NEW BOOK RELEASE FEATURES MY BIRD PHOTOS

New Book Release Features My Bird Photos

I’m happy to share a small milestone in my photography: a selection of my bird images from the Danish island of Bornholm has been published in the newly released book ‘Bornholms Fugle’ (Bornholm’s Birds).

The book provides a thorough overview of the island’s birdlife, and it brings together contributions from several local photographers. I’m pleased that some of my work made it into the book.

You can purchase the book online here: Bornholms Fugle – Helmin & Sorgenfri

Razorbills and Common Murre on Bornholm

I took a short hike at Hammeren on the Danish island of Bornholm this week, mostly to see whether the Razorbills (Danish: Alke) and Common Murres (Danish: Lomvie) had settled on the cliffs for their usual June activity. They had! All along the coastline’s steep cliffs.

Both species are classic cliff breeders. Bornholm is one of the few places in Denmark where you can see them, and Hammeren’s cliffs gives a rare opportunity to see these birds up close.

Photographing them in harsh summer sun is always a challenge. Their black‑and‑white plumage pushes the dynamic range to its limits, and the angles along the cliffs don’t leave much room to adjust.

I ended up slowly sliding down a hillside to reach a better vantage point. Not ideal for anyone with a fear of heights, but manageable if you stay low and move carefully.

Still, a few frames worked, and here are two of them. Both shot with my Sony A1 and Sony 200-600 mm lens. Shutter at 1/4000 – these birds are fast!

Tip 1: One practical advantage for photographers is their flight pattern. These birds often circle the same routes along the cliff line, so if a Razorbill passes and you miss the shot, patience will usually pay off, since it will likely come back, or another will follow the same path.

Tip 2: On the map below I’ve highlighted the best place to photography the birds. Follow the path from Hammeren Harbour (Danish: Hammerhavn) and slide carefully down the hill at this spot. Remember, it is quite a fall, so stay away from the cliff edge and be carefull – stay seated.

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Wildlife Photo Hide in Sweden

On 11 October 2025, I made my sixth visit to Friskens Foto Glömsle in southern Sweden—just weeks after my previous trip. Once again, I was joined by fellow wildlife photographer @mariusfolkmann.

With the season shifting and temperatures dropping, I anticipated changes in both the wildlife activity and the scenery. But as every wildlife photographer knows, nature doesn’t follow a script—you never know what will show up, or if it’ll land where you hope.

This time, we spotted a couple of White-Tailed Eagles, though only one landed in a nearby field and none came close enough for a photo opportunity. Throughout the day, we had the pleasure of watching 15–20 Red Kites and a few Black Kites soaring overhead and feeding in front of the hide. The wind was strong, which meant most birds approached from behind us and landed facing away from our cameras. Still, we managed to capture some decent shots.

One of the highlights actually came the evening before our shoot. As we arrived, Göran—the owner of the hide—helped us spot an Elk. We didn’t photograph it, but it was quite an experience.

All in all, it was not our most eventful experience at Friskens, but we still look forward to our next visit.

September Wildlife Photography at Friskens Foto Glömsle

Red Kite at Friskens Foto Glömsle

September Wildlife Photography at Friskens Foto Glömsle, Sweden

I had visited Friskens Photohide four times before, but this trip promised two firsts. For the first time, I booked the hide on my own—my usual wildlife photography partner couldn’t join me. And for the first time, I was visiting as early as September 27th, hoping the longer daylight hours would reveal different wildlife and behaviors than my usual winter visits. This is the story of my fifth adventure at Friskens, and the photographs it brought home.

How to Book and get to Friskens Glömse

Friskens Gömsle is located near Vittskövle in southern Sweden, and is a haven for wildlife photographers. From its discreet vantage points, you can capture white-tailed Eagles, the occasional Golden Eagle, as well as red and black kites, kingfishers, and a variety of other bird species. The hide is about a 2-3 hour drive from Copenhagen.

Visitors can choose between the “old” hide, open only in the autumn and winter months, and the “new” hide, which is also open during the summer season. Each hide is simple but comfortable, with a gas heater, a primitive toilet, two chairs, and four camera portholes.

To avoid disturbing the wildlife, you’ll need to be in place before sunrise and remain until after sunset. I usually arrange for a sleepover in the hide, so I can arrive the night before and avoid a long drive in the morning.

Until now, bookings for the hides have been made via e-mail, but starting in 2025 you’ll reserve your spot through the booking form on their website, friskensgomsle.se. Reservations for the old hide typically open in August, and they fill up fast—no surprise, given its popularity among Scandinavian wildlife photographers. Payment can be made by credit card upon arrival, when you stop by to see the owner, Göran, on your way to the hide.

The hide from the outside

Inside the hide

An early morning visitor...

After a night’s sleep in the hide at Friskens Foto Glömsle, I woke around 5:30 AM and began preparing for sunrise, expected around 7:00. Birds tend to arrive early in search of breakfast, so it’s important to have everything set well before first light. I also repositioned a few branches in front of the hide to improve my chances of capturing a clean portrait with a soft, blurry background.

Right on cue at 7:00 AM, the first common buzzards appeared and began feeding on the deer, boar, and chicken laid out in front of the hide. The light was still quite dim at this point, so I held off on photographing. Then, just after 8:00 AM, all the birds suddenly took flight—a classic sign that a larger predator is approaching.

And there it was, right in front of the hide: the Golden Eagle. What a breathtaking moment. This was my second time spotting this majestic bird of prey at this location, and it was just as awe-inspiring as the first.

The Golden Eagle in the early morning light

The Golden Eagle began feeding on the meat, but I suspect it noticed my camera movement and took off again. Fortunately, a group of red kites—and possibly even a black kite—soon arrived and settled in for their breakfast. Around noon, the Golden Eagle returned briefly, only to fly off once more, likely startled by another subtle movement from my setup.

Then, at around 5 PM, a truly unforgettable moment: not one, but two Golden Eagles landed right in front of the hide – What a sight! Unfortunately they were too far apart to capture in a single frame, but I managed to record a short video of them. An incredible experience I won’t soon forget.

Two Golden Eagles infront of the hide

Throughout the day, there was steady activity in front of the hide. Even a juvenile White-tailed Eagle—typically the most common bird of prey at Friskens—made a brief appearance late in the evening.

Before and after editing

Editing my photos is almost as enjoyable as capturing them. What might surprise you, though, is how underwhelming they often look straight out of the camera. When I first switched to a full-frame camera and began shooting in RAW format, I was honestly disappointed by the flat, lifeless images I saw on screen. But then I discovered the magic of Lightroom—and everything changed.

I tend to underexpose my shots, especially in challenging light. Below, you’ll find the original image of a Red Kite I photographed in the fading light at Friskens. Use the slider to compare it with the final edit, enhanced using Adobe Lightroom, Topaz Denoise AI, and Topaz Sharpen AI. The transformation is dramatic.

Drag

The first weekend of the season

Göran, the owner of the hide, informed me, that I was only the second visitor this year, and that this weekend marked the official opening of the season. After witnessing such a variety of birds—especially the two Golden Eagles—I’m convinced that an early-season visit to Friskens Foto Glömsle is an experience I’ll definitely want to repeat. Read more about Friskens Foto Glömsle on my page here.

Below are a few of my favourite photos from this trip – click on the images to see them in the large original format.

Roskilde Airshow 2025

This weekend I visited Roskilde Airshow 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of Denmark’s top aviation event. The atmosphere was excited, with thousands of spectators gathered to witness an impressive lineup of aircraft and aerial performances.

Armed with my camera, I had the chance to photograph a range of military aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Eurofighter Typhoon, and JAS 39 Gripen. The show also featured several helicopters from the Danish Air Force and the German Luftwaffe, offering a close-up look at these powerful machines both in flight and on the ground.

It was a thrilling experience to be surrounded by the roar of jet engines and the showmanship of world-class pilots. Unfortunately, the audience at the airshow faced directly into the sun for most of the day, which made photography quite challenging. The aircraft—especially the jets—blazed past at full speed, often silhouetted against harsh backlighting. Despite the conditions, I managed to capture a series of shots I’m genuinely proud of. In this post, I’m sharing some of my personal favorites from the show.

Razor Bills and Guillemots on Bornholm

A trip to the steep cliffs of Hammeren on Northern Bornholm turned into one of the more memorable wildlife. With my Sony A1 and 200–600 mm lens in hand, I had the pleasure of capturing Razor Bills and Common Guillemots perched along the sheer rock faces and in flight.

Bornholm becomes a haven for these seabirds during the spring and summer months, when both species arrive to breed along the island’s rugged northern coast. The Razor Bill (Alca torda) is striking with its deep black and white plumage and sharply defined beak, often seen diving with precision into the Baltic waters. Meanwhile, the Guillemot (Uria aalge), slightly more slender and chocolate-brown in hue, nests in close-packed colonies, their eerie cries echoing off the cliffs.

A great spot for photographing the birds are right where the red arrow is pointing.

To reach this fantastic viewing spot, I recommend parking at Hammerhavnen and following the narrow path northward. As the trail winds along the coastline, the cliffs rise steeply beside you—and so do the chances of encountering these fascinating birds up close, without disturbing their natural rhythm.

This was hands-down one of the finest opportunities I’ve had to observe and photograph both species. I’ve shared a selection of images below—hope they give you a sense of the wonder I felt watching these birds thrive on the edge of the sea.

Northern Hawk-Owl near Ringsted

Some wildlife encounters require patience, persistence, and just a little bit of luck. That was certainly the case when I set out to see my first Northern Hawk-Owl at Humleore Skovdistrikt near Ringsted on Zealand. For several days sightings of this rare bird was reported on the national ornithology database, so I decided to see it with my own eyes.

After work, I drove for about an hour and a half, eager to witness this rare visitor. However, upon arrival, I was met with disappointment—the gathered photographers and birders informed me that the owl had just vanished. It was frustrating but only made me more determined to try again.

The next evening, I returned, hoping for better luck. And this time, I was rewarded. As the light began to fade, the Northern Hawk-Owl appeared. What a breathtaking moment! Though the conditions were not ideal, I managed to capture a few images that document this special encounter.

The photos were taken on my Sony A1 with the Sony 200-600mm lens and later processed using Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Topaz Sharpen AI to bring out the details despite the low light.

This experience reminded me why I love wildlife photography—it’s not just about the images but about the journey, the patience, and the thrill of finally seeing something extraordinary.

White-throated Dipper at Solbjerg Engsø

I’m excited to share a 1-minute video and a few photos of the White-throated Dipper, captured at Solbjerg Engsø near Hillerød. This remarkable bird, known for its white throat and impressive swimming skills, thrives in fast-flowing streams, diving for aquatic insects and small fish.

The footage was shot using a Sony A1 camera paired with a Sony 200-600mm lens, which allowed me to capture the bird’s behavior from a distance without disturbing its natural activity. The video and images were taken at the northern end of the lake, where a narrow stream with rocks creates the perfect environment for the Dipper to hunt.

Check out the video and images below to see this fascinating bird in action! Select the small gear icon to select the highest playback quality.

Friskens Fotogömsle: A Goshawk Encounter to Remember

Northern Goshawk

This January marked my fourth visit to Friskens Fotogömsle in southern Sweden, solidifying what’s becoming an annual tradition. Every trip offers something unique, and this year was no exception. While our usual focus on White-Tailed Eagles was met with fewer opportunities, the day’s excitement came from an unexpected and thrilling encounter with a Northern Goshawk – my first-ever images of this elusive predator.

Located near Vittskövle in Southern Sweden, Friskens Fotogömsle has become my go-to destination for capturing bird-of-prey images. With no glass between the camera and the wild, it offers optimal photography conditions. The hide requires photographers to commit to an entire day, entering before sunrise and staying until the last light fades, but that immersive experience is part of what makes this place special.

This year, the White-Tailed Eagles – often the stars of the show – mostly kept their distance. Around six could be spotted in the surrounding trees, their unmistakable silhouettes framed against the wintery sky. While none ventured close enough for prime shots, other species kept the action alive.

Common Buzzard

Marsh tit

A variety of gulls and Common Buzzards took full advantage of the food placed outside the hide. Their movements provided constant activity, while Red Kites occasionally soared overhead. But it wasn’t until midday that the real surprise appeared: a lone Black Kite glided above us before perching in a nearby tree. Seeing this bird at Friskens was a rare treat, one that made the hours of waiting worthwhile.

Black Kite

White-tailed Eagle and a Black Kite

As the sun dipped lower and we began to pack up, I noticed movement in the fading light. At first, I thought it might be another buzzard, but something about its posture and presence was different. Quickly unpacking my camera, I focused my lens on the unexpected visitor.

It was a Northern Goshawk.

Northern Goshawk

This powerful predator, often elusive and rarely seen up close, perched on a branch just long enough for us to capture a series of shots. This was my first time photographing a goshawk.

Each visit to Friskens Fotogömsle offers new challenges and rewards. While we didn’t capture as many eagle images as in previous years, the experience is always worth the trip and money. The Northern Goshawk was a highlight I hadn’t dared to hope for, and it reminded me why I keep returning to this special hide year after year.

October at Friskens fotogömsle in Sweden

In October 2024, I made my third visit to Friskens Fotogömsle in southern Sweden, returning earlier than usual this year with one goal in mind: to capture wild eagles and other birds of prey set against the stunning autumn colors – and perhaps, to finally see the elusive Golden Eagle or Black Kite.

About Friskens Fotogömsle

Friskens Fotogömsle (Swedish for photo hide) is a premier wildlife photography hide in southern Sweden near Vittskövle. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice previously with fellow photographer @mariusfolkmann. During our trips, we captured fantastic images of White-Tailed Eagles in their natural habitat.

Friskens is known for offering exceptional opportunities to photograph eagles, kites, and other birds of prey up close. Unlike many other hides, there’s no glass barrier between your camera and the wildlife; instead, the lens is placed through a small opening in the wall, allowing for unobstructed shots right outside the hide, providing ideal conditions for bird photography.

Like many photography hides, you must enter Friskens before sunset and remain inside until the sun has fully set in the evening. We usually arrive the day before our shoot and sleep in the hide, allowing us to wake up at 6 AM and prepare for the day ahead. Starting in 2024, Friskens offers nearby accommodation, but we still prefer the experience of sleeping inside the hide, ready to capture the first light and the wildlife it brings.

Could it be?

We woke about 6AM and prepared the hide and camera equipment for the day. As on previous visits, the morning began with a flurry of activity in front of the hide just before sunrise. Around 10-15 White-Tailed Eagles soared overhead, joined by about 10 Red Kites circling the feeding grounds. But amid the White-Tailed Eagles, something unusual caught our eye. There it was—our first Golden Eagle at Friskens Fotoglömsle! What an incredible sight!

Golden Eagle

Short video of the Golden Eagle in front of the hide

The Golden Eagle is a large bird of prey, but it’s highly cautious and quickly detects any sudden camera movement. I suspect it noticed us in the hide at one point, as it flew 10-15 meters away and stared intently at the hide for a while. We stayed perfectly still and avoided moving our cameras, which eventually convinced the eagle to return to the feeding frenzy in front of us. This gave us plenty of opportunities to photograph it.

While the Golden Eagle was the highlight of our trip, we also captured photos of the White-Tailed Eagle, Common Buzzards, Red Kits and even some Common Starlings.

Read more about Friskens Fotogömsle at friskensgomsle.se or see my previous posts about my first visit in January 2023 and second visit in November 2023.