Enterprise worth recommending – Eco rally 2014
Invitation from Kaarel Võhandu and www.estbirding.ee
Translation: Liis
Hike on foot
In 2014 we decided to take the measure of the Estbirding members in eco birdwatching. The competition was named the Ökoralli 2014 – Ecorally 2014 and will last the whole year. The point of eco or green birdwatching is to observe the birds around your home, going on foot, by bicycle or by some other vehicle without an engine. Although one does not necessarily reach the best bird locations far off from home, eco birdwatching is quickly gaining popularity. Why then look for birds at all by the muscle motor when you can check a great number of excellent birding sites by car comfortably and in a short time?
To be sure, everybody has their different reasons but these can be highlighted as some major ones:
a) Reducing the carbon footprint.
b) Physical activity and being out in fresh air is healthy.
c) New aspects, new species lists, a new kind of competition. Simply put – a new exciting thing!
d) Fuel costs avoided
b) Physical activity and being out in fresh air is healthy.
c) New aspects, new species lists, a new kind of competition. Simply put – a new exciting thing!
d) Fuel costs avoided
e) Becoming familiar with the bird fauna of one’s neighbourhood
Until now, ecological bird-watching has been overshadowed by traditional birdwatching in Estonia. Alpo Koukila, in Haapsalu, has been most seriously involved in eco-watching. He holds both the general eco points record with 229 species (each identified bird species is worth one point) and the ecopoint record for species seen during a year with 213 species. This year will show whether anyone will be able to threaten his records.
We will set up a joint blog for participants for sharing experiences and contributing impressions at the address:
In addition to blog posts there is a list of current rankings, and detailed rules for the eco rally. In case anyone would like to take part in the eco rally, the event is open to all. You only need to familiarise yourself with the rules, and to let us know that you want to participate:
Looduskalender thinks this is a splendid enterprise for getting familiar with the movements of birds in your home environment, noting the changes and sharing pleasant impressions and photos in the blog group. After all, not winning but participation is the important thing. Birding locations such as the neighbourhood of Haapsalu are rare in major cities, but there are plenty of noteworthy ones. We will certainly follow the development of the rally.
If at all possible then go out. A well-known truth: there is no bad weather, only poor gear.
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