Birdphotography

An island of birds of prey and more

The largest island in Greece is an immense ornithological field from one end to the other. Crete embraces the landscape, the people, and Nature, from the coastline to the peak of the highest mountain.

One will have to overcome a sweet dizziness caused by the plethora of choices laid before them, and pick the place to see first: mountains or hills, plains or small dispersed wetlands, capes or beaches? Bearded Vultures, Griffon Vultures, Golden Eagles, Red-billed Choughs, Lanner Falcons, Eleonora’s Falcons, Ruppell’s Warblers, residents, migrants and rare visitors mainly from the East… It is impossible to choose!

Coupled with the sights, the famed Cretan cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the local people, any visit to Crete is definitely an unforgettable one!

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The crossroads of birds

The estuary of the river Evros (Evros Delta) forms an eminent wetland complex, consisting of lagoons, swamps and marshes, canals and reeds, sheltering huge numbers of birds. It is a wetland of international significance, part of the Ramsar Convention, as many important populations of aquatic birds, waders, birds of prey, and several others gather there, many of which are rare at a national, European, and global level. Moreover, it would not be uncommon to happen upon a European Ground Squirrel or a Jackal.

It is an ideal destination for birdwatching and photography, throughout the year, but mostly during migration and wintering season.
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Man and Nature in a great coexistence

An absolutely beautiful wetland of international significance, and part of the Ramsar Convention. Maybe the most striking lake in Greece and definitely the most rich in avifauna: the Dalmatian Pelicans that remain all year long are the crown jewel of bird species in the area, along with the rare Lesser White-fronted Geese, coming to winter here.

It combines wanderings around the lake and the surrounding lake areas, with the neighboring mountains Beles and Mavrovouni (Krousia), as well as with naturalistic walks, horse-riding, and other activities. Throughout the region there are good numbers of Otters and Wildcats, one can enjoy a very luscious flora, and in many cases butterflies -and moths- often overwhelm the space.

Do not skip the boat ride by the riverside forest, at the banks of the Strymonas river and the platforms of the pelicans; an unforgettable experience that you simply must go through.
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The mountain of Gods and Nature

The highest and most daunting mountain of Greece is definitely the one birding destination where no birdwatcher who decides to cross its myth-filled paths and visit its shelters will be left wanting. Forest birds are present in large populations, just like birds of the subalpine zone, and large birds of prey. All this, on a mountain with a lush flora and a multitude of endemic species.

At a short distance from the National Park of Olympus, Dion, the archaeological space dedicated to Zeus - “Father of Gods and Men”, and the excellent beaches of Pieria offer alternative forms of entertainment and fun.
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The island of surprises

One of the most popular destinations in Greece and in Europe, Lesvos gathers each year a host of visitors from all over the world; this is due to a wide variety of habitats which attract an exceptionally large number of birds all year long.

The Krüper's Nuthatch, the Cinereous Bunting, and the White-throated Robin are the three bird species that in all of Europe can only be found here. The same applies for the Asian Squirrel, or “Galia”.

Any comfort one would ask for can be found at the seaside villages of the island, while the seafront restaurants and taverns promise tastings of Greek cuisine together with local ouzo.

Do not forget to wander the paths of the famous Petrified Forest, a clear example of the Aegean’s geo-historical evolution, and a birdwatching spot for the White-throated Robin.
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4 rivers next to the “bride of the Gulf of Thermaikos”

The wetland complex of four large rivers (Gallikos, Axios, Loudias, Aliakmonas) is a place everyone must see in central Macedonia: herons, ducks, pelicans, waders, terns, birds of prey, and passerines are all crowded together in a widespread area where lagoons and marshlands are included. And, of course, it is an internationally important wetland, part of the Ramsar Convention.

An attentive observer will be thrilled by the surviving population of European Ground Squirrels in the region, as well as with the small number of Grey Partridges.

Access to this ecosystem is quite easy, as it is situated just a few kilometers away from the city of Thessaloniki.
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History meets Nature

The holy city of Mesologgi, with its historic memories, stands majestically on the east side of an almost vast wetland area: from the estuary of the river Evinos and the Kleisova lagoon to the estuary of the river Acheloos, the birds can choose from a variety of habitats, depending on their biological requirements. Rightfully so, it joined the Greek list of internationally significant wetlands of the Ramsar Convention.

The neighboring mountains focusing on the Kleisoura Gorge provide the dual possibility for birdwatching and photographing birds of prey.

A place renowned for its gastronomic riches, and especially seafood, is sure to never be forgotten!
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All forest birds of the country in one ecosystem

The richest, in biodiversity, forest in Greece gathers every forest bird species that can be observed in the country: Western Capercaillies, Hazel Grouses, woodpeckers, Nutcrackers and the very elusive Eurasian Pygmy Owl are just some of them. This extensive region also shelters many other animal species, such as Brown Bears, Grey Wolves, Red Deers, Roe deers, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Not to leave out, naturally, the lavish flora and the numerous insects and butterflies that reside here.

The basic forest roads are easily accessible, while several auxiliary paths create an extra motivation for the exploration of the area’s full grandeur.
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Home of the Cinereous vulture

The “National Park of Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest” is the last refuge of the Cinereous vulture in Greece and in southeast Europe. It is also a “meeting point” for numerous other birds of prey like the White-tailed Eagle, the Eastern Imperial Eagle, the Griffon Vulture, the Egyptian Vulture, the Booted Eagle, the Black Kite, the Greater Spotted Eagle and the Lesser Spotted Eagle.

In the broader area, the Levant Sparrowhawk, the Roller, the Barred Warbler, the Olive-tree Warbler, the Semicollared Flycatcher, the Masked Shrike and the Eastern Orphean Warbler reproduce, rendering this destination as one of the top choices for birdwatching and bird-photography.

This is a beautiful, natural recreational place, and it couldn’t be so without the presence of mammals, as well as amphibians and reptiles.
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Artificial but fascinating

The reservoirs of this former lake attract large bird populations, as they are situated at the center of Greece and are surrounded by both major arable lands and low hills.

Pelicans, storks, ducks, waders, gulls and terns find a safe haven here, along with several birds of prey and smaller birds. Surrounding the lake, at the villages in the plain, one can also observe large populations of the endangered Lesser Kestrel, and smaller numbers of the Long-legged Buzzard.

Not far from Karla is Mavrovouni, an ideal mountain for observing forest species (like the White-backed Woodpecker), and a little farther lies Volos, a coastal city situated at the foot of mount Pilio, which provides all the necessary amenities and a wealth of attractions.
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The “lakes” of Thrace

This rich wetland complex is one of international importance (part of the Ramsar Convention) due to its enormous environmental value. Saltwater, freshwater, and brackish water; beaches, lagoons, lakes, wet meadows, canals, streams, swamps, marshes, and reed beds interchange harmoniously offering generously excellent habitats for wildlife.

As is only natural, birds are not absent and their variety is exceedingly broad, throughout the year.

Indeed, this is one of the very few places in Greece where the presence of the Slender-billed Curlew have been recorded, and the White-headed Duck appears regularly almost every winter – in many of these appearances, its population typically fluctuates in the hundreds.

The river Nestos Delta lies in a relatively short distance, along with its famous riverside forest, its population of wild Common Pheasant, unique to Greece and to Europe, and its renowned Jackals.
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The alluring lakes of West Macedonia

The mountain lakes of the Great and Lesser Prespa at the northwest border of Greece remain a true and eternal "home" of the globally endangered pelicans of our continent, namely the Dalmatian and the Great White Pelican. Such encounters with them, apart from quite frequent, are more than impressive and -naturally- memorable. The Lesser Prespa, is one of the wetlands of international significance of the Ramsar Convention.

The lovely lake of Kastoria, with its calm waters and magnificent scenery, as well as the traditional houses of the namesake lakeside city, apart from relaxation and birdwatching (especially Pygmy Cormorant and pelicans), provide alternative forms of rest and tourism.
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A vast wetland complex

Amvrakikos is generally the place where in a relatively large area, almost everything meets together: sea, coast, wetlands, plains, meadows, hills, mountains, forests, villages, all outstretched in space.

A wetland of international importance, and protected by the Ramsar Convention. There are countless birds everywhere; all year round. There are birds that live here all their lives and others that come to nest; some pass through and stop to rest, while others choose to winter here.

The ruins of the Roman city Nikopolis and the city of Preveza are two attractions that can be ideally combined with a visit to the area.

A special “reference point” are the bay Bottlenose dolphins: a memorable moment for all the many people who come across them!
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The pine trees, the reed bed, and the bird with the mustache

Very close to the city of Patras, at the northwest end of Peloponnesus, lies an exceptional ecosystem. From Cape Araxos and the Papas fishery, to Lake Kalogria, the Black Mountains, and the swamps of Lamia, the natural scenery is magical. Just as magical -and definitely astonishing- is the unique forest of Strofylia. It is, therefore, perfectly normal for a large part of the area to be protected under the Ramsar Convention.

A few kilometers to the south, the lagoon Kotychi complements the opportunity to visit one of the most important Greek wetland ecosystems.
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Sea, sun and birds

Known worldwide for their beautiful beaches, the austere landscapes, and their warm hospitality, the Aegean Islands are also full of wildlife and -of course- birds!

From across the Aegean Sea, the seabirds, the Audouin's Gull, the Eleonora’s Falcon, and many other species occupy the small space and survive along with several other organisms.

Though perhaps the Aegean seems like a unified ecosystem, the differences in the presence of bird species in each island are most impressive, thus, causing the visitor to know and to observe them. Even the most remote rocky islets function as "lifeboats" for -mostly- migratory birds, which continue on in their endless journey across the Mediterranean Sea.
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Whether you have a few hours at your disposal, an entire day or even a few days, birding tours around Athens can provide you with a first impression of the variety of birds that one would encounter in Greece. Indeed, depending on the season, these tours could prove particularly productive, as the habitats of Attica at times conceal great surprises and promise unforgettable moments in the field.

The prefecture of Attica and Athens, the populous capital of the country, could perhaps deter a birdwatcher or bird photographer from visiting. But the truth is quite the opposite. Many birdwatchers and bird photographers regard Attica amongst their top choices, for many convincing reasons.

More than half species of the country’s official bird catalog have been recorded in the area. Attica’s geographical position, its rich terrain, and its excellent Mediterranean climate, render it as the perfect destination for a variety of birds.

Low mountains, forests, thickets, rural landscapes, lagoons, marshes, ponds, beaches, and several seasonal streams, provide many species with the opportunity to not only use the region as a post in their annual movements, but also to take advantage of the location for their yearly circle of life as a place of reproduction or even permanent stay.

Lycabettus, Zappeion, Acropolis and the hill Strefi are literal oases in the center of Athens. Parnitha, Hymettus, and Pendeli are the three most important mountains of the area, quite close to the city center. Rural areas, with vineyards and olive groves, are scattered in the county, mainly around the eastern part. Wetlands like Schinias National Park, Vravrona, Oropos, Vourkari, and the Faliron Delta, are situated just a few minutes to an hour away from the city. The same applies for the beaches as well!

Some of the most important and impressive species that a birdwatcher could come across in Attica, depending on the season, are the following: Chukar Partridge, Ferruginous Duck, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Cory’s Shearwater, Yelkouan Shearwater, Pallid Harrier, Bonelli’s Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Little Owl, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Isabelline Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Ruppell’s Warbler, Moustached Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Penduline Tit, Olive-tree Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Western Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Spanish Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Cretzschmar’s Bunting and Black-headed Bunting.

Apart from the birds, Attica (and especially Athens), is beautifully vibrant, it has renowned attractions, endless fun, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and a splendid sea that embraces it all around. It is worth visiting even for a few hours or days, just for the acquaintance and -of course- birdwatching and photographing!
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