a

Siikalahti Wetland

South Karelia  >  Finland

Siikalahti Bay is one of Finland’s richest wetlands for bird life. This reserve of 445 hectare has boardwalks, towers and hides.

Added* by Craig Wright
Most recent update 18 April 2020

Description

The wetlands of Siikalahti Bay have formed where the eastern part of Lake Simpelejärvi is gradually becoming overgrown. The great variety of birds breeding here or visiting on migration means that Siikalahti is among the top wetlands for bird life anywhere in Finland, and the country’s richest inland wetland. The bay is also an internationally important staging area for migratory birds. Almost 200 bird species are seen in Siikalahti every year, including more than 70 species that breed here. During migration seasons it is possible to spot more than 100 species during a single day. There are several good vantage points for birdwatching around the reserve.

Siikalahti Wetland is great for species like Whooper Swan, Little Gull, Red-necked Grebe, Thrush Nightingale, Blyth's Reed Warbler, Common Rosefinch and also the most common European wetland species.

Details

Access

Access is via Kaukolantie just North of Parikkala off Route 6. There are two parking areas at the reserve. Walking is best on the reserve with Towers, Hides and Boardwalks. A 1-km nature trail starts from the main car park, passing the nature information hut and leading on to a birdwatching tower in the centre of the wetlands. The trail (see the map) has special wider sections in good spots for birdwatching. About 300 metres beyond the main car park towards Kaukola is a second car park with a viewing platform accessible to disabled visitors.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland

Conditions

Flat , Wet

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Narrow trail , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Birds are abundant in the wetlands from April to October. The busiest times for birds and birdwatchers are during the spring and autumn migration seasons.

Links

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

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Click on the little bird icon () to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!