Bird Photography Sweden

Bird photography in Sweden is, above all, the craft of patience. It’s about being out in the right weather, at the right time of day, and moreover being willing to wait. Here I gather close-ups of small birds photographed in nature around Västerås and Västmanland. The images are taken with a long telephoto lens and natural light, usually early in the morning when the birds are at their most active. Each species has its own personality — something I therefore try to capture in every photo. The gallery is also updated continuously with new species and subjects.

Västmanland offers fantastic opportunities for anyone who wants to photograph birds in their natural habitat. Around Västerås there are deciduous forests, wetlands and open fields where a rich bird life thrives. For example, the crested tit, jay, black woodpecker and long-tailed tit often reappear in the gallery. Capturing a little crested tit in perfect light admittedly takes both the right gear and patience — but the result is always worth the wait.

The gear matters, of course, but so does the approach. I usually move slowly and quietly, learning the rhythms of a place before I even raise the camera. Birds are creatures of habit, and once you know where they feed, perch and bathe, the photographs almost present themselves. Consequently, much of bird photography happens long before the shutter clicks — in the watching, the waiting and the quiet understanding of a landscape and its small inhabitants.

Interest in bird photography in Sweden is growing steadily, and consequently more and more people are discovering the joy of combining outdoor life with photography. With a long telephoto lens and a calm mind, a whole new world therefore opens up. For anyone who would also like to experience more of our rich bird life, I can recommend Birdsafari Sweden. Finally, if you’d like to see more of my photographic work, you’ll find my street photos under Street or you can read about my adventures in Retirement Adventures.