Marko Valker

Nature education specialist and wildlife guide

[Tarvo Valker @birdinghaapsalu @TarvoValker]

Second early spring in Estonia with @OrioleBirding and @AndrewMKinghorn just finished. Outstanding views of all possible targets, including perched Hazel Hen, Capercaillie (3 males), all 7sp of Woodpeckers, daylight Ural and Pygmy Owls, close Steller´s Eiders, Nutcracker etc.

[Tarvo Valker @birdinghaapsalu @TarvoValker]

I was asked to be in Spithami seawatch team today. Oh boy, I´m glad that I said yes. Close male Stejneger´s Scoter - my first in wp @TarsigerTeam @BirdGuides

[Tarvo Valker @birdinghaapsalu @TarvoValker]

BOOM! What a morning. Caught this Estonian 8th Hume’s Warbler in the Sõrve B.O garden this a.m. Second humei which has been ever ringed in the country. Also long waited Estonian tick for me.

[Tarvo Valker @birdinghaapsalu @TarvoValker]

Cracking Day 2 leading the @naturetrektours Spring in Estonia birding tour. A flock of 16.000 LT Ducks on the sea, Lesser and white-backed woodpeckers, Attenborough moment then juv Goshawk attacked the Tawny at front of us and finished the day with killer views of the Pygmy Owl.

[Tarvo Valker @birdinghaapsalu @TarvoValker]

Eurasian Pygmy Owl. April 2024, Saaremaa island, Estonia.

[Tarvo Valker @birdinghaapsalu @TarvoValker]

Here is my "bird" of the day during the Global Birding morning session in Northwest Estonia. Lynx walking calmly across the open field at 11 a.m. (6hrs after sunrise!). Amongst more feathered wildlife - male Capercaillie, 37 Black Grouse, WB Woodpecker, Nutcracker.

[Tarvo Valker @birdinghaapsalu @TarvoValker]

Upgraded my nocmig equipment with Song Meter mini. Will test it this night. Thank you @veldshopnl for very quick and good service. Veldshop has wide range of audio recording equipment with good pricing- so if you are fan of nocmigging, it´s worth to check their website.

[Tarvo Valker @birdinghaapsalu @TarvoValker]

Although tens of RF Falcons are still reported, the peak of the irruption in Estonia, Latvia and Finland is clearly over. Top peak based on reported ind. were 21 Aug in Latvia& Finland and day later in Estonia. Data shown is based on records added to plutof, tiira and dabasdati.

[Tarvo Valker @birdinghaapsalu @TarvoValker]

Eurasian Pygmy Owl showing well in the early afternoon on Saaremaa island. Absolute stunner. with @Oriole_Ashley

[Marko Valker @MarkoValker]

Nice morning at nature. Western capercaillie lekking. #birds #birdwatching

[Marko Valker @MarkoValker]

Garganey at Silma Nature Reserve. #birds #birdwatching #birdphotography #garganey.

[Marko Valker @MarkoValker]

Leucistic Starling at Matsalu National Park.

[Marko Valker @MarkoValker]

Fringed Pink - photographed yetsreday at Matsalu NP. #nature #NaturePhotography #plants #visitmatsalu

[Marko Valker @MarkoValker]

Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris) - Orchid of the Year 2020 in Estonia. #visitestonia #orchids #orchidoftheyear

[Marko Valker @MarkoValker]

New plant species for me today - bunchberry (Cornus suecica). #plants #plantsofinstagram #bunchberry #NaturePhotography

[Marko Valker @MarkoValker]

Beatiful summer and impressive orchid season. #visitestonia #naturelovers #naturephotography #orchids #visitmatsalu

[Marko Valker @MarkoValker]

Lapwing laid first egg. #birds #birdwatching #nature #lapwing

[Marko Valker @MarkoValker]

I had a nice walk walk in the forest at the afternoon. #squirrel #nature #naturelovers #mammals #Estonia

[Marko Valker @MarkoValker]

Very warm winter and no ice. Much more wintering waterbirds than I noticed 10 years ago. #birds #birdwatching #GlobalWarming

[Marko Valker @MarkoValker]

Rough-legged Buzzard today at Silma Nature Reserve