Fewer barnacle geese spotted in Helsinki’s Töölönlahti and Arabianranta this summer

Fewer barnacle geese have been observed in parts of Helsinki this summer, including Töölönlahti and Arabianranta, according to Vesa Koskikallio, a project manager with the City of Helsinki.

Landscape changes are a key factor in the decline. Töölönlahti Park has undergone renovations, reducing its open grassy areas, while vegetation in Arabianranta has been allowed to grow taller, diminishing the open spaces barnacle geese prefer.

“Barnacle geese thrive in open grasslands. If those shrink, they may move elsewhere,” Koskikallio said.

While barnacle geese numbers have dropped in Arabianranta, another species, the Canada goose, has appeared in greater numbers this year. Koskikallio noted this shift balances out in terms of overall bird presence and waste on the site.

Some areas, such as Kaivopuisto, have seen no decline in barnacle geese populations, with numbers remaining stable year to year.

The overall summer count for Helsinki and Finland remains unclear. The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) will conduct a survey later in the summer to determine whether barnacle goose numbers have increased or decreased and how they are distributed across regions.

Barnacle geese often nest in archipelago areas and islets. Once the chicks hatch, the groups move to grassy areas in search of food. If food is available near nesting sites, they may not need to travel farther, such as to city parks.

Complaints about barnacle geese and their droppings are handled by various city departments. Koskikallio reported receiving fewer complaints this year.