Common information
Estonian Birding Society (a finnish non-profit NGO, since 1997)
- seeks to further the protection and knowledge of birds and bird areas in Estonia
- upholds co-operation between Finnish and Estonian bird watchers
- promotes birding as a hobby in Estonia
We collect bird-observations in collaboration with Tartu University eElurikkus
TO JOIN transfer 15€ to IBAN: FI52 1470 3000 2066 91. BIC: NDEAFIHH
Also send your name and address to: annika.forsten at gmail.com
NOTE: EBS should not be confused with the official Estonian Ornithological Society EOÜ.
EBS newest publication: Timo Pettay 2014: Viron Linnut, havainnot 1990-2010
ISBN: 9789519786728. Information in here how to get copy.
- EBS guide to Estonian bird-watching spots/areas (with short summaries in english).
- Recommended birding guide (in estonian): Ots,M. & Paal,U. 2008: Eesti linnuvaatleja teejuht ISBN: 9789985626504
Sõrve bird observatory
EBS established an observatory in 1998 following an agreement with the Estonian Border Guard that birders could use a building in Sääre as its base. Since then it has systematically collected bird observations there. From May till October over a hundred species can normally be seen on any given day.
The main activity at SBO is counting migrants – in autumn time over a million birds fly south along the peninsula. In the Soviet era, Estonian ornithologist E.Leibak ringed birds in Sõrve during 1978-90. Finns continued this work from 1999-2004, with permission from the Estonian ringing centre. Since then ringing has been sporadic. Although autumn is probably the best time for birdwatching, the observatory is in use all year round. Visitors are welcome but staying at Sõrve Bird Observatory always requires permission.
SBO is situated at the southern tip of the Sõrve peninsula, on Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island. The house there has an interesting garden surrounded by meadows and coastline. It has three rooms, which can accommodate ten people. There is also a nice kitchen but no running water. Sauna and basic toilet facilities are outside. Internet often works but can be slow.
A ferry from the mainland to Saaremaa operates many times per day. Alternatively, there are buses and aeroplanes from Tallinn to Kuressaare, which is 50 km (30 miles) from SBO.
Contact the manager Timo Nuoranen:
tel. +358 505423037, E-mail: timo.nuoranen at gmail.com
Staying at Sõrve Bird Observatory always requires permission.
SBO E-mail: sorve.lintuasema at gmail.com
SBO diary: click here
SBO logo by Risto Lammin-Soila
Viron Lintuseura ry 