Tere tulemast Eestisse - Welcome to Estonia!

Observations from March 27th, 2018

I have always been interested in nature and the animals living among us. But up until about three years ago, I haven’t observed nature in detail. This has changed a lot, and now I want to observe and learn as much as I can.

To get a better knowledge about birds, I had decided to go on a birding vacation with an expert guide and other keen birders. During the time I could take such a trip, I had the choice between north and south – Mallorca and Estonia. I chose Estonia because it sounded so much cooler on every level!

At the end of March, we were especially supposed to see Steller’s Eider, Long-tailed duck, other ducks, geese, Ural Owl, Eurasian Pygmy-Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Black Grouse, Western Capercaillie, Bohemian Waxwing and different woodpeckers. For owls, woodpeckers, Black Grouse and Western Capercaillie it should already be mating season.

The weather during the vacation was perfect. We had clear blue skies and no wind at the coast. The temperatures were well below 0 degrees Celsius, though, especially on our outings before sunrise and after sunset.

On the day of our arrival, we drove several hours from Tallinn to the western end of Saaremaa. Saaremaa is the fourth largest island in the Baltic Sea and the biggest one in Estonia. It is sparsely populated and offers great landscapes and stunning, unspoilt coasts. It is well known for its rich flora and fauna: More than 200 of the local species are protected. Saaremaa is also located in the migration area of numerous bird species.

On our way, we made the first observations in passing: lots of Common Buzzards, a hunting White-Tailed Eagle, several Red Foxes, waterfowl and Ringed Seals on the ice between the mainland and the island of Muhu.

Especially the Common Cranes and Northern Lapwings fascinated me. To me, living in southwestern Germany, both species are special and rare. In Estonia, they were present on many fields next to the roads and in great numbers. The Cranes already formed pairs, but we didn’t observe mating rituals. The Lapwings, sometimes several dozens of them on the same field, showed their display flights.

Eurasian Skylarks were often foraging on the same fields as the Cranes and Lapwings. I haven’t seen them yet in Germany, but here, they were also quite common.

In the evening, we arrived at our destination: Loona Manor close to Kihelkonna. The manor dates back to the 16th century and is beautifully and conveniently located to Vilsandi National Park and to Viidumäe Nature Reserve. That’s were we wanted to go birding the next two days.

Posted on April 9, 2018 07:41 PM by inasiebert