Keep up with what is happening in nature with the help of RMK’s nature cameras 25.03

Due to the emergency situation declared in the country, it is necessary to stay at home and avoid crowded places to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. One safe way to experience what is happening in nature without leaving your home is to watch RMK's nature cameras on the State Forest's YouTube channel.

With the help of a camera set up on Saaremaa, for example, it is possible to monitor the activities of deer at a feeding site, when it is time for the deer to shed their antlers and grow new ones. ‘With the arrival of dusk, a herd of deer gathers at the site. Appearing in front of the camera are bulls with old antlers and shy bareheaded specimens that have just lost their antlers. Today, four antlers have been dropped at the site, right in front of the camera, the most powerful of which is the eight-branched antler’, says zoologist and nature photographer Tiit Hunt, who is discussing the life of deer.

Badgers, who did not hibernate this year, decided to build their own home in the territory of Tallinn Zoo. Badgers are most active at night, and during the evening hours they boldly put their lives on display in front of the camera. Those viewing the camera during the day may instead notice foxes, deer, European hares and various bird species near the family of badgers who have hidden themselves in their burrow.

Fans of fish will be delighted by the fish camera set up in the flooded area on the northern shore of Lake Võrtsjärv, through which there is hope of seeing northern pike migrating to spawn. Some northern pike have already shown themselves, although the right time for spawning has yet to arrive. In contrast, the last few nights have been busy for schools of roaches and common bleak. When the wind on Lake Võrtsjärv dies down, and the waters are clear, the microphone on the camera lets you hear the song of arriving migratory birds, the sound of chattering fish, and even a concert by frogs as the weather warms. As spring continues, invertebrates also become more active in the water, which means that the most exciting times for the fish camera are yet to come.

The nature cameras are managed and mediated by Tiit Hunt, whose longer posts about what is happening in nature can be read on RMK's nature blog.

Further information:
Tiit Hunt
Zoologist and nature photographer
E-mail: tiithunt@gmail.com
Telephone: +372-506-7488

Sille Ader
Head of the RMK Communications Department
E-mail: sille.ader@rmk.ee
Telephone: +372-5666-5896