Penijõe lind Archives - Page 3 of 5

Great egret

The great egret is now a common migratory bird and an uncommon breeding bird in Lääne County. This Southern heron is a recent newcomer in the bogs of Lääne County, having only become common in the early twenty-first century. Now the great egret outnumbers its close relative, the grey heron, in many regions.
Great egrets can sometimes be found in Matsalu and Haapsalu bays even in flocks of several hundred birds. They’re good to observe from the Haeska birdwatching tower, the parking area at Põgari-Sassi beach meadow, and Sutlepa Sea and Tahu Bay observation towers in Noarootsi. Their breeding colony is also found in the reed beds of the Sutlepa Sea and birds also breed in the grey heron colony near the Laikmaa museum.

Common kestrel

The common kestrel is unevenly distributed in Lääne County’s cultural landscape; however, it remains a relatively common falcon. Nesting birds can be seen hunting for prey in the fields and flood-meadow of Matsalu. Often, they may be seen from the Rannajõe viewing platform. In the autumn in September, migrating common kestrels are frequently seen in Cape Puise.

Common snipe

The common snipe is a common migratory and breeding bird in Lääne County. Migrating common snipes can be found stopping in beach meadows, seaweed and algae banks and even damp pastures. The common snipe is a widespread bird species in Matsalu. Common snipes can be seen in Põgari and Haeska as well as Riguldi Beach and Tahu Beach meadow in Noarootsi. It’s good to observe common snipes flying on the Penijõe or Tuhu Bog hiking trail during spring evenings.

Common crane

The common crane is a common breeding and migratory bird in Lääne County. The loud mating call of common cranes can be heard already in early March. They build their nests in wet areas to help protect it from predators. However, during the breeding season, you can see common cranes feeding in the fields.
In September, birds that breed in Finland arrive in Lääne County alongside local cranes. Large migrating flocks of common cranes can be spotted in the fields at that time. However, viewing common cranes’ nocturnal flight on autumn evenings provides a unique spectacle. Thousands of common cranes make their way to Matsalu and Haapsalu bays before dusk to spend the night. On some evenings, Matsalu Bay can have around 20,000 birds. To watch them, visit Rannajõe or Haeska observation tower.

White-tailed eagle

The sea eagle is a bird of prey that is difficult to stay away from before leaving Matsalu or Haapsalu Bay. When you arrive at the bay and look at the larger rocks, you are likely to see a sea eagle sitting on one of them. In Matsalu, white-tailed eagles are commonly observed in Haeska, Keemu and Põgari as well as Haapsalu’s Tagalaht Bay and Saunja Bay inside the Silma Nature Reserve.
In winter, when the inner bays freeze, wintering white-tailed eagles in Lääne County head to coastal areas with open water and resting waterfowl.

Barn swallow

The barn swallow is a common and widespread breeding and migratory bird in Lääne County. In Matsalu National Park, they nest near farms and old boathouses. Barn swallows nest most commonly around cattle barns.
Barn swallows flock together in the evenings at the end of the summer to spend the night in the reed beds of Matsalu and Haapsalu bays. Thousands of individuals can sit on the reeds before dusk. In September, our national bird can be seen migrating, and the best view is on Cape Puise.

Red-backed shrike

The red-backed shrike is a common breeding bird in Lääne County. It can be found both in farmland with shrubs and in coastal juniper patches. Red-backed shrikes can be spotted in a variety of locations in Matsalu. They nest in large numbers on the Puise Peninsula, where the birds can be seen nesting in the roadside shrubs.

Great grey shrike

The great grey shrike is an uncommon breeding, migratory and wintering bird in Lääne County. Grey shrikes are easiest to observe in Lääne County outside of the mating season, which occurs from September to April, when they can be found in cultivated areas or along the coast. During this time, it is worthwhile to travel across the agricultural landscape, when birds frequently watch for pray on power lines or in the tops of bushes.
Great grey shrikes nest in our raised bogs. During the summer, they can be observed on the Tuhu bog or Marimetsa raised bog hiking trails.

European herring gull

The European herring gull is a common breeding and migratory bird in Lääne County. Wintering birds flock largely around ports, particularly in Port Dirhami.
European herring gulls are more common in Matsalu, particularly around small sea islands where they can breed. Therefore, they are most visible in Cape Puise and Port Keemu. However, these birds don’t go unnoticed at other coastal observation locations in the county.

Common gull

The common gull is a common breeding and migratory bird in Lääne County. Wintering birds follow fishing vessels across the open sea and frequently rest in Port Dirhami.
Common gulls breed primarily on sea islands in Matsalu National Park, although several birds have found suitable nesting sites on the thatched roofs of old farm buildings or boathouses. One of the largest herring gull colonies is found in Kakrarahu, near Cape Puise. Since the 1970s, extensive studies of common gulls have been conducted there. That is why you may notice a white plastic ring with black letters around the leg of many common gulls in Matsalu. Those birds are from the Kakrarahu breeding colony.