Species profile
About this species
The Golden Eagle is one of the most powerful & widely distributed birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere, recognised by its dark brown plumage & distinctive golden-buff colouring on the back of the head & neck. It is a highly skilled hunter, capable of reaching impressive speeds during stoops, targeting prey ranging from small mammals to larger animals such as hares & foxes. Golden Eagles are known for their loyalty to territory, often returning to the same nesting sites - known as eyries - year after year.
Golden Eagles favour open & semi-open landscapes including mountainous terrain, moorlands, cliffs & upland grasslands. They are commonly found across Scotland, Scandinavia, North America & Central Asia, preferring remote areas with minimal human disturbance & abundant prey.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Golden Eagle with us in Spain & Sweden.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Conny Lundstrom, Ian Roberts & Robin Lowry helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Late winter to early spring is ideal, when Golden Eagles are active at nesting sites & vegetation is sparse, improving visibility. Early morning & late afternoon light provides warm tones that complement the bird's golden plumage.
Use a long telephoto lens of at least 500mm to capture sharp detail from a safe distance without disturbing the bird. Position yourself near known hunting grounds or ridge lines where updrafts encourage soaring behaviour, allowing for dramatic flight shots against open skies. In low light conditions, increase your ISO & use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze wing movement & maintain feather detail.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Golden Eagle
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.