Vali Aasta Keskkonnategu 2013

Veel on võimalik kaasa aidata parima keskkonnateo valimisel. Anna konkursil oma hääl SIIN ja aita Marika Mann parimate hulka. Hääletus on avatud 31.detsembrini.

Loe lähemalt...

Eesti loodusturismi arendaja ja eestvedaja ning Estonian Nature Tours´i asutaja ja tegevjuht Marika Mann kandideerib Keskkonnaministeeriumi poolt väljakuulutatud konkursil Aasta Keskkonnategu 2013. Marika keskkonnategu on Eesti loodusväärtuste ja looduskaitse eesmärkide tutvustamine välismaal ning hoiakute kujundamine Eestis.
Marika Mann  on tutvustanud Eesti loodust 2013. aastal ligi 600 välismaa külastajale ja tema loodud teavet Eesti loodusväärtuste kohta luges sel aastal ligi 2 miljonit inimest üle kogu maailma. Tänu Marika Manni tegevusele on Eesti saanud olulise koha loodusturismi kaardil maailmas ja Eestist on kujunenud üks populaarsemaid sihtriike, kuhu inimesed soovivad tulla vaatlema seda, mida mujal enam ei ole. Tutvu Marika poolt 2013.a. jooksul läbiviidud tegevustega Blogis (loe läbi kõik 2003.a. uudised) ja Facebookis.

Loe ka Marika poolt koostatud uudiskirju, mis iga kord saadetakse välja enam kui 2000-le looduskaitsjale ja loodushuvilisele üle kogu maailma:

Newsletter Winter 2013...

Newsletter Spring 2013...

Newsletter Birdfair Special 2013...

Marika Mannile on soovituskirja kirjutanud 6 inimest Eestist ja välismaalt. Loe lähemalt...

Neeme Suur, Riigikogu liige

Killian Mullarney, Author/artist of the best-selling European fieldguide, The Collins Birdguide, London 1999, Staff leader at Sunbird Birdwatching Tours

Tarvo Valker, vabakutseline looduskaitsja ja linnugiid, Läänemaa Linnuklubi juhatuse esimees, EOÜ Nõukogu liige, Noore Looduskaitsja preemia laureaat 2008.a.

Minna Jõgeda, Eesti Fototurismi Keskuse juhataja, Põlvamaa parim turismitöötaja 2013

Louis D´Amore, IIPT (International Institute for Peace through Tourism) Founder and President

Peter Chadwick, Professor of Finance, retired (BSc, MSc(EE), MSc(ME), FCIS, FCCA, MCMA)

Loe lähemalt...

Loe lähemalt...

Loe lähemalt...

Loe lähemalt...

Loe lähemalt...

Head Vana Aasta Lõppu!

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.

Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change to Tourism Publication Now Available

Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change to Tourism: Case Studies of Best Practice is now available from Cambridge Scholars Publishers.  The Publication is based on papers presented at the 5th IIPT African Conference in Lusaka, Zambia and selected other contributors. It is an indispensable source of insights and models of best practice relating to the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change by various sectors of the industry.

Few years ago, the executive manager of Estonian Nature Tours, Marika Mann represented Estonia at an IIPT regional conference in Zambia. We are proud that our opinions have been included in this prestigious book.

Chapter Twenty-seven ............................................................................. 256
Sustainable Product Development and Marketing
Marika Mann

You can order directly from the publisher...
 

Editor: Louis D'Amore and Patrick Kalifungwa
Date Of Publication: Aug 2013
Isbn13: 978-1-4438-4893-0
Isbn: 1-4438-4893-X
As UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has stated, “Climate change is the pre-eminent geopolitical and economic issue of the 21st century. It rewrites the global equation for development, peace and prosperity.” The scientific evidence is clear – climate change is happening and the exposure to weather-related disasters such as heat waves, forest fires, cyclones and flooding has the potential to seriously impact the tourism sector. The travel and tourism industry is both a significant contributor to climate change, being responsible for 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and is directly impacted by it. At the same time, the industry is a vital driver of the global economy with an estimated US$6.6 trillion total contribution in 2012, and is particularly significant to developing and emerging economies where the impacts of climate change can be most disruptive. This collection of papers is a timely and indispensable source of insights and models of best practice relating to the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change by various sectors of the industry.

Louis D’Amore is the Founder and President of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT). He has been instrumental in promoting the travel and tourism industry as the world’s first “Global Peace Industry” since the founding of IIPT in 1986. His concept of “Peace through Tourism” includes the idea of “peace with nature,” and, accordingly, he has been a pioneer in socially and environmentally responsible tourism since conducting the world’s first comprehensive study on the future of tourism for the Canadian Government in the mid-’70s, and, subsequently in 1993, developing the world’s first “Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism.” Mr D’Amore is Chancellor of Livingstone International University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management (LIUTEBM) and recipient of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners’ “Visionary Award.”

Dr Patrick Kalifungwa is the Vice Chancellor and Founder of Livingstone International University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management (LIUTEBM) . He spearheaded the establishment of the first tertiary Tourism University in Zambia. His motivation arose from his tour of duty as Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources. Dr Kalifungwa studied at Glamorgan University, in the United Kingdom, and American University, in the United States. He is the recipient of awards for the best Minister of Tourism and Africa Travel Association President, the International Socrates Award, the Best Enterprise Award and the Quality Management Award. He is the Executive Director and Chairman of Allterrain Zambia, a board member for the International Advisory Council IIPT and a member of the UNWTO Knowledge Network.

Estonian Nature Tours pidas aasta-koosolekut Roostal

29-ndal novembril toimus Roostal Estonian Nature Tours´i linnu- ja loodusgiidide koosolek. Koosviibimist alustati lühikese seminariga, kus tegevjuht Marika Mann andis lühikese ülevaate firma 10 aasta tegevuse eesmärkidest ning tulemustest. Koos arutati, kuidas programmide ülesehitust ja giiditeenust veelgi paremaks muuta. Arutelu käigus ühineti ka arvamusega, et öko- ja loodusturism on tõsiseltvõetav majandusharu, mida saab üheskoos arendada vaid riigipoliitikas kaasa rääkides.
Ettevõtted nagu Estonian Nature Tours on väga huvitatud looduskaitseliste eesmärkide saavutamisest ja soovivad osaleda seaduste ja seadusemuudatuste vastuvõtmise protsessis, mis puudutavad teemasid nagu põllumajandus, jahindus, metsandus, energia ja maavarad, aga ka transport, meedia ning regionaalpoliitika.
Kuna Estonian Nature Tours´i tegevus lähtub sügavast missioonitundest tutvustada klientidele Eesti loodusväärtusi ja looduskaitselist tegevust, on ülioluline, et senisest veelgi enam suureneks koostöö Keskonnaministeeriumi ja Keskkonnaametiga. ENT soovib sellist traditsiooni jätkata. Järgmine samm on meie ühiste probleemide ning eesmärkide kaardistamine ja nende edastamine vastavatele ametkondadele ja ministeeriumidele.
Pidulik õhtusöök ja saun olid ühtlasi ka tänuürituseks meie väga olulistele ja headele partneritele – Eesti tipp-loodusgiididele. Pärast õhtusööki jätkus arutelu saunamajas varaste hommikutundideni.

 Marika teeb ettekande firma ajaloost

 Õhtusöök ei piirdunud vaid kinniste veinipudelite ja tühjade taldrikutega :) 

Lauale kanti  tõeliselt maitsev jõulupraad ja magustoiduks õuna-kohupiima kook.

Estonian Nature Tours was holding its annual meeting in Roosta

On November 29 'Estonian Nature Tours’ meeting of bird and nature guides was held at Roosta. To start the meeting a there was a brief seminar in which Marika Mann, CEO gave a short overview of the goals and accomplishments of the company during the last 10 years. This was followed by discussion of how to refine the structure of programmes and tour-guide services in which everyone was favouring the opinion that nature tourism and ecotourism are credible branches of the industry, which can be jointly developed only via public debates in the state policy. 

Companies like Estonian Nature Tours are more than interested in achieving conservational goals and they are willing to participate in the legislative process concerning agriculture, hunting, forestry, energy and mineral resources, but likewise transportation, media and regional policy. 

While the activities of Estonian Nature Tours emanate from the deep feeling of a mission to introduce nature values and conservational activities of Estonia to its clients, it is essential to cooperate even more with the Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Board. ENT is willing to carry on this tradition and the next step will be mapping our common problems and purposes and forwarding these to relevant offices and ministries.
A dinner party and sauna was also meant to be as ex gratia to our essential and good partners - top nature tour-guides of Estonia. After the dinner the discussion was carried over to sauna, where it continued into the early hours.

 Marika is talking about product development and marketing  by Estonian Nature Tours

The dinner did not stop with closed bottles of wine and empty plates :) 

A truly delicious christmas roast was served with an apple and cheesecake for the afters. 

Incredible Hawk Owl invasion in Estonia!

 Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) / Remo Savisaar

This year has seen the biggest invasion of Hawk Owls to take place in Estonia for many years. The first birds started to appear in late August – nearly two months earlier than usual. During this autumn up till the end of November birders have found 32 different Hawk Owls, an astonishing number for such a little country. Some of Estonian Nature Tours autumn bird trips offered brilliant views of this stunning northern owl.

 This shot was taken by Luke Massey in North-East Estonia in Autumn 2013

Normally there are no more than 10 individuals encountered during one season. Yet this years movement has been already more spectacular than ever. It is impossible to predict the final numbers we will have by the end of winter, but it is clear that this is the best time ever to twitch hawk owls in Estonia this winter.

Stop thinking – come to Estonia NOW!

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 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. 


White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) / Sven Zacek

Price:
2-3 pax                 495 € per person
4-7 pax                 395 € pp.
Single suppl.          70 € 



For futher information on 3-day bargain trips we have on offer, plus booking details, terms and conditions please phone or e-mail us:

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

A good hawk owl invasion usually lasts till at least early March, but with the amazing numbers they are expected to stay until mid-April. By joining one of our early Spring tours, there is a great opportunity to see the Hawk Owl.

Please click here to see our Tour calendar... 

Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) in Estonia in winters 1996/1997–2011/2012

During this period at least 76 Hawk Owls were observed in Estonia,including autumn and spring migrants. Apparent invasions were registered in winters 2002/2003, 2005/2006, 2009/2010, 2010/2011 and 2011/2012. No Hawk Owls were observed in winter 2000/2001. Most of birds were met from November to January. The earliest observation dates from the 11thof September and the latest from the last days of March. Site fidelity of wintering Hawk Owls is quite high, 11 birds held a territory longer than one month. All individuals were solitary ones.

More than half of birds were met in western counties (Läänemaa and Pärnumaa). Uku Paal / Hirundo 25 (2012)

Birds and Mammals in Estonia 4-11 October 2013

Early in October Luke Massey Images and Tarvo Valker led a Bird Watching magazine readers group around Estonia searching for an array of different birds. They hit the jackpot spotting over 100 species of bird including Hawk Owl, Golden Eagle, Parrot Crossbill, thousands of Barnacle Geese and many more. Though it wasn't just birds they found, amazingly the group saw a great number of mammals, including Elk, Foxes, Arctic Hares, Bears, Pine Martens, Beavers and even the extremely rare and elusive European Flying Squirrel. Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Estonia as birds are migrating through and mammals are out feeding before winter kicks in. See which tour suits you, from photography to orchid spotting.

„Last two days: amazing. Saw two brown bears, 6 raccoon dogs, pine marten, fox and a flying squirrel. All in all 12 different mammals and 105 species of birds. Best part of it: chasing the hawk owl with Luke trough the wilderness.“  B.H / Germany

Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) / Luke Massey

"On our first morning we witnessed a great sunrise right outside the hotel as it rose over the Baltic. As I was photographing the sunrise I heard the unmistakeable calls of cranes, moving out of their roost site to go feed in the surrounding fields. Cranes are making a comeback in the UK, with around 50 now living wild after a a successful reintroduction project." L.Massey / UK

Common Cranes (Grus grus) / Luke Massey

"Estonia is one of the top 10 destinations in the world for bird migration with hundreds of thousands of birds passing through every spring and autumn. Probably the biggest migration is of barnacle geese, throughout our time in the country we saw thousands of them either flying over or carpeting fields feeding up before continuing on their way." L.Massey / UK

Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis) / Luke Massey

"We managed to see loads of different stuff from European flying squirrels to hawk owls. I think the highlight for most of the group were the bears, we were incredibly lucky to see 2 bears and one appeared in broad daylight. Not wanting to scare it I didn't take any photos, so this shot is one of the only one I got at dusk at 1/8 second!" L.Massey / UK

 Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) / Luke Massey

ENT kutsub kandideerima Noore Looduskaitsja Auhinnale

Eestimaa Looduse Fond (ELF) ja Estonian Nature Tours kutsuvad noori looduskaitsjaid kandideerima tänavusele Noore Looduskaitsja Auhinnale, millega kaasneb 700-eurone stipendium. Kandideerimisavaldusi saab esitada kuni 25. novembrini aadressil elf@elfond.ee.

Estonian Nature Tours toetab rahaliselt Noore Looduskaitsja Auhinda alates 2005.a. Varasematel aastatel on Noore Looduskaitsja Auhinna pälvinud Renno Nellis, Asko Lõhmus, Peep Mardiste, Marek Sammul, Tarvo Valker (ENT giid), Murel Merivee, Ulvar Käärt ja Indrek Tammekänd.

Käesoleva aasta auhinnale on oodatud kandideerima looduskaitsjad, kes omavad väljapaistvaid saavutusi Eestimaa looduse kaitsel ning on passi või enesetunde järgi nooremad kui 35 aastat. Kandidaadid võivad töötada riiklikus, era- või mittetulundussektoris, samuti vabatahtlikuna. Kandideerida saab nii enda nimel kui ka esitada kellegi teise kandidatuuri.

Kandideerimiseks oodatakse avaldusi koos põhjendusega ELFi aadressil elf@elfond.ee hiljemalt 25. novembriks. Avalduses palume lisaks märkida kandidaadi ees- ja perekonnanimi, vanus, töökoht ja/või tegevusvaldkond ning olulisemad looduskaitselised tegemised ja saavutused.

Noore Looduskaitsja Auhinda antakse alates 2005.a. välja eesmärgiga toetada elujõulise ja aatelise looduskaitse püsimist Eestis läbi põlvkondade. Auhinna pälvija otsustab ELFi poolt kokku kutsutav žürii. Auhinnafondi toetab Estonian Nature Tours.

Tänavune auhind antakse võitjale üle ELFi vabatahtlike tänuüritusel, mis toimub 6. detsembril.

Täiendavat infot auhinna kohta leiab ELFi kodulehelt.

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Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF) and the Estonian Nature Tours invite young ecologists to apply for this year's Young Conservationist Award, which involves scholarship of 700 euros.

Estonian Nature Tours supports the Young Conservationist Award since 2005. The purpose of the Young Conservationist Award is to promote viable and conceptual nature conservation in Estonia from generation to generation. This award has formerly been granted to Renno Nellis, Asko Lõhmus, Peep Mardiste, Marek Sammul, Tarvo Valker (ENT guide), Murel Merivee, Ulvar Käärt and Indrek Tammekänd.

Õppereis Matsalu rahvusparki

Viiendal oktoobril külastasid Matsalu rahvusparki Tallinna Linnamäe Vene Lütseumi seitsmenda klassi õpilased. Õppereisi käigus külastati Matsalu looduskeskust, Viita puisniitu ja alvarit, Suitsu vaatetorni ja matkarada ning sõideti paadiga Matsalu roostikus piki Suitsu ja Kasari jõge. Pärast lõunasööki külastati Metsküla-Salmi rannaniite, Keemu linnutorni ja Salevere Salumäge. Õpilased ja õpetajad jäid väga rahule. Estonian Nature Tours tänab kõiki lapsi, kes leidsid aega saata meile tagasisidet!

"Me olime Matsalu rahvuspargis viiendal oktoobril. Meile meeldis ekskursioon metsas, sõita paadiga, vaadata linde, looduse muuseum, tõusta tornile. Mets oli ilus,laulsid linnud.
Kõike head teile." / Anna, Ljuba ja Nadja 

 Loodusgiid  Marje Loide selgitab õpilastele mis on puisniit ja mis on alvar / N. Nilender

"Me tahame öelda, et:
see oli väga huviatav ekskursioon;
me saime teada palju uut,loomadest,lindudest ja taimedest;
meile väga meeldis paadisõit;
söök oli maitsev." / Liza ja Dasha

 

Suitsu vaatetorni juures / N. Nilender

"Ma olin koos klassiga Matsalu rahvuspargis. See oli huvitav reis, loodus oli väga ilus. Mulle väga meeldis. Aitäh!" / Edgars

"Meile meeldis ekskursioon. Aga kõige rohkem meile meeldis vaatetornil olla, meil oli väga lõbus metsas jalutada ja paadil sõita. Film oli natukene igav, aga me saime palju teada filmist. Meile väga meeldis söök, Oli vahva bussis sõita, meil oli väga lõbus. Suur aitäh teile ekskursiooni eest!
Soovime teile palju edu." / Sofia  ja Polina

"Mulle väga meeldis see eksukursioon. Mulle meeldis vaatetorn, vaadata linde oli  huvitav. Veel mulle meeldis sõita paadiga." / Nikita 

 

 Paadiga Kasari jõel / N. Nilender

"Me tahame öelda,et meile väga meeldis teie rahvuspark.
Kirillile meeldis kõik! Leonile meeldis ka kõik. Kõigepealt me ei tahtsime minna Matsalu Rahvusparki, aga meie emad ütlesid et me peame minema. Me arvame, et paadi sõit." / Kirill ja Leon

"Meie klass oli Matsalu rahvuspargis 5. oktoobril. Ja me tahame rääkida mis meile meeldis.
Anna: Mina kahjuks ei olnud Matsalu rahvuspargis, aga ma kuulsin, et kõigile seal väga meeldis. Järgmisel korral ma väga tahan sinna minna.
Evelina: Kõigepealt ma ei tahtnud minna Matsalu Rahvusparki. Aga kui ekskursioon löppes ma sain aru, et see park on väga ilus ja võluv. Kõige rohkem mulle meeldis paadisõit. Mulle ka meeldis vaatetorn, seal oli väga huvitav ja ilus vaatepilt. Kahjuks linnud lendasid juba arä. Veel mulle meeldis tasuta tee ja kohv. Ma rõõmuga tulen sinna veel üks kord koos sõpradega. Aitäh väga hea ekskursiooni eest." / Anna ja Evelina :)

 Suitsu matkarada / N. Nilender

"Meile meeldis ekskursioon Matsalus. Edgaril kõige rohkem meeldis paadi sõita ja mulle ka, aga veel mulle meeldis käia rajjat. Meile väga meeldis meie ekskursioon." / Ilja ja Edgar
 

"Me oleme väga tänulikud teile. Et te veetsite meiega ekskuriooni  5 oktoobril. Matsalus on väga huvitav et seal on väga palju taimed ja lindu .Äitäh teile muljete eest." / Kirill ja Georg

Matkarada Salevere Salumäel / N. Nilender

The Winners of the Questionnaire in British Birdfair 2013

For the third time Estonian Nature Tours offered a possibility to win a dream wildlife holiday to Estonia in British Birdfair 2013 and on our webpage as well. Estonian Nature Tours wishes to thank everyone who completed our questionnaire and took part in the prize draw.
All together our questionnaire was filled in by 49 people, 27 of them gave right answers to all the questions and therefore gained the right to participate in our drawing. The second question was most difficult.

We are delighted to announce the winners:

Grand Prize: Birdwatching holiday Estonia- Great Snipe and Woodpeckers. Price 695 € - Mrs Durn

Lot 1: Brown Bear tracking and watching. Price 100 € - Mr Larsen
Lot 2: Flying Squirrel Study trip. Price 100 € - Mr Hutchins
Lot 3: Beaver boat-trip. Price 85 € - Mr Simms


Congratulations to everyone!

Click here to see Woodpeckers gallery...

We asked all nature lovers to read carefully our homepage www.naturetours.ee or read up on the brochure "ESTONIA – the heart of European wildlife" You have now excellent opportunity to get acquainted to Estonia’s nature.

Three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) / Sven Zacek

White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) / Sven Zacek

 Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) / Remo Savisaar

Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) / Luke Massey

Estonian Nature Tours at the British Birdfair

It was for the 6th year already that our company was represented on the British Birdfair with our own stand. In recent years, interest in our tours has increased and more an more we feel that Estonia has become a popular destination in Europe! Noone asks any more about the whereabouts of our country, people come to our stand with clearly defined decision to travel to Estonia instead. For us it is really meaningful, that Estonian Nature Tours has now its own fanclub – many of our clients wish to come back for another time, some even for the 5th time. This is a clear indication, that people are pleased with our service and that Estonia's nature and local guides have much to offer.

Luke Massey (on the left in front) talks to people about White-tailed Eagle Photography. 

Behind, in the middle is Tarvo Valker

May 26 was the 10th anniversary of Estonian Nature Tours. We celebrated this event modestly with our clients, friends and partners on the Birdfair.

From right: Kaisa Korhonen (Liminka), Antero Topp (Finnature), Marika Mann (ENT), 

Jari Peltomäki (Finnature) and Roy Atkins (Speyside Wildlife)

Jari gave to Marika a very cute gift – his own favorite photo

Brown Bear cub playing peekaboo. Read more about Jari and this photo...

We really appreciate that You took Your time to stop over our stand - Roy and Jane Atkins, Jari Peltomäki, Antero Topp, Kaisa Korhonen, Miia  Marjanen, Mike Weedon, Killian Mullarney, Tim Harris, John McLoughlin, Ian Lycett, Sally Dowden, Tim Earl, Liz Charter, Peter and Vana Chadwick, Patricia and Raimond Rumbold, Carol Wady, Margaret Collet, Kath and David Beeken, Barry Trevis, David Kay, Luke Massey, Wilfred and Julia Powell, John Wright, Pippa Harvey, Dan Free, Ben Hoare, John Vanderdol, Margaret Alderson, Andrew Howes, Tim Appleton and many, many others...

Thank You!

Look what an amazing event the Birdfair is...

See you again at the British Birdfair 2014!

Birdfair 2013. What´s new?

 

The 2013 British Birdfair will take place at Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland on Friday 16th – Sunday 18th August.

This is the sixth time for Estonian Nature Tours (ENT) to participate in the biggest bird and ecotourism fair in the world as an exhibitor. Estonian Nature Tours has been a pioneer in developing nature and bird tourism throughout Estonia. We have more than 10 years experience in organising outstanding wildlife holidays in Estonia and the feedback from our clients has always been very positive. We would be happy to meet with you and give you a presentation of our services whatever time is suitable for you during Birdfair 2013.

Visit us in Marquee 5 Stand 32!

Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular and in response to the high demand for this type of holiday we are continuing to expand our programme. This year, we offer new trips for birdwatchers who are keen to see woodpeckers (in all, eight species can been found in Estonia!). We also have on offer something new for nature lovers who are keen to see just brown bears or search for the impressive selection of orchids that occur in Estonia.

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. You may get the chance to photograph all of these exciting species if you visit Estonia this winter. Read more...

White-tailed Eagle Photography 
Sun 2nd Mar – Thu 6th Mar
Thu 6th Mar – Mon 10th Mar
Mon 10th Mar – Fri 14th Mar
Price: 995 € pp.
Tour leader: Luke Massey (Luke Massey Images)

White-tailed Eagles (Haliaetus albicilla) / Luke Massey

For birdwatchers who are keen to see woodpeckers (in all, eight species can been found in Estonia!), we now offer a new, fully-inclusive, 5-day holiday.
Read more... 

Great Snipe & Woodpeckers 
Wed 23rd Apr - Sun 27th Apr
Price: 695 € pp.

Three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) / Sven Zacek

We also have on offer something new for nature lovers who are keen to see just brown bears or search for the impressive selection of orchids that occur in Estonia. Read more... 

Orchids & Bears
Wed 18th Jun – Sun 22nd Jun
Price: 955 € pp.

Bears & Birds
Wed 8th Oct – Sun 12th Oct
Price: 955 € pp.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) / Sven Zacek

Lady´s slippers (Cypripedium calceolus) / Neil Aldridge

In recent  years Estonia has been a magnet for birdwatchers from Europe and beyond. Now this Baltic State is also becoming a mecca for dragonfly (and butterfly) enthusiasts eager to see the country´s speciality species.  Read more...

Dragonfly Holiday
Fri 1st Aug – Fri 8th Aug
Price: 1250 € pp.

Yellow-Spotted Emerald (Somatochlora flavomaculata) / Philip Smith

Ruby Whiteface (Leucorrhinia rubicunda) / Mati Martin

_________________________________________

Estonia has been chosen to appear among the 30 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!

Estonian Nature Tours invites you

Migration hotspots of the world
on Saturday 9:30 am - 9:50 am

Lecture Marquee 1

Presenter: Tim Harris
The author of RSPB book „Migration Hotspots: The World´s Best Migration Sites“

The best places to see migrating birds and the reasons why those places are so good. From Point Pelee to Beidaihe, a “Cook’s tour” of some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring migration sites – and the birds that use them every year.

The RSPB book „Migration Hotspots: The World's Best Bird Migration Sites“ by Tim Harris is now available in the internet.

Estonian Nature Tours visited Russia on the beginning of July to find new destinations in birdwatching and wildlife photography tourism.

We invite you

Lake Baikal: the pearl of Siberia
on Friday 16th August 4:00 - 4:20 pm 

Lecture Marquee 1

Presenter: Tarvo Valker
The member of Estonian Ornithological Society Council, bird guide 

Lake Baikal is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, two-thirds of which can be found nowhere else in the world.  It is the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world.  Located in south central Siberia, not far from the Mongolian border and surrounded by mountains, forests and wild rivers, Baikal is an immense and breathtaking area of natural beauty.  An incredibly magical place for watching and photographing birds and mammals!

Long-tailed Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus undulatus) / Tarvo Valker

Sunset on the Lake Baikal / Remo Savisaar

Marika, Remo, Tarvo and Valeri / Remo Savisaar

Estonia is an up-and-coming destination for wildlife photography, boasting fantastic species such as Brown Bear and Elks, White-tailed Eagles, Wild Boar and Roe Deer.

Estonian Nature Tours invites you

Wildlife photography in Estonia
on Saturday 18th August  11:00 - 13:00am
Marquee 5, Stand 32

Presenter:  Luke Massey     
Luke has been obsessed with wildlife since he can remember, this has led to a career in photographing and filming animals, recently working alongside the BBC natural history unit. He has travelled around the world but keeps coming back to Estonia, one of his favourite locations. 

Estonia is a hidden gem in Europe, complete with a large array of different habitats, as well as the highest population of wolves, bear and lynx in Europe, supported by a cast including eagles, cranes, geese and many other mammals.

No matter what time of year, there is always something to train your camera on in Estonia. Luke will talk of his experiences with bears, eagles and other species he has come across in Estonia. From sitting out in -40C conditions waiting for a white tailed eagle to appear, to watching an opening in a wood waiting for a bear to emerge from the vegetation.

Join him at this talk and maybe you'll be out taking your own photos of the wildlife that calls Estonia its home soon.  
   

 Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) / Luke Massey

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) / Luke Massey

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) / Luke Massey