Palanga seaducks (1 Viewer)

[Surrey_Ed]

I am contemplating a quick trip to Palanga in early March.

In Gorman's Birding in Eastern Europe, he says that Steller's Eider are present in numbers here, at this time. Does anyone know if this is still the case?

I am struggling to find any literature/reports for this area at this time of year.

Thanks.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I think the only regular site in the Baltic States is at Undva on Saaremaa island in Estonia. If the main aim of your trip is to see Steller's Eider, I would head there. Others may be able to update you on the situation though.

 

[wedejaz]

Hello,

As I live in a Western Lithuania and visit the Baltic sea now and then, can tell You, that Steller's Eiders are no more.
Sure we get an observation or several per year (0 for 2016), but nowadays Steller's are rare gem. Not like 10 years ago or so.

My last 3 were on 2015-12-30 in a Curonian Spit. Actually those were the last observed in LTU up to date.

The spot called Nemirseta near Palanga bridge was one of the best spot here for Steller's. But due to the lack of food supply they had to find a better wintering spot.

I just hope to see them here again one day.

 

[Jos Stratford]

Yep, above is true - when I arrived in Lithuania, flocks of 400-600 were possible. Today, zero or near zero birds per winter. Also declining in number in Estonia I believe, but flocks still fairly easy most winters off the tip of Undva on Saaremaa, or the big bay just beyond.