A group of 5 of us spent 8 days in Estonia flying Easyjet Gatwick to Tallin from 12th to 20th may. 5 days were based in Parnu on the west coast and 3 days in the Tartu area in the south east. The weather was exceptional with almost entirely dry sunny and warm 24 to 26oc but the trees and vegetation were only just out when we arrived as the weather had only just changed The coastal areas we visited were striking for the size and range of habitats, with Matsalu Rannemetsa, and Ardru the 3 sites we visited, all mentioned in Gosney,s guide. We also visted the Sooma national park 11200 hectares, with mire bogs boreal woodland and pine forest. In the Tartu area we visited the polders on the edge of lake Piepsi and a small part of Alam Pedja national park 35800 hectares with riverine meadows broadleaf and pine forests, mires and bogs. The roads are good the people friendly and the wildlife stunning. 163 species of birds were seen including tengmalms and ural owl, river ,savis, great reed warblers, black and white backed woodpeckers, cranes and white storks,displaying great, jack, and common snipes, and thousands of various geese and wildfowl, also moose and brown bear. Car hire was very reasonable c 150£ for a new Toyota Yaris, fuel at c 1.25 eoro per litre and a meal with a beer at 8 to 10 euros. Lots of cottages or flats to rent in Parnu . We all agreed it was a great experience, although we were lucky with the weather. regards John
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