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Lauttasaari

Helsinki  >  Finland

The residential island of Lauttasaari offers lots of opportunities for birdwatching in Helsinki.

Added* by Vesa
Most recent update 31 August 2022

Description

The island of Lauttasaari is connected by roads and bridges with Helsinki. It offers lots of opportunities for birdwatching. It even has a birdwatching tower at Myllykallio that affords an unobstructed view – and splendid vistas – especially the west and south, out to the sea. In March–April you can expect to see Taiga Bean Goose and Greater White-fronted Goose heading inland, and in April, with the right wind, you might spot Common Crane returning to the north.

As spring progresses and the migration of arctic waterfowl picks up, the rocky southern tip of the island – Särkiniemi – is ideal for observing migration. With a suitably southwest wind, you might see Barnacle Goose, for example. Looking in the same direction towards the horizon, you might also see silent formations of Long-tailed Duck and Divers. Especially in early spring, you can see lots of local Long-tailed Duck feeding in the waters just off the coast. Other birds you can see around the island are Arctic Tern, Common Tern, Great Cormorant, Goosander, Common Eider, Common Goldeneye, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Great Black-backed Gull.

Details

Access

Lauttasaari is good for a birdwatching walk or cycle ride of two or three hours. You can start from the Koivusaari metro station and then follow the shoreline down to the Särkiniemi headland. At the Humaus ice-swimming area you can head inland again and then follow the paths through the park to the Myllykallio birdwatching tower. From there it’s a short walk back to either the Koivusaari or Lauttasaari metro stations.

Terrain and Habitat

Sea

Conditions

Rocky

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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Comments & Tips

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