ivika, Author at Linnuriik

Smew

The smew is an uncommon migratory and wintering bird in Lääne County. The majority of spring migration occurs between mid-March and early May, followed by autumn migration in October and November. Smews who rest on their journey prefer to feed in inner bays and, to some extent, bigger lakes. In Matsalu, the smew is most likely to be seen from the Haeska or Keemu birdwatching towers. They are also visible from the Haapsalu Promenade and the Saunja Bay observation towers. The majority of wintering smew are found along the northern coast of Vormsi.

Goosander

The goosander is a common migratory, wintering and breeding bird in Lääne County. Goosanders make frequent migratory stops in Matsalu and Haapsalu bays in the early spring and late autumn. They are typically the earliest waterfowl to gather in open water areas and the last to go when the bays freeze. It is good to observe goosanders that take a break during their migration in Puise or Keemu. In the autumn months, between October and November, hundreds of goosanders gather in Tagalaht Bay in Haapsalu. Wintering goosanders are more common at Cape Põõsaspea and Port of Dirhami.

Red-breasted merganser

The red-breasted merganser is a common migratory bird and an uncommon breeding bird on the coast of Lääne County. This species is primarily found on the sea coast; it rarely occurs in inland bays. In Matsalu, the red-breasted mergansers are most visible on Cape Puise. Several pairs of red-breasted mergansers nest in the islets surrounding the Puise Peninsula (for example, Kakrarahu).
Red-breasted mergansers are best observed on Cape Põõsaspea. You can also observe their migration there at the end of summer and in autumn.

White wagtail

The white wagtail is a widespread breeding bird in Lääne County as well as a common migrant. As an adaptable species, it may be found practically anywhere in Matsalu and other parts of Lääne County. However, it is most common in villages, where the structures provide plenty of nesting opportunities. Feeding birds are frequently spotted in beach meadows or along the coast.

Western yellow wagtail

The Western yellow wagtail is a breeding bird that may be found on Lääne County’s beaches and flood-meadows as well as on sea islands with reeds. It is also a common migratory bird along the coast. Western yellow wagtails can be spotted in Matsalu on the Penijõe hiking trail, at the Keemu and Haeska birdwatching towers, and around Cape Puise. Western yellow wagtails are also common along the shore of the Noarootsi Peninsula.
Migrating Western yellow wagtails can be found in huge numbers on Cape Puise and Cape Põõsaspea.

Common eider

The common eider is a common migratory bird in Lääne County’s marine areas as well as an uncommon breeding bird along the coasts. Decades ago, the common eider was one of the most popular breeding birds along the Väinameri in Matsalu National Park. Unfortunately, their numbers began to decline rapidly in the last decades of the twentieth century.
In Lääne County, the common eider is most likely to be seen on Cape Põõsaspea. In Matsalu National Park, these sea-ducks are best seen on the Puise Peninsula.

Eurasian curlew

The Eurasian curlew is an uncommon breeding and migratory bird in Lääne County. This nesting species is unfortunately declining in Lääne County. They have also been found nesting in cultivated grasslands and meadows. A few pairs also live in our bogs. Eurasian curlews that stop throughout their migration frequently eat on beach meadows.
In Matsalu, you can often see the Eurasian curlew at Haeska, Põgari and Rannajõe and on the Penijõe hiking trail. Cape Põõsaspea offers the best view of Eurasian curlew migrations in the spring and autumn.

Grey partridge

The grey partridge is an uncommon breeding and wintering bird throughout Lääne County. Grey partridges are still more common in Matsalu’s agricultural areas, but they are difficult to spot due to their secretive lifestyle. Outside of the breeding season, grey partridges occasionally visit the sea coast to feed.
Grey partridges are easier to find during winter when there’s snow, as they tend to forage near houses and roadsides.

Great cormorant

The great cormorant is a common migratory and breeding bird with a local distribution in Lääne County. In the spring and autumn, great cormorants can be seen in big flocks in Haapsalu and Matsalu bays. In Matsalu, it is best to watch them from Keemu observation tower or Cape Puise. The great cormorants are also abundant along the Kasari River during the spring fish spawning season.
While there were hundreds of pairs of great cormorants nesting on the coasts of Matsalu National Park around the turn of the century, their numbers have since declined. One reason is the large number of white-tailed eagles, which prey on great cormorant chicks in the nesting colony. This is why there are so few great cormorants nesting in Matsalu areas. However, the cormorant nesting colony can be seen from the observation tower overlooking the Sutlepa Sea.

Great crested grebe

The great crested grebe is a common breeding and migratory bird in Lääne County. Migrating great crested grebes tend to reside in inland bays, with smaller numbers observed at bigger lakes and the open sea.
The great crested grebe is best seen in the spring, between April and May, from the Haapsalu Promenade. At that time, the great crested grebe’s impressive courtship ritual can be observed. Saunja Bay and the Sutlepa Sea also have a large population of great crested grebes, with dozens of couples nesting. In Matsalu, they may be seen near Cape Puise or from Keemu observation tower.