Photos Arne Ader

Translation Liis

Maple flowering

Maple; Norway maple    Harilik vaher        Acer platanoides

The flowering start of maples marks the beginning of proper phenological spring.

A maple in full flower – it is a real sight. On warm and sunny spring days we hear the buzz of bees and other insects from the trees who, oblivious of themselves, gather nectar as well as the greenish pollen necessary for the activities of the organism.

Photos Arne Ader

Translation Liis

Butterbur

Butterbur      Harilik katkujuur      Petasites hybridus

The comparatively little spread butterbur is an alien in Estonian nature that has arrived from abroad. In medieval times the propagation of the plant was aided by the monasteries because from the leaves and rhizomes of the plant a remedy against plague was prepared which is also reflected in its Estonian name ”katkujuur”, plague root.

Webcam image captured by  Birdfriend, LK forum

Translation Liis

Tawny owl    Kodukakk        Strix aluco

On Monday the smallest of the chicks, hatched three days later than the others, surrendered in the fight for survival. There was really no hope to compensate for such an age difference so what must happen, did happen. The parents who have been diligently feeding their chicks can in no way be ”blamed” because in the life mode of these birds such things are genetically encoded.

Video: ITrotid

The video was recorded on Thursday and the premiere on the large screen was at the Nature Photo 2016 event on Saturday at the Estonia Concert Hall.

See also : „12 months“

Images from webcam captured by  Shanta, LK forum

Translation Liis

In the morning at half past six the male brings his mate some ”tidbits“

Great tit        Rasvatihane       Parus major

Soon the incubation period starts and during that time the males feed their mates. We can already see a difference between the nesters in who conceal their eggs, and  how, during daytime.