The reeds and bushes at the tip of Kuusisto Island are home to various sylvids and acrocephalid warblers. In the open seashore meadows, you may spot a meadow pipit and a western yellow wagtail in flight. Birds such as the red-backed shrike, common rosefinch and whinchat thrive amongst the meadows’ junipers. The same species can be spotted in the wetland reeds surrounding the Kuusistonjärvi Lake.

If waterbirds and waders are of interest to you, you should head along the path towards the birdwatching tower located on the southern shore of the island. The path starts from the opposite side of the road from the parking area. In the tower, you can watch the birdlife of Fiskarinsuntti Bay and its seashore meadows. Birds swimming close to the shore include the great crested greb, Eurasian coot or common coot, gadwall, Eurasian teal or common teal, common goldeneye and tufted duck. The meadows’ damp parts and shore sediment offer a perfect environment for various waders, such as the common redshank and common snipe. During the migration season, you may also spot a ruff, more common in the mires of Lapland. Slightly further away, at the bottom of Fiskarsuntti Bay, there is another birdwatching tower even closer to the shoreline and reeds. You can access the tower by turning onto Lyhdyntie Road approximately 1.5 km before the castle ruins.

During the migration season, a bird enthusiast should climb to the top of Kappelinmäki Hill which offers fantastic views towards the south and west. Migratory birds often fly along Kuusistonlahti Bay on their journey, and various birds stop and rest in the shallow waters of Fiskarinsuntti Bay. And so, you can also observe migratory birds from the birdwatching towers, and spot birds such as the broad-billed sandpiper, spotted redshank, northern shoveler and grey heron in the immediate vicinity. You should also keep your eyes peeled in case you spot a bird of prey, such as a western marsh harrier flying in the sky.

Birds’ nocturnal singing is a common sound near Kuusisto Manor, and the place is popular amongst night-time birdwatchers. On an evening stroll by the castle ruins, you may hear the buzzing song of a common grasshopper warbler and a river warbler, or the evening serenade of a thrush nightingale. You can hear the squeal of a water rail from the reeds, and the ticking song of a great reed warbler.

What’s new

Conditions

Weather and conditions

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

The toilets at Kuusisto Bishop's Castle Ruins are are not in use in the summer