About 2000 Steller´s Eiders winter in West-Estonian coastal waters. In Early spring they come closer to shore and are easier to see. At the same time woodpeckers, owls and grouses are getting active. Capercaillie, Black Grouse and Hazel Hen are lekking. Owls start to hoot to declare their territories. Woodpeckers are drumming. The best time for sighting all this natural life is at the end of March and first part of April.
What can you see?
- Steller’s Eiders and lots of other seaducks
- White-backed, Three-toed, Grey-headed and Black Woodpeckers
- Ural, Pygmy and Tengmalm’s Owls
- Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse and lekking Black Grouse
- White-tailed Eagles
The Estonian spring always offers some unpredictable (and usually pleasant) surprises. It’s not just birds, either! Estonia has healthy populations of Beaver, Brown Bear, Raccoon Dog, Otter and Elks.
Read more about the benefits of having a self guided tour with smart device (opens in new web browser window)
to decide how self-guided tour might be perfect for your trip.
Feel free to ask any questions and book your holiday- please contact us: info@natourest.ee or
by phone: +372 5622 5943
Day 1: Arrival (Tallinn)
Arrival to Tallinn, drive to Saaremaa. In the evening, go look for Pygmy Owl in the forests near the accommodation. Overnight in Saaremaa
Day 2: Steller’s Eiders in Saaremaa
Steller’s Eider and other waterfowl – Undva promontory and Uudepanga bay. Driving around Saaremaa island NW coast and it’s best bird watching spots gives you opportunity to spot besides Steller’s Eiders thousands of Long-tailed Ducks, other overwintering waterfowls and some White-tailed Eagles.
In the evening drive back to Estonia’s mainland and spend the evening looking for owls. Overnight in mainland NW of Estonia.
Day 3: Owls and woodpeckers
Black Grouse, Woodpeckers and Owls in NW- Estonia. In the morning visit Leidissoo woods for different species of woodpeckers and forest birds. Here you can spot Black Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Nutcracker, Great Grey Shrike, Parrot Crossbill, Crested Tit and from mammals- Elks. During the day is good to visit Põõsaspea peninsula, what is one of the best spots in Estonia to observe arctic waterfowl migration. In addition, you can spot here Snow Bunting, Waxwing, Common Redpoll and Twite. In the evening we advise taking a trip into nearby forests to look for Pygmy Owl, Tengmalm’s Owl and Ural Owl. Night in NW-Estonia
Day 4: Western Capercaillies and Black Grouse
On NW Estonia meadows that are close to huge bog areas, you can observe Black Grouse leks. On early spring mornings, you can even see tens of male Black Grouses lekking. On the way to lekking areas, you can spot capercaillies on forest roads.
Drive back and departure
Feel free to ask any questions and book your holiday- please contact us: info@natourest.ee or
by phone: +372 5622 5943
Feel free to ask any questions and book your holiday- please contact us: info@natourest.ee or
by phone: +372 5622 5943
Price for Steller’s Eider weekend- self guided short break
is 450 Eur per person with group of 2 people.
Season is from 1 of March til 15 of April.
Price includes:
- 3 nights in local hotels and guesthouses (twin rooms with toilet and shower; breakfasts included)
- 4 days car rent
- 4 days smart device rent with self guided tour map
- printed tour description with daily route suggestions
- Estonian road atlas
- Natourest representative meeting you in the Tallinn airport
- phone assistance in case of questions during the tour
Read more about the benefits of having a self guided tour with smart device
Book a tour with us: info@natourest.ee or by phone: +372 5622 5943
Natourest is a travel company registered with the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications and meets all the requirements set by the European Package Travel Directive. This means that when you book a tour through Natourest, your legal and financial rights are guaranteed by the state of Estonia. Read more about the terms and conditions.
