Estonian Ornithological Society announces
Photo Arne Ader
Translation Liis

Estonian text posted 25.03.2018

Redpolls

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.

Video recorded by  Venegor, LK forum
Translation Liis

Estonian text posted 25.03.2018

White-tailed eagle    Merikotkas       Haliaeëtus albicilla

For the first time since the start of the egg-laying male  Sulev brought a prey to the nest  for his partner. Not a fish but a migratory bird.

At sea there are areas with open water but fish seldom gather in such places. Rather they still keep in the safe shelter of the ice cover.

News from  Aivar Leito

Photo Arne Ader
Translation Liis

Estonian text posted 23.03.2018

Crane pair calling

Crane         Sookurg        Grus grus

I have the pleasure to tell you that our famous transmitter-wearing crane Ahja 5 whose transmitter has been absent on-line for some time has again waken up, and we have received the data recorded meanwhile.

Visitors  introduced by  Linnuvaatleja, www.linnuvaatleja.ee
Translation Liis

Estonian text posted 21-03-2018

The northern winter is a severe scourge not only for birds but for mammals too. Some bats fly to winter quarters in warmer areas in Europe, others stay to hibernate in their native country. Bears, badgers, raccoon dogs, dormice, birch mice and hedgehogs also hibernate. Many quadrupeds however are left to face the cold and famine and in the search for shelter and food they do not even shun the dangerous closeness of humans. Smaller mammals – for instance some rodents – also visit the birdfeeders.

Estonian Ornithological Society announces
Photo Arne Ader
Translation Liis

Estonian test posted 21.03.2018

Lark winter. Otepää

This Sunday,  March 25th, the Estonian Ornithological Society arranges a city birdwatching day aimed to draw attention to the abundance of birds in cities and the beginning of the arrival of migrating birds. Last year 24 Estonian cities participated in the birdwatching day and altogether 111 different bird species were noted. 

The starting signal for the city birdwatching day is on March 25th, in early morning at 5.00. But the early start should not discourage you because all observations of birds made until 13.00 will be taken into account. So there should be enough time for a birdwatching trip for late risers too.