Bird Wetlands of Haapavesi. 02/02/04; Oulu; 3,616 ha; 64°15'N 025°30'E. Natura 2000 SPA, SCI, WHCP and Mire Conservation Programme. Eight closely situated lakes and two mires forming a diverse wetland complex with an exceptionally high density of breeding and staging waterfowl and waders in the Middle-Ostrobothnia. In spring or autumn, more than 1,000 individuals of Wigeons, Tufted Ducks and Goldeneyes can be seen and more than 400 Whooper Swans rest at the lakes on peak days. At Lake Ainali the highest daily counts of both waterfowl and waders may reach more than 2,000 individuals in May. The site represents the mire vegetation regions of southern aapa mires and of eccentric bogs and Sphagnum fuscum bogs, but also sedge fens supporting wide growths of water horsetail and nympheids. The lakes are surrounded mainly by paludified forests of pine and birch. Open mires are separated from each other by various types of pine bogs and spruce mires, which in certain places transform into wet meadows and grassy types. Draining activities are causing an increase of the humus content of the waters and the drying up of some flark areas of the mires in recent years. Significant values of the site also include birdwatching and outdoor recreation. Ramsar site no. 1504. Most recent RIS information: 2005.