Lynx photography
So I made myself a Christmas present and updated my trail cameras to 4G ones to get finally live information about observations. It took some time and finally last Sunday being semi-illish I managed to set them up at two spots in the forest. The first spot has been success for elks already for couple of years. So on Sunday there were lot of fresh moose footprints and droppings, so it was just matter of some climbing and testing. But the first visitor for that camera was lynx. Although I spend bit more time in the forest than avarage hobby photographer, I have not had any luck so far to get even miserable photo. I have had couple of lynx observations every year, but those have been short and unexpected. So it’s my lucky day then, even i didn’t press the shutter button i’m still happy to see that image.…
The European roe deer – cute and curious
So it’s time to introduce to you one of our most common mammal – the European roe deer (or also known as the western roe deer or just roe). In Estonia there are more than 100 000 roe deers, so it’s pretty much, isn’t it? Usually they are seen in the fields, so drivers must be very careful. Some of them are more curious than others. It’s quite easy to see them in Estonia, but… even if we have one of the best spots, we can’t guarantee you anything. It all depends on the weather and on the predators. Roebuck is a male roe deer and in the late winter to autumn they have antlers. In July, roe deers have mating season. Roe bucks are fighting and kicking with the antlers because of female roes. Would you like to see Estonian mammals? We have wildlife watching tour, let’s go!
Winter in Estonia
This winter in Estonia has started slowly. I really hoped that Christmas would have been white, but no. On the 27th finally there was some snow outside of Tallinn. But it was a very thin cover. On the 28th Lahemaa National Park looked much better and there was even few degrees below zero. Viru bog looked awe and fresh snow and unfrozen bog pools are nice combo. Then had my usual stop at Nõmmeveski and around Palmse… On the way back to Tallinn went to check the Jägala waterfall but its clearly too early for the ice formations there. Today we are back to 7C and rain & wind. Same forecast for tomorrow. I ususally go for the last sunset of the year, if the conditions will be the same… hmm… I might skip that this year… and I wish there will be proper winter in Estonia at least for…
Mute swans
I agree, that mute swans are not on the top of anyones birding list or main subject to aim with camera. But they are still lovely majestetic birds that always get my attention. Close to my home, there is a place called swan bay. When we had cold winters then they gathered to that bay, but now lately there has been just few couples and most of the pairs are spead all over the coastline. Lets see, how winter is progressing, if the sea freezes, they might gather there again.
The first minus degrees
I am always looking forward to the first minus degrees, they are so special. Visiting a bog is amazing in every season. Come and let’s go together!
Slow winter
Winter has stated slowly. Well, okay, November is mostly foggy/cloudy/grey so nothing new there. Sunday evening it dropped for few hours down to -7C but bounced back to around-zero again and there is a heat wave somewhere around Irland and UK on it’s way to east so it will be warmer again. I just wish to have a white ground . First because I just like snow, second I need to film some stuff. Third, I would like to have white Christmas. To think about it, it was white Christmas last year!? (I’m getting old, i don’t remeber things). But Sunday I had a half day outdoors with my friend Peeter and the evening was just beautiful compared the usual grey s….t in the sky. Just few people who have had tour with me have had a chance to see that spot. It’s a public coastline but i keep it…
The moose (or eurasian elk!)
So, it’s time to share some photos of Estonian biggest mammal – Eurasian elk (or in America they say “moose”). They are mostly seen all over Estonia and the best time for that is in autumn when they have their mating season. But actually it doesn’t matter which season you come, it’s quite possible to see them all year round. We have wildlife watching tour! Book a tour and let’s see where the nature takes us
Fox on the roof
Last Friday went to photo assignement to the Museum of Coomunist crimes at Patarei prison in center of Tallinn and found a fox on the roof. It’s a 3 floor limestone building. Semi-abandoned, museum is just part of the building. Clearly it found a opening to enter the building and then found it’s way to the roof through roof windows. Foxes has become fairly common animals in Tallinn as we have lot of green areas and some forest areas around Tallinn have vanished and replased by private housing areas. But the fox was enjoying morning sun and was not disturbed by the gulls and crows that felt dangered by it’s presents. If you want to do some wildlife photography while visiting Tallinn, then we can meet for nature phtography day tour (foloow THIS link for details).
Tallinn, what to do in winter?
Planning a long weekend to Tallinn and wondering what to do here in winter? Many people take a long weekend on even week trip to Tallinn before Christmas. Why? Well, first, Tallinn has highly recommended Christmas market, according to its thought one of the best one in Europe, see the article HERE. I was going through the city center this Saturday, the tree is already there and some market booths are built already. I think the market will be ready after week, maybe 10 days. I will share you the images of the market when they get it ready. I really hope there will be some snow to add dot on top of “I” letter :). I think the second good reason to be here is that it’s not crowded in winter. you can enjoy walks in the old town or Kalamaja hipster area, visit museums, enjoy dinner in Estonian…