Results from birdwatch days

Submitted by Looduskalender EN on Wed, 18.10.2017 - 13:54
Autorid

Info from Estonian Ornithological Society

Photo Arne Ader
Translation Liis


Estonian text published 10.10.2017

Viupardid. Matsalu

Wigeons. Matsalu

Body

Results of the EuroBirdwatch days: only 185 000 birds

On the international EuroBirdwatch 2017 days on September 30 and October 1, Estonian bird friends counted altogether 185 000 birds of 162 species. The same number of species was seen as in earlier years but the number of birds was smaller than usual. The wigeon turned out to be the most numerous bird for the second year in succession.

Although 185 000 birds is a large number it is significantly more modest than in many previous years. One reason may be the warm autumn weather due to which many geese had not arrived in Estonia at the observation time. The number of passerines may have been reduced by the favourable migrating conditions before the birdwatch days but also by the general scarcity of birds because of the unfavourable nesting period.

The greatest numbers were counted of wigeons (29 297 birds) and barnacle geese (20 766 birds). Most frequently seen however were great tit and hooded crow. A good watching point turned out to be the Kabli bird station in Pärnu County where large numbers of chaffinches (18 000) and siskins (5000) passed on migration.

More than 250 bird watchers took part in the birdwatching. The greatest number of birds were counted by Triin Kaasik and Uku Paal mainly in Hiiumaa (27 102 birds) and more than 20 000 birds were also counted by Juha Saari in Harju County.

Ranno Puumets, Kaido Neil and Andrus Jair in Rapla County managed to see the greatest number of species (99). The most exciting finds in the birdwatch days were the Caspian gull and the red-throated pipit; several late-staying migrating birds were also noted such as redstart, whinchat and red-breasted flycatcher.

In the birdwatch days this year 38 countries from Europe and Central Asia took part; according to preliminary data more than 22 000 observers participated and counted more than 4 million birds.

The Estonian Ornithological Society thanks all watchers, the organisers of birdwatching trips, the e-Biodiversity team and 5D Vision OÜ for the online observation form.

Additional information

Kristiina Kübarsepp, Education and Members, Estonian Ornithological Society

kristiina.kybarsepp@eoy.ee

53308916

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