previously nature reserve national park situated estonia spans area km2 comprising delta village surrounding areas important wetland bird areas europe prime position large numbers migratory birds use staging area spring million pass million long tailed ducks home number endangered species listed iucn red list including white tailed eagle highest conservation category lot bird species second protection categories strongly protected plant species species mammals second conservation category description covers total area km2 encompassing delta surrounding areas coastal meadows woodlands wooded meadows section mouth bay includes islands km2 protected area terrestrial km2 aquatic shallow rich nutrients bay long wide average depth metres maximum depth water approximately shoreline length bay bay shoreline lacks high banks populated shores muddy reed sheltered bay river biggest rivers run delta natural condition meadow delta km2 actively managed biggest open wet meadows europe rushes surrounding main channel expand westwards year annual exceeds volume bay approximately times average seasonal variation exceeds metres rivers carry large quantities nutrient rich sediments bay km2 drainage basin sediments deposited river allowing expand total bird species recorded nesting species fish species mammals registered area nature reserve species plants spring million pass including greater common ducks colony thousands stop coastal spring numerous birds passage million long tailed ducks approximately ducks feed spring autumn migratory pass wetland biggest autumn stopping ground common cranes europe highest recorded number cranes park history scientific research started curator gave short overview birds near researched birds suggested creation bird protection area parts bay protected mud mud research regular established research base nature reserve founded mainly protect nesting migratory birds permanent workers administrators scientists started research base administrative centre newly created nature reserve coordinator bird ringing estonia located included list wetlands international importance international convention protection wetlands convention awarded recognition park success preserving diversity habitats numerous species birds groups nature reserve nature reserve estonia hold european diploma diploma extended years surrounding areas seven bird watching towers hiking trails international nature film festival festival held autumn nearby town festival organized non profit organization festival set late february festival partnered jointly organize film festivals future nature film festival held october october competitive program films countries people visited festival year second festival held september september participants countries competitive program films visitors festival took place september september competitive program films countries visitors fourth festival held september september participating countries competing films fifth nature film festival held september september visitors organizers admit festival held nature reserve grow larger little town plan bring european nature documentaries festival time human related topics organizers received environmental award year ministry pointed persistent successful organization film festival years popularized nature protection contributed significantly environmental awareness images
Matsalu National Park