„I was encouraged to go
to Estonia after winning a free bearwatching excursion in an ‘Estonian
Nature Tours’ competition, but also because I’d always wondered why
every birder who’s been to this country raves about it. In fact it
exceeded our expectations. On the face of it, Estonia might seem very
similar to Poland, with a similar list of species minus aquatic
warblers, collared flycatchers and some others. But, having been to both
countries, I think Estonia is better. It’s just chock full of birds!
Estonia
is surely one of the most relaxing foreign excursions a UK birder could
take. English is universally spoken (fluently!), everyone is helpful,
it’s very safe and crime-free, the roads are almost empty and there is a
general cleanness and efficiency about the place.
At the bear hide, we were the only visitors, since the bears were reported to have left the area and not been seen for a week (they returned a couple of days after our visit). The forest was deathly silent as we waited; a Red Fox paced the boundary, then vanished. Then at 10pm to our amazement a Great Grey Owl appeared and began hunting right in front of
the hide! This Estonian rarity was presumably hunting rats attracted by
the carcasses left out for the bears, and after watching it for nearly
an hour, it pounced on something and flew off. Two Raccoon Dogs also
came to feed in front of the hide, and the owl reappeared for a time in
the early hours of the morning. So, no bears, but a very good night’s
work!“ P.C. / UK, May-June 2012
Photo: Robin Dryden
Photo: Robin Dryden
Photo: Robin Dryden
Photo: Robin Dryden
Photo: Robin Dryden
Photo: Robin Dryden
Photo: Robin Dryden
Great Grey Owl / Paul Cropper
In total, 174 species of birds seen during a trip. The mentioned
observation of Great Grey Owl has been submitted for an approval to
Estonian Rarities Committee. On average, five times a year Great Grey Owl has been seen in recent years.
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