Chris Townend had just returned from a short 6 day trip to Estonia as a recce for a future Wise Birding Holidays trip to Estonia in 2015 in cooperation with Estonian Nature Tours.
"All I can say is WOW!
Visiting in late February is perhaps not the usual time for birders to visit Estonia, but it is the best time to witness hundreds of Steller's Eider that winter off the coast and an excellent time for some very special Owls and Woodpeckers. Aside from birds, mammal watching is also pretty impressive with Eurasian Elk, Racoon Dog and of course Eurasian Lynx. Although still a very difficult mammal to find, this is the start of the Lynx mating season when animals are more vocal and with an estimated 800 animals, Estonia has to be your best chance with the highest density of Lynx in Europe!"
Steller's Eiders / Chris Townend (Wise Birding Holidays)
On his first morning (24th Feb) looking for Steller's Eider, the sea was quite rough, though the spectacle of 150+ birds in one flock was pretty exciting! The following morning he returned to calm seas and superb light, as a huge flock containing around 300+ birds gave him a fly-by at around 400-500 metres range.
Few days later Chris travelled to the mainland and spent day with ENT birdguide Tarvo Valker. The undoubted highlight for them was a superb Hawk Owl that performed admirably!
See Hawk Owl video...
Other highlights from day with Tarvo:
2 Parrot Crossbill
1 Hazel Grouse
13 Black Grouse
1 Capercaillie
1 White-backed Woodpecker
1 Black Woodpecker
4 Nutctcracker
7 Elk
1 Racoon Dog
1 Mountain Hare
See Hawk Owl video...
Other highlights from day with Tarvo:
2 Parrot Crossbill
1 Hazel Grouse
13 Black Grouse
1 Capercaillie
1 White-backed Woodpecker
1 Black Woodpecker
4 Nutctcracker
7 Elk
1 Racoon Dog
1 Mountain Hare
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