Lesser Spotted Eagle
Oct 30, 2009 Nature
Considering the area of Latvia, how small it is, the country could be named as the Land of Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina). Latvia has the highest density of nesting lesser spotted eagles in the world. According to ornithologists about 20 percent of world’s and about 24 percent of Europe’s lesser spotted eagle population is nesting here in Latvia. In the beginning of the 21st century the size of the population was about 5000 pairs.
The lesser spotted eagle is one of the bird species we are paying for our wealth - among their enemies is intense, chemicalized agriculture, they don’t live well together with forestry, escpecially in the springtime.
In 2007, when preparing the new edition of IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it was considered to list the lesser spotted eagle there mainly because of processes taking place in Latvia where the population of lesser spotted eagle has shrunk by 20 percent since the very end of 20th century.
But anyway - Latvia still is the Land of Lesser Spotted Eagle and the most possibility to see the eagle is right here!
Tags: Latvia, lesser spotted eagle
Vaidava Willow
Sep 28, 2009 Nature
When we think of willow we think of small trees planted in parks. Sometimes it even can be mistaken as a bush.
But not if we let it grow in natural habitat for more than hundred years, then its girth of the trunk can reach almost 9 meters near the soil and the crown about 26 meters in diameter. That is what has happened to Vaidava Willow near Dzenīši farmstead. Growing there for more than 120 years it is now the largest willow in Europe.
About 100 meters from this willow there was once one even greater. Unfortunately it wasn’t spared in the storm in 1992.
Münchhausen’s Wood Trail
Jul 13, 2009 Experience, Nature
Karl Friedrich Hieronymus, Freiherr von Münchhausen is known as world’s greatest liar for a number of outrageous tall tales about his adventures, including riding on canonballs and traveling to the Moon.
There is a historical record in the register book of Pernigele church, Liepupe parish that von Münchhausen got married to Jacobine - the daughter of Judge Baron von Dunten. In Dunte manor they spent their most unforgettable and beautiful days. Now there is a Münchhausen’s Museum in the Dunte manor.
And near the manor you can explore Münchhausen’s wood trail and gain insight into the unbelievable adventures of Münchhausen. You will face wild boards, ducks, a bloated fly, a crocodile, a lion, a wolf in the sledge.
The trail which is 5.3km long and reaches the seaside is the longest footbridge of aspen plank in Europe. Walk it and you will be able to learn more about wetland forest of biosphere reserve in Northern Vidzeme.
Tags: Latvia, Münchhausen, wood trail
