ivika, Author at Linnuriik

Water rail

The water rail is a common breeding bird in Lääne County and an uncommon winterer. The water rail is a secretive reed bird that is difficult to see, but its voice can be heard in many places across Lääne County. Water rails can be heard in Matsalu from various observation towers, including Rannajõe and Penijõe. The greatest place to enjoy the water rail concert is from the bird towers of the Sutlepa Sea near Noarootsi.
During the winter months, water rails are often observed around the Haapsalu water treatment plant.

Pied avocet

The pied avocet is an uncommon breeding bird and spring migratory bird that lives along the coast of Lääne County. In Matsalu National Park, migrating pied avocets can be seen on the Põgari-Sassi beach and Cape Puise. In addition, these waders can be observed in Tagalaht Bay and Tahu Bay in Haapsalu. Pied avocets are best observed in Lääne County from April to June.

Whinchat

The whinchat is a common migratory and breeding bird in Lääne County. In Lääne County, it is primarily found in beach meadows with reeds and beach pastures with junipers and bushes. The whinchat also breeds in big numbers in the mosaic landscape, where bushes can be found in the fields.
The whinchat can be seen in Matsalu from late April until early September. They are a widespread bird species here and are commonly found around the Puise Peninsula, Penijõe hiking trail and Keemu Port. During the spring migration in early May, many whinchats stop in the Spithami village meadow, where dozens of them can be counted.