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.