Noarootsi Coastline and Birding

Wild reed-fringed coast with excellent spring and autumn birdwatching

The coastline of Noarootsi is the parish's finest natural asset — a long, low-lying shoreline of reed beds, juniper meadows, and shallow bays that in spring and autumn become important staging areas for migrating birds. Thousands of waders, ducks, and geese pass through, and the area around the Võõla Sea (a shallow inlet) and Karjatse Sea sees good numbers of barnacle geese, whooper swans, and various terns. Twitchers should come in May or September for the best variety.

Outside migration season the coast is equally rewarding for walkers who want solitude and sea air. Paths wind through juniper-covered meadows — a habitat that was once common across western Estonia but has dwindled significantly. The light here is extraordinary in the evenings: flat and golden, bouncing off the water and the pale reeds. Bring rubber boots in spring, as the meadows can be wet.

things to do wildlife sight