EAGLES

Królowie przestworzy

BASIC INFORMATION
The most common eagles we encounter on our trips in northern Norway are the white-tailed eagles. More than 20% of the world’s white-tailed eagle population lives in Nordland and Troms County, so they are easy to spot. And because they can hunt fish we often see them while sailing as they circle over the water. On several occasions we have seen an eagle close up pulling a large fish out of the water. Watching this hunt is a fantastic experience.
White-tailed eagles can reach a length of up to 1 metre and a wingspan of up to 2.5 metres. Adults are plumaged in brown, but the edges of the wings ae of lighter colour. The head, neck, breast and wing covers are yellow or gold, but fade with age and may turn white.
They can be recognized in flight by their broad, almost rectangular wings with the tips of the ailerons resembling fingers. When they soar into the air they make a series of shallow wing beats, interspersed with brief gliding phases. During the breeding season, they often fly in pairs, and sometimes engage in spectacular aerial battles, grasping each other with talons and somersaulting as they descend from high altitudes towards the water.
During our trips, we most frequently encounter them in the Lofoten Islands and in the region of Spildra Island, where they nest high in the mountains. It’s not uncommon to witness several eagles at once. Memorable encounters have also taken place in Trollfjorden, where, perched on a scenic pier in one of Norway’s remote corners, we could observe eagles diving into the water for fish.
An interesting fact is that Bodø, where we commence our Lofoten trips, is referred to as the ‘City of Sea Eagles.’ Bodø boasts the highest number of white-tailed eagles in all of Norway and is home to the world’s only Sea Eagle Club, dedicated to the protection of these birds. Both in Bodø and the Lofoten Islands, eagle safaris are organized.