Estonian Open

Estonian Open is the longest-running and most popular bird race in Estonia. The race was initiated in 1995 by the Viron Lintuseura, and in its early years, most participants were from Finland. Over the years, the competition has become increasingly popular among Estonian birders. The Estonian Open takes place in mid-August.

The results of the Estonian Open

The Estonian Open 2024 will be held on August 17th in Jõgevamaa County.

Rules
  1. Team size is 2-6 people.
  2. The race time is from 3:00 to 17:00.
  3. Over 50% of the team members must register the species (for example, two out of two, two out of three, three out of four, three out of five, and four out of six). The same individual must be seen/heard!
  4. Generally, only identified species is countable. If only individual(s) not identified to species level were observed from a species pair or group, a point will be given. E.g. crossbill sp.
  5. The team must stay together throughout the entire race, within voice range of each other. Only one car or boat may be used at a time, and it must carry all team members together.
  6. The team may travel up to 150 km by motor vehicle (including electric bicycles) during the entire race. There are no limits for walking or regular cycling.
  7. The use of tape luring and nets is prohibited. Self-made sounds (whistling etc.) are allowed.
  8. Teams may only move in publicly accessible areas; entering closed areas or areas requiring permission is not allowed (even if a team happens to have permission).
  9. Scaring birds away in the hope that the next team won’t find the species is prohibited.
  10. Pre-race scouting in the competition area is prohibited during the week before the race. This rule does not apply to participants who live in the area or conduct professional ornithological fieldwork there. Also, whistling of owls just before the start of the race is prohibited.
  11. Sightings of the species to be considered by the Estonian Rarities Committee must be submitted for confirmation within 7 calendar days after the race. If the observation is not submitted, those species will be automatically removed from the results.