The bird of the year – the white stork

Margus Ots introduces the bird of the year, the white stork. Nowadays the white stork is very common in Estonia; however, it settled here only about 150 years ago. North-Estonia is its northernmost distribution area. In Europe, the number of white storks has declined rapidly during the past century and the species is now considered as endangered. In Estonia, the number of white storks is still increasing. The well-illustrated feature story gives a good overview of the biology and behaviour of this human-friendly and noteworthy bird.

The artist’s mistake brought the white stork to media

Toomas Jüriado casts some light on the causes that brought the white stork into media. The stamp of white stork issued by Eesti Post has triggered several unclear and not well-based news.

Essay

Ivar Puura writes about balance.

Let’s draft a new distribution atlas of the breeding birds of Estonia

Jaanus Elts reminds the previous atlas of Estonian birds and calls the ornithologists for a new effort to update the atlas. The last and the only distribution atlas of Estonia was issued 11 years ago, but the data was much older. Now it’s time to update the data. The author invites everyone to participate.

Eesti Loodus enquires

Helgi Arst explains the use of optical methods in researching waterbodies.

Jaagup Alaots writes about the threat of migratory birds to carry birds’ flue.

The State Audit Office keeps an eye on waste problems

Märt Kivine calls our attention to long-term waste problems. According to the audit carried out by the State Audit Office, the handling of waste problems is not satisfactory. There is a lack of responsibility and legislation. The article also lists the main waste objects of Estonia.

European rarities in Estonia: moor frog (Rana arvalis)

Riinu Rannap warns against the possible sad future of the so far common frog – the moor frog or Swedish swamp frog. In most of Europe, most of the habitats of the frog are already destroyed. Therefore we have to pay special attention to the well-being of the amphibian in Estonia.

The far guest guarana

Urmas Kokassaar looks at good and bad features of one of the natural ingredients of stimulants. Guarana is a natural product made of crushed seeds of Paullinia cupana – a liana growing in South-American rainforests. Guarana is a strong stimulator of central neural system.

The special companions of alder roots

Leho Tedersoo describes the hidden co-existance of alder trees and mycorrhizal fungi. The fungi help the alder to assimilate phosphorus.

Vardi Nature Protection Area

Roland Müür introduces the first of the new protected areas that will emerge as we join the European Union. The Vardi nature protection area is situated in the Rapla County and is mostly targeted to maintain the rare alvar forests and its biodiversity.

Interview:

Toomas Kukk has interviewed Maret Saar, an aerobiologist.

In the centre of world’s biodiversity: Central America

Nele Ingerpuu, Ülle Reier and Meelis Pärtel got acquainted to the experience of Costa Rica: it’s easier to sell biodiversity than bananas. Costa Rica is situated right in the middle of one of world’s biodiversity hotspots. The nature is extremely diverse, ranging from tropical rainforests to dry forests.

Practical tips: Eesti Loodus looks at the world

Helen Alumäe gives an overview of the places and areas of the world introduced in the magazine Eesti Loodus during the past 15 years. The article is supported with a detailed map and a table helping the reader to find articles about different places.

Practical tips: focussing with several focus points

Rainar Kurbel reveals his secret about taking brilliant close-up photos.