NORTHERN GREECE

relaxed birding around the shores of beautiful Lake Kerkini

Black-winged Stilt

The geographical position of this exciting country has resulted in a diverse mixture of influences, both cultural and ecological. Modern Greek culture results from an extraordinary diversity of influences. Romans, Venetians, Italians and, of course, the Byzantine empire have all left their mark. This diversity is mirrored by the rich birdlife which can be found in Greece, which comprises a mixture of species from Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and Asia. Exciting Balkan species include Syrian Woodpecker, Rock Nuthatch, Dalmatian Pelican, Rock Partridge, and Sombre Tit.

Mediterranean species include Squacco Heron, Short-toed Eagle, Collared Pratincole, Slender-billed Gull and Sardinian Warbler. The eastern influence is shown by Marsh Sandpiper, Collared Flycatcher, Masked Shrike and Red-throated Pipit, while typical European birds like Hawfinch, Calandra Lark and Eagle Owl can also be found.

The variety provided by the mountains includes Nutcracker (right, P Willoughby) , Black Woodpecker, Rock Thrush and, if we are lucky, the rare Balkan form of the White-backed Woodpecker. The timing of our holiday is planned to coincide with the autumn migration. Thousands of birds will be seen resting or feeding up before continuing their southward journeys. We will spend the first night at the resort of Perea, on the coast near Thessaloniki airport. From here we will visit Angelohori salt pans, before driving north to our main base, Lake Kerkini, where we will spend six nights. A wide variety of habitats, including mountains, forests, maquis-covered hillsides, rocky gorges, and of course the lake itself are all within easy reach of our hotel. Having one main centre will add to the relaxed feeling of this holiday; yet with such diversity on our doorstep we anticipate an impressive array of birds.

ITINERARY

ANGELOHORI SALT PANS

The diversity of birdlife around Lake Kerkini is quite outstanding for an inland site. Nevertheless, there are some species which can only be found on the coast, so our visit to the Angelohori Salt Pans on our first morning should be very productive. We can expect large numbers of Mediterranean Gulls, plus smaller numbers of Slender-billed Gulls and occasional Audouin's Gulls. Arctic Skuas appear at this time of year to harass the local Sandwich Terns. Black-necked Grebes are numerous.

The area is alive with waders including Ruff, Kentish Plover and Avocet, whilst post-breeding flocks of Stone Curlews are regular. Greater Flamingos number in their hundreds, whilst overhead we may see a Long-legged Buzzard or Eleonora's Falcon. After a full morning's birdwatching here we will have lunch at the hotel before driving north to Lake Kerkini, for a six night stay.

The delightful Hobby is one of the large number of raptor species seen on this tour. Phil Palmer

LAKE KERKINI

Our hotel terrace overlooks Lake Kerkini. Scenically the most impressive wetland in Northern Greece, this large lake also holds more birds than any of the others. Surrounded by hills and mountains, the autumn bird spectacle here is one of Greece's best kept secrets. Our most recent visit yielded no less than 800 Dalmatian Pelicans (perhaps 10% of the world population of this globally threatened bird). The spectacle was enhanced by hundreds of White Pelicans, Little Egrets, Cormorants, Night Herons, Glossy Ibis, and Spoonbill, plus smaller numbers of Pygmy Cormorants, Purple Herons, Squacco Herons, Great White Egrets and Black Storks. Good numbers of Whiskered Terns are joined by occasional White-winged Black Terns. Thousands of passage waders use this site, mainly Black-tailed Godwit and Wood Sandpiper, but with a host of other species including Temminck's Stint, Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint. Two Broad-billed Sandpipers were seen on one visit. A flock of 300 Collared Pratincoles was the highlight on another occasion.

Ducks present include Ferruginous and Garganey, whilst of the raptors hunting the area the Lesser Spotted Eagle is the most evident. Little Bitterns and various crakes skulk in overgrown ditches whilst Kingfishers flash their brilliant colours. Damp areas attract Black-headed Wagtails and Cetti's Warblers, and in nearby woodland and farmland, Rollers, Golden Orioles, Nightingales, Hoopoes and Lesser Grey Shrikes can be seen.

SIDIROKASTRO

Surrounded on three sides by rocky hills and a gorge, the town of Sidirokastro nestles unobtrusively into the Greek countryside. Behind the town a road leads up through maquis-covered hills to a ruined Byzantine castle where Red-rumped Swallows are common and Sardinian Warblers chatter. On the rocky slopes Black-eared Wheatears and Rock Sparrows can be seen, and both Woodchat and Red-backed Shrikes are common. Nearby woodland holds Syrian Woodpecker and Hawfinch, whilst a visit at dusk should yield both Little Owl and Nightjar. Impressive rocky cliffs are attractive to Crag Martins and Alpine Swifts, and we also expect to find Subalpine Warbler, Rock Nuthatch and Blue Rock Thrush.

KERKINI MOUNTAINS

High mountains to the north and east dominate the landscape. We are fortunate in that good roads cut into them in a couple of places, allowing access to both mid- and high-elevation habitats. Birds of prey will be uppermost in our minds. At lower levels Levant Sparrowhawks are fairly common, giving way to Eurasian Sparrowhawks and Goshawks higher up. Both Booted and Short-toed Eagles can be seen at mid-elevations, Golden Eagles being regular above the peaks. The latter was seen carrying its prey - a Hermann's Tortoise - on our last visit!

In the mid-elevation mixed woodland Sombre Tits and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers are amongst the highlights. This area is also good for migrant passerines which have most years included Wryneck, Wood Warbler, Icterine Warbler and Collared Flycatcher. In recent years, our drive to 5000 feet has provided some of the best and most unexpected sightings.

An excellent road winds its way through old-growth pine forest to the rocky alpine zone. In the former we have seen Black Woodpecker, the rare Balkan form of the White-backed Woodpecker, Crested Tit, Crossbill and Nutcracker. On reaching the bare scree slopes we can expect the localized Rock Partridge, Alpine Chough, Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, and Ortolan.

PACE There will be regular optional pre-breakfast walks. Breakfast will be taken at about 7.30am most mornings. Basic fitness is all that is required. Day long birdwatching excursions will be made with short/medium length walks on the flat. Visits to the mountains will involve a little uphill walking at a relaxed pace.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD Full-board accommodation is provided. One night is at the Hotel Golden Star in Perea, near Thessaloniki Airport, followed by six nights in the wonderfully situated Hotel Erodios by Lake Kerkini. All rooms have en suite bathrooms. Packed lunches will be taken every day.

PRICE INCLUDES ….. All birdwatching excursions with expert leader, full-board accommodation, soft drinks at meal times, local transport by mini-bus, return flights to Thessaloniki and government flight and airport taxes.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Cost of travel insurance, payable at the time of booking. Items of a personal nature, alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Return flights from London Gatwick to Thessaloniki using the scheduled services of Olympic Airways. Outbound flight departs late afternoon; return flight arrives back late afternoon. Connecting shuttle flights are available on this tour for £60 return (due at time of booking), from Manchester and other regional airports.

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