Golden Eagles in Winter

15-19 Feb - A group trip to central Sweden to the long-established hides run by Conny Lundstrom, where his local Golden Eagles have been fed in the winter for quite a few years now, and up to 6 different birds are present in the area. It is an amazing set up, he has 2 heated hides overlooking a forest clearing where the Eagles come to feed most days (not guaranteeed!) on carrion placed for them. Transport through the snow-laden landscape is by 4 wheel drive, and optional snowmobile transport takes clients and camera bags to the hides - I preferred to walk through the peaceful forest. It's a long day in the hides as arrival is before dawn so that the Eagles don't see anyone in the area, and you are then in the hide til after dark, so 7am-5pm. We saw Eagles all 3 days, majestic birds and unbelievably big compared with the Magpies and Corvids that hop around them hoping for scraps while the Eagles are down feeding. The Golden Eagles generally land on a pine and survey the area, they are wary and cautious, before descending to feed for 30 mins or so. Their piercing eyes seem to look straight down the cameras lens, but the hide has reflective glass - we had sun, wild and falling snow during our 3 days, so could admire the birds in all light conditions - haughty stare, huge bill, Golden nape, and immense size especially in flight - some individual plumage variation between birds in the amount of white in the plumage, presumably related to age, with immature birds showing more white. An amazing experience to see Golden Eagles so close. During the hours in between their visits, an array of feeders provided entertainment - Willow Tits and Northern Bullfinches prominent, with noisy Jays and Great Spotted Woodpeckers also visiting, along with Grey-headed Woodpeckers that kept their distance. Accommodation and excellent food kept us warm, well worth the trip.