After all the glowing reports we had of the thousands of birds in Estonia we were slightly more than disappointed. We arrived at the end of a 2 week heatwave, 21c, low southerly winds, almost all the wildfowl had gone through and we were told that the waders went straight through without pausing for breath!! The weather changed abruptly soon after we arrived, with temperatures plummeting to minus 7 degrees, strong northerly winds and one inch of snow on one occasion. These conditions continued almost to the end of the holiday, only picking up slightly in the last couple of days. Most of the passerines etc were only just arriving as we were leaving. However, we still managed to knock up a total list of 120 species.
Some of the usual specialities were missing but we had great views of many Sea Eagles, Lesser and Greater Spotted Eagles. Monty's, Hen and Marsh Harriers were numerous, a few allowing fairly close flight shots. Common Cranes were scarce, but we did manage some good display shots of males doing the dancing routine and one individual feeding so close we had to resort to head shots only, (very good).
The most consistent areas for Barnacle Geese were Matsalu Bay and Haeska, both producing large numbers of birds approximately 75,000 strong. Awesome sight and sound when they all take flight together. Hopefully some good pictures when they return from the processors. The best area by far for close up photography of various Grebes, Sawbills and Ducks was the Promenade in Haapsalu. The displaying Great Crested Grebes were fantastic, offering some of the best photographic opportunities of the holiday, weed display, running on the water together, aggression etc. Haeska produced some great opportunities for Fieldfare feeding young in a nest at the side of the car park, easy photographic distance from the car window (500mm lens + 1.4 converter), birds unpreturbed by the close proximity of people.
After the first few days of the holiday, aimlessly running around looking at all the recommended birding spots with nothing much to see but Barnacle Geese we decided to spend more time on Haapsalu Promenade which was close to our accommodation (Korgasaare Holiday Home), very clean and good value for money with a more than helpfull owner who speaks some English.
Towards the end of our holiday a few more passerines started to appear and although we didn't see many of the specialities, birds like the Common Rosefinch and the Red-backed Shrike gave very good views, one particular Red-backed Shrike male almost sitting on the end of the lens.
Will we be going again, HMMMM, let you know when the photos return from the processors.
nirofo.
Thanks! -Any current tips to Tallinn-Pärnu axis? I'll be there next week.
Me too Karwin!
Sorry you were hit by poor weather Nirofo, that was real bad luck. Where did you see Gtr Spotted Eagle?
Andy