EuroBirdwatch 2015

During the international bird watching days Eurobirdwatch 2015, taking place in 3-4 October, more than 220 000 birds from 153 species were counted. Compared to earlier years the result was clearly moderate. Over 100 bird counting lists were sent to the Estonian Ornithological Society, compiled by almost 400 birdwatchers. Most numerous countables were Barnacle Goose (>65 000), various other Goose spp. (32 500), Chaffinch (16 000), Lapwing (12 000) and Brambling (7300). The most often seen bird species were prevailingly Great Tit and Hooded Crow, followed by Eurasian Jay, Magpie, Raven, Blackbird and Fieldfare.

Barnacle Geese / Photo: Luke Massey

Our Bird of the Year was also recorded: there were 10 Rough Legged Buzzards and 190 Buzzards, 29 of which on the migration movement in Lao, Pärnu County. In the same location 21 Sparrowhawks, over 1400 Wood Pigeons, 25 Black Woodpeckers, 73 Bearded Tits and one Serin were seen. The most interesting event in the Kabli bird station, Pärnu County, was the migration wave of 2400 Meadow Pipits and massive movement of Chaffinches, Bramblings and Reed Buntings. Two late Tree Pipits were also seen.

European honey buzzard

At Cape Põõsaspea, Läänemaa County, 770 Divers and over 5000 Long-Tailed Ducks were counted during 2 days, while the most interesting species were Purple Sandpiper, Rock Pipit, Razorbill and Common Guillemot. The most interesting birds on Hiiumaa island were 7 Little Grebes and 52 Great Egrets. In Kuressaare Bay on Saaremaa island 3000 Coots were counted. In Virumaa County more than 20000 Barnacle Geese were seen and in Mehikoorma, Tartu County, 16 White-tailed Eagles were counted. Other exciting species, seen during the birdwatch days, were Grey Plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Snowbunting, Corncrake, Red-breasted Goose, Shelduck, different terns, Redstart and Lapland Longspur. Surprisingly big amount of Penduline Tits and Bearded Tits were seen and there were even some Swallows and White Storks. Among singularities there was a Hybrid Goose, a leucistic White-fronted Goose and a white-winged House Sparrow. Some domestic fowl were recorded: 30 Leghorn Chicken and 7 Pheasants.

The winners with 111 species were from the club Estbirding, the second and third best teams recorded equally 88 species.

This international event was held the 22nd time already, while there were participants from 41 European and neighbouring countries. About 33 000 birdwatchers were recording more than 5 million birds. The next event takes place in next year’s October 1-2.

Estonian Ornithological Society is grateful to each and every birdwatcher, facilitators and instructors and personally to Kristjan Adojaan and the company 5D Vision for the online record template. The final species list is available on the homesite of Estonian Ornithological Society.