Vallonjärvi - Heikkilänmetsä nature trail

61.24564 , 24.02989

Finland

Vallonjärvi is located in the immediate vicinity of the center of Valkeakoski. Due to the lush shore and water vegetation, the lake has a diverse birdlife, which can be explored both on the nature trail (luontopolku) and in two bird towers. Along the nature trail, there is also an old spruce forest, with lots of woodpeckers especially during winter.

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The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Olli Haukkovaara : 61.2456/24.0299 (2023-10-12 20:19:38 )

Site name was set by Olli Haukkovaara as "Vallonjärvi - Heikkilänmetsä Nature Trail" (2023-10-12 20:19:38 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-10-30 03:31:40
Vallonjärvi is located in the immediate vicinity of the center of Valkeakoski. Due to the lush shore and water vegetation, the lake has a diverse birdlife, which can be explored both on the nature trail (luontopolku) and in two bird towers. Along the nature trail, there is also an old spruce forest, with lot's lots of woodpeckers especially during winter.
Edited by Olli Haukkovaara on 2023-10-13 20:48:51
Vallonjärvi is located in the immediate vicinity of the center of Valkeakoski. Due to the lush shore and water vegetation, the lake has a diverse birdlife, which can be explored both on the nature trail and in two bird towers. Along the nature trail, there is also an old spruce forest, with lot's of woodpeckers especially during winter.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates minor)
Gray-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)
Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)

Gray-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) was added by Olli Haukkovaara (2023-10-13 20:53:28)

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates minor) was added by Olli Haukkovaara (2023-10-13 20:53:01)

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) was added by Olli Haukkovaara (2023-10-13 20:52:48)

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) was added by Olli Haukkovaara (2023-10-13 20:52:31)

White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) was added by Olli Haukkovaara (2023-10-13 20:52:16)

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) was added by Olli Haukkovaara (2023-10-13 20:51:50)

  • Timing and strategy

To see the woodpeckers, winter is the best time. Just remember to come on a calm day, with no wind, so that you can hear the woodpeckers knocking.

During summer, the best times are from late May to midsummer, when all the birds are singing

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-12 01:32
To see the woodpeckers, winter is the best time. Just remember to come in calm on a calm day, with no wind, so that you can hear the woodpeckers knocking. During summer, the best times are from late May to midsummer, when all the birds are singing
Edited by Olli Haukkovaara on 2023-12-01 16:49
To see the woodpeckers, winter is the best time. Just remember to come in calm day, with no wind, so that you can hear the woodpeckers knocking. During summer, the best times are from late May to midsummer, when all the birds are singing
  • How to get there

If you come by car, use address Tavaksentie 33, Valkeakoski, in your navigator.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Olli Haukkovaara on 2023-12-01 16:47
If you come by car, use address Tavaksentie 33, Valkeakoski, in your navigator.

Free access 24 / 7 / 365. 

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Olli Haukkovaara on 2023-10-13 20:55
Free access 24 / 7 / 365. 
  • Other attractions

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Not available yet
  • Information point is in the parking lot. 
  • There are many food stores and restaurants in downtown of Valkeakoski, only 2 kilometers away.
  • For accommodation we recommend Hotel Waltikka.
  • In Vallonjärvi, there are two birdwatching towers.
  • Nearest restrooms / toilets are in the shopping centres (Koskikara and Torikeskus) at downtown of Valkeakoski.


 

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2025-09-12 01:31
Information point is in the parking lot.  There are many food stores and restaurants in downtown of Valkeakoski, only 2 kilometers away. For accommodation we recommend Hotel Waltikka. In Vallonjärvi, the there are two birdwatching towers. Nearest restrooms / toilets are in the shopping centres (Koskikara and Torikeskus) at downtown of Valkeakoski.  
Edited by Olli Haukkovaara on 2023-10-13 21:17
Information point is in the parking lot.  There are many food stores and restaurants in downtown of Valkeakoski, only 2 kilometers away. For accommodation we recommend Hotell Hotel Waltikka. In Vallonjärvi, the are two birdwatching towers. Nearest restrooms / toilets are in the shopping centres (Koskikara and Torikeskus) at downtown of Valkeakoski.  
Edited by Olli Haukkovaara on 2023-10-13 21:06
Information point is in the parking lot.  There are many food stores and restaurants in downtown of Valkeakoski, only 2 kilometers away. For accommodation we recommend Hotell Waltikka. In Vallonjärvi, the are two birdwatching towers. Nearest restrooms / toilets are in the shopping centres at downtown of Valkeakoski.  

Don't go to Heikkilänmetsä old spruce forest during stormy days, old trees tend to fall down. 

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Olli Haukkovaara on 2023-10-13 20:59
Don't go to Heikkilänmetsä old spruce forest during stormy days, old trees tend to fall down. 
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

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