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their habitat in many countries around the world.
Remember, the next time you travel you do not have to miss the birdwatching, if your partner or travel companions are non birders; a local guide is flexible, and will easily accommodate other needs too.
Birdwatching in Greece
Greece is worldwide known for its great history, sandy beaches, one of the most famous holiday destinations. On the other hand, few birdwatchers realize that, this small European country, being the natural frontier between Europe, Asia and Africa, combines a great variety of different habitats. From small rocky islets, to snow capped mountain, from agricultural areas to deserted valleys, from fresh water lagoons to estuaries, the country is simply full of unexpected micro-environments.
All this combination provided the perfect habitat for as much as 442 species of birds that have been recorder here. There are 9 Ramsar sites, 196 Important Bird Areas, Natura Sites, Aesthetic Forests.
"A view of Mesolongi Lagoon"
The highlights of the country include several east European – minor Asia species, with very restricted distribution, such as Rueppell’s Warbler, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Sombre Tit, Olivaceous Wabler, Olive-tree Warbler, which can all be found surprisingly around Athens!
The Island of Lesvos provides two more Eastern species Kruepper’s Nuthatch and Cineraceous Bunting.
Around Greece we can add more highlights such as Cory’s Shearwater, Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Squacco Heron,
Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Bittern, Greater Flamingo, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Lesser Fronted Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, White headed Duck, Great Egret, Squacco Heron, Black Stork, Barbary Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Booted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Red-footed Falcon, Eleonorae’s Falcon, Levant
Sparrowhawk, Shaker, Lanner Falcon, Black-winged Stilt, Stone Curlew, Collared Prantincole, Spur-winged Plover, Kentish Plover, Rock Partirdge, Chukar, Slender-billed Gull, Audouin’s Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Whiskered Rern, Black Tern, Turtle Dove, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Alpine Swift, Pallid Swift, Roller, Black Woodpecker, Wryneck, Isabelline Wheatear, Short-toed Lark, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Semi-collared Flycathcer, Red-rumped Swallow, Hoopoe, Scops Owl, Rufous Scrub Robin, Rock Nuthatch,
Collared Flycather, Semi-collared Flycatcher,Black-eared Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Wallcreeper, Red-billed Cough, Rueppell’s Warbler, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Olivaceous Wabler, Olive-tree Warbler Moustached Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Common Rosefinch, Sombre Tit, Penduline Tit, Rock Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Rock Bunting, Black-headed Bunting
"Imittos Mountain overlooking Athens"
Surprisingly, the city of Athens provides excellent birding opportunities. Around the city, in radiuses of 2 to 40 kilometers, 4 important bird areas exist, all easy to approach from the city center. Indeed, almost half of the species recorded in Greece, can be found only around the city, during the whole year period. "Trip map"
Electronic map of Greece
"Rueppell’s Warbler"
Day 2 - Louros and Aitoliko Lagoon.
"Slender-billed Gull "
Day 4 - Rodia Lagoon.
"Subalpine Warbler"
Day 5 - Amvrakikos Gulf.
6 Days tour price is: 2 pax 2200 Euros per person double room. 2425 Euros per person single room. Included:
Thank you for your letter and the excellent birding opportunity in Athens. I was very pleased to spend a splendid day with you
around Athens. It was great to find all my target birds, other beautiful species and having a nice trek on the mountains' slopes close to the capital. I enjoyed very much your company and your expertise. Thank you, and hope to see you again during another birding trip in Greece. More facts about Greece. Need more information please email us.
Thank you for considering a local Birdingpal guide for your next trip.
Highlights for Athens surroundings are Rueppell’s Warbler, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Sombre Tit, Penduline Tit, Black-eared Wheater, Blue Rock Thrush, Olivaceous Wabler, Olive-tree Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Common Rosefinch.
Least, but not last, we should not forget to mention Greek island of Lesvos, the “Mecca” for most European birdwatchers. During migrations, thousands of birds pass over or stop by the island, being the only European site to host Kruepper’s Nuthatch and Cineraceous Bunting.
Tour I
1 week Greek Panorama Bird Tour.
This 6 days trip includes major birding areas of Central and Western Greece, different habitats and a great variety of target species. It combines Mesologgi Lagoons and Amvrakikos Gulf, two of the most important Ramsar Protected Wetlands of Southern Europe, as an Impostant Bird Areas at the hills overlooking the city of Athens! Thus, is just a few day, we will visit estuaries, lagoons, lakes, dense forests, Mediterranean shrub areas and much more.
On a week tour during spring migration, a 200 species check list could be achieved.
Apart from the extensive target species list mentioned below for each location, the areas are known to have hosted some of the Rare Birds of Greece such as Blue-winged Teal, Black-shouldered Kite, Saker, Great Sand Plover, Red Knot, Cattle Egret, as well as the
top wanted European bird: SLENDER BILLED CURLEW.
"Much of the information concerning the descriptions of the visited areas are kindly provided by the Hellenic Ornithological Society www.ornithologiki.gr "
Itinerary
Day 1 - Athens – Mesolongi.
Pick up from hotel at 07:00, estimated arrival at Mesolongi at 11:30. We leave our luggage in the hotel and we start birding at 12:00. Overnight stay at Mesolongi.
This is one of the most significant wetlands of Southern Europe. It includes a complex ecosystem of 33.687 hectares, located in western Central Greece.. A very large lagoon, the Mesologi lagoon (11.200 hectares) predominates in the central part of the wetland. The unique mosaic of smaller ponds and marshlands, together with larger lagoons, comprises an extensive area, home for more than 40.000 ducks in winter, massive flocks of waders, and 32 out of 38 european species of raptors. Birding in Mesologi lagoons is truly an unforgettable lifetime experience for any birdwatcher.
Sites to visit: Mesolongi Lagoons, Tourlida, ponds around the city of Mesolongi.
Site Description: A wetland complex with lagoons, saltpans, extensive saltmarshes, freshwater marshes, sandbanks, and a remnant area of alluvial forest.
Habitats: Forest (7%, Alluvial and very wet forest; Broadleaved deciduous woodland), Shrubland (8%, Sclerophyllous scrub, garrigue and maquis), Wetland (80%, Coastal lagoons; Mud flats and sand flats; Rivers and streams; Salt marshes; Sand dunes and beaches).
Protection: Ramsar Protected Area, Wildlife Refuge, Special Protection Area, Important Bird Area, Natural Monument.
Target species: Dalmatian Pelican, Squacco Heron, Purlpe Heron Squacco Heron, Little Bittern, Greater Flamingo, Spoonbill, Avocet, Glossy Ibis, Ferruginous Duck, Spottted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Red-footed Falcon, Kentish Plover (breeding), Oystercatcher (breeding), Black-winged Stilt (breeding), Slender-billed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Gull-billed Tern (breeding), Whiskered Rern, White-winged Tern, Black Tern, Alpine Swift, Pallid Swift, Short-toed Lark, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Red-rumped Swallow, Hoopoe, Rock Nuthatch, Collared Flycather, Moustached Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike
Today we will spend our day in the western part of Mesolongi Complex, driving through the unique island-city of Etoliko, towards the sea. Louros area will provide us with excellent birding and photographing moments, as the birds tolerate human presence in a short distance. Overnight stay at Mesolongi.
Site Description: A wetland complex with lagoons, saltpans (`Other' land-use, below), extensive saltmarshes, freshwater marshes, sandbanks, and a remnant area of alluvial forest..
Habitats: Forest (7%, Alluvial and very wet forest; Broadleaved deciduous woodland), Shrubland (8%, Sclerophyllous scrub, garrigue and maquis), Wetland (80%, Coastal lagoons; Mud flats and sand flats; Rivers and streams; Salt marshes; Sand dunes and beaches).
Protection: Ramsar Protected Area, Wildlife Refuge, Special Protection Area, Important Bird Area, Natural Monument.
Target species: Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Bittern, Greater Flamingo, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Collared Pratincole (breeding), Arctic Tern (breeding), Spotted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Lesser Kestrel (breeding), Long-legged Buzzard, Greater Short-toed Lark (breeding), Slender billed Gull, Whiskered Tern, Black Tern, White-winged Tern, Alpine Swift, Pallid Swift, Short-toed Lark, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Red-rumped Swallow, Rock Nuthatch, Hoopoe, Collared Flycather, Semi Penduline Tit, Moustached Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Black-headed Bunting.
Day 3 - Mesolongi Saltpans – Kleisoura - Arta.
We will start with Mesolongi Salpans and then we will drive some 100 km north to Arta. We will stop inside Kleisoura’s Gorge and surrounding mountains. Overnight stay at Arta.
Sites Description: Rocky area, gorge, mountains, hills.
Habitat: Mediterranean Shrubs, rocky terrain.
Protection: Special Protected Area, Important Bird Area.
Target species: Gryffon Vulture (breeding), Golden Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Red-footed Falcon, Long-legged Buzzard, Whiskered Tern, Black Tern, White-winged tern, Rock Nuthatch, Kentish Plover, Blue Rock Thrush, Red-rumped Swallow, Collared Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Calandra Lark, Alpine Swift, Nightingale, Subalpine Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Olive-tree Warbler, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Black-headed Bunting.
This lagoon and agricultural area in the Amvrakikos Gulf provides excellent views of waterfowl, as well as two possible
rarities: Great Sand Plover and Black-shouldered Kite. Overnight stay at Arta.
Site Description: It consists of brackish lagoons, a sandy coastal strip, saltmarsh, reedbeds (Phragmites), wet meadows, mudflats
and remnant patches of alluvial forest.
Habitats: Artificial landscapes (20%, Arable land; Other urban and industrial areas; Perennial crops, orchards and groves),
Grassland (5%, Humid grasslands), Sea/marine area (5%, Sea inlets and coastal features), Shrubland (5%, Sclerophyllous scrub, garrigue and maquis), Wetland (70%, Coastal lagoons; Fens, transition mires and springs; Rivers and streams; Salt marshes; Sand
dunes and beaches; Standing brackish and salt water; Standing freshwater; Water fringe vegetation).
Land use: agriculture (25%), fisheries/aquaculture (70%), nature conservation and research, tourism/recreation (5%), urban/industrial/transport (5%), water management (70%).
Protection: Ramsar Protected Area, Wildlife Refuge, Special Protected Area, Important Bird Area.
Target species: Dalmatian Pelican (breeding), Great Egret (breeding), Squacco Heron (breeding), Black-crowned Night Heron
(breeding), Little Bittern (breeding), Glossy Ibis, Ferruginous Duck (breeding), Spoon bill, Stone Curlew, Gull-billed Tern, Spotted Redshank, White Stork, Penduline Tit, Spanish Sparrow.
One of the most important wetlands in Southern Europe, home of the Dalmatian Pelican. Overnight stay in Athens.
Site Description: The northern section of the site is formed by the deltas of the Louros and Arachtos rivers. It consists of
brackish lagoons, a sandy coastal strip, saltmarsh, reedbeds ( Phragmites ), wet meadows, mudflats and remnant patches of alluvial forest. The lagoons are all used as fisheries.
Habitats: Artificial landscapes (20%, Arable land; Other urban and industrial areas; Perennial crops, orchards and groves),
Grassland (5%, Humid grasslands), Sea/marine area (5%, Sea inlets and coastal features), Shrubland (5%, Sclerophyllous scrub, garrigue and maquis), Wetland (70%, Coastal lagoons; Fens, transition mires and springs; Rivers and streams; Salt marshes; Sand
dunes and beaches; Standing brackish and salt water; Standing freshwater; Water fringe vegetation).
Land use: agriculture (25%), fisheries/aquaculture (70%), nature conservation and research, tourism/recreation (5%), urban/industrial/transport (5%), water management (70%).
Protection: Ramsar Protected Area, Wildlife Refuge, Special Protected Area, Important Bird Area.
Target Species: Dalmatian Pelican (breeding), Cattle Egret, Great Egret (breeding), Squacco Heron (breeding), Black-crowned Night Heron (breeding), Little Bittern (breeding), Glossy Ibis, Ferruginous Duck (breeding), Spotted Redshank, Spoonbill, Stone Curlew, Gull-billed Tern, Eyrasian Eagle-Owl, White Stork, Penduline Tit, Spanish Sparrow.
Day 6 - Athens Panorama: Imittos Mt, Kaisariani Park, Lycabettus Hill.
Imittos (8123 hectares) is a long but narrow mountain (total length 20 km), with its highest peak reaching at 1026m, second highest in Athens, after Mount Parnitha. Starting from Kesariani area, officially an Aesthetic Forest, we walk in the pine and cypress forest, olive orchard, and Mediterranean shrub area. As we move towards the top, the landscape becomes more rocky and steep, with many aromatic plants such as thyme and oregano. An impressive panoramic view of all Athens is enjoyed from most parts of our trail. Overnight stay in Athens.
We will also visit Lycabettus Hill, looking for Common Rosefinch, Hobby, Chukar, Alpine Swift, Black-eared Wheatear, Short-toed Treecreeper, Sombre Tit, Long-tail Tit, Turtle Dove, Alpine Swift, Hoopoe, Rock Nuthatch, Blue Rock Thrush, Subalpine Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler, Olive-tree Warbler, Orphean Warbler, Rueppell’s Warbler, Rock Bunting, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Cirl Bunting, Rock Bunting, Scarlet Rosefinch.
Afternoon free.
Kesariani city park: Possible night walk, looking for Scops Owl (if previously not seen).
4 pax 1325 Euros per person double room. 1550 Euros per person single room.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
All meals, all overnights, all ground transportation with A/C & mineral water, Birding guide service by fluently speaking guides, Spotting Scope with tripod, Easy-tick bird Check List
Excluded:
International & Internal flights, laundry service, extra beverages in hotel, phone calls or any other personal item.
Notes:
All the date of itineraries include arrival and departure dates.
The above birding itineraries are based on what are essentially popular routes for birders. It can be shortened or extended.
All the date of itineraries include arrival and departure dates.
All trips are available year round, but prices may be adjusted around special holidays.
Minimum lead time six (6)weeks.
To check availability for tours on short notice, fill out “Request for Quote” form with desirable dates.
I don't do this tour during January, February and March as it is too hot & dry then.
Fitness:
The tour does not require a high level of fitness but participants should be in good general health. Should you have any
physical limitations please contact us.
Equipment:
As a minimum, people need to bring their own binoculars, camera gear if they wish, as well as their own personal drink bottle, sunscreen, sun hat etc. Depending on season, weather conditions may vary, so please contact us for detailed information.
Should you only need a guide for a day or two please contact us for details.
Spyros Skareas, your local Birdingpal guide
Spyros Skareas is the main tour guide for all tours. Since 2004, he is proud to be assigned by the Hellenic Ornithological Society as Caretaker of Schinias National Park on a volunteer basis. Monitoring bird species of the area yearlong, tracking the threats of the natural environment of the Park, as well as guiding birdwatching trips nationwide are some of his interests, not to mention his never ending love for bees (being a professional beekeeping advisor and amateur beekeeper) and plants. He also runs a landscape designing business, focusing on Mediterranean plant species and bird gardening. He has an excessive experience in tour leading eco-orientated trips, being a former tour guide for Adrenaline S.A. He has published several articles on entomological, ornithological and environmental issues, in international and national periodicals and newspapers. He is administrator of the
longest running birding blog in Greece www.greekbirding.blogspot.com.
He speaks Greek (native tongue), English, French fluently and fairly well Spanish.
Testimonials.
Attila Simay, Hungary. attilasimay(AT)hotmail.com
The birding day was very enjoyable and you were an extremely good guide. You were prompt in picking me up at my hotel and we immediately went to the birding areas. Your English was very good, knowledge of the birds and the area seemed to be "top grade",
and you made every effort to answer all of my questions. I would be more than happy to recommend your services to any wishing to
bird the Athens' area.
Gary Grey, South Carilina, USA. popsgaryg(AT)yahoo.com
In may 2006 I made a birdtrip to Greece. When I looked after locations to se birds I came across Spyros Skareas, who is a bird guide and tour leader. I can really recommend others birdwatchers, that will come and look for birds in Greece, to hire Spyros for
guiding. In my case i had great help finding Rock Partridge and Olive-tree Warbler.
Hans Westerberg, Sweden. hans.westerberg(AT)telia.com
Spyros Skareas is a long time Birdingpal guide, well known in his own country and by myself or birders from around the world.
Knud Rasmussen
Birdingpal
Some facts about Greece.
The Country.
It is a peninsular and mountainous country situated in southeast Europe on the Mediterranean Sea, with a total area of 130.800 km2. The country is surrounded by the sea. The greek islands represent one fifth of the country’s area. Greece has about 1400 greek islands of which 169 are inhabited. The majority of the islands are scattered in the Aegean Sea between the Greek and Turkish coasts.
Greece has a population of 10,610,000 (2000) of which 3.7 million are located in Athens, the country’s capital.
Athens is the capital of Greece with a population of 3,192,606.
Local time is GMT +2 hours.
Religion: 98% Christian (Greek Orthodox).
Greece is a member state of E.U. since 1981. The currency is euro.
When travelling in Greece, nature-loving tourists are offered the opportunity to: - to wander in aesthetic forests or explore national parks not merely in the mountainous regions of the mainland, but also on certain islands or in the proximity of rivers and lakes - to enjoy the wonderful natural monuments, gorges, caves and waterfalls - to watch and admire rare bird species nesting or seeking refuge in coastal ecosystems and wetlands (rocky coasts, sandy beaches, sand dunes, river deltas, lakes, marshes, coastal plains, etc) - to study the highly diverse floral life of the Greek countryside.
THE CAPITAL.
Athens is the city of the Olympic Idea, the city of artists, cultural channel scientific centre, East and West for each voyager, the crossroads of every major event for the active, the fashion that is in for avid sophisticates, the Parthenon, of all and for all.
Athens has much to offer: near-constant sunshine, access to sandy beaches and idyllic islands, and of course that first stunning view of the Acropolis.
Today is a modern city of Greece, alive and on the go. Modern, but romantic as well, with busy streets and squares, shop windows a riot of colors, as well as little alleys in quiet, peaceful neighborhoods such as Plaka and Mets. In the countless shops, the
visitor will find whatever he may need. In the tavernas and restaurants he can enjoy any taste sensation, in the nightclubs, pubs, discos, and bars he can drink and dance the night away.
Guide books and CD’s recommended:
Collins Bird Guide: BIRDS OF BRITAIN & EUROPE by Lars Svensson et al.
Find lowest prices here
Bird Recordings from Greece
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www.wildsounds.com
Note: To ascertain tour/seat availability and best pricing, select a week for departure date. e.g. Sep 01 - 07
