Mudflats and Shore Meadows

Over the past few years, determined action has been taken to improve the Vanhankaupunginlahti bay nature reserve in order to attract a variety of birds. To the delight of waders, attempts have been made to create more mudflats and meadows on the northern side of Lammassaari. Mowing and grazing has been reintroduced on the old meadows in Vanhankaupunginlahti and they have produced good results. Lapwings and common redshanks, among others, are again nesting in the pastures. In Säynäslahti you can also find the common snipe, which favours flood meadows.

For the migrating birds, Vanhankaupunginlahti bay provides an ideal place to rest. For example, wood sandpipers, ruffs, and little ringed plovers feed in the mudflats surrounding reed beds. Mid May, birdwatchers in Lammassaari bird watching tower may witness these species in hundreds as well as the common greenshank and the spotted redshank. Occasionally species like the broad-billed sandpiper or the bar-tailed godwit can be seen. In Vanhankaupunginlahti bay it is also possible to spot rarities, if you are lucky. The first ever black-winged stilt in Finland, for example, was recorded here.