A brief summary of the final report of the National Environmental Monitoring sub-programme on butterfly communities 2015

by Erki Õunap and Anu Tiitsaar

Regardless of untypical weather conditions during the last summer the species diversity and abundance of butterflies in 2015 remained close to the multi-year average. The index, reflecting general abundance of butterflies, equalled to that of 2004 when the Estonian monitoring programme was launched. Over the 12-year monitoring period the abundance of butterflies is currently demonstrating slight increase, in spite of the recent years’ decline if compared to the advanced period of 2010-2013. These results reveal, that in wider context the butterfly populations of Estonia are in favourable condition. In the European context these are really good results, as similar index, calculated from similar monitoring patterns in 22 European states demonstrates 30% decline since 1990 and only during the latest 5-10 years the rate of decline seems to be decelerated.

The condition of the monitoring areas is generally good - in 10 areas out of 14 there is no need to change the management system, as retention of viable populations of butterflies (protected species therein) is guaranteed there under current regime. In 2015 from 14 transects 83 species of butterflies were registered. Two of them - the Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) and the Painted Lady (Cunthia cardui) are migratory species of Southern origin, unable to winter in Estonian conditions. The rest of the 81 species constitute 81% of Estonia’s native butterfly fauna (total 100 spp.). The most diverse transect in 2015 was the Piusa-Veski transect with 50 species.

Lesser Marbled Fritillary (Brenthis ino) / Photo: John Maddocks

About Erki Õunap (PhD 2010):

„I discovered the exciting world of arthropods by following the example of my father when I was just a schoolboy. As time passed and I grew up, my interest directed its course to a more definite target and so little by little I decided to concentrate on butterflies.

After graduating from the Tartu University I have worked as a professional lepidopterologist in Tartu University and in Estonian University of Life Sciences. I have gathered data and knowledge of the distribution, habits and behaviour of butterflies during the last twenty years resulting in the  publishing of a book on the butterflies of Estonia.“

Take action to save the endangered Flying Squirrel

Flying squirrel - a mysterious and hidden taiga forest dweller - is still one of Estonia's nature tourism magnets. In favourable circumstances it is still possible to be in the right time in the right place and have a glimpse of this tiny and zippy creature. No need to add, that a knowledgeable zooloogist is a must to guide the event. Moreover - because of being endangered, observation and being close to Flying Squirrels' nesting sites is only allowed together with a local expert. To understand the life of a Flying Squirrel each and every group is taken to the forest stand some hours before the outflight takes place. The guide will explain the situation, show the group around the habitat and point out the distinctive features, how to monitor the animals. Only then, a tad before darkness everyone has to be under the right tree with the binoculars or camera lenses directed towards the nest opening. Luckily the guide has the detector, which gives alert when the collared animal starts moving.

Zooloogist Uudo Timm pinpointing with detector 
Flying Squirrels, Iisaku 2014

Now, what are the preconditions of the species? The female needs a territory at least 8 hectares. For nesting there have to be old hollow aspens, surrounded and screened by spruce trees. Males are usually active in several females' territories, all together on about 100 hectares. Throughout this radius of 1 km there must be old mixed forest stands to ensure food and safety. Young animals usually move away from their homes up to 2 km. All this means, that the stand must be much bigger, than merely these 100 hectares, otherwise in the isolated conditions the population doesn't function normally.

Droppings of Flying Squirrel, Iisaku 2014

Flying squirrel's distribution area is constantly decreasing. The species has definitely been much more common, than it is today. Distribution data, available from the 1930ies show 3 large and 3 medium or small distribution areas all over Estonia. South-Estonian localities were extinct by 1995. In 2005 there were still some evidence from SW and NW Estonia, but the data from 2014 reveal only the North-Eastern population. Regardless of still remarkable area on the map, we may speak only about 110 registered sites and maximum 2 sq km of suitable forest stands. Sadly not all of these sites are constantly populated.

Click on the diagram to zoom...

The main, if not the only reason of this decrease is forest cutting, which is intruding into the reign of these harmless creatures and consequently one side has to beat a retreat, even without any serious conflict. It is not enough to spare only the nesting tree. The whole old forest complex should be untouched. If there is no food or no protection from the enemies, the animals dump their nests. Clear cutting in the adjacent areas causes fragmentation and the habitat will be too small or too scattered.

Photo: Jean Michel Bompar
Estonia, August 2011

One of the hotspots - Iisaku - is a small town in NE Estonia and by now it has earned its relevance as the capital of Estonia's Flying Squirrels' dereasing kingdom. In contrary to most locals, who have never seen Flying squirrels with their own eyes, the head of the regional forest department declares that throughout all the 40 years, she has been living in Iisaku, these animals have always been there. Mutual relationships of humans and the squirrels have been if not friendly, then at least neutral, as expected. Moreover - some eagle-eyed hikers sware they have accidentally seen gliding Flying squirrels from the popular watchtower next to the park forest stand in Iisaku.

Photo: Jean Michel Bompar
Estonia, August 2011

In this very critical situation all relevant scientists, monitoring and conservation workers, environmental NGO-s  and nature tourism companies must join into one solid force to provide this cute animal the presumption of innocence and to protect its home among us. It is hard to overestimate the importance of Estonian Fund for Nature in the work, that has been done during the latest decades, as they have been the initiators and the flagship of the investigations and protection activities in Estonia.

ELF had the negotiations with local private forest owners
in June 2015. ENT attended this meeting as well.
Photo: Jaanus Remm

How you can help a Flying Squirrel?

It is simple!

On behalf of every person joining ENT on the Mammals and Birds in Estonia tour,  a donation of  25 Euros is made to this project as ENT feels it is extremely important for the future of this delightful animal. 

Estonian Nature Tours has supported the Flying Squirrel project since 2010, having launched a donation campaign to raise money to buy necessary flying squirrel reasearch equipment. With the help of this research Flying Squirrel may have a chance to increase the population number, which would be most definitely a delight for everyone to see.

ENT is very grateful to everyone who have supported the Flying Squirrel with us:

Mr Hall, Mr Abrehart, Mr Lock, Mr and Mrs Green, Ms Hallam, Ms Peterkin, Mr Wilds, Ms Wright, Mr Webb, Mr Hewson, Mr McNiven, Mr O´Connor, Ms Lynam, Ms King, Mr July, Mr Norman, Mr Haynes, Mr Mark, Mrs Devlin, Ms Joy, Ms Hunter, Mr Atkins, Ms Behenna, Mr Higson, Ms Compton, Ms Dean, Ms Reeves, Mr Sykes, Mr Bompar, Ms Aldridge, Mr Aldridge, Mr and Mrs Hughes, Mr and Mrs Obergassel, Mr and Mrs Robinson, Mr Lambelin, Mr Lambrechts, Mr Boczek, Mrs Jadot, Mrs Duverne, Mrs Williams, Mr van der Dol, Mr Law, Mr Dyett, Mr Brimson, Mr Hows, Mr Thissen, Mr Witkamp, Mr and Mrs Baldock, Mr Knight, Mr Woodhouse, Mr Wright, Mr and Mrs Parker, Mr Victor, Mrs Beeken, Mr and Mrs Free, Ms McKenzie-Lloyd, Ms Morten, Mr Summerfield, Mr and Mrs Baltera, Mr Pilbeam, Mr Dean, Ms Percival, Ms Newell, Mr Moore, Mr Simpson, Mr Peter, Mr Meredith, Mr Wallington, Mr Williams, Mr and Mrs Higginbotham, Mr and Mrs Williams, Mr and Mrs Gange, Mr and Mrs Buck, Ms Alderson, Mr Lyons, Mrs Scarnera, Mrs Vuillemier, Mr and Mrs Evard, Mr Frauche, Mr Lorimer, Mr Gigon, Mr Meier, Mr and Mrs Grosvernier, Mr Jeanneret, Mrs Minier, Mr Fallot, Mr and Mrs Hale, Ms Kelly, Mr Palm, Mr Cooper, Mr and Mrs Knight, Mr and Mrs Jones, Ms Freed, Mrs Hall, Mrs Montgomery, Mr Gordon.

NB! It is also possible to make a personal donation to the Project... 

Estonian Nature Tours brochure 2016 is now available

With pleasure, we are continiously offering individual bookings on our fully-inclusive holidays. To order Estonian Nature Tours 2016 brochure please send your contact details (name, address) to our e-mail: info@naturetours.ee

See also the selection of best birdwatching, mammal tours and other wildlife holidays in Estonia available for the year 2015 and 2016 by clicking here...

We sincerely hope that we gave you the inspiration...

We’ll give you a musical slide-show for Christmas...

Dear Nature Lover,

For me, it has been an honour and a privilege to bring people closer to nature, and exploring new species and habitats together only nourishes the pleasure in my heart. I would like to express my gratitude to each and every client for helping me to open my eyes and my heart and teaching me to be proud of my country and its wildlife.

Come and see for yourself – we would like to share it with you!

On behalf of the Estonian Nature Tours team                  
Marika Mann
executive manager

Tour Calendar 2014

With pleasure, we continously offering individual bookings on our fully-inclusive holidays. We have never before had to offer so many different opportunities as for a year 2014.

White-tailed Eagle Photography

A 5-day holiday focusing on photographing eagles in the snow as well as other Estonian wildlife in Winter.

Estonia is an up and coming destination for wildlife photography. Boasting fantastic species such as European Lynx and wolves, White- tailed Eagles, Wild Boar and Elk. All of which you may get the chance to photograph if you visit Estonia already this Winter. Read more...
Price: 995 € pp.
Thu 6th March – Mon 10th March
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...
Mon 10th March – Fri 14th March
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) / Remo Savisaar

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Steller´s Eider Break 

An 4-day fully-inclusive holiday in search flocks of Steller´s Eider and other wintering specialities of West-Estonia.

Few places in Europe can match Estonia's amazing birdlife, at almost any time of year. The most important wintering area for Steller’s Eider, Europe’s most endangered seaduck,  is off the coast of our biggest island, Saaremaa. These eye-catching birds arrive in December and leave around the beginning of April. Come in January and February when congregations may reach 1000 birds or more.
This is also a great time for Hawk Owls, an uncommon but regular winter visitor in Estonia. Read more...

Price: 495 € pp.
Fri 28th March – Mon 31st March
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

Steller´s Eider (Polysticta stelleri) / Jari Peltomäki

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Estonia - A Shelter For Western Taiga Forest Birds

6-day fully-inclusive holiday in search of owls, woodpeckers, grouse and other forest specialities of Estonia.

An Estonian Western Taiga forests has an extraordinary richness of species. Up to 40,000 pairs of Hazel Grouse nest here while the number of Capercaillie has stabilised around at 2-3,000 pairs.  Spring in Estonia begins in late March when woodpeckers start their drumming and all the swamps and bogs resound with displaying Black Grouses at sunrise. Hazel Grouse can suprise you near the roadsides while driving in forested areas. You can hear the calls of Ural, Pygmy and Tengmal`s Owls as it gets dark,  or observe roding Woodcocks above the trees. In one national park in Estonia more White-backed Woodpeckers may nest than in the whole of Sweden! Read more...

Price: 860 € pp.
Wed 9th Apr - Mon 14th Apr 2014
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) / Ingmar Muusikus

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Great Snipe & Woodpeckers

An 5-day fully-inclusive holiday in search for the impressive selection of woodpeckers (in all, eight species can been found in Estonia!) and a Great Snipe.

Few places in Europe can match the excitement of watching Estonia's amazing wildlife, at almost any time of year. Spring in Estonia begins in late March when woodpeckers start their drumming, Capercaillies become very active under the old pine forest at dusk and all the swamps and bogs resound with displaying Black Grouse at sunrise. During this birding trip, often there are mornings when 4-6 different species of woodpeckers can be found in one small woodland! Being widespread, Hazel Hen can surprise you near the roadsides while driving in forested areas. You can hear the calls of Ural, Pygmy and Tengmalm`s Owls in the forests when it gets dark,  or observe roding Woodcocks flying above you. From late April to late June, after sunset, the meadows resound with the bubbling of Great Snipes – a breeding species for which Estonia is internationally important. Up to 600 males have been estimated. Read more...

Price: 695 € pp.
Wed 30th Apr – Sun 3rd May 2014
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

Three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) / Sven Zacek

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Mammals & Birds in Spring

An 8-day fully-inclusive holiday in search mammals of Estonia.

Estonian forests are renowned in Europe for their healthy populations of mammals with around 700-800 Lynx, over 150 Wolves, 500-600 Brown Bears and almost 20 000 Beavers – tremendous numbers for such a small country. In all, sixty-four species of mammals have been recorded in Estonia including several European rarities, the most endagered examples being the European Mink, several species of dormouse and the Flying Squirrel. Read more...

Price: 1495 € pp.
Fri 9th May - Fri 16th May
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) / Agris Krusts

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Wildlife Photography tour     

An 9-day holiday focusing on the fantastic opportunities to photograph Estonia´s wildlife.   

This photo tour combines specialist photographic tuition and expert wildlife guiding through the skills and knowledge of noted professional wildlife photographer Neil Aldridge from UK, and leading Estonian photographer Remo Savisaar. We offer just six people the chance to photograph some of Europe's iconic wildlife, now rare or extinct elsewhere in Europe.
All levels of photography skill and interest are welcome and each guest will receive help and tuition personal to them no matter whether they are an amateur or semi-professional. Read more...

Price: 1795 € pp.
Sat 31st May - Sun 8th Jun
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

Beaver (Castor fiber) / Remo Savisaar

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Orchids & Bears

An 5-day fully-inclusive holiday in focusing on Brown Bear tracking and watching and wild flowers (especially orchids – 36 species of Orchids have been found in Estonia!)
Estonian forests are renowned in Europe for their healthy populations of mammals with around 700-800 Lynx, over 150 Wolves, 500-600 Brown Bears and almost 20,000 Beavers – tremendous numbers for such a small country. In all, sixty-four species of mammals have been recorded in Estonia including several European rarities, the most endagered examples being the European Mink, several species of dormouse and the Flying Squirrel.
Estonia’s flora is comprised of about 1440 species of vascular plants, 550 species of mosses, 800 species of lichens and 3000 species of algae. 36 species of Orchids have been found in Estonia. Read more...

Price: 955 € pp.
Wed 18th Jun - Sun 22nd Jun
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

Lady´s slippers (Cypripedium calceolus) / Remo Savisaar

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Wild Flowers & Butterflies

An 8-day fully-inclusive holiday in search of wild flowers and other wildlife of Estonia, amongst them a fine selection of orchids and rare butterfly species such as Baltic Grayling, Scarce Heath, Scarce Fritillary, Frigga's Fritillary, Bog Fritillary, Cranberry Blue, Clouded Apollo, Northern Chequered Skipper, Poplar Admiral etc.

In recent  years Estonia has been a magnet for birdwatchers from Europe and beyond. Now this Baltic State is also becoming a mecca for butterfly and dragonfly enthusiasts eager to see the country´s speciality species.  Because of its history, large parts of the country have remained completely wild, while farming methods in many areas are unintensive resulting in a mosaic of excellent habitats such as numerous flowery meadows, natural forests and massive bog areas. Read more...

Price: 1250 € pp.
Sun 6th Jul - Sun 13th Jul
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

Europe-Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) / Peeter Vissak

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Estonia in Autumn

An 8-day holiday focusing on the autumn bird migration in Western Estonia.

Although not widely discovered yet, Estonia is the ideal country for observing one of the most spectacular natural shows – massive bird migration. This smallest and northernmost Baltic country lies on the crossroads of the Eastern Atlantic migratory flyway: Estonia is locked between the Finnish Gulf, the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea and Lake Peipsi near the Russian border. Geographically the Estonian waters and coastline are stepping-stones along the flyway between breeding and wintering areas for millions of Arctic waterbirds, making birdwatching in Estonia fabulous at this time of year. Read more...

Price: 1150 € pp.
Fri 19th Sep - Fri 26th Sep
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

Common Cranes (Grus grus) / Remo Savisaar

 

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Mammals & Birds in Spring

An 8-day fully-inclusive holiday in search mammals of Estonia.

Estonian forests are renowned in Europe for their healthy populations of mammals with around 700-800 Lynx, over 150 Wolves, 500-600 Brown Bears and almost 20 000 Beavers – tremendous numbers for such a small country. In all, sixty-four species of mammals have been recorded in Estonia including several European rarities, the most endagered examples being the European Mink, several species of dormouse and the Flying Squirrel. Read more...

Price: 1495 € pp.
Fri 26th Sep - Fri 3rd Oct
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

Elk (Alces alces) / Luke Massey

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Migration Hotspots

An 8-day holiday focusing on the most dramatic autumn bird migration locations in Estonia.

Estonia has been chosen to appear among the elite of the world´s most dramatic migration locations for its amazing spring and autumn passage of birds, involving millions of wildfowl and waders flying along the coast between the Baltic Sea and breeding grounds on the Arctic tundra. In addition, there is an exceptional migration of songbirds through the country each autumn, while in winter there are large congregations of wildfowl (including Steller's Eider, now considered a Vulnerable species by BirdLife International) along its coastline. Estonia is a crucial country for birds and a visit or two should be on every birder's itinerary! Read more...

Price: 1150 € pp.
Fri 3rd Oct - Fri 10th Oct
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

Pochards and Tufted ducks at Matsalu bay / Mati Kose

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Brown Bears & Birds

An 5-day fully-inclusive holiday focusing on the spectacular bird migration and Brown Bear tracking and watching.

Estonia in the autumn is a magnificent destination for the birdwatcher who wants to see forest species, such as woodpeckers and forest grouse, together with raptors and arctic migration, with that added touch of eastern rarities and even some mammals. In western Estonia, wetlands are always full of life in the autumn. From early September until late October, thousands of ducks, geese and cranes use these wetlands as their last feeding and roosting grounds before their final migration to the wintering sites. The sight of tens of thousands of common birds like Chaffinch and Brambling can be very impressive and these can include large numbers of Goldcrests, Northern Wheatears and Common Starlings. Read more... 

Price: 955 € pp.
Wed 8th Oct - Sun 12th Oct
Programme can be viewed when clicking here...
BOOK HERE...

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) / Luke Massey

For birdwatchers who can make a quick decision and are keen to see this stunning northern bird; the Hawk Owl plus other specific species as STeller´s Eider, Black Grouse, Hazel Grouse and White-backed Woodpecker, we now have 3-day bargain tours. Invite a friend, or even a few and contact us, book a suitable period, and start packing! Group sizes can vary from 2-7 people. The price includes local transportation, a guide, two dinners and two nights in hotel/guesthouse with private facilities and breakfast. Read more...

 

Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) / Remo Savisaar

Prices exclude international tickets and insurance. All you have to do is get yourself  to Tallinn Airport (or Tallinn Harbor) where our local guide will meet you. For three or more bookings, please ask for a discount. The additional discount doesn't apply for special price tours or Tailor-made holidays.

For futher information on any of  Wildlife trips we have on offer, plus booking details, terms and conditions please visit www.naturetours.ee  and choose TOUR CALENDAR from the left menu. Or phone or e-mail us for the detailed itinerary, stating the name of trip.

Tel:  +372 5349 6695 / E-mail: info@naturetours.ee .

Request our tour packages also from your Wildlife Holiday companies: Naturetrek, Wildwings, Bird Holidays, Birdfinders, Travelling Naturalist,  ScotNature, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, The Biggest Twitch, New Horizons, Avifauna, EBN Italia, SNP Natuurreizen,  Sundowner etc.

BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

On May 10 it was the 10th jubilee of Estonian Nature Tours! Thereby we have in store some surprises to our clients and Facebook followers.

This time we astound even ourselves. Through these years we have invested a lot into marketing and advertizing. This gallery gives a good overview how the content and layout of our ads and printed matter has changed in time and reached the level, that has gained recognition both locally and internationally. See the gallery here ...

Hereby we announce a competition in two categories:
1. The best advertisement or the best layout (clients notice the ad in a blink of an eye!)
2. The best content (when reading the ad or the publication the client wishes to get the first-hand experience)

Everyone is welcome to vote!

Among all the participants we draw five (5) separate products of Second Design jewellwery brand. Each adornment is unique and has been made in upcycling method (sustainable reuse). These adornments are targeted first and foremost for the feminine gender, but can also serve as a present for the loved one.

See the jewellery here ...

It is really very simple. Follow these four steps and You may be the winner:
1.    Go to our Facebook page
2.    Find the BIRTHDAY SURPRISE
3.    Click „Like“, choose the best advertisements and comment 'layout' or 'content'
4.    Share the gallery with Your friends

The voting deadline is 2013 June 20. All present and future Facebook followers may participate. The winners will be announced in our Facebook page on June 21.Additional information:  raili@naturetours.ee

 

Share it with Your friends! Always new news about nature and the best ofers – everyone is expected and awaited to follow us and participate!

Estonian Nature Tours appreciates Your time with us! Good luck of the draw!

Client Comments - Wildlife Holiday in Estonia

"We had a fantastic trip in Estonia and all your organisation worked perfectly. We saw all three woodpeckers and the capercaillie with Margus (and he helped us with a location for black grouse lekking). We got at least 7 beavers with Rannus and the great snipe lek was a success - at least 7 or 8 birds!

Great Snipe / Arne Ader

The raccoon dogs were a disappointment - just a bit of bad luck I guess (especially for the dogs), but Jan tried very hard to find us things and was really helpful. Sorry we didn't get to meet you on the 5th but we decided to try for corncrake at Aardla (corncrake is virtually impossible in the UK) and it made us very late so we drove directly to Tallinn. We got fantastic views of the corncrake though!!!

Raccoon Dog / Valeri Štšerbatõh

Loved Tallinn (though you should tell them to keep the restaurants open later) - and the birthday lunch was great (a very nice place called Aed that was recommended by a girl we met). I even got up at dawn to watch the transect of venus.
We definately want to return - perhaps earlier in the season next time. Owls, raccoon dogs and lynx please.
Thanks so much for helping with a terrific trip. Great countryside, very friendly people and 12 birds off our list (plus the beavers)." Brilliant! M.A. / UK, June 2012


"Yes, back home now unfortunately. I did not want to leave. Peace, quiet, friendly people and above all great birding. Roosta and Hobekala guesthouse were both very comfortable and suitable for what I wanted. All in all the trip was a great success and I will certainly be back.
Many thanks for setting it up for me, it all went very smoothly." R.G. / UK, April-May 2012

As well as offering a high quality service Estonian Nature Tours can also organise your trip quickly and reliably. Even if you are only getting in touch last minute we can still help you enjoy an excellent trip - and if you know what you want to see then we can get you sorted in no time!

Brown bears awakening and safari season is coming!

Moving around in Alutaguse your senses are always open to extraordinary encounters. It may be a bear, or a flying squirrel, but it is an open chance that you meet with an even more unique experience, because in addition to the great grey owl other species with eastern or northern population areas stray here, such as wolverine, Siberian jay or rustic bunting. And perhaps some of the secrets of Alutaguse also come into the range of the new forest camera.
Alutaguse forest camera direct stream: Looduskalender.ee

Brown Bear Tracking and Watching Scheduled trips 2012:
May: 5.-6.05 / 12.-13.05 / 19.-20.05 / 26.-27.05
June: 2.-3.06 / 9.-10.06 / 16.-17.06
Book here: info@naturetours.ee / tel +372 5349 6695.
More info here...

Alutagusel karud ärkavad!

Kui mujalt Eestist tuli teateid karude ärkamisest juba kuu aega tagasi, siis Alutagusel on suurem ärkamine alles nüüd alanud. Ja nagu seal kandis ikka, on jälgi palju. Paari päeva jooksul nähti vähemalt viie erineva karu jälgi, suuremaid ja väiksemaid. Leiti ka kaks kõrvuti asuvat karu talvepesa.

Alutagusel ringi liikudes on meeled alati valmis kohtumiseks erakordsega. See võib olla näiteks karu või lendorav, aga võimalused on lahti millekski veelgi põnevamaks, sest lisaks habekakule satub siia teinekord teisigi ida või põhjapoolse levikuga liike nagu näiteks ahm, laanenäär või põhjatsiitsitaja. Võib-olla satub mõni Alutaguse saladustest uue metsakaamera vaatevälja.
Alutaguse metsakaamera otsestriim: Looduskalender.ee

Karuvaatlus Alutagusel plaanilised retked 2012:
Mai: 5.-6.05 / 12.-13.05 / 19.-20.05 / 26.-27.05
Juuni: 2.-3.06 / 9.-10.06 / 16.-17.06
Registreeri retkele: info@naturetours.ee, tel 5349 6695.
Rohkem infot leiad siit...

Special New Year offer for Bird Watching Readers!

For more information, and to book click here and use the special code – 533 1KAH – to get your exclusive Bird Watching discount.

Estonian Nature Tours are making a special New Year offer to Bird Watching readers, with a spring birdwatching tour of the Baltic country, between May 11 and 18, available for just 995 Euros (about £830) per person.

A variety of other birdwatching, butterfly, botanical, mammal watching, wildlife photography and nature study trips in the unspoiled landscapes of Estonia are also available.

Visit one of the most beautiful countries in Europe!

We have a wonderful photo-gallery of Estonian nature. Share the gallery also with your friends.
Click here to see it...

Variety of our trips: Tour calendar 2012...

Fantastic New Year´s offer!

See also some videos of Estonian nature here...

For the latest news and best travel offers:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EstonianNature
Twitter: http://twitter.com/EstonianNature
Blog: http://estoniannature.blogspot.com/

Fantastic New Year's offer!

For futher information on any of Wildlife trips we have on offer, plus booking details, terms and conditions please visit www.naturetours.ee and choose TOUR CALENDAR from the left menu. Or you can phone or email us for detailed itineraries - tel: +372 5349 6695 / e-mail: info@naturetours.ee

Visit one of the most beautiful countries in Europe!

For the latest news and best travel offers:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EstonianNature
Twitter: http://twitter.com/EstonianNature

New Wildlife Photography Tour to Estonia

A new and exciting trip for 2012, this photo tour combines specialist photographic tuition and expert wildlife guiding through the skills and knowledge of both noted professional wildlife photographer from UK, Neil Aldridge, and leading Estonian photographer Remo Savisaar. The trip runs from the 26th of May to the 3rd of June 2012. I hope you will join us!
Read the full itinerary...

Make a booking here...

Photo: Neil Aldridge

Photo: Remo Savisaar


Your Guides

Neil Aldridge is an award-winning photojournalist and professional wildlife guide. Neil's photography has been celebrated in the winning portfolio of the international Wildlife Photographer of the Year and he is a British Wildlife Photography Awards winner. He is a published author and his work is seen widely in publications such as BBC Wildlife Magazine. Neil's photography experience, knowledge of wildlife and professional field guiding qualifications make him ideally suited to assisting others in photographing and experiencing wildlife and wild places. Neil leads wildlife photography trips in Europe and Africa.

Photo: Neil Aldridge

Photo: Neil Aldridge

Photo: Neil Aldridge

Remo Savisaar is one of Estonia's leading wildlife photographers. Remo was attracted to the nature around him at an early age and has been passionate about nature photography for the past seven years. His award-winning photographs have received recognition at international level. Remo is also a Grand Prize winner of Estonian Nature photo contest 2011. He has held numerous exhibitions and his work has been published in books and in magazines, including National Geographic. His knowledge of photography and eye for a good photograph has meant that he has also been a member of the jury of several photo contests. This makes Remo well suited to helping others see and take that winning photograph.

Photo: Remo Savisaar

Photo: Remo Savisaar

Photo: Remo Savisaar

Photo: Remo Savisaar

Photo: Remo Savisaar

Photo: Remo Savisaar

Photo: Remo Savisaar

Photo: Remo Savisaar

Photo: Remo Savisaar

Photo: Remo Savisaar