looduskalender.ee

 

There is hope that winter and snow will be staying at Otepää. A large number of birds are moving around, Arne opened the buffet in the beginning of December, during the first small frost wave, and so the visitors have had time to get used.

 

We are happy with image and sound, and we have discussed with viewers whether the visitors need to be introduced – the common opinion was that there was a need, and there would always be something new to be added to the descriptions; new viewers should also be considered.

 

This year then is the 8th season and still in the same place – at the Loodusmees office window. Over the years we have seen thousands of winter birds. We have no reason to complain about the variety of species, nor about the number of birds, and years are not twin copies of each other. This year there is a great number of house sparrows, which is good news since this species has been at a disturbingly low level for years in almost all of Estonia. We will ask ornithologists for comments, and we will also forward the results of the winter bird census for comparison. The large number of sparrows has made even greenfinches modify their behaviour. In 2009 we saw greenfinches with symptoms of the protozoan /Trichomonas gallina/ caused disease (showing a runny beak); probably the disease was brought in with birds arriving from Finland. Fortunately it did not develop into an epidemic, and there were no large numbers of sick birds at Otepää; during the following winters diseased birds have no longer been observed.

 

It is actually good that the camera is located at Otepää; it is already possible to draw conclusions over the years and make summaries where of course great credit goes to the recorded information from the LK forum.

 

The first big male great tit was in camera view already when it was still quite dark, about a quarter past eight, and the buffet is visited during eight hours. Balsnack sunflower seeds and fat balls are served. It is advisable to take the latter out of the nets so that the birds will not get tangled into them when there is less food inside. As the weather gets colder fat balls can be lightly squeezed in the hand so that some cracks form in them – easier for the birds to get at the food.

 

Happy winter bird season!