Gerby in Vaasa is located in the northern part of the city about 5.5 kilometres from the centre. In addition to built small-house residential areas, the Gerby area includes extensive natural areas. In these areas the range of habitats varies from the lush riparian forests of the valleys to the rocky pine groves of the upland areas. In addition to typical forest plants such as starflower, apple trees grow on the Gerby peninsula, which testify to the area’s old garden history. The peninsula also includes the boggy Haukineva area, which increases the site’s biodiversity. In the terrain one can observe elements of all landscape components: uplands and slopes, valleys and shores. Gerby is a relatively large area that is best explored by bicycle or on foot.
About 70 breeding bird species have been recorded on the Gerby peninsula. The number of species is clearly higher than the average in Vaasa (46 species / 1 km²). In addition to common forest-nesting species such as tits, treecreepers, robins, chaffinches and thrushes, the area’s deciduous forests are home to willow warblers, blackcaps, chiffchaffs, wood warblers and goldcrests.
On the grassy islet near Gerby’s small boat harbour breed common, black-headed and little gulls as well as common and Arctic terns. The same islet also attracts mallards and tufted ducks. By scanning the nearby waters you may also see black-throated divers and great crested grebes as well as red-breasted mergansers. Among waders, Gerby’s shores may host oystercatchers, redshanks or common sandpipers.
The best time for birdwatching in Gerby is from February to July. In the early mornings of April–May a heady morning concert can be heard in Gerby’s forests. Among the sounds you may also make out the hazel grouse’s whistling or the dunnock’s gentle warble. The drumming displays of great spotted woodpeckers are part of the early spring forest sounds in Gerby.
In May Gerby’s coastal forests and lush wooded hollows come alive as small warblers arrive northwards from their wintering grounds. At that time the spring bird soundscape is further enriched by the arrival of typical summer birds. From mid-May onwards, in the evenings and at night the groves resound with the powerful song of nightingales.
