Posted to another forum but thought I might get more responses here.
Hello everyone,
I'll be taking a 12 day cruise in mid-May. Port of departure..Dover, England. Then sailing to Copenhagen, Warnemuende, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and Stockholm. Spending a day in each and 2 in St. Petersburg. Will be hanging on the rail between ports in hopes of spotting something.
The question.....What common species will I likely encounter during this trip at that time of year. We don't intend to venture far from the towns at which we are docking but do walk in the local parks.
Thanks in advance.
Dennis
[QUOTE=dennis miller;1751582]Posted to another forum but thought I might get more responses here.
Hello everyone,
I'll be taking a 12 day cruise in mid-May. Port of departure..Dover, England. Then sailing to Copenhagen, Warnemuende, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and Stockholm. Spending a day in each and 2 in St. Petersburg. Will be hanging on the rail between ports in hopes of spotting something.
The question.....What common species will I likely encounter during this trip at that time of year. We don't intend to venture far from the towns at which we are docking but do walk in the local parks.
Thanks in advance.
Dennis[/QUOTE]
Dennis
Hate to put a dampner on things but we did a 14 day Baltic Cruise in August and to be honest the birdwatching was not up to much.
Like you I enjoy a bit of birdwatching around the local ports but there was not a lot about.
On the plus side the places you will visit are brilliant especially Tallin,Stockholm, and Helsinki.St Petersburg is frustrating as you are restricted to organised trips.Warnemunde is pleasant with a nice walk behind the beach along a long wooded path.
Unless it is different in May you will be surprised by how few birds you will see in local parks and gardens.
The Baltic Sea itself is like a desert.We actuallly sailed from the UK and once we left the North Sea the sea birds more or less disappeared.
You will see the Baltic version of Lesser Black Backed Gulls,Barnacle Geese are common in parks and gardens in Helsinki and Stockholm.Long tailed ducks may be seen in the Baltic.
Don't bother with organised trips except St.Petersburg.Oddly enough this was the best place for birdwatching.Our ship berted at the end of the commercial dock overlooking a lake and marsh area.Star bird was a Black kite.Also saw Red Throated Divers and a few odds and ends out at sea.
I am sure you will enjoy the trip however because the places you visit are outstanding.
Best cruise I have done for birds is Thompsons Carribean Cruise.All the ports are close to the towns and local gardens and beaches.Had loads of lifers within walking distance.
Next best is Iceland Greenland from UK.Brilliant seawatching all the way plus Whales.
Mark