Western Capercaillie in Lääne County, Estonia

Observation from April 1st, 2018

We had spent five days with impressive and often rare observations on the western coast of Estonia. On our last day, there was still time for a last outing in the early morning before we had to leave. How great would our last observation be? Our guide wanted it to be a Western Capercaillie.

We drove on and on through Leidissoo and Läänemaa Suursoo Landscape Reserve, looking for it. The habitat met the requirements of the species: old and sparse forests with lots of shrubs. Since Western Capercaillie are very territorial, our guide knew of course where to look.

Finally, he noticed droppings of a capercaillie underneath a tree right next to the road. A capercaillie had spent the last few nights here.

We stopped and looked in every direction. Suddenly, a male Western Capercaillie appeared from the shrubs behind the second van. It held its head up high, the beak was open, the remains of berries hanging from it. The tail was spread in a fan. I thought it would quickly leave again, but it went around the van and looked at us. The very stunning bird was only two meters away from us!

Everyone took pictures. Windows were rolled down and doors slightly opened. This was by far the closest we had gotten to any bird on this vacation. The capercaillie still came closer, making those very strange and hoarse clicking sounds. Even though I was in a van, I became scared and rolled the window up again when it stood directly in front of the door. The bird was huge, and it looked both very strong and very agitated. I was afraid it might jump or fly up. It didn’t, but it also didn’t leave.

It was threatening us, going from one van to the other. When it started to peck against the tires, we decided to leave. Which was not easy, since the capercaillie wouldn’t let go and even went in front of the slowly moving van. We finally managed. By now, we were nearly as agitated as the bird had been – what a great experience at the end of a perfect birding vacation!

Posted on May 21, 2018 07:18 PM by inasiebert