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The common swift is a very common breeding and migratory bird in Lääne County. As a capable flier, the common swift can be found practically anywhere, but they are most widespread in towns and bigger settlements. The majority of common swifts in Lääne County are found in Haapsalu, where they can nest in the ventilation vents of panel buildings. During the migration, you may also encounter the common swift on the coast.

In late July and August, you can observe the autumn migration of common swifts at Cape Puise or Cape Põõsaspea.

The common goldeneye is a common migratory, breeding and wintering bird in Lääne County. In spring and autumn, a large number of common goldeneyes visit Matsalu and Haapsalu bays. Nesting common goldeneyes can be found on raised bog ponds, manor ponds and woodland lakes. Common goldeneyes typically look for a nesting site in an old black woodpecker’s nest hollow.

In winter, common goldeneyes gather in big flocks along the unfrozen sea coast. The most important wintering areas of common goldeneyes in Lääne County are located around Cape Põõsaspea. Occasionally, nearly a thousand birds winter here.

As in other parts of Estonia, the common buzzard is the most common bird of prey in Lääne County. Common buzzards can be found lurking on power poles and at the tops of shrubs and hovering in the skies across Lääne County. They are especially common in the mosaic cultural landscape, which combines small groves with agricultural landscapes.

Common buzzards are most commonly seen between March and October, but dozens of them also stay to winter in Lääne County.

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.

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.

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.