Elts, J., Kuresoo, A., Leibak, E., Leito, A., Leivits, A., Lilleleht, V., Luigujõe, L., Mägi, E., Nellis, R., Nellis, R. & Ots, M.
Status and numbers of Estonian birds, 2003–2008
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Ots, M.
White Stork in Estonia till 2008
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Pehlak, H.
The oldest Southern Dunlin (Calidris alpina schinzii) known in Estonia was found breeding in Põgari
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Aua, J.
Changes in winter flock size and sex ratio in Great Tit (Parus major)
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Chronicle and news (in Estonian)
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Pehlak, H.
Migration of the Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus) in Estonia
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Mägi, M.
Nest box birds in coniferous and deciduous forests surrounding Kilingi-Nõmme
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Leito, A., Truu, J., Leito, T. & Põder, I.
Comparison of bird associations breeding in similar forest types on Hanikatsi islet and elsewhere Estonia.
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Czechowski, P. & Zduniak, P.
Untypical eggs of the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
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Aua, J.
Structural changes in bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) winter flocks during early spring in 1999
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Notes
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Lõhmus, A. & Väli, Ü.
The journal Hirundo in the Estonian ornithology, 1988-2007
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Mägi, E.
Bird species and nesting densities in reed-beds of West Estonian coast and Käina Bay
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Marja, R.
Relationship between bird fauna diversity and landscape metrics in agricultural landscape: Estonian case study
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Notes (in Estonian)

Elts, J. & Marja, R.
Counts of singing male corncrakes (Crex crex) in Karula National Park during 2003 and 2004 and the effect of song playbacks on counting efficiency
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Ots, M. & Paal, U.
Rarities in Estonia 2005-2006: Report of the Estonian Rarities Committee
Summary: This sixth report of the Estonian Rarities Committee covers the years 2005-2006, but some earlier records have also been included. Altogether 168 records were definitely assessed (Table 1), and 156 (93%) of these were accepted.
The records are listed in systematic order and presented chronologically. Records of birds of unclear origin, escapees from captivity, corrections and changes, records not accepted, and records formerly accepted but now rejected are listed separately from the main list of accepted records. The four numbers in brackets after species’ name (a/b – c/d) indicate (a) the total number of records before 2005, (b) the number of individuals (if possible to judge) before 2005; © the number of records in 2005-2006, (d) the number of individuals in 2005-2006. X instead of a number means unknown number of records or individuals. The details included for each record are: date(s), locality, parish (khk.), district, number of individuals (is., isend), pairs (paar), nests (pesa) etc. if more than one, sex and age (if known; a = calendar year) and name(s) of observer(s). The meaning of some Estonian terms and expressions: ja = and, läh. = near, vahel = between, jv. = lake, s. = island, laht = bay, (tõenäoliselt) sama isend = (probably) the same individual, pesitsemine = breeding. In (2004) 2005-2006, 9 new species in an apparently wild state (AERC category A) were added to Estonian list: in 2004 Stercorarius skua, in 2005 Egretta garzetta, Porzana pusilla, Calidris melanotos, Larus glaucoides, Prunella collaris and Sylvia nana, in 2006 Falco naumanni and Tryngites subruficollis. Altogether, 360 species of apparently wild state or released species which have established self-supporting breeding populations in Estonia or in neighbouring countries (i.e. categories A-C) and 5 species of unclear origin (category D) have been recorded in Estonia by 31.12.2006.

Aua, J.
Belated lapwings (Vanellus vanellus)
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Sellis, U., Männik, R. & Väli, Ü.
*Maria on migration: a satellite-telemetrical study on spring and autumn migration of an Estonian
osprey (Pandion haliaetus)*
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Tuule, E., Tuule, A. & Lõhmus, A.
Nesting ecology of birds of prey and owls near Saue, 1959–2006
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Metsaorg, L., Allemann, M. & Peterson, K.
Notes on the breeding avifauna of the islets of Eru bay from 1986-2005
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Notes
Aua, J.
Food storaging behaviour by a rook (Corvus frugilegus).
Kinks, R.
A nest of hoopoe (Upupa epops) found in Lääne-Virumaa
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Chronicle and news (in Estonian)

Erit, M.
The importance of the Silma Nature Reserve for birds breeding in meadows and reed-beds
Abstract: The aim of current study was to determine the role and level of importance of the Silma Nature Reserve (NR) for the birds, who prefer meadows and reed beds as their breeding habitat. To determine species and numbers of avifauna in Silma NR, breeding pairs in selected model areas were counted and this data was extrapolated on whole area of the NR. For less abundant species the effort was made to count all breeding pairs in the whole area. In total, abundance of 50 breeding species in was recorded. In the case of 17 species over 1% of total population in Estonia was represented in studied area. More than 5% of the total Estonian populations of bearded tits (Panurus biarmicus; 16,7%), greylag geese (Anser anser; 8,4%), mute swans (Cygnus olor; 6,5%), Savi’s warblers (Locustella luscinioides; 5,9%) and great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus; 5,2%) breed in Silma NR.

Sein,G. & Lõhmus, A.
Nest-stand and nest-tree characteristics of the Golden eagle in Estonia
Abstract: Nest-site use by the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) has not been studied in Estonia in detail before. This paper, based on nest-sites occupied in 1995–2004, (1) describes the eagle’s nest trees, their
surrounding forest stands and location on the landscape; (2) compares nest trees with average trees available around; and (3) explores the potential relationships between the location and nesting success of the eagle. The average tree composition of 21 nest stands comprised 49% Scots pine, 29% Norway spruce, 14% birch, 7% aspen, 1% black alder and 1% grey alder. Fifteen nests (71%) were built on pine, four on spruce and two on aspen. The average age of nest-trees was 142 (quartile range 130–155) years and the average diameter was 48 (41–51) cm. Amongst the available trees in the nest-stand, Golden Eagles selected nest-trees that were on average 35 years older and 19 cm thicker (16 cm in case of pines), which can be explained with the better nest-building opportunities in such trees. There was no such difference in tree heights. The closest forest edge was situated on average 56 m, road 1.8 km, and house 2.8 km from the nest; distances to the nearest occupied nest of another Golden Eagle and of the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) were 10 km and 2.8 km, respectively. No significant relationships were found between nest location on the landscape and breeding success there, but the analysis lacked power due to small samples and short time‐frame (breeding success could be only established as the average for two years in each nest).

Nellis, R.
Goshawk – bird of the year 2005

Drevs, T. & Jürgens, M.
Some observations on the nest-site preferences of the Merlin in Tallinn area

Notes (in Estonian)
Nellis, R. Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) attacking a mouse
Elts, J. & Marja, R. A Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) nestling in Jackdaw’s (Corvus monedula) diet

EOS chronicle and news (in Estonian)

Väli, Ü. & Laurits, M.
The composition and breeding density of forest birds in Kõpu nature reserve (Western Hiiumaa)
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Tuule, E., Tuule, A. & Puumets, R.
Bird fauna of Paljassaare peninsula in Tallinn
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Uustal, M. & Peterson, K.
Changes in the bird fauna of Tallinn from 1900 to 2005
PDF Electronic appendix

Notes (in Estonian)
Elts, J. Feeding habits of fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) in especially cold weather conditions

Bird Conservation News (in Estonian)
Colour ringing of Estonian spotted eagles (Aquila pomarina et clanga) started

EOS chronicle (in Estonian)

Ellermaa, M.
Breeding densities of common breeding species in managed mixed and moist forests in Pärnumaa, Estonia
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Ots, M. & Klein, A.
Rarities in Estonia 2003-2004: Report of the Estonian Rarities Committee
Summary: This fifth report of the Estonian Rarities Committee covers the years 2003-2004, but some earlier records have also been included. Altogether 214 records were definitely assessed (Table 1), and 192 (90%) of these were accepted. The records are listed in systematic order (according to the new recommendations of AERC) and presented chronologically. Records of birds of unclear origin, escapees from captivity, corrections and changes, records not accepted, and records formerly accepted but now rejected are listed separately from the main list of accepted records. The four numbers in brackets after species’ name (a/b – c/d) indicate (a) the total number of records before 2003, (b) the number of individuals (if possible to judge) before 2003; © the number of records in 2003-2004, (d) the number of individuals in 2003-2004. X instead of a number means unknown number of records or individuals. The details included for each record are: date(s), locality, parish (khk.), district, number of individuals (is., isend), pairs (♂♀), nests (pesa) etc. if more than one, sex and age (if known; a = calendar year) and names of observers. The meaning of some Estonian terms and expressions: ja = and, läh. = near, jv. = lake, s. = island, laht = bay, (tõenäoliselt) sama isend = (probably) the same individual, pesitsemine = breeding. In 2003-2004, 6 new species in an apparently wild state (AERC category A) were added to the Estonian list: in 2003 Anas carolinensis, Calonectris diomedea and Emberiza melanocephala, in 2004 Hirundo daurica, Oenanthe pleschanka and Hippolais pallida. The race Motacilla alba yarrellii was recorded for the first time in Estonia in 1997 but accepted during the reporting period. Also one species of unclear origin (category D) – Lophodytes cucullatus and two species of category E (escapees from captivity) – Anser rossii and Anas cyanoptera – were recorded for the first time in 2003 in Estonia. In the same period, the breeding of Ficedula albicollis in Estonia was confirmed. Altogether, 350 species of apparently wild state or released species which have established self-supporting breeding populations in Estonia or in neighbouring countries (i.e. categories A-C) and 6 species of unclear origin (category D) have been recorded in Estonia by 31.12.2005

Notes (in Estonian)
Jürgens, M. On the vocal mimetic ability of common redstart
Ellermaa, M. Some observations of albinistic and melanistic birds

Bird conservation news, EOS chronicle and news (in Estonian)

Tuule, E., Tuule, A. & Elts, J.
Numbers and population dynamics of the Common Sandpiper in the surroundings of Saue, 1963-2003
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Väli, Ü.
Habitat use of the Red-backed Shrike in Estonia
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Lõhmus, A. & Rosenvald, R.
Breeding bird fauna of the Järvselja Primeval Forest Reserve: long-term changes and an analysis of inventory methods
Summary: The Järvselja Primeval Forest Reserve (19 ha) in eastern Estonia (58°17’N, 27°19’E) was established in 1924. It contains three main forest types: mixed or broad-leaved nemoral forest (6.2 ha), Alnus glutinosa swamp forest (2.7 ha) and drained peatland forest of Pinus sylvestris (10.1 ha; Fig. 1). The area has been probably never cleared, but it is surrounded by drainage ditches. Previously, its breeding birds have been censused in 1973 and 1982 (Karoles 1975, Rootsmäe & Rootsmäe 1993).
In 2005, we mapped breeding birds in the reserve between 10 May and 17 June during seven mornings and three other visits. The aims were (1) to compare the situation with the previous censuses; (2) to check the reliability of a two-day inventory, which included a standard morning count and a later visit during the day on 10 and 31 May. Results of the inventory (maximum counts of each species) were compared with those of the standard mapping, based on two-record clusters and a careful analysis of simultaneous observations.
172 pairs of 35 species were detected (9.1 pairs ha-1). The total number of species (34-36) and of pairs (9.1-10.1 pairs ha-1) have been very stable in the three censuses (1973, 1982, 2005), though large differences appear for individual species (Table 1). These differences may be partly due to methodological aspects and annual fluctuations, but some trends may be also related to the forest dynamics in the reserve: (1) abundance of very old or dead spruces – increases of Picoides tridactylus, Certhia familiaris, Parus ater; (2) disappearance of old hollow aspens – decreases of Columba oenas, Ficedula hypoleuca, Sitta europaea; (3) overgrowth of the drained pine forest with spruce – loss of Anthus trivialis and Muscicapa striata.
In larger (>6 ha) plots, the two-day inventory resulted in c. 40% underestimation of numbers and missing of rare species; Shannon’s (but not Simpson’s) index of species diversity was almost accurate (Table 2). In the narrow and small swamp forest, many birds from the surroundings were also recorded, so this plot seemed more diverse than it actually was. We conclude that short-term inventories can be used for comparing the density and diversity in >5-ha plots; the estimation of absolute densities requires assessments of the underestimation bias.

Elts, J.
On the nest material of the Willow Warbler: a quantitative analysis
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Elts, J. & Kuus, A.
The new Estonian atlas of breeding birds: results of the first study year
Summary: In 2004, compilation of the new breeding bird atlas started in Estonia. The country is divided into 2094 5×5 km-squares. Altogether 391 persons joined to project in the first study year, and up to now we have received data from 584 squares. In maximum, 122 breeding species has been observed in a square.

Mänd, R.
Benchmarks of the Estonian academic ornithology in the new independence period
Summary: During the new independence period, altogether six PhD theses have been completed by Estonian ornithologists (Peeter Hõrak, Indrek Ots, Vallo Tilgar, Asko Lõhmus, Ülo Väli, Lauri Saks), which constitutes about 6% of all doctoral dissertations in bio-geosciences during that period in Estonia. These works mostly deal with the acute problems of ecophysiology, life history evolution, sexual selection and conservation biology of birds.

‘Notes (in Estonian)*
Paal, U. Rare wintering birds in Estonia 2004/2005
Kalamees, A. & Elts, J. A Goshawk flying 70 km/h
Aun, S. & Aun, E. Water struggle between a Goshawk and a Goldeneye
Vohta, T. A Marsh Harrier attacked a Grey Heron
Sellis, U. A Marsh Harrier caught a fish
Vohta, T. A Raven helped a dog to catch a hare
Väli, Ü. An Oystercatcher bred on the roadside
Väli, Ü. On the feeding of Grey-headed Woodpecker nestlings

EOS chronicle and news (in Estonian)

Lõhmus, A.
Causes of death of raptors and owls in Estonia, 1985-2004
Summary: Mortality of raptors and owls has not been specifically studied in Estonia (but see Randla & Tammur 1996b; Lõhmus 1994a, 2001, for data on some species) and this paper summarizes their causes of death in 1985-2004. The material has been collected all over the country (Fig. 1) by (1) the participants of national monitoring projects; (2) two wildlife-rehabilitation centres; (3) ecologists studying raptor diets and population ecology. The causes of death of full-grown birds were classified into 20 categories of four main types (Table 1); for nestlings, some additional categories were used. Yet, the frequencies of disease, poisoning and exhaustion are obviously underestimated, since autopsies have been seldom made and other proximate causes (traffic, predation) may have concealed the ultimate ones.
Most deaths of full-grown birds (n = 615; Tables 3-4) were directly or indirectly caused by man (47%; notably traffic, powerlines and other collisions and injuries) and predators (34%; mostly the Goshawk, Golden Eagle and Eagle Owl). The frequency distributions of causes of death did not differ significantly between first-year juveniles and older birds, which implies that mortality-reduction measures could be roughly the same for both age groups. In winter, the main causes of death for owls (n = 27) were traffic (15) and exhaustion (7); no specific causes dominated for raptors (n = 17).
An intensive study in northwestern Tartumaa revealed manyfold overestimation of the frequency of man-induced mortality among smaller species and Goshawks in the remaining material. Considering this bias, I suggest that antropogenic deaths are particularly important for eagles, the Osprey and the Eagle Owl, and possibly for the Goshawk and the Tawny Owl in Estonia. There were 27 cases of persecution (44% of these were eagles or the Osprey). In general, however, persecution is not likely to influence the Estonian raptor and owl populations significantly any more (probably, some tens of full-grown raptors and a few nestlings are killed annually).
The death of nestlings (n = 128) was mostly related to food shortage and disease (46%, incl. cannibalism) or nest predation (30%); in tree-nesting species, nestlings often fell down from the nest (19%).
In general, natural causes of death were more frequent in Estonia than in most other European countries, and no alarming trends for conservation were detected.

Erit, M.
How many counts are needed for efficient bird census on floodplain meadows?
Summary: Mapping of breeders’ territories (see Koskimies & Väisänen 1991, Gilbert et al. 1998, Bibby et al. 2000) is often used for censusing birds. Usually, mapping is based only on 2-3 counts, but the efficiency of such a small number of counts is unknown. In 2001-2003, breeding birds were mapped on floodplain meadows of River Emajõgi in the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve. Territorial birds and ducks were mapped on two study plots seven (or eight) times per season (including 1-2 night counts). The aim of the current study was to estimate the apparent visit efficiency (ratio between the results obtained from a single count and all counts; Svensson 1978) of 1-4 morning counts compared to counts performed five times, and to find a minimum number of counts for correct estimation of breeding territories. In 5-visit counts, breeding pair was defined as a cluster formed of at least two observations. In ducks Anas sp., maximum number of individuals (excl. nonbreeding individuals in flocks) per count was considered as the number of breeding pairs.
Four species or species groups (table 1) were included to analysis. To estimate apparent visit efficiency, I used all possible combinations of counts from six datasets (two study plots, three years). The abundance, relative to 5-times-counts, was calculated using species maps. Average apparent visit efficiency for all breeding birds was 55% (SD 14%) for a single count, 80% (11%) for double counts and 97% (9%) for 3-visit counts (Figure 1). For 4-visit-counts, the efficiency was 109% (8%) if all registered territories were considered, and 83% (7%), if territory was defined by at least two observations. The efficiency of counts increased and their variance decreased significantly along with growing number of counts. Efficiency was smallest and most variable in non-passerines, especially in ducks. In three cases, I was able to analyse the efficiency of 5- compared with 6-visit counts, the efficiency was 90% (SD 4%). In the Common Snipe and Sedge Warbler, efficiency of single and double counts in their main breeding time was 7-10% higher than the average efficiency, but the variation did not differ significantly.
Consequently, birds of floodplain meadows should be mapped at least three times during a breeding season. Four counts per season gives more precise estimates if all observation clusters are defined as breeding territories, whatever the number of observations is. To estimate the numbers of particular species, two counts during the time of species’ maximum activity may be sufficient. When one is interested in the numbers of all birds breeding on a floodplain, the census should include also night counts.

Laurits, M., Erit, M., Kuresoo, A. & Luigujõe, L.
Is it necessary to describe vegetation composition and structure while mapping birds on floodplain meadows?
Summary: We analysed distribution of bird species on a floodplain meadow in relation to 1) general landscape structure elements (at microhabitat scale) and 2) vegetation type, which distinguishes vegetation associations by species composition and vegetation structure. By comparing the two approaches, we looked for an optimal method to follow bird-habitat relationships in bird monitoring.
Breeding birds were mapped according to Koskimies & Väisänen (1991) in a floodplain meadow of River Emajõgi in the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve in 2001-2003. Seven counts (including two at night) were performed in 2001 and 2003, and five counts (incl. one at night) in 2002. During the counts, we described also the landscape elements (Table 1), where individual birds were recorded. Vegetation types (Table 2) were mapped in 2001; later only substantial changes were recorded.
Using the general approach, non-passerines and open-landscape passerines were distinguished as sedge-preferring (open floodplain) birds, but occurence of bushes or reedbed patches was important too (Table 1). The number of bird species and breeding density was higher in diverse areas. The detailed analysis of vegetation types distinguished the same taxa (Table 2), but enabled to determine the preference in more detail (vegetation density, height and lush, soil humidity).
Consequently, the two approaches gave similar results on relationships between birds and the vegetation, although the detailed vegetation mapping was more informative. Considering the increased cost of time and labour of the latter approach, we suggest to describe the basic structure of habitat as well as soil moisture during bird mapping.

Eenpuu, R. & Elts, J.
Invasion of the Fieldfare to Estonia in winter 2002/03
Summary: The overview of a Fieldfare Turdus pilaris invasion to Estonia in winter 2002/03 is based on ornithophenological data collected by the members of the Estonian Ornithological Society. In autumn 2002, rowanberries were extremely abundant. Invasion of fieldfares started in the last decade of November and lasted till the beginning of March. Largest flocks (up to 2500 birds) were seen in January and in the first half of February (Figure 1). According to the monitoring of winter land birds in Estonia, the 2002/03 invasion was the largest during the last decades (Figure 2). The numbers of breeding Fieldfares did not increase in 2003.

Lilleleht, V.
Changes in avian systematics
Summary: The article reviews the latest proposals in avian systematics, and the attempts of the Association of European Records and Rarities Committees (AERC) to standardise their implementation in Europe. The Estonian Rarities Committee (at the Estonian Ornithological Society), decided at 26.02.2004 to follow the recommendations of AERC also in the list of Estonian birds. The new Estonian list is available at www.eoy.ee

EOS chronicle and news (in Estonian)