10.00–12.45

Bird Quiz and Bird Face Painting (at Lukuportaat)

• Learn to recognize bird species in an easy and fun way with Porkkala Bird Week guides.
• Bird face painting by illustrator Sofia Koistinen.

Library birdwatching outside the library

How many species can be spotted around the square during the morning? A Bird Week guide Nico Niemenmaa will present observed species and talk about birdwatching as a hobby.

13.00–14.30

Opening of Bird Week &
Panu Kunttu’s Lecture

Mörne Hall

13.00–13.15 Opening words by Mayor Virpi Sailas 

13.15.–14.30 Panu Kunttu:  Kaikki luodon linnut – A Seabird Research Expedition in the Footsteps of Pentti Linkola 

Lecture: Panu Kunttu: Kaikki luodon linnut – A Seabird Research Expedition in the Footsteps of Pentti Linkola

Archipelago ecologist Panu Kunttu and wilderness guide Sanna-Mari Kunttu, who live in Kemiönsaari, followed by kayak the bird census route rowed in the 1970s by Pentti Linkola and his family. The route crossed the southwestern archipelago from Salo to Pori. During the seven-week period of the over 1,000-kilometre long expedition, birds were studied and changes in nature observed. The research trip turned into an adventure when setbacks arose and strong winds trapped the paddlers on deserted skerries. 

The book Kaikki luodon linnut, born from the journey, takes the reader on a research expedition into the unique and diverse nature of the archipelago. Along the way, breathtaking moments are experienced in still-preserved wilderness areas, but destroyed landscapes are also encountered. The experiences are reflected against the Linkola family’s expedition. The narrative is interwoven with informational sections about changes in birdlife and the archipelago environment, natural phenomena, and outdoor life.

In his presentation, Panu Kunttu shares experiences and results from the expedition through photographs. He holds a Doctorate in Agricultural and Forestry Sciences and works as a biologist specializing in archipelago ecology. His research has extensively covered archipelago species and habitat types. He has also actively promoted the protection and restoration of archipelago nature. 

The event is organized in cooperation with the Municipality of Kirkkonummi. The event is sponsored by Borearctia Oy.

Accessibility: The library building is step-free and the exterior doors are automatic. Accessible toilets are available. Disabled parking is located on the north side of the building (parking lot side). Mörne Hall is equipped with a hearing loop.

Date: Sun 19.4.2025
Time: 10–16
Location: Porkkala, the Haahka -platform (Omsatuntie 77, Kirkkonummi)
Free admission
No registration required
No age limit

Would you like to know more about birds or even start bird watching as a hobby? Or are you already a hobbyist and would enjoy meeting others? Come visit the Haahka (Eider) Birding Platform.

As usual, we’ll be on duty at the Haahka Platform on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Bird Week guides will be showing you birds they’re observing and telling you about the birds and birding as a hobby.

Accessibility: The Haahka-platform is accessible.

Date: Wed 22.4.2026
Time: 17–20
Starting point: Kirkkonummi Railway Station (Nummitie 13, Kirkkonummi)
Price: Free
Registration 5.–17.4.2026

Welcome to explore the magnificent Meiko nature reserve with bird enthusiast Nico Niemenmaa. Meiko is an oligotrophic, clear-water lake, and in the surrounding forests it may be possible to hear such species as grouse, forest tits, and nutcrackers. 

Route: We cycle from the central railway station to the main parking area of Lake Meiko (approx. 5.5 km one way). At Meiko we walk approximately 4.5 km. We will spend about 2 hours at Meiko, including a picnic break (approx. 20 min). Bring your own snacks. Departure back to the railway station by bike is at 19.30.

Wear good shoes and dress appropriately – not forgetting the ticks.

SIGN UP HERE 5.–17.4.

We will accept the first 10 registered participants, so sign up quickly.

Accessibility: The Meiko route is not fully accessible. Trails are natural paths over rocky terrain and can be slippery. There are elevation differences.

Sound Like a Bird Workshop at Porkkala Village School 13–15

Date: Sat 25.4.2026
Time: 13.00–15.00
Parking: Lähteelä parking area (Läntinen Källvikintie 10, Kirkkonummi)
Follow signs to Porkkala Village School (Porkkalantie 1826, Kirkkonummi). No parking at the school.
Price: Free
No pre-registration
No age limit

In this workshop you will learn how to create with your voice the mating calls, songs and warning sounds of birds nesting and occurring in Finland. You will learn the sounds of the long-tailed duck, eider, loon, various gulls and owls, as well as ptarmigan. Expect depth, growling, clarity, bubbling, animated qualities and nasality. The workshop is open to all and offers a fun experience in exploring different ways of using the voice. 

After participating in the workshop, you are warmly invited to join the Bird Choir performance at 14.30 at Porkkala Village School. The performance demonstrates the workshop content and there is no performance pressure involved. Participants imitate different bird sounds after the instructor. Bird masks will be used in the performance. Welcome to immerse yourself in the world of birds! 

The workshop is led by award-winning singer, composer and vocal coach Sini Koskelainen, known from the ensembles Tuuletar and Kajos. She is fascinated by Finnish-Karelian folklore, birds and the exploration of the human voice. 

Photo: Sanni Pasuri

http://www.sinikoskelainen.com

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

@sini.koskelainen 

Accessibility: Porkkala Village School is not accessible (stairs and thresholds). The walking distance from the parking area to the school is approx. 800 m along the road.

Pinna Café &
Open Doors at Porkkala Village School 10–18

Date: Sat 25.4.2026
Time: 10.00–18.00
Parking: Lähteelä parking area (Läntinen Källvikintie 10, Kirkkonummi)
Follow signs to Porkkala Village School (Porkkalantie 1826, Kirkkonummi). No parking at the school.
Price: Free
No pre-registration

The pop-up café is open in the old village school. Welcome to explore the historic building’s large classroom, the surrounding landscape, and of course observe birds.

Accessibility: Porkkala Village School is not accessible (stairs and thresholds). The walking distance from the parking area to the school is approx. 800 m along the road.

Guided Nature Trail in Lähteelä 10.00 & 11.00

Date: Sat 25.4.2026
Time: 10.00 and 11.00
Location: Lähteelä parking area (Läntinen Källvikintie 10, Kirkkonummi)
Price: Free
No pre-registration
No age limit

Bird Week guides offer a guided bird and nature walk in Porkkala Lähteelä. Departures from parking area at 10.00 and 11.00. The walk lasts approx. 30–45 minutes.

Accessibility: The guided trail includes gravel paths that are accessible unless snow or ice creates obstacles. Those interested may also visit the bird tower, which requires walking a short forest path and climbing stairs.

Date: Sat 25.4.2026
Time: 8–17
Location: Räfsö, departure from the ferry pier (Långholminpolku 22, Kirkkonummi)
Price: 20 € / under 16 years 10 €
Registration 11.3.–8.4.
No age limit

Join us on a trip to Räfsö Island to explore birdwatching or learn more about birds and nature! 

Räfsö is a parish-owned island in the inner archipelago of Kirkkonummi. Departures from the ferry pier at 8.00 and 10.00. Bird Week guides speak Finnish and Swedish. Guides: Juha Lindy and Olli Manninen. 

The price includes round-trip ferry transport, coffee and lunch. During the day there is also an opportunity to use the wood-fired sauna on Räfsö.

NOTE: The excursion does not include transport to the ferry harbour. You need to  arrange your own ride.

Remember weather-appropriate clothing and good shoes suitable for walking on rocks. Also consider ticks when dressing. 

Register quickly, as the number of participants is limited. Registration is binding.

SIGN UP HERE

The tour is organised by the Kirkkonummi Parish Council, the Kirkkonummi Environmental Association and Tringa (Uusimaa Ornithological Society) in cooperation with Porkkala Bird Week.

Accessibility: Räfsö is an accessible destination. However, please note that the excursion takes place on rocky terrain and other uneven natural surfaces.

Photo: Terho Haataja

Date: Sunday 26th of April
Time: 12–15
Location: Porkkalanniemi, Lähteelä
Free entry
Sign up until 19th of April

Whether you’re a bird expert or a total newbie, come join us for a queer bird walk during the Porkkalan Bird Week.

You will get to learn about the connection between the state of nature and environmental policy while enjoying nature with other queer people!

This is a beginner friendly event, which means that you do not need to know anything about birds or environmental policy. All you need is an interest in exploring birds or environmental policy. The walk also offers an opportunity to discuss queer perspectives on environmental policy and birdwatching in a queer-safe environment.

The language of the event will be in English and Finnish, and there will be people who can assist with basic translations in Finnish/English.

If you have binoculars or a telescope, please bring them – otherwise, spares binoculars are available to share. Please check the weather and dress accordingly (also shoes). It can be very cold, windy and rocks can be slippery in Porkkalanniemi. Also keep in mind when choosing your clothing that there are ticks in the area.

Getting to the location requires a car. We also organise carpool in Whatsapp for those who want to share a ride.

We hope to see you there!

The signup form will close on the 19th of April, after which we will email you the meeting location for the event. Additionally, if you need to cancel, please let us know in advance.

SIGN UP HERE

This event is being held in collaboration between Kirkkonummen ympäristöyhdistys and Tringa and Luontoliitto. Sommer Ackerman is queer birdwatcher from the UK and based in Helsinki. They are the coordinator of the Policy Group (Politiikkaryhmävastaava) for the Finnish Nature Association (Luontoliitto).

Accessibility: It is possible to proceed along sandy routes. These are accessible, unless there is snow and ice. In addition, those who wish can visit the birdwatching tower, which requires walking a short distance along a forest path and climbing some stairs.

Date: Sun 26.4.2026
Time: 9.00–16.00
Location: Rönnskär, departure from Porkkala Harbour
Price: 79 € (members of KYY and/or Tringa)
Registration: 1.3. at 9.00 – 11.4.

The trip is fully booked

Join KYY and Tringa members on an excursion to Rönnskär lighthouse and bird observatory island. Guides: bird enthusiast Nico Niemenmaa and photographer and archipelago guide Tommi Heinonen. Rönnskär is located approx. 3 km south of the tip of Porkkala Peninsula. The island is administered by the Finnish Defence Forces and is home to the Rönnskär Bird Observatory and the decommissioned Rönnskär Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in Finland. 

As the island and surrounding area are managed by the Finnish Defence Forces, movement in the area is restricted and always requires a permit. For the same reason, participants must be Finnish citizens.

The trip is organized in cooperation with Porkkala Bird Week by Kirkkonummi Environmental Association, Tringa and Rönnskär Bird Observatory.

Detailed information and registration

The trip is a members-only excursion for KYY and Tringa members. You can join here:

Join KYY

Join Tringa