Valkmusa National Park

Birds

Valkmusa National Park is also a prime location for birdwatching, with its wetlands and bogs attracting a wide variety of bird species. Below are some of the popular bird species found in the park.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
A large forest grouse, the capercaillie is known for its elaborate courtship displays. Males perform striking territorial dances in the spring, making them a highlight for birdwatchers.

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
Easily recognizable by its long, curved bill, the Eurasian curlew is a wading bird that feeds on insects and small invertebrates in Valkmusa’s wetlands. Its haunting call is a familiar sound in the park.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
These elegant, tall birds with long legs and graceful movements are often seen in marshlands. Their loud trumpeting calls and elaborate mating dances make them a fascinating species to observe.

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
A migratory shorebird that frequents the bogs and wetlands of Valkmusa, the wood sandpiper feeds on insects and small crustaceans. It is smaller than many other waders but is easily identified by its distinctive markings.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of Europe’s largest owls, this formidable predator has piercing orange eyes and powerful talons. It hunts at night, preying on small mammals and birds.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, is a graceful, large white swan with a loud, trumpeting call. It can be found in Valkmusa’s lakes and wetlands, where it breeds during the summer months.

Merlin (Falco columbarius)
A small but fast falcon, the merlin is an agile hunter that preys on small birds. It can be seen darting across open landscapes in pursuit of its prey.

European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)
This striking bird, with its golden-spotted plumage, breeds in boggy and tundra-like habitats. It has a distinctive call and is often seen in small groups.

Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
A predatory songbird, the northern shrike hunts insects, small mammals, and birds, often impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire. It is a skilled hunter despite its small size.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
The largest woodpecker in Europe, the black woodpecker has striking black plumage and a red crest. It is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud drumming on tree trunks.

Valkmusa National Park’s combination of wetlands, bogs, and forests creates an ideal habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts.

Popular

Valkmusa National Park, located in Finland, is known for its vast peat bogs, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. The park provides a habitat for many species adapted to the unique conditions of the bog landscape. Below are some of the more popular species found in Valkmusa National Park.

Elk (Alces alces)
Also known as the moose, elk are the largest land mammals in Finland. They roam the forests and marshlands of Valkmusa, feeding on vegetation like willows, birches, and aquatic plants. These solitary animals are most active at dawn and dusk.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
A nocturnal canid that thrives in wetland areas, the raccoon dog is an opportunistic feeder, consuming berries, insects, and small vertebrates. Though not native to Finland, it has become widespread in the region.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The adaptable red fox is commonly spotted in the park, hunting small mammals and birds or scavenging for food. Its reddish fur and bushy tail make it a distinctive presence in the landscape.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
A smaller deer species, the roe deer is frequently seen near the forest edges and open meadows of Valkmusa. It is a cautious animal, often feeding during the early morning and evening.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
This semi-aquatic mammal thrives in Valkmusa’s wetland habitats, preying on fish and amphibians. Otters are elusive creatures, but their tracks and signs can be found along riverbanks and boggy areas.

European Badger (Meles meles)
Badgers are nocturnal creatures that dig extensive burrow systems called setts. They feed on earthworms, insects, and small mammals, making them an essential part of the park’s ecosystem.

Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber)
Once nearly extinct in Finland, the Eurasian beaver has made a comeback and can be found in the waterways of Valkmusa. Beavers play a crucial role in shaping wetland environments by building dams and lodges.

Adder (Vipera berus)
The only venomous snake in Finland, the adder is commonly found in Valkmusa’s boglands. It is recognizable by its zigzag pattern along its back and is generally not aggressive unless provoked.

Common European Viper (Natrix natrix)
A non-venomous snake, the grass snake is often spotted near water bodies, preying on amphibians and fish. It is harmless to humans and contributes to controlling small animal populations.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A rare sight in the park, the elusive Eurasian lynx is Finland’s only wild big cat. It preys on hares, birds, and small deer, using its stealth and sharp vision to hunt at night.

Birds

Valkmusa National Park is also a prime location for birdwatching, with its wetlands and bogs attracting a wide variety of bird species. Below are some of the popular bird species found in the park.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
A large forest grouse, the capercaillie is known for its elaborate courtship displays. Males perform striking territorial dances in the spring, making them a highlight for birdwatchers.

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
Easily recognizable by its long, curved bill, the Eurasian curlew is a wading bird that feeds on insects and small invertebrates in Valkmusa’s wetlands. Its haunting call is a familiar sound in the park.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
These elegant, tall birds with long legs and graceful movements are often seen in marshlands. Their loud trumpeting calls and elaborate mating dances make them a fascinating species to observe.

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
A migratory shorebird that frequents the bogs and wetlands of Valkmusa, the wood sandpiper feeds on insects and small crustaceans. It is smaller than many other waders but is easily identified by its distinctive markings.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of Europe’s largest owls, this formidable predator has piercing orange eyes and powerful talons. It hunts at night, preying on small mammals and birds.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, is a graceful, large white swan with a loud, trumpeting call. It can be found in Valkmusa’s lakes and wetlands, where it breeds during the summer months.

Merlin (Falco columbarius)
A small but fast falcon, the merlin is an agile hunter that preys on small birds. It can be seen darting across open landscapes in pursuit of its prey.

European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)
This striking bird, with its golden-spotted plumage, breeds in boggy and tundra-like habitats. It has a distinctive call and is often seen in small groups.

Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
A predatory songbird, the northern shrike hunts insects, small mammals, and birds, often impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire. It is a skilled hunter despite its small size.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
The largest woodpecker in Europe, the black woodpecker has striking black plumage and a red crest. It is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud drumming on tree trunks.

Valkmusa National Park’s combination of wetlands, bogs, and forests creates an ideal habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts.