A second day at Strødam Engsø

At the break of dawn, my friend @mariusfolkmann and I journeyed from Bornholm to the lake Strødam Engsø near Hillerød, Denmark. Our goal? To witness Ospreys in action.

The Osprey, a master of the skies, boasts a wingspan of up to 6 feet. It is an impresseive predator with a keen eyesight. I flies above the water seeking the glimmer of fish below. When it spots its prey, it dives, talons outstretched, breaking the surface in a violent splash. Its reversible outer toes and barbed pads ensure a secure grip on slippery catches. This is the sight we wanted to capture with our cameras.

Arriving at the lake at 10 AM, we settled into our chosen vantage point, cameras at the ready, eagerly awaiting the Ospreys. Hours passed, interrupted only by the occasional call of 4-5 Ospreys soaring above us. However, none descended to catch fish. Yet, just as we prepared to depart, we caught a glimmer of movement in the sky above us.

In a dazzling display of agility and precision, a lone Osprey descended, its powerful wings slicing through the air as it honed in on its target below. With a graceful dive, it plunged into the water, emerging moments later with a silvery prize firmly clasped in its talons.

This was it! We captured the moment we had traveled hours for. Our cameras’ SD cards now contain the precious photographs we sought and hoped for. The images on this page are the selected few that I chose for editing and publication. I hope you enjoy them.

Osprey at Strødam Engsø

The majestic osprey, known as “Fiskeørn” in Danish, has returned to Denmark for the summer season, marking a significant event for wildlife enthusiasts across the country. As news of their arrival spread, my social media feeds overflowed with breathtaking images captured by fellow Danish photographers, showcasing the ospreys in their natural habitat at Strødam Engsø near Hillerød.

Filled with excitement and armed with my camera gear, I embarked on a journey to this serene haven of nature over the weekend, eager to capture my own glimpse of these magnificent creatures. What awaited me surpassed all expectations.

Here’s a glimpse into the moments I captured on that memorable day:

Cranes Migration in Skåne’s Pulken

In mid-April, I found myself at Pulken, a nature reserve located in the enchanting Vattenriket in Skåne. It was somewhat serendipitous, as our trip to southern Sweden was initially planned to participate in the annual art tour (Kunstrunde). However, when the opportunity to see the cranes presented itself, I couldn’t resist, and I was eager to experience the annual migration, where migratory birds rest here before continuing their journey northward. Unfortunately, I had only brought along my Sony 70-200 mm GM2 lens, having left my 200-600 mm lens at home.

Pulken is a short drive just 2 hours from Copenhagen or 1 hour from Ystad.

Already on the way to the area, we could spot many cranes in the fields and flying overhead. However, upon arrival at the bird tower, we were greeted by an impressive sight – around 6,500 cranes gathered in the fields in front of us.

Pulken is situated 15-20 km south of Kristianstad and is part of the natural area known for its many lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Pulken is renowned for being one of the best places to observe cranes in Skåne in March-April, as it serves as a perfect resting place for the tired migratory birds, who seek refuge here in their thousands. Additionally, the cranes are fed here, which contributes to their return year after year.

In Scandinavia, the Crane is a migratory bird, particularly notable for its seasonal presence during the spring and autumn. During the warmer months, it breeds in the northern parts of Scandinavia, often in wetland areas such as marshes, bogs, and meadows. 

The Crane is a majestic bird characterized by its long neck, slender legs, and distinctive trumpeting calls. With a wingspan reaching up to 2.4 meters, the Crane is one of the largest bird species in Europe.

Read more about Pulken at Tripadvisor.com

A Tawny Owl in the Wild

Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to spot a Tawny Owl (Natugle or “Night Owl” in Danish) in the wild, all thanks to a helpful tip from a fellow wildlife photographer!

The Tawny Owl, with its soft, mottled brown feathers and large, round eyes, is a master of camouflage, blending seamlessly into its woodland habitat. Its nocturnal habits and stealthy nature make it a challenging bird to spot, let alone photograph.

After my second attempt at finding this elusive bird, I was thrilled to finally catch sight of it among the trees. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love photography – the thrill of the search and the beauty of nature.

Notice how the owl’s right eye is half-open. Owls have the ability to sleep with one eye open, a phenomenon known as unihemispheric slow-wave sleep (USWS). It is a remarkable adaptation essential for their survival, allowing them to maintain vigilance while resting, keeping one hemisphere of their brain active and alert to potential threats, even as the other hemisphere enters a state of deep sleep. This is also referred to as “peeking.”

A Mandarin Duck in Nexø

A Mandarin Duck in Nexø

Today was another exciting adventure as I embarked on a car ride to Nexø, where I desired to capture a photo of a Mandarin Duck that had been spotted in a small local lake.

Upon reaching the lake, my patience was rewarded as I not only found the elusive Mandarin Duck but encountered both a male and a female gracefully gliding across the water. The male Mandarin Duck stole the spotlight with its vibrant and striking plumage, creating a visual spectacle that exceeded all expectations.

The male Mandarin Duck boasts an exquisite palette of colors that seems almost too surreal to be true. Its ornate and intricate feathers are a mesmerizing combination of deep purples, rich blues, and vibrant oranges. The distinctive “sail-like” crest on its head adds a touch of elegance to its appearance, while the intricate patterns on its wings create a harmonious symphony of colors.

Capturing the essence of this beautiful creature through the lens of my camera was a moment of pure joy and accomplishment. The sunlight played on its feathers, creating an array of reflections that enhanced the already breathtaking display of colors. It was a surreal experience, and the photos I managed to capture will forever serve as a cherished memory of my first encounter with a Mandarin Duck in real life.

Another trip to Friskens fotogömsle

Another trip to Friskens fotogömsle in Sweden

Another trip to Friskens fotogömsle in Sweden

In November 2023, I embarked on a captivating adventure to Friskens Fotogömsle in Sweden, eager to photograph the untamed beauty of wild birds of prey. Armed with my trusty Sony A1 camera, this marked our second visit to the renowned photo hide, promising a day filled with remarkable encounters.

I was joined again by my fellow photographer @mariusfolkmann. The journey began with a unique twist – we slept in the hide, so would be ready for the next day. Rising at 5 AM, the anticipation of a day spent capturing the essence of Nordic raptors fueled our excitement.

As the first rays of light pierced through the morning mist, the stage was set for an extraordinary spectacle. In front of the hide, an awe-inspiring congregation of 30 white-tailed eagles unfolded. The majestic birds, with wingspans of more than 2 meter, created a scene straight out of a wildlife photographer’s dream.

An adult white-tailed eagle.

The white-tailed eagle, also known as the sea eagle, is a formidable bird of prey recognized for its large size and distinctive white tail feathers. With a wingspan exceeding 2 meters, this species inhabits coastal regions, including fjords, islands, and lakes. Scandinavia serves as a stronghold for these eagles, particularly in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, owing to the abundance of suitable habitats. Conservation efforts have contributed to the recovery of their population, reflecting the region’s commitment to preserving pristine landscapes. As apex predators, white-tailed eagles play a vital role in regulating ecosystems, making them a symbol of successful conservation in Scandinavia.

Juvenile white-tailed eagle

An adult white-tailed eagle.

Throughout the day, the hide revealed its secrets, treating us to the diverse avian wonders of the region. Approximately 6 common buzzards, 10 red kites, and 2 kingfishers made their appearances, each presenting unique opportunities to capture their untamed beauty through the lens of my camera.

Common Buzzard

Kingfisher

Red Kite

Six White-tailed harassed by crows and ravens.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the hide into darkness, we reluctantly bid farewell to Friskens Fotogömsle. The journey back to Bornholm was a reflective one, filled with gratitude for the rare moments shared with these magnificent creatures.

This photographic odyssey was more than just a visual feast; it was a profound connection with the untamed spirit of nature. Friskens Fotogömsle, with its wealth of avian treasures, has etched itself into the tapestry of my memories as a place where the magic of the wild comes to life, one click at a time.

The Red-Footed Falcon in Bastemosen

Red-footed Falcon in Bastemosen

I’ve spent two days in Bastemosen on Bornholm with a flock of 8 red-footed falcons. This species of falcon is a rare sight on the island of Bornholm, so seeing 8 in the air over the small marshy area of Bastemosen is a real treat.

Here you can see some of my favourite shots of these majestic birds. All photos have been captured using the Sony A1 with a FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens. The images are edited using Capture One and Topaz DeNoise.

A male red-footed falcon hunting an insect in midair.

About the Red-Footed Falcon

The red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus, or Aftenfalk in Danish) is a small migratory bird of prey that breeds in Eastern Europe and Asia, and spends its winters in southern Africa. It is named after its distinctive red legs and feet, which set it apart from other falcons.

 

The male has a slate-blue head and back, while the female has a brown back and a creamy-white underside with dark streaks. Red-footed falcons primarily hunt insects, but will also take small birds and mammals.

A female red-footed falcon flying past above my position in the bird tower.

About Bastemosen

Bastemosen is a beautiful and unique natural area located on the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. It is a wetland habitat that encompasses marshes, ponds, and small streams, and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The area is particularly known for its rich birdlife, with several species of waterbirds, raptors, and passerines present. Bastemosen is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, who come to observe and enjoy the tranquility of the area. In addition to its ecological importance, the site also has cultural significance, with traces of prehistoric settlements and burial sites found in the surrounding landscape.

Kingfisher – a 7 month hunt

Tracking a local Kingfisher for 7 months

I have dreamt of getting a close-up of a Kingfisher for a long time. Last year a Kingfisher was reported in a small lake near my home, and I was ecstatic. However, it took seven months to study the little birds heaviour before I and another photographer finally managed to get close to it.

We shot a series of photos from our hiding spot through heavy branches, but we got the shots we wanted.

Equipment: Sony A1 + Sony FE 200-600 mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS.

Photo hide in Southern Sweden

Two white-tailed eagles shot with a Sony A1 + Sony FE 200-600mm, ISO 12800, 600mm, F7.1, 1/2500 sec

Photo hide in Southern Sweden

In January 2023, I spent a night and a day in Friskens örn och fotogömsle (Frisken’s Eagle and Photo Hide) near Kristianstad in Southern Sweden. The hide was only an hour’s drive from Ystad Harbour, so it was an easy trip from both Bornholm and Copenhagen.

You are not allowed outside the hide during daylight hours, so you must arrive at the hide before sunset and leave only once the sun sets entirely and everything becomes dark outside the hide. This way, you don’t scare off the birds in the area, and they won’t associate the hide with human activity.

Along with @mariusfolkmann I arrived Friday night and was shown the hide and its facilities. It has a primitive camping toilet, a solar-powered phone charger and a gas heater so you won’t freeze the whole time. However, it is cold in January, and the heater can’t run the entire time, so bring warm clothes.

Red Kite shot with a Sony A1 + Sony FE 200-600mm, ISO 640, 600mm, F7.1, 1/2000 sec

We slept in the hide and woke up early at around 6 AM to remove the outside hatches and ready the camera equipment. I brought my new Sony A1 with a 200-600 mm lens. My maiden shoot with this new camera.

Around 9 AM, the first white-tailed eagle landed, and it just kept getting more and more enjoyable during the rest of the day. We saw 4-5 white-tailed eagles, 30-40 red kites, one kingfisher and possibly a rare black kite. Sadly we didn’t see any golden eagles, but then there is an excellent excuse to revisit the hide.

White-tailed eagle shot with a Sony A1 + Sony FE 200-600mm, ISO 800, 315mm, F7.1, 1/2500 sec

The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)

is a large bird of prey native to Europe and Asia. It has distinctive white tail feathers, a brown body, and a wingspan of over 2 meters. The species is an apex predator, feeding on fish and small mammals, and is considered a symbol of power and freedom in many cultures.

Friskens örn och fotogömsle is highly recommended and I look forward to another trip in the future.

Follow the hide and its visitors on Facebook here or read more on their website here.

I absolute love the Sony A1 with the 200-600 mm lens. I captured shots I couldn’t with other systems I tried and the 50MP allowed me to crop the image quite a bit. Here are some of my favoirote photos from the day. I used the Sony A1 with the Sony 200-600 lens on a fluid tripod head.

I switched from Nikon to Sony

I switched from Nikon to Sony

Well, at least for wildlife photography. I’ve been a Nikon shooter since I ventured into photography almost 12 years ago. I didn’t see myself ever owning anything besides a Nikon camera, but that changed when I switched to mirrorless.

I started photographing birds with my Nikon D810 and took some amazing photos of birds in flight. However, I also felt it was time for a camera upgrade and I wanted to switch to the new mirrorless technology.

So I selected the new Nikon Z7II with the FTZ adapter, so I could still use my Sigma 150-600 mm C lens. I eventually wanted to upgrade to more Z glass down the road, but at least I invested in a new camera.

At first, I loved the camera. It’s perfect for landscape, product and portrait photography. I even invested in a 105 mm native Z macro lens. However, I soon realized that something was off with fast-moving objects – like birds.

Don’t get me wrong, I could still get photos of birds in flight, but if I took a lot of photos I could only find a few keepers. At first I believed it was my lack of skill or knowledge of the camera, but after trying for 1½ years I finally decided to try something else.

One evening I was browsing YouTube for advice and tips for wildlife photography and I stumbled upon Bayou Josh’s video “Addressing the Elephant in the Room”, about his switch from the Nikon Z9 flagship to Sony. After watching this video I realized how far ahead both Sony and Canon were with the auto focus system and I decided to invest in a new camera just for wildlife photography.

After a lot of research, I finally decided on the Sony A7 IV with a Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G Oss lens. I’ve tested this camera out twice this weekend and I don’t see myself ever again picking up the Nikon Z7II for wildlife photography. This is a great camera + lens combination and I can’t wait to test it out even more!

Here are two of my first photos with the Sony A7 IV camera. It just snapped to the bird – or even the bird’s eye. Even in flight, I got at least 8-9 keepers for every 10 shorts (sometimes all were keepers).