Red-Throated Loon (kaakkuri) in Karnaistenkorpi

Red-Throated Loon with chicks is seen in Karnaistenkorpi, said mr H to me. He had noticed two posts on Instagram and it was clear that we are heading to Karnaistenkorpi as soon as there is stop in the rain.

Karnaistenkorpi, a wilderness recreation area

Karnaistenkorpi is located in Southern Finland in Lohja. It is a vast, uninhabited, roadless area that has remained in a near natural state. Between the high rock hills and walls there are beautiful valleys with small swamps and forest bonds.

It is quite easy to walk around, as there are built duckboards on the wet areas.

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On the way to the Ahvenalampi pond I passed by this beautiful forest bond. Forest bonds are important habitats for various species and increase the biodiverse.

Over 100 years old forest

Compared to a normal commercial forest, much of the forest of Karnaistenkorpi is old, over hundred years of age, and there is a lot of decaying wood. The forest in its natural state is important area for endangered birds, like Willow Tit and Eurasian Three-Toed Woodpecker, insects and animals, like lynx.

Berries

Besides rocks and decaying food I found also berries: cranberries, blueberries and cloudberries. This was first time I saw cloudberries growing in nature. Cloudberries as well as cranberries are valueable berries and it is quite seldom you are able to find them as they grow in a swamp.

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Ahvenalampi, a magnificent bond

We started our trip to Karnaistenkorpi at 5 am. It was beautiful and calm morning after a rainy day.

After 1,5 kms walk through the rocky forest, we arrived in Ahvenalampi bond. There was mist above the water and I saw Read-Throated Loon with two chicks swimming in the mist. It was fascinating to follow how the parents defend their bond and feed their chicks. P.S. more Red-Throated Loon photos will be published in my blog later.

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Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you have enjoyed my post of Karnaistenkorpi.

Minna from Finnish nature 😊