Spring goose migration in Estonia has ended: damage reported on nearly 2,000 hectares

The mass spring migration of geese through Estonia has concluded this year. Farmers have reported damage affecting nearly 2,000 hectares to the Environmental Board. As a deterrent, 224 geese were shot this spring.

This spring marks the end of the goose migration season across Estonia, with the official period for migratory birds now concluded. The Environmental Board received reports from farmers of damage caused by migratory birds totalling nearly 2,000 hectares.

This spring, active deterrence measures were also used to protect crops – a total of 224 geese were shot on cultivated fields to protect agricultural yields from damage caused by bird flocks.

Geese represent one of the biggest challenges for local farmers during spring as they pass through Estonia, since large flocks can destroy a significant portion of crops in a short time. The Environmental Board coordinates damage assessments and issues shooting permits for deterrence each season.