I’m happy to announce that I am leading my annual Hokkaido photography workshops. And the other day, we photograhed the magnificent Steller’s sea eagles on the pack ice off the coast of Hokkaido aboard a chartered vessel. This birding opportunity is the highlight of raptor photography of my year—a unique chance for photographers to capture one of the world’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles.

Why We Book Three Mornings: Ensuring Your Shot

One of the secrets to our workshop’s success is planning for the unpredictable weather in Hokkaido. That’s why we book three consecutive mornings on our chartered ship, taking no chances with maximizing our opportunities. By reserving multiple outings, we guarantee at least one or two productive mornings, even if the weather turns foul or ice conditions shift. This way, everyone has the best possible chance at stunning images, regardless of what nature throws our way.

On the Pack Ice: Aboard Our Ship

As we set out for the boats in Rausu, the air is always filled with anticipation. As we board the boat and glide through the frozen Sea of Okhotsk, the pack ice stretches to the horizon, and soon, the first giants appear. Steller’s sea eagles, with their enormous wingspans reaching up to 2.5 meters (over 8 feet) and weighing between 5 and 9 kilograms (11–20 pounds), are truly breathtaking. Their vivid yellow beaks, massive size, and bold black-and-white plumage make them a dream subject for wildlife photographers.

With my experience photographing these birds year after year, every participant is guided to capture both the action and the quiet moments—eagles swooping for fish, sparring on the ice, or perched in regal stillness. The constantly changing light and dynamic behaviour keep us on our toes, and there’s nothing quite like framing the perfect shot against a backdrop of drifting ice.

The White-Tailed Eagles: Winter Companions

Steller’s sea eagles aren’t alone on the ice. The impressive white-tailed eagles, which are endemic to Japan, also join the Steller’s sea eagles on the pack ice each winter, claiming the pack ice as their seasonal home and fishing grounds. Though slightly smaller, with a broad wingspan and striking pale head, white-tailed eagles offer their own photographic magic. Seeing both species together—sometimes fighting for fish, sometimes sharing the same floe—adds depth and variety to every portfolio.

Workshop Reflections

By the end of our adventure, everyone had braved the elements and captured unforgettable images. More than that, we gained a deeper appreciation for the remarkable wildlife, culture, and eagles of Hokkaido. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, made possible by careful planning, persistence, and the guidance of Blain Harasymiw Photography and the group support team, all based in Japan.

If you dream of photographing some of the world’s most magnificent raptors on a backdrop of drifting ice, consider joining us next year. With patience, preparation, and a bit of luck, you just might find yourself face-to-face with the legendary Steller’s sea eagle.