Birdwatching in autumn and spring
With a privileged position on the East Atlantic Flyway and pockets of untouched wilderness, Estonia is an ideal spot for a spring or autumn birdwatching trip.
Here are four reasons you should take your cue from the birds and come to Estonia during the off-season.
1. There are more birds than humans
This is not necessarily unique to Estonia, but you can get a feel for the scale of the migration here, especially if you’re standing alone on an observation tower looking out at a flock of tens of thousands of birds.
With one of the lowest population densities in Europe, Estonia is delightfully uncrowded, especially outside of the summer months and the Christmas season. Luckily, the off-season is when the bird migration is in full wing; it’s at its beak in March and April and again in September and October. (We promise no more puns for the rest of the article!)
2. Local guides can lead the way to the best birdwatching spots
Estonia is so compact that during a weeklong trip, you could hit all the hot spots in the country and easily check dozens of species off your list.
You can find guided trips to take you around the country with a preplanned itinerary, or you can arrange an individual trip if you have something specific in mind. There are even possibilities for birdwatching day trips in and around Tallinn. The Paljasaare Peninsula, about six kilometers from Tallinn’s Old Town, is a protected area inside the city limits and a favorite of local birdwatchers.
3. Nature preserves comprise over a fifth of the country, including six national parks
Matsalu National Park, in particular, is a favorite among birders. It’s home to various landscapes favored by migrating birds: coastal, alluvial and wooded meadows, reed beds, and islets. Vilsandi National Park, on the western coast of Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, is where Steller’s eiders spend the winter.
4. Go from the middle of nowhere to the middle of town in the blink of an eye
Cape Põõsaspea, a prime birdwatching destination on the west coast of Estonia, is less than two hours from Tallinn. This means you can head out for the day and return for an evening of fine dining and comfortable accommodations.
There are also great birdwatching spots near other larger cities in Estonia. In Luitemaa Nature Reserve south of Pärnu, you might see threatened species such as the lesser white-fronted goose, the great snipe, and the horned grebe.
You can also opt to spend the night in nature, as there are plenty of options for eco-friendly accommodations outside of cities, or you can sleep under the stars at a free RMK campsite if the weather doesn’t scare you.
