Inter-city bird contest
Text: Estonian Ornithological Society
Photo: Arne Ader
Translatioin: Liis
Electricity in the air! Pygmy owl
Time of the contest: SUNDAY March 27th, from 5 am to 1 pm.
The traditional intercity bird contest that takes place every spring will be on the last Sunday of March, March 27th. This year it is arranged by the Estonian Ornithological Society that celebrates its 90th anniversary. The history of the event goes back to 2002 when bird observations in an urban environment were first arranged in Haapsalu. Interest has grown by each spring, and last year birds were watched in 16 Estonian cities.
All bird friends are invited to take part in the intercity bird contest. To do so you only need to set up a team of 2-5 members and go on a bird tour in a city early in the morning of March 27. As the name of the event suggests, only birds observed without leaving the city limits count.
The event wants to draw attention to the wealth of birds in an urban environment, and the arrival of the migratory birds. Last spring as many as 100 bird species were observed in our cities showing clearly the species richness in city environments. Even birds usually associated with natural landscapes have been observed such as the white-backed woodpecker, the grey-headed woodpecker, pygmy owl, hazel grouse, and black grouse.
Inter-city Bird Contest 2011
Time: March 27th, between 5.00 am -1.00 pm (5.00 – 13.00)
Competition rules:
1. Team size 2 - 5 members
2. A species is registered if more than 50% of the team members see or hear it (2 out of 2, 2 out of 3, 3 out of 4 and so on)
3. Using recorded sounds to attract birds is forbidden. Imitating calls (e g by whistling) is allowed.
4. Included are species that were observed within the administrative city limits
5. Moving on foot or by public transport is recommended.
2. A species is registered if more than 50% of the team members see or hear it (2 out of 2, 2 out of 3, 3 out of 4 and so on)
3. Using recorded sounds to attract birds is forbidden. Imitating calls (e g by whistling) is allowed.
4. Included are species that were observed within the administrative city limits
5. Moving on foot or by public transport is recommended.
Please forward your competition results already on the same day, until 4 pm (16.00) by e-mail to
The summary must contain the names of the observers, the name of the city and a list of the observed bird species.
More information:
Tarvo Valker, member of EOÜ Council
53 932 684
e-post: tarvo.valker@gmail.com.
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