After a long winter, the first migratory birds arrived in Estonia as soon as the thermometer rose above zero again.
According to keen observers, the first birds to arrive on the Estonian islands were greylag geese, Northern lapwings, Eurasian skylarks, and common cranes.
Ornithologists say that the end of February and beginning of March being the starting point for large-scale migration is a recent phenomenon. In the past, the first migratory birds arrived several weeks later, but it is believed that their movements have shifted to an earlier time, primarily due to climate change.
Swans, ducks, cormorants, white wagtail and common starlings also arrive in March and April. During the most intense period of migration in April and May, you can see Eurasian chaffinches, Eurasian oystercatchers, common snipes, thrushes, and storks in greater numbers. May is also the month when birds that winter in Africa, such as swallows, cuckoos, nightingales, leaf warblers, and Eurasian golden orioles, return to Estonia.
By mid-May, the diversity of bird species in Estonia is usually at its peak, and the spring migration gradually subsides.
The Highlight of Birdwatching
If you are fascinated by birds, the best season for birdwatching is just beginning! Grab your binoculars or spotting scope and find a good spot from which to observe this exciting journey.
To find the right observation equipment, check out our wide selection at the teleskoobid.ee online store.
Binoculars: https://www.teleskoobid.ee/en/bird-watching
Spotting scopes: https://www.teleskoobid.ee/en/nature
If you would like to share your observations with other bird enthusiasts, write them down and send your data to the Estonian Ornithological Society. You can find more detailed instructions on how to do this in their Facebook post.
Make the most of the birdwatching season!
