Estonia - early spring There are many good reasons for a visit to Estonia during early spring; The experience of viewing grouses, including Capercaillie, owls and woodpeckers ... and the stunning Steller´s Eider ... is absolutely not to be missed!
Principal highlights:
> Hundreds of Steller´s Eiders
> White-backed, Three-toed, Grey-headed and Black Woodpeckers drumming in the forest
> Ural, Pygmy, Tengmalm´s and Eagle Owls
> Lekking Black Grouse and high likelihood of Capercaillie
> Ruffs if weather is favourable To ensure viewing of Steller´s Eider (the most endangered seaduck in Europe) we stay two nights on Saaremaa - largest island in Estonia - the surrounding waters of which are their main wintering grounds in the Baltic Sea and, unquestionably, the best place in Europe to watch this high priority wildfowl species.
Mammals: European Beaver, Eurasian Elk (Moose), Roe Deer, Red Deer, Wild Boar, Raccoon Dog, Red Fox and possibly Grey Seal, also tracks of Wolf & Lynx with outside possibility of sightings.
Price per persoon: 1249 Euros based on 9+ participants
1295 Euros based on 8 participants
1346 Euros based on 7 Participants
1396 Euros based on 6 participants
Transport to and from Estonia is not included.
Minimum Group size 6, maximum 16. Dates: 9-16 March 2020
Day 1 - Arrival Day 2 - Variku, Põõsaspea and Nõva Forest
Day 3 - Saaremaa Day 4 - Saaremaa Steller´s Eider remain on the agenda today, as we make our way to the north-west of Saaremaa Island to a sheltered bay near Cape Undva, where one of the greatest concentrations in Europe occurs. Numbers may vary from a few hundred to almost a thousand. After an appetising lunch we continue in Viidumäe Nature Reserve to search for owls. Viidumäe Nature Reserve is located in the highest and oldest part of the Island. In its forests, marshes and meadows a wealth of notable plants have been recorded. Approximately 700 vascular plant species occur, including 59 of rarity status. The nature reserve, established over 50 years ago, has been thoroughly researched and representatives of many different biological groups have been catalogued, forming a really impressive list. Several different types of forests are found: swamp, heath-pine with tall trees, alder and nemoral forests. The largest four-legged forest inhabitants are Red and Roe Deer, Eurasian Elk and Wild Boar. Pine Marten is a typical small mammalian forest predator, and there are several colonies of Badgers and Foxes. Many passeriformes nest in Viidummäe forests: several different woodpeckers (Black, Great and Lesser Spotted being the most common), owls including Tengmalm´s, Tawny and Pygmy, alongside Nightjar and Stock Dove. Ravens and two White-tailed Eagle pairs are resident and a Black Stork pair has also established in the area. During the evening we return to the mainland.
Day 5 - Pärnu-Häädemeeste In the morning we´ll check the forests of Soometsa reserve in the Häädemeeste area, in search of Capercaille, Hazel and Black Grouses. During each excursion into the forest we have opportunity to encounter Lynx and Wolf tracks. After lunch we´ll head for Nigula Nature Reserve - an intriguing bog landscape harbouring lots of target birds. Later in the day we´ll drive to Matsalu, visiting wet fields at Audru polder (near Pärnu). In Soomaa we aalso hope to meet with the European Beaver.Pärnu-Häädemeeste region accommodates a diverse and rich birdlife. We´ll be able to see and/or hear almost all European woodpecker species (including Black, Grey-headed, White-backed and Three-toed). Although often difficult to find elsewhere, White-backed Woodpecker is common all over Estonia.
|