Lesvos Island – a migration bottleneck
Lesvos Island is arguably the most famous Greek birding destination, located in the Northeast Aegean Sea, next to the Turkish mainland. The island’s proximity to Turkey means it catches migrants following the eastern routes, often leading to spectacular “fallouts” of rare Asian-influenced or Eastern Mediterranean species. It’s a rare phenomenon where many migrating birds are forced to land on the first hospitable land, resulting in an astonishing species diversity in Lesvos.
The hilly, volcanic landscape with extensive olive groves, pine forests, saltpans, and rocky coastlines provides a haven for these migratory species. If you venture into the rocky areas, you may hear a strong, thrush-like song of the elusive Rüppell’s Warbler from dense scrub or the Cretzschmar’s Bunting, often sung from a low perch in dry scrub. The soft drumming in mature coastal woods can give away the presence of the Middle Spotted Woodpecker nearby.
To catch the peak spring migration, visit Lesvos Island from mid-April to mid-May. Since species have different active times, it is best to visit Lesvos Island with a pair of thermal binoculars. This equipment will allow you to easily scan the dense scrub and olive groves, especially in the low light of dawn or dusk, and locate the heat signatures of shy birds before you even hear their distinctive songs.
Lake Kerkini – Europe’s wetland for waterbird colonies
Found in Northern Greece, in the Serres region, an artificial freshwater lake is surrounded by vast marshes, reedbeds, and riparian forests. Recognized as one of the 196 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Greece and protected by Ramsar, Lake Kerkini is home to huge waterbird breeding colonies, offering a completely different birding experience from the other islands.
Look out for Europe’s largest pelican, the Dalmatian Pelican, fishing in groups. If you spot a small diving duck with the conspicuous white patch under the tail, you have likely encountered a vulnerable Ferruginous Duck. Around the lake, next to the reedbeds, is where the Pygmy Cormorant is often found, roosting low in the riparian trees. The loud songs from the bushes of the surrounding agricultural land might alert you to the appearance of the Black-headed Bunting.
Plan your trip to Lake Kerkini in May-June for breeding birds, and January-February for huge concentrations of wildfowl. Use a powerful thermal spotter to count and monitor distant pelican and cormorant colonies in hazy conditions without disturbance, or to locate distant wildfowl at night and early morning.
Evros Delta – the Eastern corridor funnel
Located in Northeastern Greece, Thrace, bordering Turkey, the large delta zone covers 188 square kilometers of coastal lakes, sand dunes, lagoons, swamps, and reedbeds. Known as a harbor for rich wildlife, this key spot also forms a critical corridor for hundreds of thousands of migrating waterbirds and serves as an important wintering ground for fowl and raptors from the East.
Above the tree line, up in the skies, you may be lucky to get a glimpse of a rare raptor and one of Europe’s largest – the White-tailed Eagle – soaring low with its broad wings or perched on exposed posts. The Red-breasted Goose is another highly sought-after species that could be found mingling among larger flocks of White-fronted Geese. If you wander near exposed mud or saltpans, you might come across Kentish Plover, which tends to feed in a characteristic run-and-stop pattern.
Wintertime guarantees the highest numbers of wildfowls and eagles, while spring and autumn promise a view of strong migration flows. Make sure to keep your thermal device close so you don’t miss the long-awaited appearance of an eagle, locate the large flocks of wintering geese, and observe other rare species in difficult terrain and unfavorable weather conditions. Greece truly provides a distinctive combination of habitats that promises an unforgettable birding adventure. Be prepared to face the challenging, rocky scrub of Lesvos, the damp, mosquito-heavy marshes of Kerkini, and the bitter cold and strong winds of the open Evros Delta in winter. By preparing for these three unique environments with the right thermal gear, you will unlock the full spectacle of the Mediterranean flyway.
