to observe during your stay.

Price
$320 per day

Included in the price
See information below on whats included in the price.

Dates
November – March
See available dates below

More information

  • THE HIDE
    The hide is built from wood with insulated walls, floor, and ceiling. It is equipped with a gas heater and a toilet. There are three comfortable adjustable chairs. The camera/tripod head (e.g., Gimbal) mounts on a bench, with the lens extended through a fabric sleeve with an elastic band that fits snugly around the lens. Observation is through a panoramic window above the shooting opening, spanning the entire front of the hide, giving an excellent view to follow the eagles’ movements.

    Three low-level openings at ground height complement the standard eye-level openings. This means you may need a tripod that can be extended in a spread or similar for the low openings. There are also blocks and beanbags to rest your camera on. For the standard eye-level openings, it works best to use a tripod head that can be mounted to the window ledge. Screws and nuts in the correct dimensions are provided on site (1/4 inch or 3/8 inch).

    Inside the hide, you will also find slippers, lanterns with tealights, a logbook, and sheepskins. There is a gas stove if you want to boil water for tea or coffee.

  • WHERE
    The eagle hide is located on a mire in the Västmanland Bergslagen region, in the Svartådalen valley. The forest surrounding the mire covers 750 km² and is only crossed by winding gravel roads—no major roads. The risk of human disturbance is low, and the area is rich in both birds and wildlife.

  • HOW
    We will guide you to the hide. It’s about a 300-meter walk from the small forest road. You arrive before dawn (about an hour before sunrise) and normally stay until dusk in order not to disturb the birds.

  • PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT
    The focus is on photographing birds. Since you will be shooting from specially built hides, it is recommended to bring telephoto lenses. Most hides are designed for 500mm focal length, but 300–400mm lenses also work very well.

    Telezoom lenses, such as 70–200mm or 80–400mm, provide excellent opportunities to capture a variety of images of both birds and mammals. To increase the focal length if you have a shorter telephoto or zoom lens, you can use a teleconverter.

    If you have access to two camera bodies, it is a good idea to bring them both.

    You must bring your own tripod head, preferably a gimbal type, which you attach to the bench in the hide.

  • OTHER EQUIPMENT
    Binoculars, torch, water bottle, flask/thermos, food and snacks for the day.

  • CLOTHING
    During winter in Västmanland, temperatures often drop below zero and can reach around –25 °C. Sturdy winter clothing and winter boots (preferably waterproof) are recommended. The hides are heated.

  • ACCESSIBILITY
    The hide experience is not physically demanding; however, you will need to walk short distances, possibly in snow.

  • INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
    One spot in the hide, guiding to the hide (NOTE: no transportation. You are expected to make your own way home from the hide after the session), and VAT.
  • NOT INCLUDED  IN THE PRICE
    Travel to and from the hide, meals, insurance, cancellation protection, and personal items.

  • MEETING POINT
    Exact place and time will be announced later.

  • PAYMENT TERMS
    The booking fee is to be paid by invoice upon registration.

    Currency used for payment from non Scandinavian (Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland) residents will be US dollars.

  • PASSPORT AND VISA
    EU citizens can enter Sweden with out visa but please bring your passport.

    If you’re not a citizen of any EU country, please check with you nearest Swedish embassy which rules apply for you regarding visa and entrance to Sweden.

  • INSURANCE
    Contact your insurance company about travel insurance and cancellation insurance. We always recommend travel insurance that covers medical transports both at the destination and for transport home.

  • HEALTH
    The hide session is not physically demanding.

    Please check with your doctor about vaccinations and other health issues.

  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
    Terms and conditions

Booking of photo hide – Golden and White-tailed eagles

Please note: Once you have completed your booking, you should immediately receive a confirmation email from us.
If you do not receive this email, please contact us by phone/WhatsApp at +46 (0)705 89 13 18.

All correspondence will be conducted via email unless otherwise specified by the customer.

Read the terms and conditions here.*

I hereby give permission to Wild Nature Photo Adventures to use my email address for sending information about the company’s trips and workshops. *