On Sunday the city birdwatching organised by the Estonian Ornithological Society each spring took place. 115 persons in 24 different Estonian cities took part.

While the number of participating cities and watchers was similar to the previous years, the number of encountered species was clearly lower than in the last couple of years. In the cities 99 bird species were noted which is 16 species less than in early spring last year. The number of noted species stayed more modest this year mainly due to the comparatively cold March and the belated arrival of migratory birds caused by this. Still in several cities cranes, different geese and sheldrakes were seen and a numerous migration of skylarks was also noted.

Rather as expected this year too the greatest number of species was noted in Tallinn where 65 different bird species were observed.  Since the shallower inner sea bays are still almost completely frozen the results from many seaside cities stayed comparable to inland cities. Thus the capital was followed by Tartu with 54 species, outdoing Haapsalu that had  two species fewer registered. The greatest number of ace species (5) – that is species that were not observed in any other cities – was achieved by Paldiski. 

Several exciting species were noted in the cities . Among others little grebes, razorbills, black guillemots, four owl species and Eurasian collared doves were seen. The invasion of redpolls that has been noted this season was also  reflected in the birdwatch – the species was observed not only in one city, and its significantly more rarely seen  near relative  the arctic redpoll was this time spotted in five different cities.

The ace species:
Haapsalu: Greater white-fronted goose, Eurasian coot
Kärdla: Gadwall, red-breasted merganser
Paldiski: Velvet scoter,  common scoter,  razorbill, black guillemot,  Ural owl
Põltsamaa: Eurasian collared dove, spotted nutcracker
Sindi: Little grebe
Tallinn: Wigeon, hazel grouse
Tartu: Woodcock
Tõrva: Kestrel, wood lark
Valga: Long-eared owl
Viljandi: Robin

A more detailed summary will be published on the EOY home page already tomorrow. The Estonian Ornithological Society thanks all participants. The city birdwatch will certainly take place next year too – and always on the last Sunday of March.

A continued happy bird spring! 

Tarvo Valker,  EOY City Birdwatch Coordinator