Exciting birdwatching on the Vidzeme Coast

Day One: Niedrāji–Pilka Bog Trail

The bog’s environment — wet, quiet, and relatively untouched — is ideal for observing songbirds and species characteristic of bog ecosystems. Here you can enjoy a richness of sights and sounds. Niedrāji–Pilka Bog is a classic raised bog with a relaxing trail and a viewing platform for birdwatching. The bog is an important resting and nesting site for birds such as cranes, common gulls, and terns. With some luck, you may also spot the black stork, bean goose, wood sandpiper, lesser spotted eagle, capercaillie, hazel grouse, yellow wagtail, and three-toed woodpecker, among others.

• Early departure from Riga

• Birdwatching along the Niedrāji–Pilka Bog trail

• Brunch with picnic packs

• Check-in at a comfortable hotel on the Vidzeme coast

• Lunch (not included) and free time to explore Salacgrīva

• Dinner at the hotel

• Sunset viewing in Tūja (weather permitting)

• Overnight stay

Day Two: Randu Meadows and Lake Burtnieks

Randu Meadows is an internationally recognized site for bird migration and nesting. Across 200 ha, it hosts one-third of Latvia’s plant species (around 600), including species rare and endangered in the EU. The meadows feature a trail and a birdwatching tower, making this one of Latvia’s top birdwatching spots. In the 2019 Latvian Birdwatching Competition, a record 121 species were observed in a single day.

Birds you may see include the Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), Dunlin subspecies Calidris alpina schinzii, Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii), Bean Goose (Anser fabalis), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), and Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) — the last recorded here on September 18, 2017, during migration.

The Burtnieks area features natural floodplain meadows and nesting habitats within the Burtnieks Lake Meadows Nature Reserve. Various meadow bird species nest here, including corncrakes, wood sandpipers, meadow pipits, bean geese, Temminck’s stints, and bitterns. The Eurasian kestrel and short-eared owl have also been observed, while the Marsh Harrier nests in wetter areas. During migration, thousands of waterbirds gather here.

• Pre-breakfast walk in Randu Meadows

• Breakfast at the hotel, free time, check-out

• Explore Salacgrīva and Ainaži

• Lunch break (not included)

• Birdwatching at the Burtnieks Lake meadows

• Return trip home