Text,images and video: Tiit Hunt, www.rmk.ee
Translation: Liis

Estonian text published 30.09.201

On Thursday we once more moved the webcam in the Sassi  Peninsula and in the evening we could see how at about twenty minutes past seven thousands of cranes flew past the camera at sea during only  ten minutes. It is likely to happen today as well because the migration of cranes has not finished yet, rather it is the peak period which however may end rapidly with favourable migration weather.

Photos Arne Ader
Translation Liis

Estonian text published 28.09.2017

Hazelnut grove,  Otepää uplands

Hazel      Harilik sarapuu        Corylus avellana

Hazelnuts can be picked now and there are some. Really abundant nut years come at three to five year intervals.

Text, video and photos Tiit Hunt, www.rmk.ee
Migration map sent by Aivar Leito
Translation Liis

Estonian text published 26.09.2017

It was necessary to visit the crane webcam again the day before yesterday – if the cows had ”eaten” the video image on Friday  the fine creatures were not guilty of the absence of image on Sunday – probably a momentary cut in the mobile transmission stopped the connection for the whole day.

Image Merike Hiibus
Translation Liis

Estonian text published 25.09.2017

The grass snake ”baby” in the photo must fatten up considerably before beginning the wintering

Grass snake       Harilik nastik        Natrix natrix

Some weeks ago we asked those of you who had met with young grass snakes hatched in late August-early September to share your photos with us. Merike has sent us this photo. Thank you!

Linnuvaatleja science news, www.linnuvaatleja.ee
Translation Liis
 

Estonian text published in Looduskalender.ee 19.09.2017

In the first weeks of their life the inexperienced young birds are easy prey for predators. They also have little knowledge of foraging opportunities which makes them stay close to the nest.

As is the case with many other birds of agricultural landscapes the number of turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur) has declined rapidly in Europe and also in Estonia. In the years 1980 – 2013 the number of the species fell by in Europe 78%, and by as much as 96%  in Great Britain in the interval 1970 – 2012