Matsalu National Park, situated in the western part of Estonia, covers an area of ​​486.4 sq.km. The territory of the reserve is downstream Kasari, the coastal strip of the Gulf Matsalu Baltic Sea and about 50 Muhu Vain Strait. Gulf Matsalu quite small, its depth is only one and a half meters, length - 18 km, width - 6 km. Reserve acts since 1957. The aim of his work is the protection of natural systems and the protection of numerous species of birds that live in the territory of Matsalu Nature Reserve.

By predominant landscape of the reserve include forest thickets and water spaces. In addition, the Matsalu National Park you can find meadows, reeds, cattails and reeds. Almost any moisture-loving plants take root very well in the reserve. In general, the relief of the reserve is flat, some hills de occur.

The fauna of the National Park is represented mainly by birds. Among mammals, most prevalent in Matsalu, it may be noted elk, wild boars, foxes, wild deer, raccoon dogs, in addition, there are a hedgehog, shrew, mole. A large number of distinguished inhabitant of the islands water - a water rat. The reserve recorded 772 species of plants, 49 species of fish.

In the reserve there are about 250 species of birds, and 160 of them are nesting. The most common are waterfowl and marsh birds. For permanent residents may include birds such as terns, eiders, mergansers, Turpan, gull, shelduck, crested chernetki. Among the migratory birds make up the bulk of northern ducks, waders and whooper swans. In addition to these, the most typical inhabitants of the reserve are gray geese, goose, Mallard, Pochard. Among the large variety of birds especially distinguished two types: bittern, because It became the emblem of the reserve, as well as the Barnacle Goose, because it is under the protection of the Red Book of Russia.

Colonies of birds are so great that any vagaries of nature they are not afraid. So Anemaa live on the island of seagulls, which are so much afraid of predators that approach here, as the whole pack attacks possible offender. Gaga was chosen for himself Papilad island.

Thus, for bird watchers there is a lot of work. In addition to all kinds of research and observation, specialists are engaged in checking the birds' nests, chicks parallel koltsuya gulls. Pathfinder bird ringing acceptance teachers consider Mårtensson, who at the end of the last century, the birds put on foot aluminum ring with the numbers to trace their path of flight. Thanks to a successful experiment, ringing since then has gained widespread.

In order to catch the bird, bird watchers using special automatic Lucky traps, which are placed on the nest. When the bird sits, the trap is triggered and the grid covering it. Trapping birds is not only ringing, but also to study and identify the disease.

For the feathered inhabitants of the Matsalu National Park can be seen from specially equipped viewing towers. In addition, for the convenience of visitors, in the heart of the reserve in the sing-is a museum and a hotel. Enjoy the beauty of the reserve on foot or by bicycle or even a boat. Every autumn, near the town of Lihula is an international festival of films about the nature of Matsalu.