Life in coastal meadows and sea bays quiets down
The extensive beds of common reeds lining Ruissalo’s shallow sea bays turn yellow as the plants transfer chlorophyll into their roots to await the next growing season. The cooling of the water and the decreasing sunlight also cause the submerged plants under the surface to wilt. Migrating waterfowl and waders stop by the bay to rest and replenish their energy reserves, but soon take off again to continue their journey south. The grazers that have maintained the coastal meadows throughout the summer are moved indoors as the meadow plants stop growing. The cows, sheep and horses have carried out important nature management work by keeping the meadows open. Their task is now aided by barnacle geese, which can be seen in the autumn feeding in the thousands in the coastal meadow by Ruissalo’s Rantapromenadi.
