This is our archive of birds of prey seen on our trips. We'll gradually upload pictures of species we see and a short text about the species. All pictures are taken on our tours by our guides.
White-tailed eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla
The white-tailed eagle is the bird of prey we se most often in Vesterålen. The white-tailed eagle is a very large bird. It measures 66–94 cm (26–37 in) in length with a 1.78–2.45 m (5.8–8.0 ft) wingspan. The wingspan averages about 7 feet. This is the largest of any eagle.
Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
The short-eared owl is the most common owl to see in Vesterålen. Its a medium-sized owl measuring 34–43 cm (13–17 in) in length and weighing 206–475 g (7.3–16.8 oz).
Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
Common in Vesterålen. A large raptor, 66 to 102 centimetres (26 to 40 in) in length. Its wings are broad and the wingspan is 1.8 to 2.34 metres (5 ft 11 in to 7 ft 8 in)
Long-eared owl, Asio otus
A medium-sized owl. The population is on the rise in Vesterålen. In spring we often find 6-30 owlets in one little corner of a forest. Long-eared owls measures between 31 and 40 cm (12 and 16 in) in total length. Their wingspan is relatively large for their size, measuring 86 to 102 cm (2 ft 10 in to 3 ft 4 in).
Northern hawk-owl, Surnia ulula
A medium-sized true owl. The northern hawk-owl can be seen all around Vesterålen, all year, and is one of the few owls being only active at day. Male northern hawk-owls are generally 36–42.5 cm (14.2–16.7 in) long and weigh 300 g (11 oz). Females are slightly bigger.
Merlin, Falco columbarius
A small species of falcon that we have seen more and more the latest years in Vesterålen. Males typically have wingspans of 53–58 centimetres (21–23 in), with females being slightly larger.
Rough-legged buzzard, Buteo lagopus
A medium-large bird of prey. Seen in Vesterålen in the breeding season. The first days in may we can see upto 80 on a 4 hour tour. They range from 46–60 cm (18–24 in) in size, with wingspan ranging from 120 to 153 cm (47 to 60 in). Females are typically larger.