Estonia
"International Crane Assembly" and autumn migration
We are told that one of the most important reasons why Cranes assemble in West Estonia on their way south from their breeding grounds in Finland and North-west Russia is the abundance of extensive wetlands (shallow bays, coastal lagoons, swamps and marshes) together with the existence of feeding areas such as crop fields and cultured and natural grasslands. Over the past few years at the peak of the season, during which our holiday is scheduled, the number of birds to be found at any one time has averaged between 17,000 and 20,000! Add to this the unrestricted accessibilty for viewing and you have one of the great wildlife experiences Europe has to offer.
Before the Soviet Union broke up, vast tracts of eastern Europe were unknown to those of us in the west, birders and non-birders alike. Now we are discovering just what we'd been missing and so it is that we are delighted to introduce the Baltic State of Estonia to our collection of destinations in that part of the world.
Estonia, the smallest and northern-most Baltic country, lies in the middle of the crossroad of the Eastern Atlantic migratory flyway, is locked between the Finnish Gulf, the eastern coast of Baltic Sea and Lake Peipsi near the Russian border making the Estonian waters and coastline a natural stepping-stone on the most natural flyway between breeding and wintering areas for millions of Arctic waterbirds. In addition, the country's long and indented coastline with its shallow and sheltered bays, straits, coastal meadows, marshes, lagoons and over 1000 islands are crucial feeding and stopover sites.
It's not just the cranes; during the migration season several hundreds of thousands of waterfowl or passerine migrants can be seen passing every day at the best sites. In total, over 50 million waterbirds are estimated to pass the Estonian coast and marine territories annually. Add to the miracle of migration and the spectacle of the cranes the vibrancy of the autumn colours, the charming countryside with its old culture and small-scale agriculture, and you have the recipe for a real feast for the senses.
