Northern Hawk Owl in Lääne County, Estonia
Observation from March 31st, 2018
On our first day of the birding vacation, the guide had asked us about the species we absolutely wanted to see. I was curious about every species that was listed as a possible observation during our trip. But my special wish was a Northern Hawk Owl which I had observed once before in Canada. He raised an eyebrow and told me that I had quite raised the bar. Only two days later I found out that he had actually never seen one himself. With his experience, I was very surprised to hear that!
So, my wish also was his very own mission. We actually saw one near the lake Veskijärv in Läänemaa Suursoo Landscape Reserve, but it was very far in the distance. We could hardly recognize it with spotting scopes. We tried to get closer, making our way through bushes and across frozen ponds, but we couldn’t get a better look. Not a very satisfactory lifer!
Another group of birdwatchers was staying at the same lodge we did. The guides knew each other well and exchanged tips about observations. A Northern Hawk Owl was supposed to be in an area we had already visited on an outing during the day.
On the next evening after dinner, we went to these fields west of Leidissoo. We tried different paths, but nothing. Sunset came near. And then, we saw it! Perching at the top of a tree, overlooking a field. Slowly, we drove closer. It didn’t bother, checking the ground for prey. I couldn’t believe our luck. And I couldn’t wait to stop. Luckily, our van had sliding doors, so we could take pictures without leaving it. While I was photographing, the owl glided down to hunt. But it came back and landed on the same spot. It was such a magnificent sight!
We became bolder and left the vans. The owl still didn’t care, even though we were only about 50 meters away. It watched the ground and went for another hunt, coming back to the line of trees again. Everyone enjoyed the observation, but the guide and me were the most excited on this evening.
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