Spring Birdwatching at Suomenoja Wetland

The beginning of the year was cold in Finland. On most days the temperature stayed close to –20°C, and in Lapland it dropped below –40°C. It was too cold to stay outside for long time.

I was convinced that bird migration would be delayed this spring, as it had been so cold.

But in early March the air softened. Snow began to melt. The ice on lakes and ponds slowly weakened. And just like that, spring felt possible again.

Returning to Suomenoja

Each spring I visit the Suomenoja bird wetland near our home in Espoo. It has become a small ritual. The same paths. The same anticipation.

Three common teals flying over tall dry reeds with trees in the background. Suomenoja, Finland.
Common teals pass low over the reeds, wingbeats steady against the pale spring sky. This might the first time I saw teals in Suomenoja.

When I went there in late March this year, some of the waterfowl had already arrived. I saw familiar species: common goldeneyes, Eurasian coots, common pochards, tufted ducks and many others.

Several tufted ducks with yellow eyes swimming in a loose group on calm water. Suomenoja, Finland.
Tufted ducks (male) gather in small flocks in early spring. Their bright yellow eyes catch the light. There is one female behind the group.

After a long winter, even the sight of a single bird on open water feels significant.

Where Do They Spend the Winter?

Many of the species that gather at Suomenoja have spent the winter far from here.

The common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is a hardy diver. Some individuals stay in southern Finland if there is open water along the coast. Others winter around the Baltic Sea, in Denmark, southern Sweden or further south in Central Europe. They favour coastal waters and large lakes where they can dive for molluscs and aquatic invertebrates.

Male common goldeneye swimming in warm evening light with reflections of reeds in the water.
Evening light transforms the water. A male goldeneye glides through reflections of last year’s reeds. It is a compact, medium-sized diving duck with a large, rounded head. 

The Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) usually migrates further. Most Finnish coots winter in western and southern Europe, around the North Sea, the Atlantic coast, or large ice-free lakes. They need open freshwater areas with abundant vegetation.

Close-up of an Eurasian coot floating on calm water, showing its white bill and red eye.
The Eurasian coot moves quietly between reeds. Its white bill and shield glow softly against the dark plumage. Have you ever heard the sound of coot? It sounds like metallic, rasping “kek”, a clear, ringing “pits”, and a plaintive, wavering “päv-pääv”.

The common pochard (Aythya ferina), known in Finnish as punasotka, winters mainly in western and southern Europe. Large numbers gather on coastal lagoons, estuaries and big lakes. Some continue as far as the Mediterranean and the Black Sea region.

Group of diving ducks, including common pochards and tufted ducks, swimming together on open water.
Among the tufted ducks, several common pochards rest on the open water, a welcome sight at Suomenoja.

By late March, as soon as open water appears, they return.

Tension on the Water

Spring is an active season for birds – and for those of us who photograph them.

Many photographers focus on action: take-offs, landings, courtship displays and territorial fights. There is plenty of that at Suomenoja.

Coots

Two Eurasian coots fighting on the water, wings spread and water splashing around them.

Spring tension rises. Two coots clash in a territorial dispute, kicking and splashing in the reeds. The reeds make it difficult to photograph the birds, as the autofocus tends to lock onto the reeds.

Goldeneyes and coots seem to have their emotions running high every spring. The coots run across the surface of the water with surprising speed.

Eurasian coots running across the water surface during a territorial chase.
Coots rarely look this dynamic, except when they are protecting their own territory. Feet drumming on the water as one chases another across the wetland.

Then the fight begins. They kick at each other with their powerful lobed toes. At times it looks as if one bird is trying to force the other underwater.

Two Eurasian coots in mid-fight, wings raised and water splashing dramatically around them.
In spring, coots defend their territory fiercely. They charge at each other and kick with their strong, lobed feet.

From a human perspective, the fights look harsh. They are intense and physical. I sometimes wonder how often birds are injured in these encounters. Territorial disputes are part of breeding behaviour, but they are not gentle.

Goldeneyes

Goldeneye males are equally determined. They display to females by throwing their heads back dramatically so that the crown almost touches their back. The movement is quick and theatrical. Rival males chase each other across the water in short, explosive bursts.

Male and female common goldeneye swimming side by side on open water in early spring light at Suomenoja.
A goldeneye pair has returned to Suomenoja. The male’s bright white and dark plumage stands out against the cold blue water of early spring. The male is larger than the female, black and white with a metallic sheen. The female has a brown head and grey back. The wing patch is white. The whistling sound of the wings in flight is characteristic.

Even when I do not capture the action, it is fascinating to observe.

The Vulnerability of the Common Pochard

This spring there have been large flocks of tufted ducks at the wetland. Among them, several common pochards.

Seeing them always feels special.

wo male common pochards standing on thin ice near open water at a wetland in early spring.
Common pochards pause on the last ice of March. Soon the water will be fully open again.

In Finland, the common pochard is classified as Critically Endangered. Its population has declined dramatically over the past decades. The reasons are complex: loss and degradation of wetlands, eutrophication, changes in water quality, predation pressure and possibly climate-related changes all play a role.

The decline is not limited to Finland. Across Europe, the species has suffered significant population decreases. For a bird that was once relatively common, the change has been sobering.

That is why Suomenoja is such an important site. Managed wetlands provide feeding and breeding opportunities. For a photographer, it is a privilege to document a species that is struggling. Images can remind us that these birds are not abstract statistics. They are present, living, moving beings.

Light Before Action

While behaviour is fascinating, I am equally drawn to light.

Early in the morning, as the sun rises, the glow on the water can transform an ordinary scene into something luminous. In the evening, when the light becomes softer and warmer, reflections wrap around the birds.

I look for the moment when the surface of the water mirrors both colour and movement. When the bird is framed by light rather than just photographed in it.

This year I have not yet captured the image I am hoping for.

But spring is only beginning. There is still time.

Swans and a Crow

At the end of one session, whooper swans – Finland’s national bird – flew over the wetland. Large, white and powerful, their wingbeats carried across the water. The species has increased in Finland in recent decades, a conservation success story that stands in contrast to the decline of the pochard.

Two whooper swans flying against a clear blue sky, wings fully spread.
Finland’s national bird passes overhead. The powerful wingbeats of the whooper swans carry across the cold spring sky.

Before leaving, I photographed a hooded crow. They are not always appreciated. Yet they are remarkably intelligent and playful birds. When this individual seemed willing to pose, I gladly took the opportunity.

Hooded crow walking across smooth ice, one foot lifted mid-step.
A hooded crow steps carefully across the ice. Intelligent, alert and often underestimated.

To me, the crow is a beautiful bird. Subtle in colour, confident in presence.

A Season Just Beginning

Late March at Suomenoja has still been relatively calm except the coot fightings. The full intensity of spring has not yet unfolded.

But the ice is gone. The birds are returning. The light is changing.

And that is enough.

Two Eurasian coots fighting on the water with large splash frozen in motion.
Territorial disputes can be fierce. In the golden light, even conflict becomes briefly beautiful.

Thank you for spending a moment of your time here.
What does early spring look like where you live? Have you already seen the first signs of returning birds?

You are warmly welcome to follow this blog for more reflections on light, nature and photography as the season continues to unfold.

18 thoughts on “Spring Birdwatching at Suomenoja Wetland”

  2. Impossible to name a favourite among these photos as I love them all. The crow is gorgeous and they are birds I also admire very much. I’ve never seen one like that. I did not know coots had feet like that. The action shots are so dramatic. You have such a wonderful variety of birds and it is so exciting to see them return after Winter. We seldom see a swan here, sadly. I adore them! I look forward to your captures in the coming months and I am grateful that you share them.

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    1. Thank you so much for your beautiful and thoughtful comment. It truly means a lot to me.

      The crow really was a character. I’m so glad you noticed it. They have such presence and intelligence, and I always feel they deserve more appreciation. This one was especially striking.

      And yes, coots have the most extraordinary feet! They look almost prehistoric up close. I remember the first time I saw them clearly through the lens. I couldn’t quite believe they belonged to the same elegant bird gliding across the water.

      Spring migration is one of the most exciting times of the year here. There is a special feeling in the air when the birds return after winter. It’s not just about seeing them again. It’s about the sense of rhythm, of continuity. Life coming back.

      It’s a pity you seldom see swans where you are. They are such majestic birds. I never tire of photographing them, especially in soft light.

      Thank you for following along and for taking the time to write. It makes sharing these moments even more meaningful. I’m looking forward to the coming months too. There is still so much to unfold.

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  3. thanks for sharing your life through lens and walking… lovely shots and appreciated your descriptions of the different species…looking forward to visiting Finland next spring …

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  4. En fin plats du hittat och fantastiska actionbilder, för att inte tala om kråkan med sin pondus. Fågelvåren har varit intensiv här sedan slutet av februari och fortsätter ett tag till, om än i kanske ett annat tempo. Hinner knappt lägga ut på bloggen men är snart ikapp. Ha det bra!

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    1. Tack snälla Hans för dina fina ord! Det gläder mig verkligen att du tyckte om både platsen och actionbilderna och kråkan med sin pondus var verkligen en karaktär för sig.

      Fågelvåren har varit intensiv här också, nästan överväldigande ibland, men på det där inspirerande sättet. Det känns som om varje dag bjuder på något nytt. Jag känner igen det där med att knappt hinna lägga ut på bloggen, det finns så mycket att sortera och berätta. Snart är du säkert ikapp igen.

      Önskar dig fortsatt fina stunder med vårens fåglar. Ha det riktigt bra!

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  6. Great photos Minna, I love the tufted ducks and the photo of the swans flying overhead. The wetlands look like a great spot to spend time enjoying the birdlife and scenery. It was interesting for me to see the birds you spotted, so different to the ones I see here in Australia. But we do have Eurasian Coots here too. We are now in autumn and as the cold weather creeps in there are less birds to watch.

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    1. Thank you Sue for your kind comment! The wetland is an amazing place and only some kilometers away from my home. It is nice just to sit there and watch the birds. It is amazing how diffrent animals and birds are around the world! Have a great autumn!

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  7. Great documentation of your feathered visitors! (I, too, like a hooded crow — I take peanuts in the shell on my dog walks to share with those in the neighborhood.)

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    1. Thank you Kewtie! Great idea to have peanuts in the shell on your dog walks! I don’t have a dog, but I love to walk. So next time I will have peanuts with me 🥜🥜🥜

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  8. Wonderful photos of these beautiful birds! The swans are so graceful in flight. And the water photos are so sparkling.
    Crows are always fun to watch! There was a large crow on the neighbour’s roof. It picked up a small stick with its beak and tossed it down the roof. The crow would then slide down the roof, pick up the stick, fly back to the top, toss it down and slide down again. It played this game for several minutes. 😀

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    1. Thank you MM 🥰 Crows are so intelligent. My friend told me that crows were sliding down on the roof covered by snow. Again and again. That must have been funny to watch 🤩 Have a great spring 🌸🌸

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