Wild Poland in Winter: Bison, Eagles, Goshawk...

From 2012 to 2016, I led an annual Polish Wildlife in Winter photography tour through the forests and meadows of north-eastern Poland - Białowieża, lowland Europe’s largest remaining primeval forest - focusing on wild herds of European bison and raptors, including white-tailed eagles.

Due to renewed and growing interest, I was delighted to return in 2025 and again in 2026, where we experienced truly magical winter-wonderland conditions, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be heading back once more in 2026 to this extraordinary destination.

This unique region is one of the most wildlife-rich areas in Europe. On this 7-day, all-inclusive tour, we will focus on photographing Poland’s iconic European bison and spend time in hides, with the opportunity to capture white-tailed eagles, goshawks and fighting buzzards. 

The group will be divided into two. While one group waits patiently in a hide for raptors to appear, the other will venture out in a 4WD in search of Europe’s largest land mammal - the European bison. Once driven to extinction in 1919, bison were reintroduced in 1951 and now number approximately 500 individuals on the Polish side alone. Each winter, their feeding is supplemented in large meadows and forest clearings, and with our experienced guide’s expert knowledge, we are sure to get some amazing photographs of these magnificent animals in their natural environment.

Two full days will be dedicated to tracking and photographing bison, while three days will be spent in hides focusing on white-tailed eagles, goshawks, buzzards, and forest birds such as woodpeckers (all of Europe’s species occur here), crested tit, nuthatch and the eurasian jay. Białowieża is a truly wild place, and while waiting for raptors, it is not unusual to receive unexpected visitors, including foxes, wild boar, deer, and occasionally even wolves.

PHOTOGRAPHING BISON
Although marginally taller than their North American cousins, European bison are broadly similar in size, standing around 2 metres tall and weighing up to 800 kg. These animals are truly immense, and while encountering sizeable herds of females with calves is not uncommon, it is remarkable how easily they blend into their surroundings and seemingly vanish into the forest! At this time of year, bulls are largely solitary and, in my experience, with appropriate caution, are often easier to approach and photograph at a range of around 50 metres. Of course, we are very much in their domain - they are free-ranging, wild animals - so while our chances are excellent, nothing is ever guaranteed. But then, what in nature ever is?

To maximise our opportunities, I have engaged the best local expertise and set aside two full days dedicated solely to photographing these magnificent creatures. Most of the searching will be done from a 4WD vehicle, and once a herd or individual is located, we will approach on foot. This is rarely more than a few hundred metres, though on occasion it may be slightly farther. 

PHOTOGRAPHING WHITE-TAILED EAGLES AND OTHER RAPTORS
Beyond its magnificent bison, Białowieża is also renowned for its exceptional birdlife, most notably raptors such as white-tailed eagles, goshawks, and buzzards. For the past ten years, these birds have been carefully encouraged to visit the hides by placing offal and roadkill at feeding sites, drawing them out from the surrounding forests and into view.

To avoid disturbance, we will enter and exit the hides under the cover of darkness, meaning we can expect to spend up to around 12 hours inside. While white-tailed eagles are regular visitors, as with the bison, this is very much their world. If they choose not to come down on a particular day, that is entirely their prerogative! That said, as the saying goes, “You’ve got to be in it to win it.” For those with patience and a willingness to fully embrace the experience, the rewards can be truly extraordinary.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Day-to-day briefings from professional photographer, Robert Canis
Professional local guide 
All-inclusive
Private en-suite bedroom
Delicious traditional meals!
2 x Bison safaris
3 x Raptor hide sessions
Spacious hides with a private toilet
One-way glass
4WD transportation

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE HIDES
To maximise our chances and offer a variety of shooting perspectives, we will use hides at two different locations. These hides are spacious and comfortable, each equipped with a private chemical toilet. To prevent any movement being detected, we will photograph through high-quality one-way glass, the same system used by many professional hide operators across Europe. This truly is a game-changer: while birds are in front of the hide, you can freely change lenses or adjust your position without being noticed - something simply not possible with traditional fabric ‘sleeve’ hides. Tripods are not required, as cameras and lenses are supported on sturdy wooden or metal mounting discs, and provisions have also been made for photographers who wish to shoot from a low-level perspective.

Heating
While these are described as heated hides, it’s more accurate to say they take the edge off the cold rather than provide full warmth. The internal temperature is largely dependent on conditions outside, for if it's 0 to –5°C, the hides are typically around +10 to +15°C. If it drops closer to –15°C, temperatures of approximately +7 to +12°C are more realistic. Warm clothing is therefore essential, and sleeping bags are provided. Personally - as have many others - I found the hides perfectly comfortable and had no issues with either the temperature or the long waits.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS AND ATTITUDE
By its very nature, wildlife photography is inherently unpredictable, and while every effort is made to maximise your chances of returning with exceptional images, ultimately it is the birds and bison that decide whether - and when - they appear at all. But isn’t that one of the great attractions of wildlife photography? If success were guaranteed, it would be far less rewarding! Time in the hides can include extended periods of little or no activity, so it’s important to be easy-going, patient, and comfortable sharing close quarters with others. This tour is best suited to those who enjoy the experience as much as the outcome, rather than those who prefer solitude or expect results. Rest assured, there will be plenty of opportunities for good humour and camaraderie - especially over meals!

FINALLY...
Thank you very much for considering this tour. Should you have any questions - no matter how small or insignificant you may think they are - please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m always happy to help and would love to provide you with an unforgettable experience.