BIRDTRIP TO ESTONIA 
INCLUDING OTHER OBSERVATIONS OF FLORA AND FAUNA

(c) Harry Lehto

This information can be copied for personal use only

Selling of this report is prohibited

Dates 14.7-20.7.1998

Participant: Harry Lehto 
Accompanied on bird trips to various degrees: 
by Kirsi, Kerttu and Aarni Lehto 
and also by Jaakko and Pyry Virtanen

APPROXIMATE ITINERARY (Times indicate time in local time)

Tu 14.7  Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn. Arrival at 13.00. Arrival to a cottage, about 8km South of Haapsalu at about 17.00 
We 15.7  Haapsalu bay (Haapsalu laht) 8.00-10.00 
Th 16.7  Haapsalu and coast North to Dirhami and Põõsaspea neem (12.00-22.00) 
Fr 17.7  Matsalu bay (Matsalu laht) area 7.30-14.00 (Haeska birdtower 8.45-10.00, Kloostri birdtower 12.00-13.00) 
Sa 18.7  Matsalu bay area 10.00-14.00 (Penijõe birdtower 11.00-12.00, Keemu birdtower 13.00-14.00), Pärnu (17.00-18.00), Aavaste mägi (20.00-21.30) 
Su 19.7  Matsalu bay area NE corner (16.00-22.00). 
Mo 20.7  Departure from Cottage at 9.00. Leave Tallinn at 15.30 

WEATHER:

14-15.7 Cool (+16C), and the rest of the week comfortable (+20-+25C), pleasant light winds, and cumulus/Altocumulus clouds. Good visibility. 16.7 rather strong winds, and evening of 19th I was hit by a strong hail shower.

SUMMARY:

The trip was a family summer vacation trip and birding was done on the side with an effective birding activity at about 25% level. This time of the year most birds were relatively silent, but knowing the vocalizations helped considerably in the identification.

LOCATIONS VISITED:

For a map of the area showing most of the names mentioned in below see http://www.btg.ee/foto.cgi?/kaart/Laane_Maakond.gif which is located under the Estonian Travel guide at http://www.btg.ee/btg.cgi/en/

Tu 14.7 We (AL, HL, KeL, KiL) arrived to Tallinn (59d37'N 24d46'E ) at 13.00. It was raining. We left the capital about an hour later. On the way to Haapsalu (58d56.5'N 23d32'E) we had seen two occupied White Stork nests by the road side. The flora on the roadside was quite impressive. Many plant species rare in Finland were abundant here. We arrived at out cottage at "Topu2" (58d52.3'N 23d29'E) at 17.00.

We 15.7 We (HL, JV) did some birding in the morning around the Haapsalu bay area visiting Väike Viik (58d57.0'N 23d31.7'E) and Suur Viik (58d57.5'N 23d31.0'E). These are in the Northern parts of Haapsalu city. Later in the morning we went to the East end (58d 58.3'N, 23d39.5'E) of the bay. Driving directions to this spot are as follows: Drive 9km from Haapsalu towards Tallinn, turn North on road 17 towards Palivere and Linnamäe. After 500m take a left on a dirt road (just after the second set of power lines crosses the road, and 200 meters before a bridge). On the dirt road keep to your left at every intersection. You will arrive to the shore line with good visibility over the eastern areas of this shallow bay. This spot had a White-tailed Eagle, a Little Gull, two Great Reed Warblers, and huge numbers of Swifts and Swallows.

Th 16.7 A slow start. At noon we (AL, HL, KeL, KiL, PV) left the cottage and headed North along the coastline. We stopped near Luksi at Haralaht (59d 06.6'N 23d 32'N) to check the Reed covered shore line. We found some Marsh Helleborine Orchids (Helleborine palustris). Afterfinding some ticks on us and realiszing that we had left our tick tweezers at our cottage we returned immediately to our base. One has to be careful with ticks because of possibility of Lyme's (=borrelisosis) or other diseases. After having lunch we got back on the same road and ended up in late afternoon at a beach (59d09.3'N, 23d31'E) near Roosta Campground for a swim and fossil hunting (please note comments below). I saw here some Eiders, Sanderlings, Dunlins and Gulls.

After a swim we checked the two Northwestern points in Estonia. Dirhami neem has a small harbor (59d12.6'N, 23d30.0E) with two vacant watch towers from the Soviet era. All these kinds of towers are now property of Estonian Ministry of Defence, Border Guard or local municipalities and although they appear vacant they are not abandonned. The second point Põõsaspea neem (59d 13.8'N, 23d30.5'N) close to the village of Spithami (59d 13.0'N, 23d32.0'N) appeared great, with an watch tower right at the tip of the peninsula, and a nearly full 360 degree view. This site is known as a top site for arctic migration in the spring and in the fall. At the time of our visit there was no migration. The meadows between the tip and the village were full of bunkers and birds. Due to limited time we could not spend more time here. For non-birders the peninsula turns out also interesting doing: Fossils can be found in the rocks by the beach. NOTE however that according to the äct on protected natural objects" (1994, revised in 1998) COLLECTING FOSSILS in Estonia IS PROHIBITED, but you can still enjoy their beauty on the coastal stones. Flora is interesting there too, and just east of Spithami there is a long undisturbed sand beach.

On return to our cottage Kirsi saw a Corncrake run over the road.

Fr 17.7 Just after midnight we (HL, KeL, KiL) drove 5 kilometers from our cottage south east to 58d51.9'N 23d30.1'E listening birds at every full kilometer. We heard 2 Long-eared Owls, 4 Corncrakes and saw 3 Grey Herons flying in the middle of the night! Furthermore we witnessed a beautiful display of noctilucent clouds.

With three kids (KeL, PV, AL) Jaakko and I departed at 7.30 for our bird trip. First we visited the Haeska bird tower (58d46.8'N 23d39.5'E) on the North edge of the Matsalu bay wildlife reserve (Matsalu lõõtuskaitseala). This turned out to be one of our best bird spots of this trip. We saw here Little Terns, Little Gulls, Waders, Greylag Geese, a pair of Montagu's Harrier, and a White-tailed Sea-eagle and large numbers of Anas ducks. In the village of Haeska we had simultaneously 3 Lesser-spotted woodpeckers, 2 Nuthatches and 1 Marsh tit.

Around 10.00 we stopped on road 31 at (58d48.2'N 23d46.0'E), the NE edge of Matsalu reserve and had 2 Barred Warblers, and 2 Montagu's Harriers.

We had some ice cream at a small "kohvik" at the point (58d44.0'N 23d 59.5'E) where Kasari jõgi (river) goes under Rte 30 (Tallinn-Virtsu Rd). Here we had about 10 white storks, seen here on other days too, as well as our only Lesser-spotted Eagle. We had a lunch break at the Matsalu reserve parking area (58d42.8'N 23d48.9'E). Our last excursion of the day was the bird tower North of Kloostri (58d45.2'N 23d50.5'E). The bird tower is a very sturdy tall former Soviet watch tower. From here one can view several tens of square kilometers of alluvial plains which were now pretty dry, but apparently are much wetter in the spring.

Sa 18.7 We (AL, KiL, KeL, HL, PV) continued from were we had left the day before and returned to the Matsalu reserve parking area. From thereon we walked each way 1.6km to the Penijõe bird tower and the very extensive reed beds of the bay. We had here the only Black Terns of the trip. Flora was once again quite impressive. We paid also a visit to the Nature Museum, with modest entrance fee (1EEK for kids, and 2EEK for adults). The museum is small but has a display of birds and fossils/rocks and kind staff. Some printed material is also available. A half an hour slide show was also presented to us featuring the seasons and the nature in wildlife area.

From here we proceeded to Matsalu harbor (58d44.8'N 23d40.5'E) to the Keemu birdtower. This was, once again a former Soviet watch tower with a good view over the area. We had a White-tailed Eagle here as well as some Little Terns.

A long drive followed to Pärnu beaches. We tried to get to the western most parts of Valgeranna (beach) West of Pärnu, but the roads turned out to be tractor quality, and the beach was covered there by reed beds. This area had though quite a few passerines and quite some good looking habitat (eg. at 58d23.3'N, 24d19.5'E). I dropped the family to the first good looking beach area. Apparently it was quite excellent with very shallow water and fine white sand. Meanwhile, I spent an hour between (17.15-18.15) in the field at 58d23.5'N, 24d 21.8'E checking a large flock of Gulls, Lapwing, Golden Plover and other waders. We went then to Pärnu for Burger.

Our evening project was Avaste mägi (58d42.5'N 24d13.5'E) between the bogs Avaste raba and Kesu raba. Although this hill is not very high, the views from here were splendid. We stayed around the North end of the large (helicopter?) halls. We saw several Marsh and Monatgu's Harriers. We also found a flock of Cranes a couple of kms North of the hill.

We drove back along minor roads (Avaste, Vangla, Rumba, Võhma, Seira, Kirbla) and saw several white storks here both in nests and feeding.

Before getting to the cottage we made a couple of stops between Ridala and Topu2. At our first stop (58d53.0'N 23d35.2'E) we had a Corncrake. Our second stop at the west end (58d53.1N 23d34.5'E) of the same marshy meadow yielded a second Corncrake as well as a distant Locustella warbler with a metallic sound to it. I had detemined to return later that night to check this bird. Unfortunately it did not materialize because of a flat and completely broken tire.

Su 19.7 The morning was spend getting the tire repaired. In the evening I visited the NW corner of the Matsalu bay. The Puise nina (58d46.5'N 23d27.5'E) is a flat peninsula with junipers (katajaa) scattered. It appears to be a splendid migration trap during fall migration. Topu laht, the bay (58d48.1'N 23d31.0'E) North of the village of Põgari and west of village Tuuru was one of the two top sites during this trip with several hundred waders, about 50 Grey Herons and over 250 Greylag Geese. A large falcon (possibly Peregrine) was also seen in the area (58d 47.0d 23 27.5'E).

At sunset I visited the harbor of village Kiideva (58d46.2'N 23d33.0'E). A 200 meter wide reed bed separated the shore line from the open water here. This site may be better earlier in the season. The harbor can be reached by driving on the dirt road just left of the terminal bus stop.

Mo 20.7 Departure from Cottage at 9.00. We (AL,KeL,KiL,HL) saw a Hobby and a Black Stork from the car. We visited also the Tallinn rubbish tip (59d21.5'N, 24d38.5'). The entrance is at the end of Raba te on Vabaduse puiste, about 1km NE from the intersection of Parnu maante, Vabaduse puiste and the Pärnu railroad. To access the dump site by buss take line 18 from the terminal stop at the intersection of Narva maante and Hobujaama, located about 1km south of the ferry terminals. Leave the bus at the stop named "Raba". It is right at the intersection of Vabaduse and Raba. We left Tallinn at 15.30.

THANK YOU:

Jukka Hatva, Visa Rauste, Frans Silvenius and Tõnu Viik for information on Estonian birds and birding. Sirkka Lehto, Henry Lehto, Ari Sandstedt, and Anders Kalamees for suggesting improvements on an earlier version of this report. Kerttu and Urpu Korhonen in arranging the cottage.

LITTERATURE

BASIC GUIDE:

Birds of Europe by Lars Jonsson or basicly any field guide covering Europe is suitable for Estonia too.

A useful booklet for birding in Estonia: "Bird-watching Localities in Estonia" by Aivar Leito ISBN

A useful guide in Norwegian to birding in Estonia is also provided by Morten Günter . On his home page click on "Fulger i Estland".

And finally a heafty booklet I heard about only later: "Lintuhavaintoja Virosta 1991-97". It is a compilation of observations made by Finnish bird observers. The text is all in Finnish. All bird names are in Latin. In the species list Estonian and Finnish names are included. Dates, locations and the birdcounts are quite understandable reading even for Finnish illiterrate birders. Copies can be obtained by first joining the Viron lintuseura -- Estonian Birding Society or by ordering individual copies from the supply store Lintuvaruste associated with Birdlife Finland.

AUDIO FIELD GUIDES or CDs:

The guide on the top in this series is "All the bird songs of Britain and Europe on 4CDs". It consists of the set of 4 CDs. (ISBN 1-898665-99-0)

TRANSPORTATION AND ROADS:

We drove our own cars over from Finland. Ferry tickets were 110FIM/person and 220FIM/car round trip.

Gasoline price was about 6.40-6.70 EEK/liter (6.5EEK=2.5FIM=0.5USD) Gas stations relatively easy to find in cities, somewhat sparse in the countryside. Some gas stations appear to stay open 24 hours.

The paved roads were in general in good shape, but attention in driving is required. Several large pot holes were seen in paved roads, as were some large bricks or other debris. One has to be particularly careful in driving at night.

Almost every peninsula has "No driving"-signs by a guard gate. These all seemed to be relics from the time of the Soviet occupation, so I just ignored them, and had no trouble in doing so. The only "no driving"-sign in a peninsula that I felt was valid was a new one with text containing the word "piirivalve" (border guard). This was in Haapsalu.

Apparently, the number of private landowners owing coastal land is increasing rapidly, and there are locations in Läänemaa, where entrance to the shore line is prohibited by the new owners. This is apparently a hot topic and discussed locally. So, be aware that some of the öld Soviet" signs may actually be valid, again. In case the new owner asks you to leave his land, please respect his wishes.

COUPLE OF TIPS FOR FINNS:

Autoilussa vaadittavia dokumentteja ovat suomalainen ajokortti, rekisteriote ja autovakuutustoimistosta saatava vihreä kortti.

MAPS:

Two types of maps exist at present (summer 1998). Old maps that are mostly based on pre-1940 data "corrected" by cartographers during Soviet occupation. These show major towns and major roads approximately. These maps tend to have lots of errors, such as extra roads and roads missing.

Then there appears to be some better maps (eg. an Estonian road map booklet on a scale 1:200 000, 100EEK), which appears quite good, i.e. considerably better than the old types of maps. Unfortunately, it had some obvious information missing. I still think it is a good map, and I recommend it in case you don't find one of the following ones.

I found two sets of maps very useful and accurate. The easier to find were the province maps (maakonna turismikaart). These were on a scale of 1:150 000 and very detailed. The price for each chart is 25-29EEK covering a single province. I saw these kinds of maps only for Laane, Hiiumaa, Saaremaa and Raplamaa provinces, and for major towns (on 1:25000 - in the same series). I suspect that they are locally available for any of the 16 provinces.

After seeing these I was determined to look for an Atlas with similar maps covering all Estonia. I found one for 280 EEK in Haapsalu, but it was sold in front of me before I could dig the Krooni from my wallet. My sister-in-law and her husband found one in Pärnu for 250 EEK and got me a copy. The atlas measures standard A4 size (approx 8" by 12") and is about 1cm thick. The full name is

Regio, 1997-1998 Eesti Teede Atlas 1:150 000 (Estonian Road Atlas, Viron tiekartasto) ISBN 9985-817-21-4. It is sold by Regio, Laki 25, TALLINN EE0006, tel +372-650-5580, or +372 565 1504, fax: +372-65-5581. email: regio@regio.ee, Web-page http://www.regio.ee with the english page at http://www.regio.ee/regio_en.html

All the text is bilingual (Estonian, English), and the legends are also in Finnish (karttamerkinnat on siis selitetty myös suomeksi).

The atlas has two-page maps on scale 1:1 000 000 for driving distances, major roads and topography. On the same scale is also shown a political map and the chart index.

The main section of 98 maps cover the whole country at 1:150 000 scale. The maps are shown on a 10' by 6' grid in longitude and latitude, so coordinates are very easy to read! (That's were I got the coordinates from!)

(For Finns again - comparison to Finnish maps: Kartaston tiesto on GT karttojen luokkaa. Korkeuskäyriä ei ole koska Eesti on kovin tasainen. Suot ja metsät on merkitty. Tiestössä en huomannut retkeni aikana yhtään virhettä. Ainoa loytämäni virhe oli Maatsalun lahden itäpäässä sijaitsevan Kloostrin pohjoispuolella sijaitsevan tornin paikka on noin 300m pielessä, mutta sinne löytää silti kartan avulla. Haeskan lintutornikin oli merkitty kartanon väärälle puolelle. Maaseudun talot näyttävät olevan kaikki merkittyjä. Punaisella on merkitty asvaltoidut/öljysoratiet ja keltaisella hiekkatiet. Kapeammat keltaiset tiet voivat jäädä GT kartastojemme kapeiden mustien teiden tason alle... Jos traktorilla tai Subarulla voi ajaa on ko. tie kyllä merkitty karttaan!)

After the main section of maps two very useful maps follow: Coverage of mobile phone networks (RLE, EMT).

Further more maps of 47 cities are shown (as of 1 Jan 1996) on 21 pages mostly on a scale 1:20 000 (range 1:6 000 - 1:50 000).

There are separate indecies for the main part of the map and for the street names in Estonia. Finally, there is useful reading such as a text on the public right of way, and national parks as well as some tourist information -- and a page on birds of Estonia! This atlas is all you need!

Oh yes, if you have a habit of carrying a laptop and a GPS on your birding trips, you may obtain the CD version of the map and connect it to your GPS. You will then see directly on the map where you are. You'll never get lost in Estonia again. Quite cool stuff!

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

No experience on this trip, but appears to run even to the smallest villages.

OTHER TIPS:

The country appeared completely safe to me, and Estonians were very kind.

Estonia is WILD and quite CLEAN, except for the very fine dust by the sides of unpaved roads. This triggered me a bad hay fever-like asthma attack.

Long distance calling within Estonia is a little bit tricky. To call long distance from a mobile phone located in Estonia to a Tallinn number 123456 dial 22-123456 (or +3722123456). If you are making a long distance call from a "normal" or a pay phone you have to dial a 8 first, so in our example it would be 8-22-123456. The digit 8 is not shown on listings of phone numbers. And from abroad you would dial +3722123456.

LANGUAGE:

Estonian. I didn't try to speak English, Finnish is quite close to Estonian. (Useimmat eestiläiset sanoivat etteivät ymmärrä suomea, mutta kyllä tiukassa paikassa, kuten sunnuntaiaamuma klo 9 onnistuin selittämään että rengas oli mennyt puhki... Yhteinen sana oli kummiremontt... Tunnissa oli uusi (käytetty) kummi alla hintaan 125EEK. Joka tapauksessa pieni eestin kielen sanojen opettelu tuo hyvän ilmapiirin tunteen. Ainakin kriittisimmät sanat voisi vilkaista sanakirjasta etukäteen!)

CURRENCY:

Credit cards are apparently rather widely accepted, but you'd better check it locally. The Estonian Krooni is fixed to German Mark. 8EEK=1DEM. The Hansapank web pages http://www.hansa.ee/ give a list of present currency rates . (Suomessa 1 FIM = 2.68 EEK (Forex -Ostokurssi), 2.50 EEK (Tallink), 2.58 EEK (1000 EEK VISA nosto Haapsalussa, käytännässä aika tasan 400FIM kuluineen).)

FRONTIER AND AIRPORT FORMALITIES:

For some nationalities visas are required. Passport is required. (Suomalaisiltakin vaaditaan passi, muttei enää viisumia)

ACCOMMODATION:

We rented a cottage for for 2 families at 1300 FIM/week.

SOME USEFUL ADDRESSES:

Estonian Ornithological Society : http://www.loodus.ee/EOY/
Viron lintuseura -- Estonian Birding Society : http://www.dlc.fi/~mar/
Birdlife Finland http://www.birdlife.fi/ :+358-(0)9-6854700, fax: +358-(0)9-6854722
Lintuvaruste http://www.birdlife.fi/lintuvaruste/ :+358-(0)9-7774134,+358-(0)405-433182 Fax: +358-(0)9-7774134
Tallink (Helsinki Office, reservations): +358-(0)9-22821211
Tallink express (Helsinki Office, reservations): +358-(0)9-22821277
Tallink (Tallinn Terminal A, tickets) : +372-(2)6409840, 6409841
Tallink (Tallinn Terminal C, tickets) : +372-(2)6409877, 6409878
Eestin linjat (Tallinn office): +372-(2)-6318606, fax +372-(2)-6318690
Haapsalu Turismi Assotsiatsioon, posti 39, Haapsalu EE 3170 +372-(2)47-45248, fax: +372-(2)47-45464
Matsalu Nature Reserve: +372-(2)47-78413
Saaremaa ferry (from Virtsu): +372-(2)47-75020
Hiiumaa and Võrmsi ferry (from Rohuküla): +372-(2)47-91138
Kihnu ferry (Munalaid): +372-(2)44 -41038

NOTES ON SPECIES

For widely scattered or common passerines only daily sums are given 14.7/15.7/16.7/17.7/18.7/19.7/20.7 (eg. Wood Pigeon and Barn Swallow)
1. GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus [Tuttpütt]
15.7 30 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
18.7 1 Keemu birdtower

2. CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo [Kormoran]
19.7 1 flying off Puise nina

3. GREY HERON Ardea cinerea [Hallhaigur]
14.7 1 between Tallinn and Haapsalu
16.7 2 Väikeviik, Haapsalu
17.7 3 Ahli, at 0.30hrs
        12 Haeska birdtower, 6 birds elsewhere
18.7 2 Pärnu near Valgeranna, 4 birds elsewhere
19.7 50 Topu laht

4. BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra [Must-toonekurg]
20.7 1 flew over the Haapsalu-Tallinn road close to Vilumäe (approx 59d07'N 24d16'E)

5. WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia [Valge-toonekurg]
14.7 and 20.7: 2 occupied nests with ad+2 juv in each between Tallinn and Haapsalu.
14.7 2 between Tallinn and Haapsalu
16.7 1 near Haapsalu
17.7 10 Kasari Jõgi
        1 NE corner of Matsalu reserve
        2 Penijõe
18.7 2 NE corner of Matsalu reserve
        2+2 juv Penijõe, Matsalu visitor's center
        2 Pärnu, near Valgeranna
        1+2"2'+2+2"2'+1+6 Between Avaste mägi and Kasari

6. MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor [Kühmnokk-luik]
15.7 20 Suurviik, Haapsalu
        45 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
16.7 20 Roosta
17.7 20 Haeska birdtower
18.7 600 ! Keemu birdtower
19.7 10 Puise nina+Topu laht

7. GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser [Hallhani]
15.7 12 Väikeviik, Haapsalu
16.7 14 over the road at Haralaht
17.7 130 Haeska birdtower
18.7 4 Keemu birdtower
19.7 250 Topu laht

8. EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope [Viupart]
17.7 300 Haeska birdtower
19.7 40 Topu laht

9. GADWALL Anas strepera [Rääkspart]
15.7 8 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht

10. EURASIAN TEAL Anas crecca [Piilpart]
17.7 20 Haeska birdtower

11. MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos [Sinikael-part]
15.7 15 at Suurviik, Haapsalu
        3 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
17.7 20 Haeska birdtower
18.7 3 Penijõe tower
        20 Keemu birdtower (inludes a few Anas sp)
19.7 5 Topu laht

12. NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta [Soopart]
15.7 5 at Suurviik, Haapsalu
17.7 25 Haeska birdtower
19.7 20 Topu laht

13. SHOVELER Anas clypeata [Luitsnokk-part]
17.7 15 Haeska birdtower

14. TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula [Tuttvart]
15.7 11 at Suurviik, Haapsalu
18.7 8 Keemu birdtower
19.7 2 Puise nina

15. COMMON EIDER Somateria mollissima [Hahk]
16.7 8 Roosta

16. GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula [Sõtkas]
15.7 50 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
18.7 30 Keemu birdtower
19.7 40 Puise nina

17. RED-BREASTER MERGANSER Mergus serrator [Rohukoskel]
14.7 15 birds (2 broods) at shore line by Topu2
17.7 4 Haeska birdtower
19.7 1 Puise nina

18. GOOSANDER Mergus merganser [Jääkoskel]
17.7 10 Haeska birdtower
19.7 5 Topu laht

XX. Mergus sp [Koskel]
15.7 2 at Suurviik, Haapsalu

19. HONEY BUZZARD Pernis apivorus [Herilaseviu]
16.7 1 just south of Sutlepp
        1 East of Uuemõisa
17.7 1 over road 31 at NE corner of Matsalu Reserve
18.7 1 over road 31 at NE corner of Matsalu Reserve
2 elsewhere

20. WHITE-TAILED SEA-EAGLE Haliaeetus albicilla [Merikotkas]
15.7 1ad Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
17.7 1 Haeska birdtower
18.7 1ad Keemu birdtower

21. MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus [Roo-loorkull]
14.7 1 between Tallinn and Haapsalu
15.7 2 males Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
16.7 2 males daily total
17.7 1 female Haeska birdtower
        1 male Road to Haeska
18.7 1 unid'd Circus NE corner of Matsalu Reserve
        1 male Penijo~e tower
        1 very pale male 2 km south of Matsalu Manor
        1 female Pärnu near Valgeranna, 1 near Pärnu
        1 male Avaste mägi.
19.7 1 male North of Kiideva

22. MONTAGU'S HARRIER Circus pygargus [Soo-loorkull]
16.7 1 male at Roosleppa
17.7 1m 1f Haeska meadows, close views
        1 male at NE corner of Matsalu reserve
18.7 1 male at NE corner of Matsalu reserve
        1 female Pärnu near Valgeranna
        1 juvenile 10km N of Pärnu
        1m 1f elsewhere

XX. HARRIER sp Circus pyg/mac [?]
18.7 1 male at distance, very pale, and slim in flight.

23. SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus [Raudkull]
17.7 1 female at NE corner of Matsalu reserve
18.7 1 Topu2

24. COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo [Hiireviu]
17.7 1 along road at NE corner of Matsalu reserve
18.7 1 along road at NE corner of Matsalu reserve
        1 elsewhere

25. LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE Aquila pomarina [Väike-konnakotkas]
17.7 1ad Kasari Jõgi

26. KESTREL Falco tinnunculus [Tuuletallaja]
17.7 1 female at NE corner of Matsalu reserve
17.7 1 Kasari Jõgi
18.7 1 NW of Pärnu, 1 North of Pärnu

27. HOBBY Falco subbuteo [Lõopistrik]
20.7 1 Haapsalu, just west of town

28. LARGE FALCON Falco sp. [(Raba?)pistrik]
19.7 1 bird seen near Puise with a telescope from a distance of one
kilometer chasing shore birds over Hoorahu, and dissapearing east.

29. COOT Fulica atra [Lauk]
15.7 4 Väikeviik, Haapsalu

30. CORNCRAKE Crex crex [Rukkirääk]
16.7 1 running accross the road, seen by Kirsi near Topu2
17.7 4 calling Topu2-Kolu-Ahli, at 0.00-0.30hrs
18.7 2 birds calling about 1-2 km west of Ridala

31. COMMON CRANE Grus grus [Sookurg]
18.7 19 in a single flock, Kausi (about 2km North on Avaste)

32. EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus [Meriski]
17.7 15 Haeska birdtower
18.7 4 Keemu birdtower
19.7 25 Topu laht + Puise nina

33. LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius [Väiketüll]
19.7 2 Haapsalu former societ airport
        2 limestone open mine 8km SW of Haapsalu

34. RINGER PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula [Liivatüll]
17.7 1 Haeska birdtower

35. EURASIAN GOLDER PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria [Rüüt]
18.7 50 Pärnu near Valgeranna
19.7 50 Topu laht

36. LAPWING Vanellus vanellus [Kiivitaja]
17.7 1 Kolu, at 0.30hrs
        40 Haeska birdtower
18.7 1200! Pärnu near Valgeranna
19.7 60 Topu laht

37. SANDERLING Calidris alba [Leeterisla]
16.7 20 Roosta

38. LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta [Väikerisla]
18.7 4 Pärnu near Valgeranna

39. CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea [Kõvernokk-risla]
17.7 2 Haeska birdtower

40. DUNLIN Calidris alpina [Alpi/Balti risla]
16.7 20 Roosta
17.7 8 Haeska birdtower
18.7 10 Pärnu near Valgeranna

41. RUFF Philomacus pugnax [Tutkas]
17.7 30 Haeska birdtower
18.7 50 Pärnu near Valgeranna
19.7 40 Topu laht

42. SNIPE Gallinago gallinago [Tikutaja]
15.7 1 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
17.7 8 Haeska birdtower
18.7 8 Pärnu near Valgeranna
19.7 5 Topu laht

43. WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola [Metskurvits]
18.7 1 display flight along the rte 31, NE corner of Matsalu

44. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa [Mustsaba-vigle]
17.7 1 Haeska birdtower
19.7 2 Topu laht

45. BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica [Vöötsaba-vikle]
18.7 1 Pärnu near Valgeranna

46. SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus [Tumetilder]
19.7 10 Topu laht

47. REDSHANK Tringa totanus [Punajalg-tilder]
16.7 1 Haralaht
17.7 10 Haeska birdtower
19.7 5 Topu laht, 3 Puise nina

48. GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia [Heletilder]
17.7 8 Haeska birdtower
18.7 1 Pärnu near Valgeranna
19.7 30 Topu laht

49. GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus [Metstilter]
18.7 1 calling Pärnu near Valgeranna

50. WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola [Mudatilter]
15.7 1 at Suurviik, Haapsalu
17.7 5 Haeska birdtower
18.7 1 Keemu birdtower
        20 Pärnu near Valgeranna
19.7 30 Topu laht

51. COMMON SANPIPER Tringa hypoleuca [Vihitaja]
15.7 1 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
18.7 2 Keemu birdtower

52. LITTLE GULL Larus minutus [Väikekajakas]
15.7 1ad Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
17.7 25 (ad, 1cy) Haeska birdtower
18.7 30 Keemu birdtower

53. BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus [Naerukajakas]
15.7 10 at Suurviik, Haapsalu
        200 at Väikeviik, Haapsalu (also on 16.7)
        200 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
16.7 50 daily total (except for Väikeviik)
17.7 15 Haeska birdtower
        5 elsewhere
18.7 10 Keemu birdtower
19.7 50 Topu laht
20.7 1 Tallinn Rubbish tip

54. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus (f) fuscus [Tõmmukajakas]
16.7 12 daily total
17.7 1 Haeska birdtower
20.7 1 Tallinn Rubbish tip

55. HERRING GULL Larus argentatus [Hõbekajakas]
15.7 1 (1cy) at Suurviik, Haapsalu
        10 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
16.7 15 daily total (mostly at Põõsaspea neem)
17.7 4 Haeska birdtower
18.7 4 Keemu birdtower
        500! Pärnu near Valgeranna
19.7 10 Topu laht + Puise nina
20.7 800 Tallinn Rubbish tip

56. GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus [Merikajakas]
15.7 1 at Suurviik, Haapsalu
16.7 1 Roosta
        1 Põõsaspea neem
18.7 2 Keemu birdtower
        1 Pärnu near Valgeranna
19.7 4 Topu laht + Puise nina
20.7 100 Tallinn Rubbish tip

57. COMMON GULL Larus canus [Kalakajakas]
15.7 8 at Suurviik, Haapsalu
        30 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
16.7 20 daily total
17.7 30 Haeska birdtower
18.7 15 Keemu birdtower
19.7 30 Topu laht + Puise nina

XX. GULL SP Larus sp [Kajakas liik]
14.7 total 30

58. CASPIAN TERN Sterna caspia [Räysk]
15.7 2 Suurviik, Haapsalu
18.7 2 Puise nina

59. COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo [Jõgitiir]
14.7 5 shore line near Topu 2
15.7 4 Suurviik, Haapsalu
16.7 10 daily total
17.7 20 Haeska birdtower
18.7 15 Keemu birdtower (including unid'd terns)
19.7 8 Topu laht + Puise nina (including unid'd terns)

60. ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea [Randtiir]
16.7 5 daily total
17.7 4 Haeska birdtower

61. LITTLE TERN Sterna albifrons [Väiketiir]
17.7 15 Haeska birdtower
18.7 2 Keemu birdtower

62. BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger [Mustviires]
18.7 3 Penijõe tower

63. DOMESTIC PIGEON Columba livia [Kodutuvi]
14.7 20 Haapsalu and villages between Tallinn and Haapsalu
16.7 50 mainly Haapsalu
17.7 30 daily sum
18.7 50 Pärnu and other locations
19.7 50 mainly Haapsalu
20.7 100 Tallinn

64. WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus [Kaelustuvi]
1/2/1/3/4/4/4/

65. TURTLEDOVE Streptopelia turtur [Turteltuvi]
15.7 2 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht

66. LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus [Kõrvukräts]
17.7 young birds calling near Topu2 at 0.00hrs
        and another set about 3km towards Ridala.

67. COMMON SWIFT Apus apus [Piiritaja]
14.7 about 10 between Tallinn and Haapsalu
15.7 1500! Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
16.7 250 daily total
17.7 50 at NE corner of Matsalu reserve
        2000! 2km west of Liiva (or Ritala Church)
        500 elsewhere
18.7 150 Avaste mägi, and total of 350 elsewhere
19.7 500 daily total

68. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major [Suur-kirjurähn]
17.7 1 Topu2

69. LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos minor [Väike-kirjurähn]
17.7 1 Haeska birdtower
        3 Haeska Village
        1 Topu2

70. SKYLARK Alauda arvensis [Põldlõoke]
16.7 4 near Spithami
17.7 20 daily total
18.7 15, mostly on minor roads west of Pärnu
19.7 10 daily total

71. SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia [Kaldapääsuke]
15.7 400 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
19.7 8 Puise nina

72. SWALLOW Hirundo rustica [Suitsupääsuke]
25/50/100/500/200/200 !

73. HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica [Räästapääsuke]
14.7 5 birds between Tallinn and Haapsalu
15.7 10 at Suurviik, Haapsalu
        850 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
16.7 30 daily total
17.7 15 Haeska meadows, 100 daily total
18.7 80 scattered widely
19.7 80 scattered widely

74. TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis [Metskiur]
17.7 4 Haeska meadows, 2 Kribla-Kloostri
18.7 4 single birds

75. MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis [Sookiur]
17.7 20 Haeska meadows, 10 Kribla-Kloostri
18.7 50, half on minor roads west of Pärnu
19.7 8 daily sum

76. YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava [Lambahänilane]
15.7 2 at Suurviik, Haapsalu
        5 Väikeviik, Haapsalu
16.7 15 mostly in the meadows of Spithami
17.7 10 Haeska meadows
18.7 2 Penijõe trail
        25 on minor roads west of Pärnu
19.7 10 daily sum

77. WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba [Linavästrik]
20/12/25/40/50/40/

78. WREN Troglodytes troglodytes [Käblik]
15.7-20.7 1-2 signing at Topu2
17.7 1 Road to Haeska, 2 elsewhere
18.7 3 daily total

79. ROBIN Erithacus rubecula [Punarind]
15.7 1 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
17.7 1 Road to Haeska, 1 Topu2
18.7 2 daily total

80. BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros [Must-lepalind]
17.7 1m Road to Kloostri Tower

81. WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra [Kadakatäks]
3/5/8/35/45/20/

82. WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe [Kivitäks]
-/1/10/5/6/25/

83. BLACKBIRD Turdus merula [Musträstas]
-/4/-/4/8/4/

84. SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos [Laulurästas]
17.7 1 Road to Haeska

85. FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris [Hallrästas]
15.7 4 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
20.7 1 Tallinn

86. Locustella sp. [Ritsiklind liik]
18.7 1 about 1.5km west of Ridala. Singing. Sounded like a Lanceolated warbler (Locustella lanceolata)
but a grashopper warbler (Locustella naevia). could not be ruled out completely.

87. ICTERINE WARBLER Hippolais icterina [Käosulane ]
15.7 1 singing in Eastern part of Haapsalu laht

88. SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus [Kõrkja-roolind]
16.7 1 Väikeviik, Haapsalu
17.7 1 Kloostri Tower
18.7 4 Penijõe Tower
        4 minor roads west of Pärnu

89. GREAT REED WARBLER Acrocephalus arundinaceus [Rästas-roolind]
15.7 2 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht singing in the middle of the day

90. BARRED WARBLER Sylvia nisoria [Vööt-põõsalind]
17.7 2 singing at NE corner of Matsalu reserve, 1 elsewhere
18.7 1 signing, 1 seen singing at the same site as 17.7, 2 elsewhere
19.7 1 signing SE corner of Topu laht

91. LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca [Väike-põõsalind]
14.7 2 near Topu2
16.7 1 near Topu2
17.7 2 at NE corner of Matsalu reserve
18.7 1 Penijõe trail

92. WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis [Pruunselg-põõsalind]
-/1/1/10/4/3/

93. GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin [Aed-põõsalind]
18.7 1 Pärnu, near Valgeranna

94. BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla [Mustpea-põõsalind]
18.7 1 near intersection of Rte 30 and Rte 31, NE corner of Matsalu
        1 Pärnu, near Valgeranna

95. WOODWARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix [Mets-lehelind]
14.7 1 singing at Topu2
17.7 4 Road to Haeska
18.7 2 at Topu2, 2 NE corner of Matsalu

96. CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita [Väike-lehelind]
17.7 1 somewhere, don't recall where.

97. WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus [Salu-lehelind]
1/-/-/14/15/-/

98. GOLDCREST Regulus regulus [Pöialpoiss]
17.7 1 Road to Haeska

99. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata [Hall-kärbsenäpp]
-/-/1/6/8/4/

100. PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca [Must-kärbsenäpp]
14.7 1 Topu2

101. MARSH TIT Parus palustris [Sootihane]
17.7 2 Haeska Village

102. WILLOW TIT Parus montanus [Põhjatihane]
17.7 1 Road to Haeska, 1 somewhere else

103. COAL TIT Parus ater [Musttihane]
17.7 1 Road to Haeska

104. BLUE TIT Parus caeruleus [Sinitihane]
17.7 1 Road to Haeska
17.7-20.7 5 (brood) Topu2
18.7 3 daily total (excluding Topu2)

105. GREAT TIT Parus major [Rasvatihane]
17.7 1 Haeska Village, 1 somewhere else

106. NUTHATCH Sitta europaea [Puukoristaja]
17.7 1 Topu2, 2 Haeska Village
        1 at NE corner of Matsalu reserve, 1 Penijõe
18.7 2 daily total
20.7 2 Vilumäe (see Black stork)

107. ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus [Peoleo]
18.7 1 singing at Topu2
        1 singing a couple of phrases at Avaste mägi

108. RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio [Punaselg-õgija]
3/5/30/30/25/18/

109. MAGPIE Pica pica [Harakas]
20/4/4/4/6/6/10

110. JACKDAW Corvus monedula [Hakk]
15.7 3 Väikeviik, Haapsalu
16.7 10 Haapsalu
18.7 50 Pärnu area
19.7 25 Ridala

111. ROOK Corvus frugilegus [Künnivares]
17.7 20 Road to Haeska
17.7 and 18.7 4 Intersection of Rtes 30 and 31 (NE corner of Matsalu)
18.7 30+20+50 Pärnu area

112. HOODED CROW Corvus (c) cornix [Vares]
10/4/25/15/150/30/30

113. RAVEN Corvus corax [Ronk]
16.7 1 Spithami Road
17.7 1 Road to Haeska, 2 elsewhere
18.7 4 daily sum
20.7 1 Haapsalu-Tallinn road

114. STARLING Sturnus vulgaris [Kuldnokk]
20/5/15/500/1500/500/20

115. HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus [Koduvarblane]
15.7 2 Haapsalu city
17.7 flock of 25 Haeska village
20.7 Tallinn 50

116. TREE SPARROW Passer montanus [Põldvarblane]
15.7 8 Haapsalu city
16.7 10 Haapsalu city
17.7 3 daily total
19.7 10 Tuuru+ Puise nina

117. CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs [Metsvint]
25/5/40/20/20/12/10

118. SERIN Serinus serinus [Koldvint]
14-20.7 1 singing at Topu 2

119. GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris [Rohevint]
4/4/5/15/10/6/5

120. GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis [Ohakalind]
14.7 1 bird near Tapu2
17.7 1 Kloostri tower

121. SISKIN Carduelis spinus [Siisike]
17.7 1 Topu2, 7 elsewhere

122. LINNET Carduelis cannabina [Kanepilind]
19.7 2 Haapsalu

123. ROSEFINCH Carpodacus erythrinus [Karmiinleevike]
16.7 1 male Spithami meadows

124. BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula [Leevike]
17.7 2 topu2, 2 elsewhere
18.7 1 Avaste mägi

125. YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella [Talvike]
2/4/5/10/20/18/4

126. REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus [Rootsiitsitaja]
15.7 3 Eastern part of Haapsalu laht
18.7 10, mostly on minor roads West of Pärnu
19.7 1 Puise nina

Missing: Tad tad, Cir cya, Ste san, Str dec, Col oen, Emb hor. 

MAMMALS - NISÄKKÄÄT (Latin and Finnish names only)

=================================
Vulpes vulpes Kettu
Rattus norvegicus Rotta
Mus sp Mestähiirilaji 

MUSHROOMS - SIENIÄ (Latin and Finnish names only)

=========================
Boletus luridus Tauriontatti
Clitocybe Malikkalaji
Polyporus squamosus Suomukaapa
Cantarellus cibarius Keltavahvero
Megacollybia platyphyllaIsojuurekas
Collybia dryophila Kalpeajuurekas
Mycena sp Hiippolaji
Lactarius citriolens Partaruosku
Russula sp Haperolaji

PLANTS - KUKKASIA (Latin and Finnish names only)

=====================
Useimmat havaittu "lennosta" ja ovat huomiota herattaviä lajeja/sukuja. Lajin määritykesssa käytetty parikymmentä vuotta vanhaa kouluaikaista kasviota ja läntisen pohjoiseuroopan kenttäopasta (Fitter, Fitter & Blamey, Wild flowers of Britain and Northern Europe), johon ei varsinaisesti sisälly enää Viron flooraa (Suomen kylläkin).

Fields -- Pelloilla:

Centaurea cyanus Ruiskukka muutama laaja kasvusto
Papaver dubium Ruisunikko
? Hukkakaura

Roadsides and large meadows -- Tienvarsilla ja kukkakedoilla:

Centaurea (jacea ?) (Ahde)kaunokki - peruslajistoa
Chicorium intybus Juurisikuri
Campanula trachelium Varsankello
Campanula rotundifolia Kissankello
Campanula glomerata Peurankello
Campanula rapunculoides Vuohenkello
Valeriana sp Virmajuuri
Echimun vulgare Neidonkieli
Verbascum sp Tulikukkalaji
Knautia/Scabiosa Ruusuruoholaji
Filipendula ulmaria Mesiangervo
Agrimonia eupatoria Maarian verijuuri
Medicago sativa Sinimailanen
Epilobium angustifolium Maitohorsma
Daucus carota Porkkana
Pastinaca sativa Palsternakka
Helleborine atrorubens Tummaneidonvaippa
Gymnadenia conopsea Kirkiruoho
Leuchantheum vulgare Päivänkakkara
Dianthrus deltides Ketoneilikka
Silene sp Kohokki/Ailakkilajeja
Geranium sp Kurjenpolvi, useita lajeja
Hypericum sp Kuisma lajeja
Thymus serphyllusKangasajuruoholaji

Small meadows -- Lehtokedot

Galium sp (>4 lajia) Matarat
Veronica spicata Tähkätädyke
Melampyrum nemurosum Lehtomaitikka
Filipendula hexapetata Sikoangervo
Trifolium arvense Jänönapila
Larynthus pratensis Niittynätkelmä
Coronilla varia Kirjava nivelvirna (Põõsapeassa rari)

Open wetlands -- Rannat

Inula salinica Ranta hirvenjuuri
Centaurium vulgare Iso rantasappi
Oronis repens Rento-orakko ? piikitön
Rhamnus sp Paatsama?
Helleborine palustris Suoneidonvaippa
Crambe maritima Merikaali
Typha latifolia Leveäosmankäämi
Typha angustifolia Kapea osmankäämi

Populated areas -- Kaupunkien reunat

Symphytum (officinale) (Rohto)raunioyrtti
Plantagomajor Piharatamo
Plantago media Soikkoratamo
Plantago lanceolata Heinäratamo
Malva silvestris Kiiltomalva
Epilobium hirsutum Karvainen horsma

Deciduous forest -- Lehtometsät

Platanthera bifolia Valkolehdokki
Convallaria vulgaris Kielo
? Sudenmarja

Compiled by Harry Lehto
Elotie 1 A 8
FI-20780 Kaarina, FINLAND
email: hlehto@astro.utu.fi
Harryn kotisivulle
Harry's homepage
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