The sight of a golden eagle making its landing only a few meters from the hide is simply breathtaking. Observing an eagle with its enormous wingspan, astonishing plumage and keen eye from such a close angle is an experience you will never forget.
You will do this!
- Spend the night and the next day in a hide in the forest
- Photograph numerous birds and mammals
- Big chance of seeing eagles
In the northern part of Gästrikland there is an especially constructed hide in the forest from which many bird species can be observed during winter. The hide is on a slight elevation and offers views in 3 directions. It accommodates 4 people and has 9 windows/photo openings.
Many bird species thrive in these pine woods with large boulders, such as great spotted woodpecker, grey-headed woodpecker and black woodpecker. The Northern goshawk and Eurasian sparrowhawk are home to this area. The golden eagle and white-tailed eagle make their majestic and gracious landings. A fox might sneak about and squirrels are often seen jumping around in the trees. Great tit, blue tit, raven, nuthatch, coal tit, treecreeper, crested tit, brambling, robin and willow tit are also regular guests. The deadwood and bird perches that surround the hide provide the perfect opportunity to observe and photograph the birds.
You will gather in a photo gallery at 19:00 at the latest. After a short car ride and a walk of 400 meters you will reach the hide. While enjoying a snack and a drink, you’ll receive information about the activity and the hide. You will spend the night in the hide as to disturb the eagles as little as possible. The hide sleeps 4 and has a basic toilet. Sheets, pillows and blankets are available. Your hostess will pick you up the next day no later than 1 hour after sunset. If you don’t want to sleep in the hide you can spend the night in a guest room at the gallery at a surcharge of SEK 300 per person, including the use of kitchen and bathroom. In that case the departure time for the eagle-watching is 3 hours before sunrise.
A 200-500 mm lens is best suited for photography, but naturally simpler cameras are also good to go. Bean bags and clever tripod solutions are available. Isolating mats, a petroleum gas heater, reusable hand and foot warmers, waking bags and blankets are there to keep you warm.
If you are on your own or with two people, you will be sharing the hide with others. At an additional cost you can also book the hide exclusively for your company.
Practical information
Period: The eagle hide can be booked from 1 December to 1 March.
Time: This activity starts at 19:00 and lasts until after sunset the next day.
Meeting point: Järbo (Gästrikland), the exact location will be announced when booking.
Accessibility: This activity is suitable to anyone who can walk without problems. The walk to the hide is only 400 meters, but the forest floor is often uneven and consists of large boulders in various spots. A short climb to reach the hide at the end of the walk is necessary. Children of all ages are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Price: 1900 SEK / person: the price includes transport to and from the hide, a snack and a drink on arrival, overnight stay in the hide and a whole day in the hide: Use of: binoculars, warm slippers, warm socks, reusable hand/foot warmers, waking bag, sleeping bag and English bird book. Please ask by e-mail about our special family offers.
To bring along: Warm clothing (layers), suitable winter shoes or boots (for a 400 meter walk to the hide), your camera material and food and drinks for the duration of your stay in the hide. Avoid crispy packaging (such as crisp bags) and, if necessary, transfer the contents to containers or boxes. Don’t forget your patience. Also come odor neutral yourself: perfumes or other strong scents are discouraged.
Booking: Contact me via e-mail sylvia@amazingscandinavia.com or by phone +46 (0)70 230 68 70
This activity takes place in the wild, meaning that although you will be visiting the location where these animals live, no guarantees can be given as to what you will get to see/photograph.
© Copyright pictures hide: Sara Wennerqvist
