looduskalender.ee

 

 

In the winter garden bird watch arranged for the 6th time on last weekend by the Estonian Ornithological Society more than 42 000birds of 61 species were seen according to the preliminary results. Until Monday, 1745 bird friends had forwarded their observations from 1150 places all over Estonia. Observations can be forwarded until February 1st.

 

The most numerous species was again the great tit that made up more than 24% of the total number of the observed birds. Again as in the previous years, tree sparrows and house sparrows and the greenfinch were among the top five. According to many observers there were less birds than usual at the observation places because of the absence of permanent winter weather; several observers reported that they had not yet started with winter feeding of birds.

 

Among more exciting species heron, pygmy owl, and the bird of the year, the common buzzard, were seen. The biggest upward mover however was the waxwing that arrived in Estonia later than usual and with nearly 1000 individuals achieved an 8th rank in the abundance ranking list.

 

The Estonian Ornithological Society thanks all who took part in the garden bird watch. A reminder – results from the observations are welcome until February 1st. They can be entered on the garden bird watch Internet site - LINK  - or sent by post (Estonian Ornithological Society, Veski 4, Tartu 51005). On the above-mentioned site all entered observation results and their position on the map can be followed in real time. We also look forward to forms from places where no birds were encountered during the observation hour, because the absence of birds is as important information as the presence of birds. The final summary will be published at the end of February.

 

Aarne Tuule

Co-ordinator of winter garden bird watch

58002869

talv@eoy.ee

www.eoy.ee/talv