Mustikkamaa in Vaasa is located to the east of the city, about 5 kilometres from the centre. Mustikkamaa borders the Itämelaniemi residential area and the railway. It is situated on the Suvilahti–Purola moraine ridge. The area of Mustikkamaa is approximately 42 hectares. The forest types vary from groves to fairly dry heath forests. True to its name, bilberries can be picked in Mustikkamaa, and salt-tolerant coastal plants also grow in the area. Mustikkamaa features the Itämelaniemi outdoor trail as well as a dense network of paths that make the area easy to explore.
Birdlife and birdwatching
The bird fauna includes common woodland species such as the chaffinch, the robin and the willow warbler. A speciality of Mustikkamaa in recent years has been the chiffchaff, whose breeding density in the area has been the highest recorded in Vaasa. In May–June one can observe as many as 10 singing chiffchaffs during a single visit to Mustikkamaa. Other deciduous-forest species breeding in the area include the lesser spotted woodpecker, the nightingale, the goldcrest, the garden warbler and the blackcap.
It is recommended to go birdwatching in Mustikkamaa between April and July. Songbirds are most vocally active early in the morning, between 5 and 9 am. The morning’s weather affects singing activity: on sunny, warm mornings singing starts early and is strongest, while rainy weather reduces song activity.