The wintering bird counts were initiated in Estonia in 1987 and the main idea of this project is to estimate the distribution and relative number of our wintering mainland birds, as well as the dynamics of these indicators over one winter as well as over longer periods of time. The method also enables to evaluate the winter mortality rates of the birds. In many countries, such bird counts are a tradition that has been kept up already several decades. The observer should be able to distinguish our wintering birds (approximately 40 species) by voice and appearance. 

All the encountered species, excl. feral pigeons, are counted according to the transect method. The permanent observation path is established within one 10x10 km bird atlas square (UTM). The length of the path should be about 10 km, but the length may somewhat vary. It is wise to plan the path already in summer, taking into account that it should be passable in winter, too. The path might pass several biotopes, including coastal areas (thickets of reed are especially interesting). Until now, the counts have seldom been carried out in human settlemens. The count should be performed three times during a winter – in November, in the turn of the year, and in February. It can be done by one person or by a small group. The data is later presented on a special form.