Estonia in Autumn

As many Naturetrek clients have already discovered, the former Soviet Republic of Estonia is an ideal spring destination for both birdwatchers and botanists, offering a fascinating range of species amidst unspoiled and picturesque landscapes. Perhaps less well known are the many attractions of an autumn visit; thus this September holiday offers participants the opportunity to enjoy yet more facets of this remarkable country.

At the end of the short Arctic summer, tens of thousands of birds begin their long southward migrations and Estonia is ideally positioned to offer a staging post at which these migrants may pause and feed before continuing their extraordinary journeys. In particular the country’s long, indented coastline provides a myriad of sheltered bays and marshes to attract waterbirds. Migrant passerines are conversely drawn to the many leafy thickets found on the long finger-like peninsulas that extend into the Baltic, or the thousand or more islands that dot the coast. Migration is always an unpredictable phenomenon, dictated by variation in weather conditions, however the peak movements through Estonia are usually in mid-September. Our tour is therefore timed not only to witness this veritable flood of birds, but also to savour the vibrant colours of the autumn vegetation and, of course, the legendary Estonian hospitality which is such a feature of this friendly country.

Our tour begins with a flight to the ancient capital of Tallinn where we overnight. The next morning, we drive to the north-west coast, visiting the Poosaspea, a spit of land situated at the crossroads of the exodus south from Finland and one of the best places to observe Arctic waterbird migration. Both Black and Red-throated Divers occur in thousands offshore, as do great rafts of Long-tailed Ducks and Common Scoters. Nearby, Silma Nature Reserve contains a variety of habitats and is host to large flocks of Goldeneye, Scaup and other duck species, all of them regularly panicked into flight by the appearances of the local White-tailed Eagles. Another major reserve, Matsalu, will also occupy us for a day. This huge reserve, regarded by many as the most important bird refuge in northern Europe, comprises coastal meadows, reedbeds, woodlands and marshes, all of these habitats sustaining a remarkable population of feathered visitors. As many as 20,000 Common Cranes have been counted roosting at Matsalu and the spectacle created by these magnificent birds will be one of the enduring memories of our tour. Geese and swans are prominent amongst the wildfowl grazing the local meadows and the regular Barnacle, Bean, Greylag and White-fronted Geese are sometimes joined by a few Lesser White-fronts.

After the excitement of these two reserves we move on to explore Saaremaa Island, the largest of the Estonian islands. A complex of habitats on the island includes peat bogs, lagoons, woodland and fine examples of alvars, a geological feature almost unique to Estonia, comprised of thin topsoil on a bedrock of limestone. The birdlife on Saaremaa reflects the variety of the landscape with Golden Eagle and Black Grouse amongst the residents, while wildfowl and Common Cranes are likely to be found in the meadows and marshes. The Sorve Peninsula in the south of the island is recognised as one of the best sea-watching points in the country, famous for the many rarities that have been recorded from the ringing station here, which has a similar status amongst Estonian ornithologists as Fair Isle does amongst their British counterparts. Diurnal passage of finches over the peninsula can number many thousands of birds and raptor passage, involving harriers, Lesser Spotted Eagles, Buzzards and Sparrowhawks is an additional bonus, with the constant possibility of more unusual travellers. A rare vagrant from the east could also add to the variety of migrant passerines encountered during our stay. Returning to the mainland we conclude our tour by visiting Kabli and Luitema Nature Reserve. Mixed forests at the latter are frequented by Hazel Grouse and Black, Three-toed, Grey-headed and Whitebacked Woodpeckers whilst Kabli Bird Station, near the Latvian border, is yet another magnet for migrants. In good years it can prove a regular site for northern owls such as Tengmalm’s, Ural and Pygmy.

After this final taste of autumn migration we must make our way back to Tallinn for the return flight to London. However, one last magical experience awaits as we stop en route to admire the colourful peat mosses at Tolkuse Bog, rounding off a wonderful birdwatching holiday with images of the September landscape in one of Europe’s most scenic countries.