Spring Migration in Estonia

Estonia, located on the Southern side of the Gulf of Finland, has a very different fauna from Finland despite it’s close location. Economically, Estonia has developed quickly after the Soviet times and the country now serves the visitors with good standard infrastructure. Agriculture is still partly old-fashioned giving plenty of breeding grounds for birds. With broad natural meadows these cultivated fields support a rich birdlife.

Thanks to the protective measures for both birds and their habitats, several species in decline in Western Europe have increased in number in Estonia, e.g. Corncrake and White Stork. Stork nests on old chimney stacks and telegraph poles are an inseparable part of the Estonian landscape in the summer.

The most magnificent phenomenon, taking place in Estonia in mid May, is the Arctic Migration. Then hundreds of thousands of geese, scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, divers and waders are heading to their arctic Siberian breeding grounds after spending their winter in the North Sea rim. All this combined with a wide range of forest species found in Estonia makes an unforgettable birding experience.

Species possible on this one-week trip are e.g. Ural and Pygmy Owl, White-tailed, Short-toed and Lesser Spotted Eagle, Black, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpecker, Red-backed Shrike, Thrush Nightingale, Savi's, Blyth's Reed, Great Reed, Barred and Icterine Warbler, Red-breasted and Lesser White-fronted Geese, Ruff (in breeding plumage and lekking), Great Snipe, Hazel and Black Grouse.

Time: May, 7 – 9 days (Haapsalu-x-x)

Photos

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