G Archives - Page 2 of 2

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.

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.

Black grouse

The black grouse is a medium-sized land fowl with a small head and beak. The male bird is black with a purple shine, while the undertail, underwing and wing stripe are white. It has striking red ‘eyebrows’. The lyre-shaped tail is upright during courtship ritual but is narrow and appears long when in flight. Female birds are greyish-brown with dark stripes all over and their tails are also greyish-brown with a slight rust-coloured tint.