Bird-watching towers
Siikalahti
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Siikalahti is the most valuable bird wetland in Finland. More than 70 species of birds breed in the nature reserve, and over 250 species have been spotted in Siikalahti Bay. In addition to the birds, Siikalahti has a rich plant and insect life. A bird-watching tower, a viewing platform, a hide and a nature path leading to the tower have been built for the visitor. The natural features and history of the area are presented in the Nature Information Hut. In the grounds there is a campfire site, a well and a small tent camping area. The viewing platform and the toilets are also suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Sammallampi
Sammallampi nature protection area is like Siikalahti in miniature, with largely similar flora and fauna. There is a bird-watching tower. Parking is off Kolminkannantie road, at the foot of the link mast.
The Akonpohja bird-watching tower
The Akonpohja bird-watching tower stands in the middle of a lush deciduous forest by the shore of Lake Suur-Rautjärvi. Waterfowl, the great bittern, the lesser spotted woodpecker and nocturnal songbirds belong to the avifauna of the area. The way to the bird-watching tower is signposted from Akonpohja.
The Vaaranmäki lookout tower
From the Vaaranmäki lookout tower, a sweeping view over Lake Pien-Rautjärvi, all the way to Russia, opens up before your eyes. The tower is an excellent place to observe raptors and migratory birds. By the tower there is a 'kota' hut, a toilet and a campfire site. The route to the tower is signposted from the village of Saari.
The bird wetlands of Tarassiinlahti belong to Lake Pien-Rautjärvi. The wetlands came into existence as the water surface of Lake Pien-Rautjärvi was lowered in 1835-1838 and again in 1917-1925. The former lake bottom was turned into fertile fields and grazing grounds, and the area prospered. In the shallow bays grew reed beds and cattail stands and birds began to frequent the area.
Tarassiinlahti consists of diverse habitats, suitable for a great number of different species. Valuable and rare bird species include the whooper swan, the great bittern and the western marsh harrier, the garganey and the gadwall. The area is also home to large numbers of dragonflies.
Tarassiinlahti's two-storey bird-watching tower is located by the road to Mikkolanniemi, which has a car park, a campfire site and a toilet. It is suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Pohjanranta
Pohjanranta is connected to the rest of Lake Pien-Rautjärvi through a narrow inlet.
At the north end of the bay there is a flood meadow where plenty of aquatic birds and waders rest, and some remain to nest in the area. The flooded meadows attract some rare transitory species. The beautiful yellow wagtail is a speciality of Pohjanranta.
The Kumpu lookout tower
The Kumpu lookout tower is a former border guard tower made of metal. There is a splendid view from the tower, and it is a good spot to observe migrating birds and raptors. Beside it is a 'kota' hut.
