Haeska observation tower
The Haeska observation tower is one of Matsalu’s most popular bird-watching spots, with up to 128 bird species sighted 24 hours a day. For a while, it was even a record in Europe. It is worthwhile to visit Haeska to see birds as early as the end of March; the wonderful bird-watching season lasts until the beginning of November.
The Haeska observation tower provides a good view of both Matsalu Bay and the beach meadow nearby. Every spring and autumn, the shallow bay and open beach meadow with low grass attract hundreds of waterfowl and waders. In March and April, Haeska provides an excellent observation point for Northern swans. In May, huge flocks of barnacle geese and ruffs in beautiful nuptial plumage can be seen at the lookout tower. You are very likely to see a white-tailed eagle in Haeska. In autumn, many ducks and geese stop at Haeska.
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The Northern lapwing is a pigeon-sized wader with a stout body and a unique long thin tuft on its nape. The dark top part of the plumage looks slightly green and purple with a metallic sheen, while the underside is white. The wing tips are impressively wide with white feathers below and dark above. In the summer, male birds can be recognised by their longer tufts and pure black throats and faces, while females have shorter tufts and a smaller black mark on the front of their necks that is slightly mixed with white. In the winter, the feathers of adult birds at the front of the neck and beneath the chin are white, while the top part and covert feathers are slightly cream-coloured at the tips.