Volunteers can help monitor Estonia’s common cranes

As common cranes prepare to migrate, bird enthusiasts can join a volunteer monitoring effort to help estimate the numbers of cranes breeding in Estonia and those stopping here during migration, as well as track changes in their population, ERR’s Aktuaalne kaamera reported.

The cranes are gathering in flocks ahead of their long journey to areas around the Mediterranean. Those interested in nature can record the birds’ location and estimate their numbers in a nature observation smartphone app before the migration begins.

“The largest gatherings are unquestionably in the Matsalu area and on Saaremaa, so in western Estonia. There are also very large gatherings in Lahemaa and Jõgeva County,” said Jaak Tammekänd, a specialist at the Environment Agency.

He said crane gatherings in eastern, southeastern and southern Estonia are closely linked to larger bogs and wetlands. During the day, the birds feed in agricultural areas but return to wetlands to spend the night.

Estonia’s common crane population has multiplied over the past few decades. An estimated 7,000 to 8,000 pairs breed in the country during the summer, while cranes beginning their migration from neighbouring countries also stop in Estonia.

“The aim is to build up sufficient energy reserves. Migration is a major undertaking for birds, so they essentially fatten themselves and try to get into the best possible condition. When suitable winds and weather arrive, they can begin moving south,” Tammekänd said.