Bird-lakes of Rääkkylä and Kitee. 02/02/04; Eastern Finland; 1,227 ha; 62°10'N 029°56'E. Natura 2000 SPA, WHCP. Five lake areas distributed in a circumference of about 50km, forming the most important complex in Northern Karelia for breeding and migrating wetland birds. About 600 pairs of 18 species breed in the areas and the wetlands are important as staging areas for waterfowl during migration periods. Hovinlampi-Ylälampi, Joki-Hautalampi and Jouhtenuslampi are lake-like bays of Orivesi watercourse in a quite pristine state with boggy shores in process of slowly overgrowing. In general, the vegetation is gradually phasing into extensive flood meadows dominated by sedges. Apart from the overgrown northern part, the Juurikkajärvi lake is characterized by extensive helophyte vegetation and meadows at its edges. Päätyeenlahti is a narrow lake bay with vast and rich submerged vegetation. Extensive sedge meadows, willow growths and quaking bogs are exceptionally abundant on the shores. Hunting of waterfowl in autumn and fishing in spring is intense in most areas and, with boating activities around holiday cottages, disturbs both breeding and staging birds. Ramsar site no. 1502. Most recent RIS information: 2005.