Image Merike Hiibus
Translation Liis

Estonian text published 25.09.2017

The grass snake ”baby” in the photo must fatten up considerably before beginning the wintering

Grass snake       Harilik nastik        Natrix natrix

Some weeks ago we asked those of you who had met with young grass snakes hatched in late August-early September to share your photos with us. Merike has sent us this photo. Thank you!

Linnuvaatleja science news, www.linnuvaatleja.ee
Translation Liis
 

Estonian text published in Looduskalender.ee 19.09.2017

In the first weeks of their life the inexperienced young birds are easy prey for predators. They also have little knowledge of foraging opportunities which makes them stay close to the nest.

As is the case with many other birds of agricultural landscapes the number of turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur) has declined rapidly in Europe and also in Estonia. In the years 1980 – 2013 the number of the species fell by in Europe 78%, and by as much as 96%  in Great Britain in the interval 1970 – 2012

News from Linnuvaatleja, www.linnuvaatleja.ee
Translation Liis

Estonian text published 24.09.2017

In addition to the cranes that have nested in Estonia large numbers of cranes arrived from Finland during last week from their northern breeding areas to Estonia . Now large crane flocks can be seen feeding in the fields in daytime and heading for the overnight areas in the evening.

Images sent by Aita Raud

Translation Liis

Estonian text published 18.09.2017

Image from September 17, in Pärnu at Riia road, corner of Alevi cemetery and Selver’s parking area towards the city

Sulphur polypore; Chicken-of-the-woods     Vääveltorik or  väävlik         Laetiporus sulphureus

We can see the beautiful sulphur polypore or chicken-of-the-woods growing on old oaks or white willows, on the trunk of the tree or on thicker branches. On other broadleaf trees it is rather rarely found. In city parks, avenues or on solitary older trees it can develop already in the second half of June.

Mobile image Tiit Hunt, www.rmk.ee

Translation : Liis

Estonian text published 22.09.2017

Chewed off cable to the camera hanging down

The sounds of the cow vandalising the camera set last night were quite scary. In early morning we took along the basic tools to get the camera working again – we did not dare to guess at the damage in beforehand. The first view gave some hope for even getting the mutilated system to work, with some rearrangements.