Birding, Ecotravelling & Photography in Greece

Rare Audouin's Gull sighting in Athens

2012-02-04T18:26:00.000+02:00

On February 4th, an adult Audouin's Gull was seen together with 14 Black-headed Gulls in the shallow waters of the bay of Vravrona, east of Athens. The bird was wary, flying away when approached. This is the first observation of this rare gull in Vravrona and one of the very few around Athens.

Seen together with the Black-headed, looks like their "big brother"

Even though I was more than 100 meters away, it didn't tolerate my presence...

Coot-Shepherd Gull

2012-01-29T17:13:00.001+02:00

A flock of c.1000 Coots was actually driven by a lone Yellow-legged Gull in Lake Paralimni, 100 kms north of Athens. They were very aware of the opportunistic gull who may easily prey on injured or sick birds. Lake Paralimni hosted more than 3.000 Coots along with hundreds of ducks, grebes and cormorants. Unfortunately hunting is permitted and the birds are very hard to approach...

Lake Dystos Winter Trip

2012-01-26T17:18:00.002+02:00

Lake Dystos is one of the best places for birdwatching in Evia island. A half-day trip in late January yielded 57 species, among them birds of prey like Long-legged Buzzard and Merlin.

(The lake seen from the south)

Among other species seen was one White Stork foraging on the surrounding fields. White Storks are rather regularly found in Dystos every winter, usually single birds. They have also been recorded in summer, although no nest has been found yet.

As mentioned before, Dystos is also important for birds of prey. Peregrines are resident breeders, while juvenile birds (like this one) come in fall and winter.

One of the "specialties" of Lake Dystos is the Sombre Tit. Widespread and fairly common, it is usually found in the west hillsides, in olive groves or oak stands.

Northern Greece Part 4 - Wildcat and various pics

2012-01-23T08:39:00.003+02:00

European Wildcats are rare mamals, resembling domestic cats. This one was at Evros Delta, during the second foggy day.

Wildcat (Felis silvestris) - αγριόγατα

Dead Cormorants can be seen in the fishing port of Porto Lagos, were nets protect the fish from such attacks. This is saddly the case since years now...

Common Buzzards arrive in hundreds during winter time in Evros Delta. Breeding birds are also numerous

Reed Bunting at Evros Delta

Wallcreeper

2012-01-19T11:46:00.004+02:00

Wallcreeper is one of the species that is in most birder's wish list. This secretive mountainous species is breeding in Mt Olympus, were fellow birder Savvas Vasiliadis managed to take some shots. More species of Mt Olympus, at his blog http://olympusnp.blogspot.com/

Wallcreeper at Mt Olympus, photo by Savvas Valisiadis

Northern Greece Part 3 - Winter visitors and a woodpecker

2012-01-19T09:16:00.003+02:00

Syrian Woodpecker around Rodopi Lakes

Tundra Swans at lake Vistonida

Great Grey Shrike at Porto Lagos Saltpans

Merlin at Evros Delta

Northern Greece Trip - Part 2, the breeding highlights

2012-01-17T12:16:00.003+02:00

Pygmy Cormorants and Dalmatian Pelicans are breeding in Evros Delta and Porto Lagos Lagoon. During a birding day in the area, one can see hundreds of these beautiful and world endagered species. They are usually not afraid of human presense, so one can take some nice pics.

Pygmy Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pygmeus) at Evros Delta

Dalmatian Pelicans (Pelenacus crispus) at Porto Lagos

Dalmatian Pelicans at Evros Delta

Trip to North- Greece (Evros Deltas, Porto Lagos, Rodopi Lagoons)

2012-01-17T11:30:00.006+02:00

I recently took a 3 day trip (Jan 3-5th) at the North-East part of Greece. Evros Delta, Porto Lagos and Rodopi Lagoons are some of the most important bird areas o Southern Europe.
I used Steve Mills book, which I find mostly useful for spring and autumn migrations, however several hints about wintering species were extremely helpful.
Road conditions were superb, very few spots with mud terrain. I had 88 species overall. Highlight of the trip, a female Little Bustard, a rare winter visitor in Greece. I saw the bird in Porto Lagos beach, close to the Bird Information Center.

Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax) at Porto Lagos, Jan 4th 2012

Food was cheap, gas consumption was super high with a Hyundai Tucson 4x4 (665 km, needed 90 lt of unleaded gasoline!), but the overall experience was unforgettable. The temperature was from -10 to +3 degrees Celcius. The days were sunny and sometimes fuggy over Evros Delta. Porto Lagos lagoonwas full of birds, more than anywhere else, Drana Lagoon is huge and difficult for bird observation since birds are very far away.

Things I enjoyed the most:
1. Little Bustard at Porto Lagos
2. Raptors (Goshawk, Merlin, Buzzards), Dalmatian Pelicans and Pygmy Cormorants at Evros Delta
3. White-tailed Eagles at Ismarida Lake
4. The landscape at Evros river, close to Ferres
5. Hen Harriers soaring low over ground, often at dusk
6. Hundreds of waterfowl at Porto Lagos Lagoon

I will be posting several pics from the trip during the next weeks...

Trip to Evros Delta, December 2011 (Part 3)

2011-12-15T11:44:00.000+02:00

Greylags used to be very common winter visitors in the past. Nowadays, however, they are much less common, being greatly outnumbered by White-fronted. Few tens of birds are seen each year in Evros Delta, in contrast to several thousands of WF. A very small breeding population is found in Prespa Lakes, numbering less than 50 pairs.

Trip to Evros Delta, December 2011 (Part 2)

2011-12-11T20:54:00.000+02:00

Tundra Swans Cygnus columbianus are the least common of the swans found in Greece. However, in Evros Delta they usually outnumber Whooper Swans, and several hundreds of birds can be seen in winter. This year they have already arrived in good numbers, and their characteristic calls can be heard from early December.

Λεπτόραμφος γλάρος - Larus genei - in Methoni Pierias

2011-12-08T14:37:00.001+02:00

foto charis kourouzidis

Trip to Evros Delta, December 2011 (Part 1)

2011-12-07T16:59:00.000+02:00

Evros Delta is one of the best sites for wintering birds, especially wildfowl. It hosts the largest numbers of Geese in Greece, as well as many other interesting species, including rarities like Little Bustard that was sighted a few days ago. It is also a very good place for photographers, especially those seeking good close-ups of birds like this Spoonbill that was feeding a few metres away.

Urban birding - part II

2011-12-06T10:57:00.002+02:00

Common Buzzard at Faliro Delta, Pireaus

Common Buzzard at Faliro Delta, Pireaus

Common Buzzard at Faliro Delta, Pireaus

Kestrel at Faliro Delta, Pireaus

Common Buzzard at Faliro Delta, Pireaus

Urban birding - part I

2011-12-06T10:48:00.003+02:00

With the cost of gasoline raising up to 1.60 euros/lt and the fact that family is always in priority, time for long trips for birding is limited. Therefore, most birders start to go out for birdwatching more often in our local patches.
I recently went to Faliro Delta, close to Peace and Friendship Stadium, at Pireaus. I had the chance to see quite few species, ad get some nice pics of two Common Buzzards that were soaring just above Posidonos Avenue

Great Crested Grebe at Faliro, Pireaus

Sky Lark and Crested Lark at Faliro, Pireaus

Robin at Faliro, Pireaus

Crested Lark at Faliro, Pireaus

Great White Egret at Loutsa Lagoon, Athens

Another Greek Specialty - Pheasant

2011-12-05T20:45:00.000+02:00

Greece has rhe privilege of holding the only true "wild" Pheasant population in Europe. In Nestos Delta, a good number of birds thrives in the forest edges feeding on the adjacent fields. As shown in the photo, they differ from the released Pheasants as they lack the white collar and they're also smaller and darker.

Oh my Gad(walls)

2011-11-30T18:55:00.000+02:00

Gadwalls are the least common of the "common" wintering ducks of Athens. Seen usually singly or in small groups of less than 10 birds, they are very shy, always keeping a safe distance. Six birds were seen this month in Lake Koumoundourou, among Teals, Shovelers, Ferruginous and Mallards.

Griffon Vultures over Athens

2011-11-29T13:16:00.003+02:00

3 Griffon Vultures were seen soaring over Athens at Spata area. Here's is a pic of the two of them, kindly provided by Nikos Fokas
Pygmy Cormorant is still in Tritsis Park, Athens

Please read the following report from Evros Delta, Thrace

On November 22nd, during the monitoring of birds from the Management Body of the Evros Delta National Park, 2 female Little Bustards Tetrax tetrax were observed. The observation was made in "Dimitriadis” area and the Little Bustards were near a group of about 100 White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons.

Note that the species is rare in Greece and is included in the List of Rare Birds.

Panagiotis Ioannidis

Moustached skulker

2011-11-28T17:47:00.001+02:00

Being the only Acrocephalus warbler winterng in the area, the Moustached Warbler is always a joy to see. Of course, as a true representative of its genus, it is very hard to catch, skulking in the base of the reedbeds, rarely coming out in the open and only for a few seconds. This one was seen in Schinias National Park today, November 28th, 2011.

Six o'clock Tea(l)

2011-11-27T09:15:00.000+02:00

Teals are by far the most common and widespread wintering ducks in Athens. They are found in every wetland, usually in flocks that range in size from a few birds to a few hundreds. They are also the most easily seen outside water as they enjoy sun-bathing!

Great White Visitor in Vravrona

2011-11-26T08:55:00.000+02:00

The Great White Egret has become a regular winter visitor in several wetlands of Athens. More recently, one bird spends its time along with a Grey Heron and a Little Egret in the estuary of Erasinos River in Vravrona. And why not? There's plenty of fish in the shallow waters and disturbance is limited. Let's hope it has a nice stay!

Great Surprise from a "Pygmy" Visitor

2011-11-25T18:13:00.002+02:00

Pygmy Cormorants have become quite common sights in Northern Greece. However, observations in southern Greece are very rare and irregular. One of those "stranglers" however, has chosen the Tritsis Environmental Awareness Park, which is situated north of Athens, to spend some time. Seen alone or among the small flock of Cormorants that is also wintering there, the bird is rather wary and will keep itself concealed, being out in the open only when resting on an islet found in the largest of the lakes of the Park. Let's hope that this is just the beginning and more birds will appear in the future!

Mighty Loons

2011-11-21T18:46:00.001+02:00

Kalochori Lagoon near Thessaloniki is well known among Greek birdwatchers. Among the very interesting species seen there, are Black and Red-throated Divers. The latter are unusual winter visitors so every encounter is noteworthy.

Black-throated Divers (G.arctica) are common winter visitors, especially in coastal Northern Greece

Red-throated Divers (G.stellata) are much less common, however there's seems to be an increase in the last few years

A lizard with the eyes of a snake

2011-11-10T18:18:00.000+02:00

The Snake-eyed Lizard is resident in most of the Aegean islands close to Asia Minor as well as in coastal Thrace. Its difference from all other lizards is that it lacks eyelids, having a transparent membrane instead. This ind. was seen in Lesvos Island, June 2011.

Close encounters of the finch kind

2011-11-08T18:29:00.000+02:00

This Chaffinch was REALLY close (a little bit closer and my lens wouldn't focus!) and the funny thing was that she actually came towards me and not the other way round....It seems she liked me! Today, a total of 40 species were seen in Vravrona wetland, including Great White Egret, Sparrowhawk, Penduline Tit and Fan-tailed Warbler.

Black & White Beauties

2011-11-06T02:18:00.000+02:00

Avocets are one of the most beautiful birds of Europe. Especially when seen in flight when their black and white wings are shown in full extent, like these two birds seen in Mesolonghi Lagoon.

Audouin's Gulls' close-ups

2011-10-28T20:51:00.000+03:00

Audouin's Gulls are usually seen in the Dodecanese and the Cyclades archipelago. They are very rare in coastal areas of mainland Greece. However, in Kymi Port of Evvoia, which may be an island but it is connected with a bridge with mainland Greece, as many as 10 birds can be easily seen.

Bird are flying very close to fishing boats, looking for scrap

It is not unusual to see resting Audouin's Gulls, along with other species

Pygmy Cormorant at Schinias National Park, Athens

2011-10-11T13:05:00.004+03:00

An unexpected autumn visitor, on Saturday, Oct8th, at the Rowing Center of Schinias National Park. A Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus), second sighting during the last 10 years was at the warm-up area of the center.

As usual, breeding Ferruginous Ducks are always fun to watch

Greece's less known birds

2011-10-08T22:21:00.001+03:00

Although favored by many foreign birdwatchers for its Mediterranean avifauna, Greece has also many Central European species, thriving in high altitude forests in the far north. The best place to look for them is, undoubtedly, Elatia Forest in the Prefecture of Drama in Eastern Macedonia, very close to the borders with Bulgaria. The unique Norway Spruce (Picea abies) forest is home to many birds like Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, Ring Ouzel, Willow and Crested Tit, along with Treecreeper and many others. It is also rich in mammals, including Wolves and Brown Bears.

Willow Tits are very rare in Greece. They are very similar to Marsh Tits, and they are easily told only by voice

Crested Tits are found in high altitude conifer woodland of Northern Greece

EuroBirdWatch 2011

2011-10-03T22:14:00.000+03:00

This was the first year to run EuroBirdWatch at Vravrona Wetland. Hundreds of people visited the information kiosk, while guided tours around the area presented the beauty and importance of this small but very valuable wetland near Athens. At the end, injured birds of prey (including Short-toed Eagle, Eleonora's Falcon and Montagu's Harrier), that were send to ANIMA organization for treatment, were released, a spectacle never seen before for many of the participants.

A Coot was feeding right out in the open, even though more than 40 people

were watching it from a distance of no more than 5 meters!

A second away before this Short-toed Eagle flies back to freedom!

This Montagu's Harrier was the only bird that made a full circle before flying away

Balkan Warblers on the rise

2011-10-01T21:10:00.003+03:00

Balkan Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis used to be very rare (almost accidental) sightings near Athens in the past. In the last two years, however, they have been seen in several different sites (Tritsis Park, Vravrona Wetland, Mt Hymmetus) in both migration periods. This increase is almost certainly caused by the increase of birdwatchers and not by an increase of the population. Its rarely heard sparrow-like chirping call was most probably overlooked in the past.

Redstart time

2011-09-29T20:49:00.003+03:00

Late September is the best month to see migrating Redstarts. Juveniles and females are the majority, with the odd male seen now and then. Always hiding in foliage, Redstarts can be very hard to photograph and one has to be very patient (and lucky) to get a clean view. In a small pistachio tree stand, on the 29th of September, 2011, Redstarts (including one male) were battling Spotted Flycatchers for the best post. Neither side won....

The magic trees of fall

2011-09-25T21:05:00.006+03:00

Pistachio and Turpentine trees (Pistacia palestina & P.terebinthus respectively) are one of the most important food sources for small passerines during autumn migration. It is the time when their fruits rippen, providing energy for long-distance travellers.

Sylvia warblers like this Blackcap are the most common visitors

Even Spotted Flycatchers visit these trees

Among the less common visitors, Red-breasted Flycatchers are regular

Are you looking at me?

2011-09-11T21:55:00.004+03:00

This juvenile Peregrine kept looking at us while flying overhead (fortunately, no electricity pylon around!)
Lake Dystos, 23th of August, 2011

Flycatchers and alies

2011-09-09T08:48:00.004+03:00

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) @ Schinias National Park

Stonechat (Saxicola torquata) @ Schinias National Park

Spata fields

2011-09-07T09:54:00.003+03:00

Shrikes are everywhere around Athens now, their migration is starting to decline. Three species can easily be seen in Spata fields, Lesser Grey Shrike, Red-backed Shrike and Woodchat Shrike. Two days go, a flock of 30 Bee-eaters flew over Spata and Rafina wine orchards.

Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor)

Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

Golden Eagle...at last!

2011-09-05T21:03:00.003+03:00

After several years of fruitless pursuit, I finally managed to take a decent shot of a Golden Eagle! This young, after being mobbed by a Honey Buzzard, passed over me and then vanished in the dense woodland of Dadia National Park, Evros. Widespread, but seriouslyt declined in the last decades, due to persecution, poisoning and habitat destruction, the king of the Greek mountains now faces another major threat; projects for wind farms in almost every mountain range of mainland Greece and Crete....

Spata fields

2011-09-02T09:32:00.002+03:00

Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)

Hoopoe (Upupa epops)

A short Cyprus break

2011-08-30T13:04:00.003+03:00

Sunrise close to Famagusta

During another family holiday in Cyprus I had the opportunity to photograph two species that are hard to find in Greece. Great Sand Plover and Laughing Dove (considered rarity in Greece, 3-4 breeding couples in Agia Napa Sewage works, Cyprus).
Special thanks again to Stavros and Lakis for their assistance

Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis)

Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii) @ Agia Triada, Protaras Bay

Rare but "easy": Broad-billed Sandpiper

2011-08-29T16:01:00.004+03:00

Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola falcinellus are rare passage migrants, seen almost usually singly. Nevertheless, once found they're quite easy to approach and great photos can be taken. This one was seen on August, 23rd in Lake Dystos in a shallow pool that five days later, on a second visit, had dried out...

Most Common Lizard of Attica

2011-08-26T16:07:00.004+03:00

Ocellated Skinks Chalcides ocellatus are the most common lizards in Attica. Found everywhere, especially in coastal areas, they're nonetheless very hard to watch, as they are secretive.

Red Deer of Athens

2011-08-04T09:37:00.002+03:00

As a matter of fact, these are located in Mt Parnitha, the highest mountain near Athens, that is 1.413 metres high. Released in the wild several decades ago, they have established a viable population of more than 400 individuals. The indigenous Red Deer population in Greece has crached, with very few animals left in the borders with Bulgaria, due to extensive hunting. Nevertheless, the example of Parnitha shows that its distribution could expand provided there's sufficient protection from poachers.

August around Athens

2011-08-01T09:43:00.004+03:00

The first autumn migrants have started to arrive in Athens. Red-backed Shrikes, and a lot of waders such as Wood Sandpipers, Ruff, Green Sandpipers, Little Stints.

Hoopoe on a Fig tree @ Spata

Red-rumped Swallow @ Rafina

White Stork @ Spata

Gliding Flamingo

2011-07-26T19:44:00.003+03:00

Flamingoes are usually seen in ground level, searching for food or flying away. This one, however, was seen in Schinias Marshes last March, from an observation post, offering the chance for some unusual views.

Birding during heat wave....not a good idea!

2011-07-22T19:24:00.004+03:00

In extreme heat waves, like the one we're experiencing right now in Greece, birds are active for a very short time early in the morning or before sunset. Even in Dadia forest, the temperature is very high, however raptors like the Black Vulture can be still easily seen soaring. Thank God!

Close up of the Mediterranean Swift

2011-07-20T18:18:00.003+03:00

Pallid Swifts are generally quite common in Greece, especially in the coastal areas. However, their identification is always difficult, since most of the times the sun is not helping at all. The safest way is finding a small pool or river that attracts all swifts for drinking and getting a really close look when they approach.
Pallid Swifts tend to stay longer in their breeding grounds, usually until late September, while Common Swifts leave earlier.

Breeding summary of an unusual vineyard

2011-07-17T14:10:00.008+03:00

The case of Loutros area near the Athens International Airport is very characteristic of how important are shallow freshwater bodies. An otherwise waterbird-empty area got flooded this year, both water- and birdwise. In spring, more than 110 species were recorded, including very rare ones like Citrine Wagtail and Great Snipe. In addition, Coots, Moorhens, Little Grebes, Little Ringed Plovers and Black-winged Stilts bred, while Ferruginous Ducks and Whiskered Terns were seen all summer long.

Several pairs of Black-winged Stilts nested, succesfully rearing many chicks like this one

The area was also rich in farmland birds. Crested Larks, Short-toed Larks and Black-headed Buntings were among the breeders.

Short-toed Larks are quite common in the fields near the airport

The surrounding olive groves and conifer tree stands support healthy populations of Turtle Doves, Hoopoes, Woodchat Shrikes and many other passerines.

Woodchat Shrike is the most common breeding Shrike in Attica

It's already mid July and there's still enough freshwater in the area to support fall migrants. The first Wood Sandpipers and Green Sandpipers are already there, along with Little Egrets, so August is expected to be very fruitful there!

νεαρός στρειδοφάγος - Haematopus ostralegus

2011-07-13T18:37:00.002+03:00

νεαρός στρειδοφάγος - Haematopus ostralegus, a photo by xaris.kour on Flickr.

Greece's largest Gecko

2011-07-10T16:13:00.003+03:00

The Moorish Gecko (Tarentola mauretanica) is the largest and least common gecko of Greece. Found in southern Greece and a few of the islands, including Crete, this gecko can be easily seen in walls of houses and other man-made habitats. Larger than the Turkish Gecko, the Moorish can be also told by its feet that have almost no toe-tips extending.

Fall migration has begun

2011-07-08T18:13:00.003+03:00

Wood Sandpipers are among the earliest fall migrants. The first birds are seen as early as late June, and this flock of c.30 birds was resting in Aigio Lagoon, a small but very important brackish wetland in northern Peloponesse. Other birds seen include three Mediterannean Gulls, Black-winged Stilts, Common and Little Terns as well as Kentish Plovers.

One day in the land of the Vultures

2011-07-05T22:38:00.003+03:00

It's almost impossible to be in Crete and not see at least one Griffon Vulture. These guys are virtually everywhere and, fortunately, they are not shy at all. This bird was seen near Xarakas village in Asterousia mountain range in South Crete. Asterousia is a haven for birds of prey, holding healthy populations of Griffons, Golden Eagles, Bonelli's Eagles, Lanners and Peregrines, while it's one of the last refuges of the Lammergeier. Furthermore, Choughs are numerous, as well as Ravens and Rock Doves. Being only an hour or so away from Herakleion, it's definitely a must for summer birding in Crete!

juv, Tadorna tadorna in Aliakmon delta

2011-07-05T02:12:00.001+03:00

Long waited sighting

2011-06-29T20:37:00.004+03:00

Long-eared Owls are quite common in Greece, however they are always very secretive and extremely hard to see. In Egnatia Hotel, Alexandroupolis, a pair has been nesting in the adjacent park for many years, but I had never seen any bird. I finally made it this year, as two juveniles were begging all night long in a pine tree very close to the hotel's entrance. Waiting for the sunrise, I managed to locate one that was preparing to go to sleep, and I took some nice photos (at last!)

Leptokaria, Prefecture of Pieria

2011-06-28T11:41:00.003+03:00

A short weekend trip to Leprokaria (close to Litochoro and Katerini) can be very rewarding.
I managed to see Levant Sparrowhawk quite a few times (lot of birds are nesting in the area) and managed to take some close pics of Red-backed Shrike, Black-eared Wheatear.
Other interesting birds that nest in the surrounding area:
Lesser Kestrel, Common Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon (@Olympus Mt), Eleonorae's Falcon (@Olympus Mt.), Hoopoe, Common Whitethroat, Subalpine Warbler, Cirl Bunting

Summer birding in Athens

2011-06-19T14:51:00.006+03:00

June may not sound like the best month for birding in Athens, since the weather is usually very hot and dry. However, it may be the best month to enjoy late comers, like Rufous Bush Robins and Black-headed Buntings.

Rufous Bush Robins are almost always seen in (very) late May, and it's singing all June long...

Black-headed Buntings are coming in May and stay only until July. Their distribution near Athens is limited, yet there are still a few places holding several pairs.

Furthermore, all the other resident or migrant breeders (Ruppell's Warbler, Cretzschmar's Bunting, Rock Sparrow, etc) are still active, provided there's not any strong heat wave and you are not birding at noon!

Hope for Attica's Rarest Raptor

2011-06-09T21:50:00.004+03:00

The last surviving pair of Bonelli's Eagles in Attica reared successfully one chick and now both parents and their offspring can be seen together in Sounio area!

It's really great news for such an endangered species, threatened by poaching, poisoning and habitat loss all over the Mediterranean. We wish all the best to this year's young!

Lake Dystos has it all!

2011-06-02T22:50:00.007+03:00

Late May is most probably the best month to visit Lake Dystos and the surroundings, if you want to see the breeding specialties; even the late-coming Olive-tree Warblers have taken their posts, while Black-headed Buntings are abundant. Almost every electricity post has at least one Lesser Kestrel perching, while the nearby hills are crowded with Sylvia warblers, including the Ruppell's Warbler, that has a rather restricted range in mainland Greece.

Ruppell's Warbler is common in the slopes of Koskinas Mt, south of Prasino village

Lesser Kestrels can be seen everywhere close to the lake, feeding on large insects

In the lake itself, Purple Herons, Ferruginous Ducks and Little Bitterns are summer visitors, while at least 2 pairs of Bitterns are resident, although all of them are hard to see due to the thick reedbeds covering almost every inch of the lake...If you add raptors like Long-legged Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Eleonora's Falcon (common non-breeding summer visitor), then surely you have a quite impressive bird count for such a low-profile site!

for birdwatchers.

Rock Sparrow colony found near Athens!

2011-05-29T20:10:00.004+03:00

During his search for Rosy Starlings that were recently seen near Spata, our good friend and expert birdwatcher Panagiotis Latsoudis found a small colony of Rock Sparrows near the town of Markopoulo, very close to Athens International Airport! The birds were found in an abandoned stone quarry, and this is really good news for such a hard to see species!

Half-day trip to Mt Parnassos

2011-05-21T00:09:00.007+03:00

Mt Parnassos is the closest of Greece's "high" mountains (altitude>2000 m.). It is a very popular site for ski lovers in winter, while in summer it's also one of the best places to watch forest and alpine birds. Dense Greek Fir woodland, many plateaus and clearings, along with an extensive alpine zone are what makes bird diversity high. During our half day trip we managed to see many of its specialties, although there was still a lot of snow covering the higher altitudes.

White-backed Woodpecker is one of the least common woodpeckers in Greece.

Alpine Choughs are a common sight in Mt Parnassos. Flocks of up to c.100 birds can be seen

Alpine Accentors can be seen in the higher altitudes.

Other species seen include Black Woodpecker, Rock Partridge, Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, Sombre Tit, Red-rumped Swallow, and many more!

Another Rarity in Spata

2011-05-17T20:18:00.004+03:00

The flooded vineyards of Loutros area, near the Athens International Airport host another rare visitor of Athens. A Spur-winged Plover was recorded on the 16th of May and is still there!

Spur-winged Plovers are very rare summer visitors in Northern Greece, with an estimate of less than 50 breeding pairs. They are also very rare on passage, especially near Athens.

This year, more than 100 species have been seen, so far, in Loutros flooded vineyards. A really good year indeed!

Προσφορά για διαμονή-αυτοκίνητο στη Λέσβο

2011-05-17T09:00:00.003+03:00

Για τη φθινοπωρινή μετανάστευση 26/8-30/9/2011

Ξενοδοχείο Πασιφάη www.pasiphae.gr

85 ευρώ το δίκλινο με πρωινό και την κάλυψη ενοικίασης αυτοκινήτου με πλήρη ασφάλεια και ελεύθερα χλμ ημερησίως. Εάν πρόκειται για οικογένεια τετραμελή ή δυο ζευγάρια μπορούν να έχουν ένα αυτοκίνητο και δυο δίκλινα στην τιμή των 135 ευρώ ημερησίως. Το αυτοκίνητο είναι της Budget Λέσβου και είναι μέχρι 1200 κυβικά, παραλαβή από το αεροδρόμιο ή το λιμάνι.

Ειδικές τιμές ενοικίασης για birdwatchers προσφέρει και η εταιρεία ενοικιάσεων TSALIS

Lesvos 2011 trip report

2011-05-16T11:38:00.002+03:00

Here is the complete trip report, together with the species bird list, from our 2011 Lesvos trip

Lesvos 6-8 May, part III

2011-05-16T08:03:00.003+03:00

Certzschmar's Bunting @ Lesvos

Rock Nuthatch @ Lesvos

Masked Shrike @ Lesvos

Sombre Tit @ Lesvos

Female Red-footed Falcon @ Lesvos

"I saw it through the grapevine..."

2011-05-15T22:39:00.003+03:00

Spoonbill is not exactly the bird you expect to see in a vineyard. If, however, you're in the flooded area of Loutros in Spata, Athens then everything's possible!

Lesvos, 6-8 May, part II

2011-05-12T07:54:00.000+03:00

Black Stork @ Lesvos Island

Birdwatchers in Kalloni Pools, Lesvos, enjoing close views of the Black Stork

Whiskered Tern @ Lesvos Island

Ruddy Shelduck @ Lesvos Island

Lesser Grey Shrike @ Lesvos

Olivaceous Warbler @ Lesvos

Lesvos, 6-8 May, part I

2011-05-11T09:53:00.004+03:00

Cinereous Bunting @ Paraoila

Kruepper's Nuthatch @ Achladeri Forest
We had great time in Lesvos, from 6-8 May. A total of 115 species in 3 days, not so many as we expected, since it has been a very late and slow migration. We missed breeding such as Olive-tree Warbler, but we had the following highlights:
-Goshwak @ Parakoila
- Levant Sparrowhawk @ Sigri-Eressos road
- Baillon's Crake @ Metochi Lake
- Cattle Egret @ Kalloni Saltpans

Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes) @ Sigri-Eressos road

Baillon's Crake (Porzana pusila) @ Metochi Lake

Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) @ Parakoila

More pictures and bird lists to be posted soon

Flycatcher wave in downtown Athens

2011-04-29T18:48:00.007+03:00

From the 20th to the 25th of April, Lycabettus Hill was "flooded" by Ficedula spp. flycatchers. Birds were everywhere, calling and defending their space from each other. In a patch less than 100 meters long once could see all three species!

Collared Flycatchers were the first to arrive and in the early days they outnumbered Pied

As days passed, Pied Flycatchers built up their numbers and dominated the forest.

Semi-collared Flycatchers were also seen, in much smaller numbers of course.

Migration update

2011-04-27T10:52:00.005+03:00

New arrivals
Lesser Kestrel, Red-footed Falcon, Woodchat Shrike, Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Short-toed Lark

Rarities: Great Snipe, Citrine Wagtail both @ Spata flooded fields
N

Nothern Wheatear @ Spata fields

Turtle Dove @ Spata fields

Night Heron @ Spata fields

Caspian Tern @ Schinias National Park

Woodchat Shrike @ Rafina

Short-toed Lark @ Spata fields

Collared Pratincole @ Loutsa Lagoon

Raptor's Easter, part II

2011-04-27T10:48:00.004+03:00

Common Buzzard @ Spata fields

Lesser Kestrel @ Spata fields

female Red-footed Falcon @ Spata fields

Red-footed Easter

2011-04-25T21:00:00.004+03:00

Red-footed Falcons Falco vespertinus are always a pleasure to watch. Usually arriving in late April, this colorful birds of prey frequent open areas with cultivations, feeding on large insects. Loutros site, near the airport, apart from being a splendid seasonal wetland this year, is always the best place to find this and other interesting visitors, like Lesser Kestrel, Pallid Harrier and Roller.

Terns, Ducks and Ibises

2011-04-23T08:04:00.003+03:00

Ferruginous Ducks breed at Schinias National Park

Glossy Ibises are common migrants in Spata field, when there is enough water

Gull billed Terns have invaded Athens. Flocks of 20-30 birds were seen in Spata, Loutsa Lagoon, Schinias National Park

More April migrants

2011-04-22T11:08:00.002+03:00

Pied Flycatcher @ Schinias National Park

Collared Flycatcher @ Schinias National Park

Short-toed Lark @ Spata

Whinchat @ Spata

Red-throated flash

2011-04-21T15:51:00.006+03:00

Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus - Κοκκινοκελάδα, are the least common of the pipits seen regularly, yet they can be sometimes very easily seen during spring migration. This one literally came to me; I was standing in front of a flooded field full of swallows when this red fellow landed just a few meters away. Posed for a few seconds then gone as fast as it came....This and many more species can be seen in great numbers in the flooded plain of Spata, which has become 2011's hot spot, thanks to the heavy rains that created temporary wetlands.

And here's is another one from Spyros, from the same area!

Spata is full of new arrivals

2011-04-20T08:23:00.003+03:00

Great Spotted Cuckoo

Yesterday's arrivals 19/4/2011:
Squacco Herons, Glossy Ibis, Red-footed Falcon, Montagu's Harrier, Gull-billed Terns, Whiskered Tern, Black Terns, White-winged Terns, Pied Avocet, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Collared Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Nightingale, Turtle Dove

Squacco Heron

Whiskered Tern

Collared Flycatcher

Red-footed falcons and Montagu's Harier arrived

2011-04-20T08:18:00.002+03:00

Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) @ Spata fields, 19/4/2011

male Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygarcus) @ Spata fields, 19/4/2011

Lesvos, May 6-8th 2011

2011-04-13T11:08:00.003+03:00

Our team will be in Lesvos for 3 days, May 6th to May8th. Birdwatching in the island is unique, with rarities, vagrants and some interesting breeding species such as Krueper's Nuthatch, Cinereous Bunting and Masked Shrike.

Cinereous Bunting

Krueper's Nuthatch

Masked Shrike

Lesvos had become a major birding destination

6th Attica Bird Race, 2011

2011-04-11T21:27:00.008+03:00

169 species, of which many rare for Attica like Ruddy Shelduck, Great Snipe, Jack Snipe, Caspian Tern and, of course - the newest addition to Greek Checklist - the Pallas's Warbler, were seen in a single day by 15 teams.

Ruppell's Warbler Sylvia rueppelli, Mt Hymettus

Apart from the well known sites, like Schinias Marshes, Mt Hymettus and Oropos Lagoon, competitors visited many other less known areas, like Loutros fields near the airport that for the first time in the last five years has become an excellent wetland due to the heavy rains of this winter. More than 140 Glossy Ibis, two Flamingoes, a Great Snipe and many other waders and wildfowl were recorded in this seasonally flooded vineyard!

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus, Loutros wet meadows

Schinias National Park

2011-04-07T12:06:00.003+03:00

recent sightings
April 5th 2011 @ Schinias National Park
Night Heron, Purple Heron, Short-toed Eagle, Spotted Crake, Jack Snipe (3), Caspian Tern (1rst for Schinias National Park),

Black-eared Wheatear

Marsh Harrier

Short-toed Eagle

Spotted Crake

Caspian Tern

Intimate moments

2011-04-07T12:04:00.000+03:00

Common Buzzard @ Schinias National Park

Breaking News! New species in Greek checklist!

2011-04-04T18:14:00.002+03:00

A new species for Greece was added this weekend! A Pallas's Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus, Νανοφυλλοσκόπος, was recorded in Mt Hymettus, very close to Athens! The bird was first seen by Michalis Kotsakis, a keen birdwatcher and very soon the word was spread and almost every Athenian birdwatcher paid a visit to the site. Fortunately the bird was very "hospital" and everybody got a very good look at it, as it was singing all the time, making its presence very clear, and showing no fear to human presence. Unfortunately, as a true "hybrid" of Phylloscopus warbler and Regulus crest, it was moving restlessly from one branch to another, making it very hard to capture it on film....

Raptors and more

2011-04-04T09:10:00.006+03:00

April 2nd 2011

Osprey - 1 @ Vravrona Estuary
Black Kite - 2 @ Vravrona Estuary
Oystercatcher - 1 @ Vravrona Estuary

Black-winged Stilt - 16 @ Loutsa Lagoon (possibly highest count ever in this area)

Black-eared Wheatear, Rueppell's Warbler, Cretzschmar's Bunting @ Imittos Mt

Migration Report: Rhodes 31/3-1/4/2011

2011-04-02T11:55:00.005+03:00

This male Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus - Στεπόκιρκος, was seen in the island of Rhodes, resting in an old Italian airfield near Lindos. Other interesting migrants seen were Black-eared Wheatears, Wood Sandpipers and Hoopoes.

New Arrivals 29/3/11

2011-03-29T18:48:00.001+03:00

Glossy Ibis: 1 at Schinias Woodchat Shrike: 1 at Schinias

Spring pics

2011-03-29T09:49:00.003+03:00

Black-headed Wagtail (apparently lacking tail)

Northern Wheatear

Short-toed Lark - Spata fields, Schinias National Park
Pallid Harrier - 1 @Spata fields
Subalpine Warbler - Pendeli Mt

Last week of March

2011-03-28T09:12:00.003+03:00

Spur-winged Plover @ Schinias National Park

Night Herons over Schinias National Park

Some rare spring visitors have recently arrived in Athens
Spur-winged Plover - 1 @ Schinias National Park
Dotterel - 4 @ Spata fields

other interesting migrants
Flamingo - 1 @ Spata fields
Great Spotted Cuckoo - 2 @ Schinias National Park
Night Heron - 8 @ Schinias National Park

Stonechat with ring, at Schinias National Park

Hoopoes are now everywhere!

Balkan Express....

2011-03-27T17:50:00.007+03:00

The Balkan Warbler (aka Eastern Bonelli's Warbler) Phylloscopus orientalis, is not a very common sight in southern Greece. In fact, it was very rarily seen in the past. However, in the last two or three years sightings have become more common. It is not known whether this is due to the presence of more observers in the field, or the increase of the population. So far, individuals in Attica have been seen in Mt Hymmetus, Vravrona Wetland, even Tritsis Park in Athens!

Garganey(e)

2011-03-26T22:33:00.003+02:00

Male Garganeys are definitely impressive ducks. Being the only wildfowl species that actually doesn't winter in Greece, it is spared from intensive hunting that all other ducks (protected or not) are subjected to every winter in the so called "protected" areas....

Waders are arriving

2011-03-23T07:47:00.003+02:00

22/3/2011
Loutsa Lagoon

Black-winged Stilt (3), Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Common Swift, Black-headed Wagtail

Spata fields
Black-tailed Godwit (30), Marsh Sandpiper, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper

Some interesting arrivals

2011-03-19T17:28:00.003+02:00

Subalpine Warbler - 2 @ Vravrona
Wryneck - 1 @ Vravrona
Eastern Bonelli's Warber - 1 @ Vravrona

Black-winged Stilt - 1 @ Spata fields
Short-toed Lark @ Spata fields

More arrivals

2011-03-18T12:05:00.004+02:00

Black-headed Wagtails (M.flava feldegg) have invaded marshes and lagoons

Other sightings

Little Egret - 3 @Loutsa Lagoon
Black-winged Stilt - 1 @ Loutsa Lagoon
Green Sandpiper - 1 @ Loutsa Lagoon
Northern Wheatear - 2 @ Spata fields

Simply marvellous....

2011-03-17T20:29:00.002+02:00

Male Cirl Buntings are always great to watch, because of their vivid colours. This one, however, was unique as it was sitting in the grass, making this beautiful contrast....

2011-03-14T13:51:00.002+02:00

Here is a photo of the Great Spotted Cuckoo, taken yesterday in the area of Mandra, near Athens:

Mid March migrants

2011-03-14T12:52:00.002+02:00

13/3/2011

Golden Plover - 12 @ Spata fields
Northern Wheatear - 5 @ Spata fields
Great Spotted Cuckoo - 1 @ Mandra

12/3/2011 @ Schinias National Park
Garganey - 2
Shoveler - 15
Flamingo - 1
Crag Martin
Barn Swallows
House Martins
Yellow Wagtail

Piece of C(r)ake

2011-03-12T18:12:00.003+02:00

Little Crakes Porzana parva - Μικροπουλάδα, are the commonest Crake species seen during migration. Nevertheless, they can be very easily overlooked due to their small size and skulking behavior. This one, however, in Vravrona wetland was so busy searching for food that wasn't paying attention to me, (as long as I was staying inside the car). It was one of those really relaxing and stress-free close encouter experiences for both of us!

Pics of the first migrants

2011-03-11T12:19:00.004+02:00

10/3/2011

House Martins: 4 birds @ Loutsa Lagoon
Northern Wheatear: 1 male @ Spata fields
Skylarks: 100+ @ Spata fields

Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) - Σταχτοπετρόκλης

Skylark (Alauda arvensis) - Σιταρήθρα

House Martin (Delichon urbicum) - Σπιτοχελίδονο

Bitterns in the plain

2011-03-10T21:10:00.004+02:00

Bitterns are fairly common but very discreet winter visitors, blending with the reedbeds most of the time. Sometimes, though, they are caught up in fairly open areas and it's really very funny watching them as they try to look like reeds in the middle of nowhere! This one was on the fringe of vegetation, and a few seconds later it walked into the safety of the nearby reedbed, just in front of the Vravrona Archaeological Museum.

Tonight's migration report

2011-03-08T18:35:00.002+02:00

Hoopoe: 1 in Oropos lagoon
Red-rumped Swallow: Oropos lagoon

Migration News Flash

2011-03-06T21:30:00.004+02:00

House Martin: 50+ in Vravrona
Barn Swallow: 1 in Vravrona
Little Ringed Plover: 6 in Vravrona

Today's migration report

2011-03-05T07:08:00.004+02:00

4/3/2011

Northern Wheatear - 1 male @ Spata fields
Green Sandpiper - 6 birds @ Spata fields
Grey Heron - 4 birds @ Loutsa Lagoon
Mallard - 2 females @ Loutsa Lagoon

Slow migration

2011-03-04T07:31:00.003+02:00

3/3/2011
Common Crane - 4 flying over Spata fields
Little Ringed Plover - 2 @ Spata fields
House Martins - 200+ @ Koumoumdourou Lake, Daphni

Migration update

2011-02-28T08:49:00.003+02:00

Some more sighting from February 2011, Athens
25.02
Common Crane - 1 mature bird flying over @ Spata fields,

26.02
Redshank - 2 birds @ Spata fields
Lapwing - 1 bird @ Spata fields
Golden Plover - flocks flying over @ Spata fields