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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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).

Spring i Southern Jutland

March-April 2022

Spring in
Southern Jutland

Once again, we set out on a trip to Southern Jutland to experience the Black Sun phenomena when birds migrate through Denmark.

Though we enjoyed our last trip to the island Rømø in Southern Jutland, we did not experience a true Black Sun where thousands of starlings gather in the evening and suddenly group together in beautiful formations to protect against a bird of prey.

So we decided to try again and this time wait till the end of March, so the weather would hopefully be a bit warmer and sunnier. Since our trip in a summer house was a very cold experience, we decided to book a hotel that offered breakfast in the morning as well.

After some research and finally decided on Hostrups Hotel in Tønder (not far from the German border). This place serves an excellent breakfast and has very comfy rooms. However, the big selling point for us was its vicinity to Tønder Marsken. A marsh area with plenty of birdlife and sightings of Black Sun.

Though we experienced some days with sunshine it was quickly replaced with grey skies and plenty of wind. However, we still had plenty of wonderful experiences and sighted several interesting and rare birds. I have gathered information about the most prominent locations and sights below, so you have some ideas of where to go on your next bird sighting tour of Southern Jutland.

Tøndermarsken (The Tønder Marsh)

This marsh area is found just South of Tønder city. It is easy to get around with a car, and you can spot wildlife from the road, but there are few places to explore on foot. We drove around for a while and spotted a Short-eared Owl hunting over a field on Udbjergvej (a road going West-East just South of Tønder) near the T-intersection with Møllehusvej.

From this location, we also spotted hundreds of Common Starlings gathering during the evening hours, so we headed for the border to Germany to see the black sun phenomenon.

The Glossy Ibis at Ribe

Though the Glossy Ibis is rather common in some parts of Europe it is a rare sight in Denmark. Several photographers had shared photos of a Glossy Ibis near Ribe (city) on various social media forums dedicated to wildlife. Since we were within a few hours of Ribe, we decided to drive to its last reported location and look for the bird.

It proved exceptionally easy to find the bird near a parking lot at the Southern end of Ribe. The bird seemed very used to people and ignored us and all other traffic passing it. It gave me a rare opportunity to study the bird and snap a few photos when the bird emerged from the undergrowth.

The Wadden Sea Centre

One of the main attractions for bird enthusiasts in Southern Jutland is the enormous nature park along the coastline. The Wadden Sea is the largest tidal flats system in the world, where natural processes proceed largely undisturbed. It extends along the coasts of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands.

For its globally unique geological and ecological values the Wadden Sea is listed by UNESCO as World Heritage. Nowhere else in the world is there such a dynamic landscape with a multitude of habitats, shaped by wind and tides. Global biodiversity is reliant on the Wadden Sea (source).

You can read more about this unique area here nationalparkvadehavet.dk (English)

The nature park contains a wide variety of bird and other wildlife in a beautiful landscape. To get a good understanding of the area and wildlife I can highly recommend a visit to The Wadden Sea Centre near Ribe. The center’s exhibitions contain information about the nature, wildlife, history and environmental impact. You can see some of my photos from the exhibitions below and read more about the center here.

The Wadden Sea National Park

Getting around the national park requires a car since it is covering almost an entire region of Denmark and you might have to cross the border to Germany. I took numerous photos in the park but selected just a few to show in this blog post to show some of the bird life.

Rømø – Birds, landscapes and night sky

March 2021

Rømø – Birds, landscapes and night sky

We drove across Denmark in March to the Danish island of Rømø in hope of experiencing a black sun.

We took a short holiday in March to the small Danish island of Rømø. The island is situated near the German border on the Jutland peninsular. The island has around 600 inhabitants, but plenty of holiday homes, so I suspect it can get quite busy during the summer season. We rented a holiday day house through Feriepartner Rømø near a small bird sanctuary on the Southern tip of the island.

The area is part of The Wadden Sea National Park with plenty of wildlife. We were hoping to see what in Danish is called “Sort Sol” (English: Black Sun). It is a term for migrating birds gathering in huge swarms to scare away birds of prey. Luckily we experienced it several times and we even encountered a few rare birds (for Denmark). We would like to return to this area another time, but preferably in August or September. At that time the weather should be a bit better and that should be the perfect time to see the birds migrate South for the winter.