Showing posts with label Wildlife Photography Estonia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wildlife Photography Estonia. Show all posts
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Great partners, good network
We are happy to remind you that there are many tour operators in Europe who sell ENT tours to their clients. They are on different dates than we provide and may suit you better sometimes or you may prefer that they include everything in their price and book the flights for you too. Some of these operators have still places available so.. if you are loyal to the company you already know then request tour packages:
Date Focus Booking agent
Fri 26th Feb – Wed 2nd Mar birds Wise Birding
Wed 2nd Mar – Mon 7th Mar mammals Wise Birding
Fri 4th Mar – Mon 7th Mar birds Sunbird
Sat 19th Mar – Sun 27th Mar birds Spainbirds
Fri 25th Mar – Wed 30th Mar birds Naturetrek
Fri 1st Apr – Wed 6th Apr birds Birdfinders
Sat 30th Apr – Sat 7th May birds Wise Birding
Sat 7th May – Sat 14th May wildlife SNP Natuurreizen
Sun 15th May – Sun 22nd May birds & mammals Travelling Naturalist
Mon 2nd May – Mon 9th May birds Sunbird
Sun 22nd May – Sun 29th May birds Naturetrek
Wed 1st Jun – Wed 8th Jun wildlife Starling Reizen
Mon 6th Jun – Mon 13th Jun birds Bird Holidays
Sun 5th Jun – Mon 13th Jun orchids & mammals Sandwich Bird Tours
Wed 8th Jun – Sun 19th Jun wildlife Terra Unica Reizen
Sun 26th Jun – Mon 4th Jul wildflowers Naturetrek
Sat 10th Sep – Sat 17th Sep wildlife SNP Natuurreizen
Sun 18th Sep – Sun 25th Sep birds Naturetrek
Sat 17th Sep – Sat 24th Sep birds Bird Holidays
Wed 21st Sep – Sun 2nd Oct birds & mammals Terra Unica Reizen
Sun 25th Sep – Sun 2nd Oct birds Travelling Naturalist
Mon 3rd Oct – Mon 10th Oct birds Ornitholidays
As well as birdwatching tours, some of the tours we will be operating in conjunction of our partner companies include a Butterfly Holiday, 3 - 10 July, together with Greenwings Holidays and a Mammals and Birds tour, 23 - 30 September, together with Greenwings and Wildwings.
There are so many options on offer, don’t think just - start packing!
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
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...
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Lynx is hot topic again
After a month our first Lynx tour in this year will take place. Only Almighty knows how well we'll succeed. We have lurked and followed lynx tracks for several years, now the truth will be told ...
Lynx (Felis lynx) / Sven Zacek
What we need is snow and frost. Last night a thin blanket of snow had fallen, so I was hunting for some tracks. Strolling early morning along the wooded meadow was pretty successful - a raccoon dog had toddled around, a wild boar and a squirrel had crossed the road and a fox had chased a hare. In the wooded meadow I could hear mild knocking and tapping - woodpeckers were there indeed. Redpolls, almost 30 of them, were nibbling up in the white alder. Beside that Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Green Finch, Bullfinch and a bird I didn’t recognize by the call. On my way back I saw a Sparrow Hawk on top of a power post and on the right hand side a Buzzard lurking on the wire.
Thereafter I was driving to the forest ride, where two days ago I had taken the pictures of fresh Lynx footprints.
In the same day I took some pictures of two more animals, but I‘m not very sure about them. My wild guess is that Wolf was the one, who had pulled away and Raccoon dog the one who approached ...
No fresh footpints today, although Wild Boars had crossed the road some time ago. I also checked the edge of the bog. Further on there were 18 Black Grouse in the field.
Later we took a camera and made together with Raili a short detour by car. Couple of elks had crossed the road at night and a pack of wild boars in the morning. Six Blackcocks and a Greyhen were in the field (lucky her!).
Driving back to Lihula along the Pärnu road we saw 5 more Black Grouse in another field. All together 30 Black Grouse for one morning and everything else as a bonus - not so bad at all!
Tarvo had seen Lynx tracks in the last weekend in Vormsi island.
This Saturday I’ll go and scout around more seriously - on foot in the morning and by car in the afternoon. This time I’ll concentrate on the Lynx (and the Wolf) exclusively.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Wildlife photography tour with Neil Aldridge and Remo Savisaar
An 9-day holiday focusing on the fantastic opportunities to photograph Estonia´s wildlife.
Period: Sat 23rd May - Sun 31st May 2015
Price: 1795 € pp.
See Estonian wildlife photo gallery by Neil Aldridge and Remo Savisaar...
This photo tour combines specialist photographic tuition and expert wildlife guiding through the skills and knowledge of noted professional wildlife photographer from UK, Neil Aldridge 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.
Join Neil and Remo and travel from coast to forest and from bog to riverbank photographing Estonia's wildlife and wild places. Highlights of the trip include the chance to photograph bears and other forest-dwelling mammals like elk and wild boar. Beaver sightings have also been excellent on previous trips. Estonia has great swathes of forest and picturesque bogs that give the chance to focus on landscape photography. On top of that, Estonia boasts a bird list of over 300 species.
Highlights
Highlights of the trip include the chance to photograph some of Europe's iconic wildlife that is now either rare or extinct elsewhere in the continent. Mammals that you will be aiming to photograph include bears and beavers, with the added hope of finding other forest-dwelling species like wild boar and elk.
Estonia has an impressive bird list of well over 300 species and Neil and Remo will be hoping to find for you forest species like woodpeckers, raptors like osprey, marsh harrier and white-tailed eagle, as well as coastal waders and seabirds. May is also a good time for seeing waterbird migratory activity from the coastal sites you will be visiting.
Estonia's forests and bogs not only support an array of wildlife but the country's landscapes and habitats are wonderfully photogenic. The chance to photograph landscapes long since cut down or purposefully drained elsewhere in Europe makes this a particularly special place to visit. Estonia's many bird-watching towers make getting a unique perspective on flat landscapes relatively easy.
Highlights of the trip include the chance to photograph some of Europe's iconic wildlife that is now either rare or extinct elsewhere in the continent. Mammals that you will be aiming to photograph include bears and beavers, with the added hope of finding other forest-dwelling species like wild boar and elk.
Estonia has an impressive bird list of well over 300 species and Neil and Remo will be hoping to find for you forest species like woodpeckers, raptors like osprey, marsh harrier and white-tailed eagle, as well as coastal waders and seabirds. May is also a good time for seeing waterbird migratory activity from the coastal sites you will be visiting.
Estonia's forests and bogs not only support an array of wildlife but the country's landscapes and habitats are wonderfully photogenic. The chance to photograph landscapes long since cut down or purposefully drained elsewhere in Europe makes this a particularly special place to visit. Estonia's many bird-watching towers make getting a unique perspective on flat landscapes relatively easy.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in comfortable guest houses and hotels. This is to ensure that there are necessary facilities to charge camera batteries and laptops throughout the trip. It is also good to have somewhere safe to leave any equipment or belongings while out on a shoot. However, because you will sometimes be out in the field for long periods, every effort is made to try to keep the accommodation costs reasonable.
Accommodation is in comfortable guest houses and hotels. This is to ensure that there are necessary facilities to charge camera batteries and laptops throughout the trip. It is also good to have somewhere safe to leave any equipment or belongings while out on a shoot. However, because you will sometimes be out in the field for long periods, every effort is made to try to keep the accommodation costs reasonable.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Tallinn
Arrive in Tallinn, where you will be met by your guides. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to the hotel. The first evening will involve getting to know each other over welcome drinks, a trip briefing and dinner.
Day 2 - Paljassaare Peninsula, Saaremaa Island & Kiipsaare Peninsula
Early in the morning the group will visit the protected Paljassaare peninsula. Situated in Tallinn, Paljassaare has beautiful landscapes and a long bird list. From Tallinn’s first bird observation tower, magnificent views unfold onto pools and lagoons amidst the reed thickets and bushes of the peninsula and onto the sea beyond.
May is the time of waterfowl and wader migration, so your guides will be looking for avian subjects, particularly those in flight. Little Ringed Plover nest on the peninsula and can often be photographed at close quarters. 215 bird species have been recorded here altogether, 40 of which are protected throughout Europe. Low light, lovely colours and morning haze will add extra atmosphere to the shots.
After breakfast everyone will pack up and leave for Saaremaa Island, which is reached via a brief ferry trip. The destination here is Pilguse manor – birthplace of famous explorer Admiral von Bellingshausen, where you will have a short rest. In the evening there will be the chance to photograph at Kiipsaare Peninsula, which is an ever-changing sandy coastal formation and features a stranded lighthouse, behind which the sun sets. Waterfowl and waders will still be active. You may also find seals, which are common in these coastal waters. Dinner will be back at Pilguse Guest House.
Day 1 – Tallinn
Arrive in Tallinn, where you will be met by your guides. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to the hotel. The first evening will involve getting to know each other over welcome drinks, a trip briefing and dinner.
Day 2 - Paljassaare Peninsula, Saaremaa Island & Kiipsaare Peninsula
Early in the morning the group will visit the protected Paljassaare peninsula. Situated in Tallinn, Paljassaare has beautiful landscapes and a long bird list. From Tallinn’s first bird observation tower, magnificent views unfold onto pools and lagoons amidst the reed thickets and bushes of the peninsula and onto the sea beyond.
May is the time of waterfowl and wader migration, so your guides will be looking for avian subjects, particularly those in flight. Little Ringed Plover nest on the peninsula and can often be photographed at close quarters. 215 bird species have been recorded here altogether, 40 of which are protected throughout Europe. Low light, lovely colours and morning haze will add extra atmosphere to the shots.
After breakfast everyone will pack up and leave for Saaremaa Island, which is reached via a brief ferry trip. The destination here is Pilguse manor – birthplace of famous explorer Admiral von Bellingshausen, where you will have a short rest. In the evening there will be the chance to photograph at Kiipsaare Peninsula, which is an ever-changing sandy coastal formation and features a stranded lighthouse, behind which the sun sets. Waterfowl and waders will still be active. You may also find seals, which are common in these coastal waters. Dinner will be back at Pilguse Guest House.
Day 3 - Viidumäe & Sõrve
The first destination will be the Viidumäe Reserve, where you will start the day photographing from the high observation tower. The tower may be beyond some who struggle with vertigo but the views over the forest are worth it - particularly at sunrise!
The group will continue exploring the reserve and finding forest landscapes, flowers and butterflies to photograph. The flora of Viidumäe comprises of a remarkable 700 species, the most interesting ones being different orchids and other plants. The forest is rich in mosses, lichens, large butterflies and spiders. This smoothly changing forest landscape with steep overgrown cliffs, small swamps with dwarfish pine-trees will keep the group busy until late morning. Lunch and a rest will then be enjoyed.
Late afternoon will see the group head to the Sõrve peninsula. The quiet backroads can provide opportunities for photographing elk, deer, owls and other birds. The bays by the peninsula are home to waterfowl and white-tailed eagles hunt here. The sunsets over the sea can be stunning and there will be the chance to photograph this before returning for dinner at Pilguse.
Day 4 - Pilguse & Photo Tutorial Session
The start of the final morning on Saaremaa will be with optional, informal photography in the grounds of the Pilguse Guest House, which is home to wagtails, swallows, wrynecks, flycatchers, owls, corncrakes and other birds. En route to the ferry terminal you will be checking for orchids, including the incredible lady's slipper orchid, which grows in good numbers on the island.
After 11am, the group will take the ferry to the mainland, have lunch and continue on to South-East Estonia to check in at Mooste – a former vodka brewery and now a restored and picturesque guesthouse and Photo Tourism Centre.
Following lunch and a rest, a photo tutorial session will take place using the centre's excellent facilities.
Day 5 - Jarvselja, Portfolio Reviews & Rapina
After coffee, the morning will be spent photographing forest wildlife, such as deer and elk, in the nearby Jarvselja forests before returning to the Guest House for breakfast and rest.
Before lunch, your guides will once again make use of the excellent facilities at the Mooste Photo Tourism Centre and there will be a group portfolio review and tutorial session. After lunch you will head out to photograph at Rapina, putting the lessons from the tutorial into practice. Dinner will be at the Guest House.
Day 6 - Ardla Wetlands & Beaver Boat Trip
After leaving Mooste the group will spend the morning at the Aardla wetlands to watch and photograph waders, birds of prey and other birds. The wetlands are also good for plants and amphibians. You will be able to choose from several shooting sites, depending on the spread of the flood. There is a bird tower which is also an option for shooting from an elevated position.
The evening will be devoted to finding and photographing beavers on the Emajogi River, which borders the rich Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve. The boat trips can be incredibly rewarding as you will pass through wetlands and grasslands, which are home to corncrakes, bitterns, cranes, kingfishers and marsh harriers. A late dinner at the Hansa Hotel will be waiting on your return.
Day 7 - Endla Bog & Alutaguse Bear Hide
An early start will see the group arrive at Endla Bog in time for sunrise. It is worth it - the protected Endla Bog-system covers more than 100 square kilometers and comprises raised bogs with picturesque dwarf pines and bog-lakes, swamp forests and karst springs. These locations hold great natural diversity of about 450 plant and 180 bird species. Cranes, waders, Golden and Spotted Eagle, different woodpeckers and passerines can be expected. Endla Lake is considered to be one of the richest and most diverse birding locations in Estonia.
You will then check in at Matsu guest house in North-East Estonia just before lunchtime, followed by a welcome rest to be as fresh as possible for an overnight session in a bear hide. These hides offer the best opportunity to take pictures of these shy giants of the forest. The hides are well sound-proofed though and there may be the chance to photograph other mammals such as raccoon dog and red fox, as well as forest bird species. With long daylight hours it remains light enough (depending on cloud-cover) to shoot well into the night and from early morning.
Day 8 - North-eastern Forests & Alutaguse Bear Hide
After leaving the bear hide, the group will return to the guest house for breakfast before spending the day resting. Depending on tiredness and the temperature, there will be the option to explore the nearby forest roads.
The final night will, once again, be spent in the bear hide. If at this time anyone feels satisfied with their sightings and photographs and wishes to get a good night's sleep, there is the option for guests to remain at Matsu Guest House, where dinner will be provided.
Day 9 - Alutaguse Bear Hide to Tallinn
After leaving the bear hide, the group will enjoy breakfast together at Matsu Guest House. You will then pack before leaving for Tallinn. One final lunch will be enjoyed together in Tallinn and, before heading to the airport to catch return flights, there will be time for an optional brief guided tour of the beautiful old area of the town.
Period: Sat 23rd May - Sun 31st May 2015
Price: 1795 € pp.
Includes: English-Estonian speaking guides troughout the journey. All meals and all local transport. Entrance fees to protected areas and museums. Accommodation.
Friday, October 31, 2014
ENT guide Neil Aldridge is the 2014 European Wildlife Photographer of the Year!
Estonian Nature Tours Wildlife Photography Tour guide, Neil Aldridge, has won the overall title of 2014 GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
"It’s with humility and immense pride that I can announce that my photograph ‘Living Rock Art‘ has won me the overall title of 2014 GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year.". The full story can be seen here...
Congratulations, Neil!
The photograph is an artistic take on two blesbok antelope stampeding across the plains
of South Africa’s Kariega Game Reserve / Neil Aldridge
Join Neil Aldridge and Remo Savisaar and travel from coast to forest and from bog to riverbank photographing Estonia's wildlife and wild places. Highlights of the trip include the chance to photograph bears and other forest-dwelling mammals like elk and wild boar. Beaver sightings have also been excellent on previous trips. Estonia has great swathes of forest and picturesque bogs that give the chance to focus on landscape photography. On top of that, Estonia boasts a bird list of over 300 species.
Click here to see Neil Aldridge and Remo Savisaar gallery.
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) / Neil Aldridge
Monday, September 29, 2014
"Oasis"- the largest travel and nature magazine of Italy- published an article about Estonian wildlife
At the invitation of Estonian Nature Tours two journalists from Italy were visiting Estonia in the beginning of June.
In early September, the latest copy of "Oasis"- the largest travel and nature magazine of Italy- published an 12-page article about Estonian wildlife.
Click on the picture to read the text or read the article here...
We were offered the opportunity to advertize our own travel calendar 2015 as ex gratia for cordial welcome and pleasant cooperation.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Special offers! Why Autumn in Estonia?
We are pleased to offer the opportunity to travel Estonia with an exceptionally affordable price this Autumn.
Special offers until 31st August!
Mammals and Birds in Autumn
Fri 26th Sep - Fri 3rd Oct 2014
Price: 1295 € pp.
BOOK HERE...
To see Brown Bear video click here...
"In all, 12 000+ Barnacle Geese flew over our head towards Matsalu Bay". See video here...
Elk (Alces alces) / Luke Massey
European Beaver (Castor fiber) / Remo Savisaar
Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive in Tallinn, to Haapsalu
Day 2 Matsalu National Park
Day 3 Tracking & birding; Beaver boat-trip
Day 4 To central Estonia; Elk & Wild Boar safari
Day 5 Toosikannu & Mõrdama
Day 6 Transfer to North-East Estonia; Bear Hide
Day 7 Birding & tracking; alternative overnight in the bear hide
Day 8 Departure
Day 2 Matsalu National Park
Day 3 Tracking & birding; Beaver boat-trip
Day 4 To central Estonia; Elk & Wild Boar safari
Day 5 Toosikannu & Mõrdama
Day 6 Transfer to North-East Estonia; Bear Hide
Day 7 Birding & tracking; alternative overnight in the bear hide
Day 8 Departure
Highlights
Mammals: Racoon Dog, Red Fox, Elk, Roe Deer, Flying Squirrel (in darkness 70% quaranteed), Wild Boar (90%), Brown Bear (90%), European Beaver (95%), tracks and droppings of Lynx and Wolves (100%, or even the animals themselves if you are lucky!)
Birds: Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, hundreds (or thousands) of Common Cranes, White-fronted Geese and Bean Geese, thousands of Barnacle Geese, peak autumn migration of songbirds, waders and waterfowls, Ural Owl, Pygmy Owl, Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Black Grouse, White-backed Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-browed Warbler (probably), Nutcracker, Crested Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Bearded Tit, Lapland Bunting etc.
Birds and Bears
Wed 8th Oct - Sun 12th Oct 2014
Price: 795 € pp.
BOOK HERE...
To see Brown Bear video click here...
"In all, 12 000+ Barnacle Geese flew over our head towards Matsalu Bay". See video here...
Mammals: Racoon Dog, Red Fox, Elk, Roe Deer, Flying Squirrel (in darkness 70% quaranteed), Wild Boar (90%), Brown Bear (90%), European Beaver (95%), tracks and droppings of Lynx and Wolves (100%, or even the animals themselves if you are lucky!)
Birds: Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, hundreds (or thousands) of Common Cranes, White-fronted Geese and Bean Geese, thousands of Barnacle Geese, peak autumn migration of songbirds, waders and waterfowls, Ural Owl, Pygmy Owl, Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Black Grouse, White-backed Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-browed Warbler (probably), Nutcracker, Crested Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Bearded Tit, Lapland Bunting etc.
Birds and Bears
Wed 8th Oct - Sun 12th Oct 2014
Price: 795 € pp.
BOOK HERE...
To see Brown Bear video click here...
"In all, 12 000+ Barnacle Geese flew over our head towards Matsalu Bay". See video here...
Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) / Luke Massey
Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis) / Luke Massey
Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive in Tallinn, to Haapsalu
Day 2 Matsalu National Park
Day 3 To North-East Estonia; Bear hide
Day 4 Alutaguse forests; alternative overnight in Bear hide
Day 8 Departure
Day 2 Matsalu National Park
Day 3 To North-East Estonia; Bear hide
Day 4 Alutaguse forests; alternative overnight in Bear hide
Day 8 Departure
Highlights
Birds: massive Arctic waterfowl migration – including thousands of Long-tailed Ducks, Velvet Scoters and Red-throated Divers, spectacular passerine migration with tens of thousands of Siskins, Chaffinches and Bramblings, possible massive invasion of Jays and Nutcrackers, stunning raptor migration with hundreds of Sparrowhawks in few hours, Bewick's Swan, Rough-legged Buzzard, White-tailed Eagle, Common Crane, Hazel Grouse, Grey-headed Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Tengmalm's Owl, Pygmy Owl, Great Grey Shrike, Waxwing, Yellow-browed Warbler, probably Hawk Owl etc.
Mammals: Racoon Dog, Red Fox, Elk, Roe Deer, Wild Boar (probably), Brown Bear, tracks and droppings of Lynx and Wolves etc.
Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular and in response to the high demand for this type of holiday we are continuing to increase our programme. For birdwatchers who can make a quick decision and are keen to focus on the spectacular bird migration, we offer this Autumn new, fully-inclusive, 4-day trip in Western Estonia.
WESTERN ESTONIA IN AUTUMN
Thu 25th Sep - Sun 28th Sep 2014
Price: 495 pp.
BOOK HERE...
Birds: massive Arctic waterfowl migration – including thousands of Long-tailed Ducks, Velvet Scoters and Red-throated Divers, spectacular passerine migration with tens of thousands of Siskins, Chaffinches and Bramblings, possible massive invasion of Jays and Nutcrackers, stunning raptor migration with hundreds of Sparrowhawks in few hours, Bewick's Swan, Rough-legged Buzzard, White-tailed Eagle, Common Crane, Hazel Grouse, Grey-headed Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Tengmalm's Owl, Pygmy Owl, Great Grey Shrike, Waxwing, Yellow-browed Warbler, probably Hawk Owl etc.
Mammals: Racoon Dog, Red Fox, Elk, Roe Deer, Wild Boar (probably), Brown Bear, tracks and droppings of Lynx and Wolves etc.
Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular and in response to the high demand for this type of holiday we are continuing to increase our programme. For birdwatchers who can make a quick decision and are keen to focus on the spectacular bird migration, we offer this Autumn new, fully-inclusive, 4-day trip in Western Estonia.
WESTERN ESTONIA IN AUTUMN
Thu 25th Sep - Sun 28th Sep 2014
Price: 495 pp.
BOOK HERE...
+Sven+Zacek.jpg)
Spotted Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) / Sven Zacek
Common Crane (Grus grus) / Remo Savisaar
Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive in Tallinn, to Saaremaa
Day 2 Saaremaa island
Day 3 Põõsaspea, Leidissoo, Matsalu National park
Day 2 Saaremaa island
Day 3 Põõsaspea, Leidissoo, Matsalu National park
Day 4 Departure
Highlights
Birds: Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Eurasian Crane (thousands), White-fronted Geese and Bean Geese, tens of thousands of Barnacle Geese, peak autumn migration of songbirds, waders and waterfowls, Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Black Grouse, Hazel Grouse (probably), Capercaillie (probably), woodpeckers, Yellow-browed Warbler (probably), Nutcracker, Crested Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Bearded Tit, Lapland Bunting etc.
Mammals: Wild Boar (probably), Raccoon Dog, Red Fox, Elk, Roe deer, Red Deer, tracks of Brown Bear, Wolf, & Lynx (probably) etc.
Birds: Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Eurasian Crane (thousands), White-fronted Geese and Bean Geese, tens of thousands of Barnacle Geese, peak autumn migration of songbirds, waders and waterfowls, Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Black Grouse, Hazel Grouse (probably), Capercaillie (probably), woodpeckers, Yellow-browed Warbler (probably), Nutcracker, Crested Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Bearded Tit, Lapland Bunting etc.
Mammals: Wild Boar (probably), Raccoon Dog, Red Fox, Elk, Roe deer, Red Deer, tracks of Brown Bear, Wolf, & Lynx (probably) etc.
To find out more about our fantastic value birdwatching holidays available for the Autumn 2014 click on our website or visit us at the Birdfair Marquee 5 Stand 32!
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. 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. One of the best time to observe (and photograph) the bears from the hide is in September and October when they return to feeding places to gorge on food before hibernation.
10 Good Reasons to Visit Estonia in Autumn:
10 000+ Cranes - unforgettable experience
White-backed, Three-toed and Black Woodpecker
Western Taiga forests - habitats to Hazel Grouse, Ural, Hawk and Pygmy Owl
Invasion of Nutcrackers
Massive assemblies of migrating waterbirds from the Arctic
Long coastline and many islands – a paradise for seawatching
Bird stations and siberian rarities
Raccoon Dog, Brown Bear and Ringed Seal
Mating season for Elks
A lot of surprises, colours and silence
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. 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. One of the best time to observe (and photograph) the bears from the hide is in September and October when they return to feeding places to gorge on food before hibernation.
10 Good Reasons to Visit Estonia in Autumn:
10 000+ Cranes - unforgettable experience
White-backed, Three-toed and Black Woodpecker
Western Taiga forests - habitats to Hazel Grouse, Ural, Hawk and Pygmy Owl
Invasion of Nutcrackers
Massive assemblies of migrating waterbirds from the Arctic
Long coastline and many islands – a paradise for seawatching
Bird stations and siberian rarities
Raccoon Dog, Brown Bear and Ringed Seal
Mating season for Elks
A lot of surprises, colours and silence
Birdfair 2014. What´s new?
The 2014 British Birdfair will take place at Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland on Friday 15th – Sunday 17th August.
This is the seventh time Estonian Nature Tours (ENT) will participate in the biggest bird and ecotourism fair in the world as an exhibitor.
Visit us in Marquee 5 Stand 32!
Estonian Nature Tours has been a pioneer
in developing nature and bird tourism all over 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.
Believe it or not – we have developed a fan club, with many of our
customers visiting Estonia with our help four or even five times!
Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular and in response to the high demand for this type of holiday we are continuing to increase our programme. For birdwatchers who are keen to focus on the spectacular bird migration, we offer new, fully-inclusive, 4-day trips in Western Estonia for a year 2015.
Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular and in response to the high demand for this type of holiday we are continuing to increase our programme. For birdwatchers who are keen to focus on the spectacular bird migration, we offer new, fully-inclusive, 4-day trips in Western Estonia for a year 2015.
ESTONIA IN SPRING
Fri 15th May – Mon 18th May 2015
Price: 530 € pp.
Fri 15th May – Mon 18th May 2015
Price: 530 € pp.
Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia) / Remo Savisaar
ESTONIA IN AUTUMN
Fri 18th Sep – Mon 21st Sep 2015
Price: 530 pp.
Fri 18th Sep – Mon 21st Sep 2015
Price: 530 pp.
Common Cranes (Grus grus) / Remo Savisaar
Another new idea is our 5-day fully-inclusive holiday for dragonflies. 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.
DRAGONFLIES IN ESTONIA
Wed 10th Jun – Sun 14th June
Price: 755 € pp.
BOOK HERE...
To read tour report Butterflies in Estonia by Trevor Davenport click here...
Yellow-Spotted Emerald (Somatochlora flavomaculata) / Philip Smith
Ruby Whiteface (Leucorrhinia rubicunda) / Mati Martin
Estonia is an up and coming destination for wildlife photography. Boasting fantastic species such as White-tailed Eagles, Brown Bear, European Beaver, Wild Boar and Elk. All of which you may get the chance to photograph if you visit Estonia.
White-tailed Eagle Photography
September – October / February – March (on request)
Price: from 50 € pp.
Beaver Photography
April – October (on request)
Price: from 45 € pp.
Brown Bear Photography
May – June / September – October (on request)
Price: from 85 € pp.
White-tailed Eagles (Haliaetus albicilla) / Luke Massey
We also have the expertise to discuss your requirements and arrange suitable accommodation and a rental car for your itinerary.
If you are keen to see specific mammals such as Flying Squirrel, Elk, Beaver or Brown Bear then let us know – we can now offer individual bookings on our Mammal study trips and safaris 2015.
Brown Bear tracking and watching
16.-17.05 / 23.-24.05 / 30.-31.05 / 19.-20.09
To see Brown Bear video click here...
Flying Squirrel Study trip
15.05 / 17.05 / 24.05
To see Flying Squirrel Study trip gallery click here...
Beaver boat-trip
April – August (on request)
To see Beaver boat-trip video click here...
Elk & Wild Boar safari
April – June / August – October (on request)
To see Elk & Wild Boar safari video click here...
If you are keen to see specific mammals such as Flying Squirrel, Elk, Beaver or Brown Bear then let us know – we can now offer individual bookings on our Mammal study trips and safaris 2015.
Brown Bear tracking and watching
16.-17.05 / 23.-24.05 / 30.-31.05 / 19.-20.09
To see Brown Bear video click here...
Flying Squirrel Study trip
15.05 / 17.05 / 24.05
To see Flying Squirrel Study trip gallery click here...
Beaver boat-trip
April – August (on request)
To see Beaver boat-trip video click here...
Elk & Wild Boar safari
April – June / August – October (on request)
To see Elk & Wild Boar safari video click here...
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Flying Squirrel (Pteromys volans) / Rainar Kurbel
Estonian Nature Tours invites you
Estonia – a geographical crossroad for butterflies and dragonflies
on Saturday 16th August 12:00am – 12:20pm
Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre
Presenter: Dr Wilf Powell
Butterfly Conservation (member), Wildlife Trust (member), Bedfordshire Natural History Society (member of Council)
Despite being a small country lying at the same latitude as N. Scotland, Estonia is host to around 100 butterfly and 57 dragonfly species. This reflects its geographical position, where species with predominantly northern, southern or eastern European distributions meet. This talk will give an introduction to this fascinating butterfly and dragonfly fauna.
NB! For futher information on any of the butterfly (and dragonfly) trips we have on offer in 2015, plus booking details, terms and conditions please visit us in Marquee 5 Stand 32 or e-mail us for the detailed itinerary. The best idea is to visit our stand and chat with Dr Powell right after his presentation (12:30pm – 14:00pm). Wilf Powell has been in Estonia four times and will be back in the Autumn, this time watching bird migration.
on Saturday 16th August 12:00am – 12:20pm
Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre
Presenter: Dr Wilf Powell
Butterfly Conservation (member), Wildlife Trust (member), Bedfordshire Natural History Society (member of Council)
Despite being a small country lying at the same latitude as N. Scotland, Estonia is host to around 100 butterfly and 57 dragonfly species. This reflects its geographical position, where species with predominantly northern, southern or eastern European distributions meet. This talk will give an introduction to this fascinating butterfly and dragonfly fauna.
NB! For futher information on any of the butterfly (and dragonfly) trips we have on offer in 2015, plus booking details, terms and conditions please visit us in Marquee 5 Stand 32 or e-mail us for the detailed itinerary. The best idea is to visit our stand and chat with Dr Powell right after his presentation (12:30pm – 14:00pm). Wilf Powell has been in Estonia four times and will be back in the Autumn, this time watching bird migration.
Scarce Fritillary (Euphydryas maturna) / Wilfred Powell
All photography enthusiasts who have heard (or not yet heard) anything from Estonia and the wonderful opportunities there are welcome to our stand Marquee 5 Stand 32 on Saturday 18th August 2:00pm – 4:00pm. A professional award-winning photojournalist, Neil Aldridge, will talk about wildlife photography opportunities in Estonia.
Neil's work includes three streams - Conservation Photojournalism, Travel and The Conservation Collection. He has travelled around the world but keeps coming back to Estonia, one of his favourite locations.
Neil's photography has been widely published. He is a contributing photographer to the renowned BBC Wildlife Magazine. His African wild dog work also featured in the winning portfolios of the coveted Wildlife Photographer of the Year and International Conservation Photography Awards, as well as the iLCP's Extinction exhibition in Telluride, Colorado in 2010. As well as several Highly Commended achievements, Neil has twice been a winner of British Wildlife Photography Awards.
Männikjärve bog in Estonia / Neil Aldridge
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) / Neil Aldridge
Friday, August 1, 2014
Estonian Nature Tours brochure 2015 is now available
With pleasure, we are continiously offering individual bookings on our fully-inclusive holidays. To order Estonian Nature Tours brochure 2015 enter your details here...
See also the selection of best birdwatching, mammal tours and other wildlife holidays in Estonia available for the year 2015 by clicking here...
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Winner of the Estonian winter competition announced
We are very pleased to announce that Pieter-Jan D´Hondt (Belgium) is the winner of AP Estonian winter competition with his image of a Curious Arctic Fox. The winner will travel to Estonia from 10-14 March 2014 and the prize includes return flights, accommodation, food, travel within Estonia and guiding.
Congratulation!
Curious Arctic Fox by Pieter-Jan
Estonian Nature Tours gave one lucky photographer the chance to visit Estonia this March to spend five days alongside top wildlife photographer and AP contributor Luke Massey photographing white-tailed eagles. AP readers were asked to upload their best winter wildlife photographs to the AP Estonia Gallery for a chance to win this fantastic trip to Estonia.
The winning prize has been supported also by Visit Estonia.
Looking forward to seeing you in Estonia!
Sincerely
ENT team
If you were not lucky enough to win you can still visit this stunningly beautiful country in early Summer by joining Estonian Nature Tours on a wildlife photography tour. The tour takes place from Saturday 31st May until Sunday 8th June and involves travelling from coast to forest and from bog to riverbank photographing Estonia's wildlife and wild places.
Photo: Neil Aldridge
This photo tour combines specialist photographic tuition and expert wildlife guiding through the skills and knowledge of noted professional wildlife photographer from UK, Neil Aldridge 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.
Photo: Remo Savisaar
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 Estonia 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
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