National Park Matsalu, located in the Western part of Estonia covers an area of 486.4 square kilometers the reserve is part of the lower reaches of the river Kasari, the coastal strip of the Matsalu Bay of the Baltic sea and about 50 Moonsund Islands of the Strait. The Bay of Matsalu quite small, its depth is only half a meter, the length of 18 km and a width of 6 km, the Reserve operates since 1957. The purpose is the protection of natural systems, and protect the numerous species of birds inhabiting the territory Metalloscope reserve.

To the dominant landscape of the reserve include forest thickets and water spaces. In addition, in the Matsalu National Park can be found meadows, reeds, cattail and reed. Virtually any excellent moisture-loving plants will thrive on the reserve. In General, the topography of the reserve is flat, which-hills.

Fauna of the National Park is represented mainly by birds. Among mammals, the most widespread in the Matsalu, it can be noted elks, wild boars, foxes, wild deer, raccoon dogs, in addition, meet the hedgehog, shrew, mole. A large number of outstanding occupant Islands water – water rat. On the reserve are recorded 772 species of plants, 49 species of fish.

In the reserves there are about 250 species of birds, and 160 of them are nesting. The most common are waterfowl and marsh birds. Permanent inhabitants include birds such as terns, Eiders, mergansers, scoter, gulls, laugh, crested chernecki. Among migratory birds, make up the bulk of the Northern ducks, waders and swans-whooping swans. In addition to these, the most typical inhabitants of the reserve include Greylag geese, goose, mallards, common Pochards. Among the large variety of birds especially are two types: the bittern, as became the emblem of the reserve, as well as Barnacle goose, because it is protected by the red book of Russia.

Colonies of birds so here's great that none of the freaks of nature they are not afraid. So on the island of Anemia live gulls, which are so numerous that the predators will be afraid here to approach, as the whole pack will attack a possible abuser. Gaga is home to the island Pupiled.

Thus, for ornithologists there is a lot of work. Besides all kinds of research and observation, experts are checking the bird's nests, in parallel calcua Chicks of gulls. The pioneer bird ringing sight to regard the teacher as Martenson, who at the end of the last century wore on birds feet aluminum ring with numbers to trace their flight path. Thanks to a successful experiment, the banding has since gained widespread.

In order to catch the bird, ornithologists use special automatic lúčky-traps, which are placed on the nest. When a bird lands, the trap triggers and mesh covers it. Catching of birds is not only for banding, but also for the study and detection of disease.

The feathered inhabitants of the Matsalu National Park you can watch equipped with special observation towers. In addition, for the convenience of visitors, in the heart of the reserve in Paniya is a Museum and a hotel. Enjoy the beauty of the reserve on foot or by bike or even boat. Every fall near the town of Lihula international festival of nature films Matsalu.