As habitats for birds, Vaasa’s natural conditions provide good opportunities for both water and terrestrial birdlife. Off the city there is a fairly extensive archipelago where both the archipelago’s common waterbirds and the sparsely nesting species of the outer archipelago thrive. On the large wooded islands many birds familiar from the mainland forests also breed.
Several large forest areas are located on the outskirts of the City of Vaasa, such as Öjberget, Pilvilampi, Öjen and Risön. On the forested ridge areas you can find, during the breeding season, a wide range of Finnish forest-breeding bird species—from the common species of the forests to the sparser inhabitants of old coniferous woods. In Vaasa, undeveloped forest areas on landscape ridges and summit areas act as sheltered green spaces for plants and wildlife.
The most abundant breeding bird community in Vaasa is found on the coast. This is due to the combination of bays, built-up areas and coastal forests, which bring together species that favour different habitats. The greatest diversity of bird species in Vaasa is in deciduous forests and coastal groves. The characteristic bird of Vaasa’s coastal groves is the scarce lesser spotted woodpecker. In the groves one finds typical forest passerines such as chaffinches, wood warblers and redwings. In addition, several southern species breed in the groves, such as the nightingale and the blackcap.
In Vaasa, the sea, the bays and the proximity of the coast are an essential part of the city. On Vaasa’s bays you can observe a wide array of duck species, from the common mallard to the rarer black-throated diver. The breeding birdlife of the Vaasa archipelago includes typical coastal birds, such as the Arctic tern and the great cormorant, as well as forest species like tits and finches. Of the large birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle is commonly found in the Vaasa archipelago and ospreys have been recorded as individual breeding pairs. At the southern end of the city inlet an internationally valuable bird area has formed, Sundom Bay. The area is important for birds both as a resting place during migration and in summer as a breeding area for wetlands and waterbirds.
In the reedbeds and scrub of Vaasa’s wetlands one can in summer observe many breeding wetland birds such as sedge and reed warblers, reed buntings as well as bush warblers and moustached warblers, which breed in Vaasa only in small numbers. The water rail, a member of the rail family, also breeds hidden in the wetland vegetation. On shallow coastal wetlands numerous waders can be seen, such as the oystercatcher and the greenshank.
Extensive fields and rural environments are an essential part of Ostrobothnia. In Vaasa a unique cultural landscape is formed by the cultivated area developed in the Söderfjärden meteorite crater. Söderfjärden is nationally known as a resting place for birds during migration, but it also hosts the most varied farmland bird community in the Vaasa area. Breeding species at Söderfjärden include grey partridge, ruff, Eurasian curlew, skylark, whinchat and corn bunting. On field clearings at the forest edge you may in spring encounter the lekking display of black grouse males.
Birds that accompany people in cultural landscapes thrive in built-up areas, industrial yards, wastelands and parks. Urban birds familiar to many include wagtails, feral pigeons, hooded crows, magpies and house sparrows. Gulls have also begun to nest on city roofs, which from above resemble sea skerries. Common gull and tern species nesting on roofs include the common gull, herring gull, lesser black-backed gull and the common tern.
In summary, Vaasa can be considered an attractive region for birds. The city’s location by the sea within the boreal vegetation zone is a meeting place for both southern and northern fauna. Most coastal breeding birds nest in the archipelago. Vaasa offers its best to both serious birdwatchers and to those who enjoy nature’s wonders while out for a walk. On a spring morning you can set out to a coastal park, a nearby forest or the edge of a field. You will surely hear birdsong, and you will gain experiences and encounters with the local nature.