Participation summary of the Estonian BSP citizen science programs in the 2020/2021 academic year

Despite a difficult last year and long periods of distance learning in Estonia, there were still some participants in the BSP citizen science programs. Observations were conducted all over Estonia throughout the year and we thank all the students and teachers who participated in them for their enthusiasm!

• There were a total of 954 participants in the bird ecology programs last academic year. Good cooperation continued with BSP schools in the capital Tallinn and Lahemaa National Park area. There were 173 observing students during the year (autumn observation, mid-winter waterfowl census and survey during Easter). In addition 781 people, including many students, took part in various bird themed learning activities such as nature days, excursions and quizzes all over Estonia.

• 51 students from 5 BSP schools took part in the phenological studies program from the end of Febuary to the beginning of June. The observers were 2nd - 7th grade students and there were 5 local observation sites around the schools, in the gardens, as well as in the nearest forests. The aim was to notice and identify 20 different spring species. Not all species where seen by all of the participants this time. Our common Padlet page Signs of Spring around the Baltic Sea, 1.03-1.06.2021

• Coastwatch surveys took place in autumn and spring in Northern Estonia and Pärnu County, a total of 4 coastal surveys were conducted, in which 7 different schools and 331 students aged 12-18y took part in. In addition to counting and identifying birds, plants and animals, rubbish and microplastics were found. Luckily this time the amount of litter was significantly lower than last years but also very few birds were counted compared to previous years.

• Students from 16 schools from 3rd -11th grade participated in the air quality program last academic year. In the first part of the program, conifers were observed by 3 schools, in the second part lichens by 5 schools and in the third part maple tar spot was observed by 16 schools. Observations of lichens and conifers have been similar over the years, therefore no significant changes in air quality can be noticed. For the first time there was a big growth in the participation of the maple tar spot survey.

• During the spring 3 schools along three different rivers participated in the river program observations. The rivers were Suur-Emajõgi River, Alatskivi River and Loobu River. Weather, water temperature, flow rate, algae, flora, fauna, water properties and parameters were observed. Of the observed rivers, the Loobu and Alatskivi rivers were in good condition, and the condition in the Emajõgi was also average, normal.