Eagles in Northern Norway
Where can you see white-tailed eagles?
Where can you see white-tailed eagles?
The eagles we most often encounter during our expeditions in Northern Norway are white-tailed eagles. This is one of the best regions for observing them.
The regions of Nordland and Troms have a very large population of these birds. Therefore, while sailing, we often see white-tailed eagles circling above the water, fjords and coastline.
White-tailed eagles are excellent hunters. They often catch fish, so during a voyage it is worth watching not only the shoreline, but also the surface of the sea.
Several times we have had the opportunity to watch from close range as a white-tailed eagle pulled a large fish straight out of the water. It is one of the most spectacular moments of birdwatching in Northern Norway.
What does a white-tailed eagle look like?
The white-tailed eagle is one of the largest birds of prey in Europe.
It can reach approximately 1 metre in length, while its wingspan can be as much as around 2.5 metres.
Adult birds are mainly brown. Their powerful wings are broad, and in flight it is easy to notice the characteristic tips of the primary feathers, which resemble spread fingers.
Thanks to this, the silhouette of a white-tailed eagle can be recognized even from a considerable distance.
When soaring, the bird looks exceptionally majestic. During active flight, however, it performs a series of calm wingbeats, separated by short periods of gliding.
White-tailed eagle hunting – a spectacular sight
One of the most extraordinary moments is watching a white-tailed eagle hunt.
The bird can circle above the water for a long time. Then it lowers its flight, gains speed and rapidly descends towards the surface of the sea.
At the right moment, it extends its powerful talons and catches a fish.
The whole event lasts only a few seconds.
If we are watching from the deck of the yacht, we may have the chance to see both the moment of attack and the eagle flying away with a fish.
It is encounters like these that make birdwatching during Men of Sea expeditions something more than simply identifying species.
Eagles in the Lofoten Islands
During our expeditions, we very often encounter white-tailed eagles in the Lofoten Islands.
The archipelago offers them excellent conditions. There are mountains, islands, rocky coastlines and waters rich in fish.
That is why eagles appear here regularly. Their nests are often located high in the mountains or on difficult-to-reach rocky slopes.
During a voyage, we sometimes observe several or even more than a dozen eagles within a short period of time.
For this reason, the Lofoten Islands are one of the best places in Norway for people interested in sea eagle watching.
White-tailed eagles around Spildra
Another place where we often see white-tailed eagles is the area around the island of Spildra.
The island is surrounded by mountains and waters rich in fish. As a result, eagles have both good nesting sites and excellent hunting grounds here.
During our expeditions, they can be observed from the deck of the yacht.
Sometimes they fly high above the mountains. At other times, they appear just above the water. Therefore, it is always worth having binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens close at hand.
Eagles in Trollfjorden
We have also experienced some exceptional encounters with white-tailed eagles in Trollfjorden.
It is one of the most characteristic places in Northern Norway. Steep mountains descend almost directly into the water.
It was in this landscape that we had the opportunity to sit on a small pier and watch eagles diving towards the sea while hunting for fish.
It is difficult to imagine a more spectacular setting for birdwatching.
Mountains, a fjord, the silence of the North and a powerful white-tailed eagle descending towards the water create one of those images that stays in your memory for a long time.
Bodø – the city of sea eagles
Another interesting place connected with white-tailed eagles is Bodø, where we begin some of our expeditions through the Lofoten Islands.
The city is often associated with sea eagles.
The area around Bodø is known for its large number of white-tailed eagles. Therefore, special sea eagle safaris are organized both from Bodø and in the Lofoten Islands.
Bodø is also connected with activities aimed at protecting these remarkable birds.
For anyone interested in birdwatching, it is therefore an excellent starting point for a journey through Northern Norway.
Why is it worth watching eagles from the deck of a yacht?
A yacht gives you a completely different perspective from observing birds from land.
We move between islands, fjords and mountains. Therefore, we are directly in the environment where white-tailed eagles hunt.
In addition, from the deck it is easy to observe a large area.
We watch the water. We watch the mountains. And we also watch the sky.
Sometimes just a few minutes of careful observation are enough for the characteristic silhouette of a white-tailed eagle to appear above the water.
White-tailed eagles – one of the symbols of Northern Norway
White-tailed eagles in Northern Norway are one of the most characteristic elements of the region’s wildlife.
We encounter them in the Lofoten Islands, around Spildra, in Trollfjorden and while sailing between the islands.
Sometimes we see them high above the mountains. At other times, they sit on the rocky coastline.
And sometimes we are lucky enough to watch the moment when a powerful eagle dives towards the sea and rises again with a fish in its talons.
Encounters like these remind us why, during Arctic expeditions, it is worth looking not only ahead.
It is also worth looking up.
Trips connected with Eagles in Northern Norway
Arctic Ocean Expedition
16 dni
Magical Lofoten One Way Tromsø – Bodø
10 dni
Magical Lofoten One Way Bodø – Tromsø
10 dni
Auroras and Whales #01
8 dni
Auroras and Whales #02
8 dni
Auroras and Whales #05
8 dni
Auroras and Whales #06
8 dni
Auroras and Whales #07
8 dni
Auroras and Whales #09
8 dni
Auroras and Whales #10
8 dni