looduskalender.ee

 

 

 Birds of prey have been a primary object of interest of Estonian ornithologists for more than half a century. In 1976 the ”Eesti röövlinnud – Estonian birds of prey” authored by Tiit Randla appeared. It still has a place of pride on the bookshelf of ardent nature enthusiasts today. 

 

In the intervening almost 40 years, we have however discovered much new knowledge about our raptors. Research possibilities have  expanded dramatically by coloured ring marking, following the migrations by GPS transmitters and observing what goes on in their nests by web cameras. The birds of prey, despised during Soviet times, once again have a honoured place. Owls and eagles known from the Looduskalender web cameras have even been given their own personal names.

 

Now all friends of birds of prey have a chance to find Estonia’s newest bird book in the bookstores, the ”Eesti röövlinnud – Estonian Birds of Prey", with well-known ornithologist Tarvo Valker from Läänemaa as author. The 230-page work tells us about the changes in numbers of Estonian birds of prey over the past half-century, about their distribution, nesting and migration.

 

The book is illustrated with photos by a number of recognised wildlife photographers and also has refind maps of ringed birds of prey.