Photos and text Margus Ots
Translation Liis

From the wintering areas in western Europe the first flocks, mainly consisting of greater white-fronted geese and bean geese reached Estonia already in March. The geese, heading for their breeding areas in the tundras of Russia, stay in Estonia at most until the end of April-beginning of May; in mid-May they already leave for the breeding grounds. In the second half of May only a few left behind can be seen.

The geese stay in particularly great numbers around Tartu, where nearly 25 000 geese are spending the night at the Aardla lake. Of those more than 85% are greater white-fronted geese, the remainder mainly bean geese.

Text and photos Urmas Tartes
Translation Liis

Two male brimstone butterflies chasing one female

 

Brimstone        Lapsuliblikas        Gonepteryx rhamni

 

In spring we can see yellow as well as white butterflies flying. Despite the seemingly great difference in colour we have to do with the same species – the brimstone butterfly.

The difference in colour is related to the sex of the butterfly – male brimstones are dark yellow, heralding a sunny and warm summer.

Video recorded by Shanta, LK forum
Translation Liis

 

The life of starlings before breeding is not simple; we can see parallels to it from a human point of view.

When the starling male had staked out his claim to the nestbox on March 23 (see the video at the end of this story) then it might be presumed that now a peaceful nestmaking and breeding would follow…

Far from it, for the third day already a serious competition between females is going on. Both the older but later arrived female as well as a younger lady try to show each other who is the mistress of the nestbox.

Whether we have a Mexican, Turkish or Estonian inspired soap – it is for the viewer to decide.

ELF invites to community actions

Photo Arne Ader

Translation Liis

In Estonian, 10.04.2017

Road sign  "Frogs on road"

The spring evenings become warmer and the migration of frogs has already started. Take part in the community actions!

It is easy to participate and there are tasks for everyone’s strength, young or old. On taking part  it is also important to take care of your own safety!

Actions are organised in Tallinn, Tartu and Viljandi County. Read more about the organisation: LINK

Wear warm clothes, have boots on.

Equipment for carrying out the work is mostly available  in place.

Drivers, if possible please avoid late night driving on the road stretches involved in the actions.

We are grateful for all kinds of help! 

Transmission of camera images by Teetormaja

Published in Estonian 05.04.2017

Hopefully the nest-building will soon gain speed. We will introduce the starlings’ mode of life as the breeding period proceeds. The LK forum keeps an observant eye on what is going on.