Resting place for migration birds

The Laajoki delta is an extremely important resting place for birds during spring migration. The most numerous resting birds include the Goosander (*Mergus merganser*), Goldeneye (*Bucephala clangula*), Tufted Duck (*Aythya fuligula*), Teal (*Anas crecca*), Wigeon (*Mareca penelope*), and Mallard (*Anas platyrhynchos*). Up to 4,000 Goosanders have been counted at the bay at one time.

Additionally, species that are rare breeders in Finland, such as geese, the Whooper Swan (*Cygnus cygnus*), Gadwall (*Mareca strepera*), Pochard (*Aythya ferina*), and Smew (*Mergellus albellus*), regularly rest in the area. The bay also annually hosts species that migrate through Finland or breed in small numbers, as well as nationally rare bird species. Regular visitors in spring include the Bewick's Swan (*Cygnus columbianus ssp. bewickii*), Greater White-fronted Goose (*Anser albifrons*), and Black-tailed Godwit (*Limosa limosa*). The Great Snipe (*Gallinago media*) is now an annual autumn visitor. The White-tailed Eagle (*Haliaeetus albicilla*) and Peregrine Falcon (*Falco peregrinus*) are among the rarest birds of prey seen annually.

The bay is also one of the most important gathering areas for Barnacle Geese (*Branta leucopsis*) in late summer in Finland. Up to a thousand geese may be present at the bay simultaneously. The highest numbers of geese are seen from late July to the first three weeks of August. Most of the geese leave when the duck hunting season begins.

Nesting birds in the area

Several waterfowl species nest at the bay, including the Garganey (*Spatula querquedula*) and Shoveler (*Spatula clypeata*), which are among the most demanding species of lush bird wetlands. The Black-headed Gull (*Chroicocephalus ridibundus*), Lesser Black-backed Gull (*Larus fuscus*), and terns (*Sterna*) have disappeared from the area's breeding bird population mainly due to the overgrowth of bird islets.

Among waders, the Northern Lapwing (*Vanellus vanellus*), Common Snipe (*Gallinago gallinago*), Eurasian Curlew (*Numenius arquata*), Common Redshank (*Tringa totanus*), and Common Sandpiper (*Actitis hypoleucos*) nest in the area. Additionally, the Great Bittern (*Botaurus stellaris*), Crane (*Grus grus*), Water Rail (*Rallus aquaticus*), and Spotted Crake (*Porzana porzana*) nest in small numbers at the bay.

In recent years, one of the few pairs of Montagu's Harrier (*Circus pygargus*) in the country has also built its nest in the area. In the reed beds, dozens of Sedge Warblers (*Acrocephalus schoenobaenus*), Reed Warblers (*Acrocephalus*), and Reed Buntings (*Schoeniclus schoeniclus*) nest. In 2002, the bay saw the return of the displaying Southern Dunlin (*Calidris alpina*) after a long absence.

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