Finnish coastline witnesses mixed bird populations as whooper swan thrives and other species decline

The Finnish coastline is witnessing both encouraging and concerning bird news. The whooper swan is now nesting across the archipelago, and cranes have also begun to nest in the outer archipelago, finding new breeding environments along the coast as traditional habitats like marshes have been drained. Populations of brent geese, cormorants, and barnacle geese have also strengthened. However, there are still more species in decline, as reported by Sanna-Mari and Panu Kunttu, a couple from Turku and Kimitoön, who observed this during their 72-day kayaking journey along the Finnish coast.

Their route spanned 1,600 kilometers from Virolahti to Tornio, starting on May 13. Among the most uplifting findings is the resurgence of the whooper swan, which Panu Kunttu believes can now be considered a bird of the entire country. He explained that the swan was nearly driven to extinction in Finland after World War II, but thanks to active protection efforts, its population has extended from the wetlands and lakes of Lapland to the farthest islets of Finland.

During their trip, the Kunttus noted a decline in many bird species, including the golden plover, the long-tailed duck, and several gulls. They attribute this decline to habitat degradation, insect loss, deforestation, predation by introduced species, hunting, and nutrient enrichment leading to overgrowth. Activities like boating and cottage construction have also encroached on bird habitats.

Throughout their journey, they recorded 156 bird species and made approximately 5,000 observations, which are currently being added to the national bird atlas. The Kuntus emphasize the need for stronger environmental protections and better planning to curb biodiversity loss and promote species restoration. They received the Panda Award from WWF, recognizing their environmental project during their trip.