1) Greece and Lake Kerkini 5th-15th August 1998 by Roderich
2) NORTHERN GREECE        2-16 JUNE 1998 by Rob and Evelien Goldbach
 

ITINERARY:

August 5: arrival Athens early morning. Taxi to Liosion bus station. 0615 bus to Agios Konstantinos. 0900 ferry to Alonissos. Overnight at Patiri.
August 6: cycle tour to Gerakas at northern end of island (40 km round trip). Hike near Gerakas.
August 7: hydrofoil to Thessaloniki (cancelled at second port -> ferry to Volos, bus Volos->Thessaloiniki); train Thessaloniki-Vironeia at NE corner
of Lake Kerkini. Hotel next to station.
August 8: long hike in northeatern corner of Lake Kerkini.
August 9: long hike in mountains north of Vironeia. Overnight train to Livadhia, from there taxi to Delphi.
August 10: Delphi
August 11: Bus to Agios Nikolaos. Long wait for ferry to Eyio, which runs hourly in the evening but only every three hours in the morning. Taxi to
Diakopto. Evening hike up the gorge.
August 12: Little Railway up the gorge from Diakopto, hike from Mega Spilio. Train to Mycenae.
August 13: Mycenae
August 14/15: Athens

NOTES:

1) Ferry timetables are available from Greek tourist offices, or, even better (since more complete and easier to use) at http://www.gtpnet.com/
Car ferries are a pleasant way to travel, the 'flying dolphin' hydrofoils at twice the speed and price offer much worse birding and are frequently
cancelled in bad weather.

2) Taking taxis is cheap in Greece and makes birding by public transport much easier. Unfortunately, taxi drivers are typically quite dishonest and
they usually tried to overcharge us by e.g. not setting the meter properly (or at all) or driving unnecessary distances. This is especially a problem
for airport taxis. We found that complaining straight away usually helps even though one driver got very aggressive. For more advice, consult
travel guides and the leaflet on taking taxis available from Greek tourist offices.

3) Long-distance buses are reasonably cheap and efficient. The local ones require a lot of patience and connections can be timeconsuming. It tends
to be difficult to obtain reliable information on local buses, and - if shared between 3-4 people - a taxi may be competitive in price.

4) Despite their frequent delays, trains are an excellent means of transport: they are very cheap, are good opportunities for meeting local
people, and offer good birding along the way. Using overnight services is relaxing and timesaving provided you take a sleeper at a very modest extra
charge.

5) Our experience was that booking rooms in advance and first-come-first-serve are compatible in Greece.

6) The heat in summer makes a siesta inevitable.

7) The train from Diakopto into the mountains requires advance booking in high season. We got off at the intermediate station and walked up the
hills on the west but we were too late (in the day and in the year) to see anything of note up there.

SPECIES:

1) Great Crested Grebe
2) Little Grebe
3) Manx Shearwater (P. puffinus yelkouan)  seawatching from Alonissos (Akr. Marpounda)
4) Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea)  from ferry to/from Alonissos  ferry Ag. Nikolaos->Eyio
5) White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)  >100 in flooded forest at Kerkini, viewed  from mountains north of lake  several seen in evening from eastern bank of Lake Kerkini -
   evening seems best at this location
6) Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)  several dozen seen from eastern bank of Lake Kerkini
7) Cormorant
8) Shag
9) Pygmy Cormorant  common at Lake Kerkini
10) Little Bittern
11) Little Egret
12) Great White Egret
13) Squacco Heron
14) Grey Heron
15) Purple Heron
16) Night Heron
17) Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)  10)-17) all eastern bank of Lake Kerkini
18) White Stork  common at Kerkini
19) Black Stork  6 in dried river south of Vironeia
20) Spoonbill  common at Kerkini
21) Mallard
22) Garganey  flooded meadow at Kerkini
23) Pochard
24) Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nycora)  from eastern bank of Lake Kerkini
25) White-tailed Eagle (Hiliaeetus albicilla)  one over monastery north of Vironeia
26) Golden Eagle  one on way to monastery north of Vironeia  three at Delphi
27) Lesser Spotted Eagle  one attacking 25) over monastery north of Vironeia
28) Buzzard
29) Sparrowhawk
30) Levant Sparrowhawk  one in floodplain forest south of Vironeia
31) Peregrine Falcon  one at Kerkini
32) Eleonora's Falcon  several from ship to/from Alonissos  several on Alonissos
33) Kestrel
34) Pheasant
35) Quail  calling near eastern bank of Kerkini
36) Coot
37) Moorhen
38) Little Ringed Plover
39) Snipe
40) Black-tailed Godwit
41) Common Sandpiper
42) Green Sandpiper
43) Wood Sandpiper
44) Greenshank
45) Black-winged Stilt  river east of Lake Kerkini  flooded meadow at Kerkini
46) Black-headed Gull
47) Mediterranean Gull
48) Herring Gull
49) Whiskered Tern  eastern bank of Kerkini
50) Feral Pigeon
52) Collared Dove
53) Turtle Dove
54) Cuckoo
55) Swift  possible pallid swift at ferry stop in Skiathos
56) Alpine Swift  Delphi and Athens
57) Kingfisher
58) Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)  common in north
59) Roller (Coracias garrulus)  two from train Thessaloniki-Vironeia
60) Hoopoe  common in dried-up river near Vironeia  singles everywhere else
61) Green Woodpecker
62) Great-spotted Woodpecker
63) Syrian Woodpecker  station of Vironeia
64) Crested Lark  not uncommon in north
65) Sand Martin
66) Crag Martin  in quarry north of Vironeia
67) Barn Swallow
68) Red-rumped Swallow   locally common (e.g. several at Kerkini and Mycenae)
69) House Martin
70) Yellow Wagtail
71) White Wagtail
72) Grey Wagtail
73) Red-backed Shrike
74) Woodchat Shrike  singles near Kerkini  one at Mycenae northeast of archeological site
75) Lesser Grey Shrike  very common along railway Thess.-Vironeai  common at Kerkini
 singles elsewhere
76) Golden Oriole  common at Kerkini
76) Starling
77) Jay
78) Magpie
79) Jackdaw
80) Hooded Crow
81) Raven
82) Dipper  in gorge near Diakopto (seen from train)
83) Wren
84) Olivaceous Warbler  two along east bank of Lake Kerkini
85) Ruppell's Warbler (Sylvia ruppelli)  ad. male east of stadium, just outside compound, Delphi
86) Sardinian Warbler  common
87) Subalpine Warbler  in foothills near Vironeia
88) Spotted Flycatcher
89) Mediterranean Wheatear  common in foothills north of Vironeia and  at archeological sites in south
90) Stonechat
91) Blue Rock Thrush  quarry north of Vironeia  archeological sites in south
92) Nightingale
93) Blackbird
94) Sombre Tit  Delphi around archeological site Mycenae northeast of archeol. site  in gorge south of Diakopto
95) Blue Tit
96) Great Tit
97) Long-tailed Tit
98) Penduline Tit  at eastern bank of Kerkini
99) Rock Nuthatch  one in quarry north of Kerkini  very common at archeological sites in south
100) House Sparrow
101) Tree Sparrow
102) Spanish Sparrow
103) Chaffinch
104) Hawfinch
105) Serin
106) Greenfinch
107) Goldfinch
108) Linnet
109) Cirl Bunting
 

Rob and Evelien Goldbach
Hollandseweg 159
6705 BC Wageningen
The Netherlands

ITINERARY

02 June         Olympic Airlines flight Amsterdam - Thessaloniki (arr. 17.50 pm)     drive by rented car to Edessa (arr. 20.30 pm),
03 June         From Edessa to the Prespa Lakes (arrival 11.00 am). Birding around the Prespa Lakes,
04 June         Morning: continued birding at Prespa Lakes; Afternoon: drive to Meteora, via Kastoria; late
afternoon/evening visit to the rocks and monasteries.
05 June         Early morning: second visit to the Meteora rocks; afternoon drive via Larisa to  Mount Olympos.
06 June         Hike to refuge A (altitude 2100 m) on the southern slope of Mount Olympos. Evening birding on flats east of Litohora.
07 June         Visit to the ancient city/ruins of Dion, birding at the salt pans near Kitros, further  drive via Lake Koronia to the Nestos delta (Keramoti).
08 June         Morning at Nestos delta, drive to and afternoon/evening visits to Evros delta(17.00-19.00) and Loutros hill (19.15-20.30).
09 June         Morning visit to Avas Gorge (08.30-10.00), Evros delta (10.20-15.00), followed  by a second visit to the Avas Gorge (17.45-20.00).
10 June         Second visit to the Loutros Hill (08.50-10.15), drive to Dadia forest via Pessani. First visit to the vulture observation hide (14.00-17.30).
Evening at Dadia and  environment.
11 June         Early morning walk to the vulture observation hide (07.10-10.00), drive, with stops, through Dadia forest to Lake Mikritou and Kavala,
campsite at Orfoni.
12 June         Visit to Lake Kerkini (11.50-18.10 on site), drive to Asprovalta (EOT camping).
13 June         Asprovalta to Kalamitsi, on the Sithonia peninsular of Chalkidiki.
14 June         Sithonia peninsular: Kalamitsi, Sarti, Porto Koufo.
15 June         Visit to the Petralona cave near Eleohoria, where the European's oldest hominid remainders have been found (750,000 yr old), as well as the
oldest evidence for man-made fire. Camping near Epanomi.
16 June         Return flight Thessaloniki to Amsterdam (dep. 11.15, arr. 13.30).

GENERAL REMARKS

Time and climate
The timing was rather optimal, as prior to our visit the weather was rather instable, with heavy rainfall untill the end of May, and only turned dry and sunny one week before our visit. Hence, the landscape was green, with many plants flowering. We had sunny days, with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, and only some local thunderstorms at the Evros delta. The Dadia Forest area usually has rather bad weather in this time of year, but we enjoyed dry and sunny days there.

Transportation
We rented a small car (Fiat Panda) at Thrifty car rental, for the 2 weeks, unlimited mileage, for a total rate of D.Fl. 980,- (approx. 490 USD), including insurances and unlimited mileage. Petrol costs 200-210 Drachmen (D.Fl. 1.40, USD 0.70) per liter. We drove altogether 2750 km, and even unpaved roads are of enough quality for a regular car.

Other animals
We saw only few mammal species, including a few Sousliks (Citellus citellus) in e.g. the Evros delta, and two Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) near Litohora. Reptiles included some lizard species (a.o. Podarcis muralis, Lacerta viridis), 3 or 4 species of mostly unidentified snakes, and two tortoise species, i.e. Hermann's Land Tortoise (Testudo hermanni, seen at a.o. Prespa Lakes, Evros delta and Sithonia) and Caspian Water Tortoise (Mauremys caspica, common at Kitros salt pans).

AREAS VISITED AND PLACES TO STAY
We used several travel reports, and most sites we visited are well described and illustrated with
maps in e.g. report GR17 available at the Dutch Birding Travel Report Service. The areas below are numbered according to their indications on the map.

1.   Prespa Lakes
The small and large Prespa Lakes (Micri Prespa and Megali Prespa), separated by a narrow sand bar, are reknown for the two species of pelicans, which breed in the reed belts in the northern part of Micri Prespa, and the Pygmy cormorants. Currently Micri Prespa contains the world's largest colony of Dalmatian Pelicans, with approx. 350 breeding pairs. The number of  White Pelicans is lower (approx. 50 breeding pairs). All heron and egret species occurring in
Greece can be found here, and it is the most southern breeding place of Goosander. The Prespa Lakes completely
fullfilled our expectations, but the surrounding hills appeared rather poor in raptors. We camped free, on the most western end of the sandbar between the two lakes, near the stream which connects the lakes, and near the only restaurant (good food). On the nearby cliffs we found a nest
of Rock Nuthatch, and at night an Eagle Owl was calling at this side. There is a bird observation tower on the sandbar which is not very useful. Micri Prespa can best be watched from a little hill at its western border, opposite the small island Aghios Achillios. From this hill a Baillon's Crake
(yes, a Baillon's not a Little Crake) was heard on both dates. Pelicans can also be watched from the sandbar between the two lakes, which they frequently pass. Early morning no less than 200 pelicans (mostly Dalmatian) were fishing near our tent, where the little  stream runs into Megali Prespa.

2.   Meteora
Our target species of Meteora was the Rock Nuthatch which is relatively rare in the north of Greece (but which we already found at the Prespa Lakes...). Although a bit touristic, the rocks and monasteries on top, were very worthwhile to visit, and species like Blue Rock Thrush, Peregrine, Egyptian Vulture, Raven, Alpine Swift, Rock Martin, Red-rumped  Swallow and Rock Nuthatch (latter on the rocks near the stairs to the Great Meteora monastery) can be seen well. There are a number of campings at both Kastraki (where we stayed at camping Kastraki; Tawny Owl at dusk) and Kalambaka. On the way from Prespa Lakes to Meteora we saw a  flock of 32 White Pelicans on Lake Kastoria.

3.   Mount Olympos
We conveniently camped at camping Sylvia, at the coast 5 km east of Litohora. From the car park at the end of the unpaved road on the southern slope (to be reached from  Litohora, follow signs Olympos) it is a 1000 meter "climb" to refuge A. Botanically the walk is interesting, but birdwise
it was less productive with only Firecrests, Crossbills, Serins and Crested Tits as additions which are more difficult elsewhere. At refuge A (altitude 2100 m, variety of soups available) there were Alpine Chouch, but the Lammergeyer reputedly visiting this area (years ago?) did not show up.
The plains east of Litohora produced a.o. Stone Curlews, Calandra and Short-toed Larks.

4.   Kitros (Alyki) Salt Pans
This side, which harbours the only Slender-billed Gull colony of Greece, was  visited on route between Mount Olympos and Thessaloniki on June 7. Follow the OLD Athen-Thessaloniki road and south of Metonia turn off where there is a signpost "Salt Works. Port of Pidna". Birds seen here included, besides the Slender-billed Gull, Mediterranean Gull (hundreds, not the thousands once reported here), Avocet, Stilt, Redshank, Little Tern, and a flock of Flamingoes.

5.   Lake Koronia
We had two rather quick scans of Lake Koronia, East of Thessaloniki, during our drive to the Nestos delta on June 7. There were no pelicans but Pochards and another flock of 350 Flamingoes were observed, beside the more regular marsh birds like Penduline Tit, Great Reed Warbler, etc.

6.   Nestos Delta
We camped at the only campsite near Keramoti (gate open, facilities o.k. but no registration office open...), where we saw an Eleonora's Falcon flying from Thassos island to the Nestos delta, and the desmarestii subspecies of Shag. The Nestos delta is the only side in Greece where Spur-winged Plover can be guaranteed. We found at least 8 birds in the marshy area 1 to 2 km NW of Keramoti village. Leaving Keramoti village to the North, turn left at the split after having passed
the lagoons, and after a few hundred meters turn again left on a little sand road, where there is a gypsy settlement. Proceed to the prefab cabins (probably once planned to be used by the gypsies), and scan/walk into the area at your right (northern) side. The more time you spend the more Spur-winged Plovers you will see.

7.   Porto Lagos
Porto Lagos encompasses several lagunes and marshes. We focussed on the area east of the village, i.e. around the boardwalks to the byzanthine church, and the large  lagoon east of it. In the latter lagune there are a couple of small islands with a large breeding colony of Mediterranean Gull. We also had a few Slender-billed Gulls, hundreds of Little Tern, and a few Pratincoles. Here we saw our first Spanish Sparrows which became more abundant going further east. The first large
colony (hundreds of nests) of Spanish Sparrows was in a pinetree plantage in the middle of the village Sapes. On our way back from further east we found Flamingoes (250) at the lagoon east of Fanari.

8.   Evros Delta
We visited this area in the (late) afternoon of June 8, and the morning of June 9. David Gosney's map (see e.g. report GR17 of DBTRS) needs to be actualised, as the E5 has been renewed. The unpaved entry roads are still the same but Hotel Platini at Loutros is not situated anymore along the (new) E5, and the signpost to Evros delta at the entry east of Monastiraki is not visible anymore. To get into the Evros delta follow the new E5 from Alexandropoulis and turn left on the
unpaved road at Loutros, just after having crossed the (dry) river. Highlights of the Evros delta included a adult White-tailed Eagle flying and soaring together with a Lesser Spotted Eagle, over the area S of the waterpump station, and a pair of Isabelline Wheatear, S of Monastiraki, in the undulating area north of the railway. Spanish Sparrow were abundant and Pratincole often in the air. In the Drana lagoon there was a flock of White Pelicans, whereas (with certainty) only a single Dalmatian Pelican was seen elsewhere in the delta.

9.   Loutros Hill
This is the first and steep hill as seen in northern direction when being in the Evros delta, marked by the presence of a little, white chapel on its summit. There is a track  going to the very top, from which the surrounding can be scanned, and a good view over the Evros delta obtained. We had Isabelline Wheatear here, as well as Common and Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rockthrush, Ortolan Bunting, and other interesting species. A Long-legged buzzard flew along, and also Black Stork was seen here. We found a pair of Masked Shrike here, but only by walking and close inspection of the southern slope of Loutros Hill, the birds being
invisible from the top. Woodchat and Red-backed Shrikes were also present here.

Avas Gorge
This gorge, north of Alexandropoulis (not indicated on the map) is probably a bit overestimated, due to frequent visits by birders camping in Alexandropoulis, having selected this site as being the nearest by hilly/mountainous area from the campsite, and thus resulting in an impressing cumulative bird list. We went twice to this area, which is not at all suitable for vultures (contra Gooder's guide) whereas the only raptors seen were a Short-toed Eagle and a Kestrel. The area reported suitable for Isabelline Wheatear (at the abandoned railway station) has become too overgrown with trees and bushes, while the olive tree grooves did not contain
any Olive-tree Warbler (this year).

10.  Dadia Forests
Dadia and its forested area completely fullfilled the expectations. We stayed overnight at the visitor centre 1 km S of Dadia (10 rooms available, 8000 drachmen/night) to allow us to visit the vulture observation hide twice, i.e. in the afternoon and early morning. Given the limited distance this area could also be easily visited on a single day staying at the camping in Alexandropoulis. Be sure however to take a clear day, as rainfall can disturb birdwatching. We had clear days here during our stay but sometimes birders have to leave the area without having seen a single vulture The three vulture species present here are frequently seen from the roads in the area, but best of course from the observation hide, where the vultures are attracted with dead cows. From a distance of only 150 meters the birds can be watched during the whole day, but best in the (late) afternoon (optimal light conditions, and vultures arriving in increasing
numbers) or early morning. Typical counts at this hide are 25-30 Black Vultures, 15-20 Griffons, and up to 10 Egyptian Vultures. We also had a pair of Lanner Falcon there, a Golden Eagle and various Black Storks.
Although the visitor centre advertises a minibus for driving to the hide (750 Dr/person, one way) a walk (40 minutes) is more ecotouristic and pleasant, producing a.o. Eastern Bonelli's Warbler,Serin and Crossbill.

11.  Lake Mitrikou
This lake is one of the last places in Greece where Ruddy Shelduck still may  be seen. The lake is situated east of Porto Lagos, and south of the village of Pagouria. We did not see any Ruddy Shelduck but found Spoonbill breeding here!

12.  Lake Kerkini
This dammed lake was visited on a single day (June 12, on side: 11.50-18.10), and we drove around the lake anti-clockwise for best light conditions, starting in the SE  at Lithotopus (where the little dam is). The lake contains impressive numbers of Great Crested Grebe, herons and egrets, good numbers of breeding Whiskered Terns, Ferruginous Duck, Pygmy and Great Cormorants, and low numbers of both (non-breeding) Pelicans. In the NE, where the lake narrows to a little stream there were some wetlands where we had Glossy Ibis. We had two flocks (13 and 9 birds) of Eleonora's Falcon at Kerkini Lake. The area holds numerous White Stork nests and co-nesting Spanish Sparrows.

13.  Asprovalta
This touristic village is included in John Gooder's guide as being productive for warblers and Eleonora's Falcon hunting in the evening. Only accidentally we stayed at a camping at Asprovalta (EOT camping, do not take the Europa camping: does not hold Eleonora's according to Gosney) on our way to Sithonia. We had a flock of 6 Eleonora's Falcons hunting between 20.00-21.15 over this camping, some birds landing in trees.

14.  Sithonia peninsular
This "middle finger" of Chalkidiki was visited to enjoy the landscape and seaside primarily, and for visiting the Petralona cave, where a skeleton of an archetypic Homo Sapiens (750,000 yr old, i.e. the oldest hominid found in Europe) has been found (in 1959) along with many tools and artefacts and the first evidence for man-made fire. We stayed at campsite Kalamitsi, in the very south of Sithonia, with good views on Athos. Despite of being not reknown for birds, we had several interesting species on Sithonia, including Scops, Eagle Owl and Nightjar around the campsite, and hundreds and dozens of Yelkouan and Cory's Shearwater,
respectively. Moreover we found Masked Shrike along the unpaved road signposted with "Achlada Beach", approx. 2 km North of Sarti. Also 2 out of the 3 Levant's Sparrowhawks were seen on Sithonia.

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF OBSERVED BIRDS

001. Little Grebe      Seen at Prespa Lakes (3 ex on both 3 and 4 June), Lake Koronia (2 ex on 7 June), and on  Kerkini Lake (12 June, 2 ex).
002. Great Crested Grebe     Common on Prespa Lakes (20-30 ex on both 3 and 4 June), 1 ex on Lake Koronia (7 June), and abundant (1000+) on Kerkini Lake (12 June).
003. Cory's Shearwater 1 ex seen on 11 June from the camping at Orfoni, and at least 30 ex off Sithonia on 14 June.
004. Yelkouan Shearwater     1 ex seen from the camping at Alexandropoulis (9 June), common on see off Sithonia with 40 ex on 13 June and 500+ on 14 June.
005. Great Cormorant      (Very) common at Prespa Lakes (500+ on 3 and 4 June) and Lake Kerkini (500+ on 12 June, but many unidentified cormorants on large distance), scarce elsewhere (1-3 at Nestos delta on 7/8 June, 5 in Evros delta on 9 June, 2 ex at Epanomi on 15 June)
006. Shag (desmarestii race)     At least 100 ex diving and flying at Nestos delta on 8 June, seen from the camping at  Keramoti.
007. Pygmy Cormorant      Only seen at Prespa Lakes (up to 250 ex on both 3 and 4 June) and Kerkini Lake (at least  100 on 12 June).
008. Dalmatian Pelican      Present at Prespa Lakes (the major stronghold of the species, at least 500 estimated on 3 and 4 June), Evros delta (1 ex on 9 June) and Lake Kerkini (5 ex on 12 June).
009. White Pelican      Seen on the Prespa Lakes (at least 150 ex on both 3 and 4 June), Kastoria Lake (32 ex on 4  June), Evros delta (70 resp. 15 ex on 8 and 9 June), and Lake Kerkini (2 ex on 12 June).
010. Grey Heron     Common bird at Prespa Lakes (at least 50 on 3 and 4 June), Nestos Delta (5 ex on 7 June), Porto Lagos (50 on 8 June), and Evros Delta (10 ex on 8 and 9 June), but also seen elsewhere.
011. Purple Heron      Seen at Prespa Lakes (2 ex on 4 June), Nestos Delta (6 on June 8), Lake Mitrikou (2 on 11 June), and at Kerkini Lake (at least 3 ex on 12 June).
012. Little Bittern   Rather common at Micri Prespa, with at least 6 ex on June 3, and 4 ex on June 4.
013. Night Heron      Present at Prespa Lakes (at least 50 ex in the evening of June 3, another 25 ex in the  morning of June 4), Nestos Delta (5 ex on June 7), in Porto Lagos (6 ex on June 8), Evros delta (1 ex on June 8), and Lake Kerkini (100+ on June 12). Also 1 ex seen at camping Kalamitsi, on Sithonia, on June 13.
014. Squacco Heron      Common at Prespa Lakes (10 ex on June 3, 3 ex on June 4), and on Kerkini Lake (more that 100 on June 12).
015. Little egret     A (very) common bird at Prespa Lakes (50 to 75 on both 3 and 4 June), Nestos delta (15 ex  on 7 and 8 June), Porto Lagos, Evros delta (150 ex on 8 June, 100 ex on 9 June), Lake Mitrikou (10 on 11 June), and Lake Kerkini (at least 250).
016. Great Egret     Only seen at Prespa Lakes, approx 5 ex on June 3.
017. Greater Flamingo     53 ex on 7 June at Kitro salt pans, another 350 ex on the same day in Lake Koronia, only 1 ex in the Evros delta (on both 8 and 9 June), and 250 ex in the lagoon east of Fanari, near Porto Lagos, on 11 June.
018. Spoonbill      Seen on two sites, i.e. 20 ex on 11 June in Lake Mitrikou (a not previously reported breeding site!), and at Lake Kerkini (25 ex on 12 June, in the area north of the lake).
019. Glossy Ibis     On 12 June 7 ex in wet meadows at the NE etch of Lake Kerkini.
020. Black Stork    Seen on various locations: Avas Gorge (1 ex on 9 June), Loutros Hill (1 ex on June 10), Dadia Forest (4 ex on 10 June, another 7 ex on 11 June), and on Chaldikidi (1 ex on 13 June).
021. White Stork     A bird more common in the east. Observed on all dates but most nests in the area of Lake Kerkini, Nestos Delta and Evros Delta. Only 1 pair at Prespa Lakes.
022. Mute Swan     50 ex at Porto Lagos (8 June), and 100 ex in the Evros delta (8 and 9 June).
023. Grey-lag Goose     Seen at Prespa Lakes (8 ex on June 3), and Lake Kerkini (2 ex on June 12).
024. Mallard      Small numbers on Prespa Lakes (6 to 10 on both dates), Nestos delta (10 ex on June 7), Evros delta ( 2 ex on both dates), and some more (20 ex) on Kerkini Lake (12 June).
025. Widgeon     One male seen on Micri Prespa on June 3.
026. Gadwall     Only seen on the Prespa Lakes (2 ex on both 3 and 4 June).
027. Pochard    3 ex on 7 June on Lake Koronia, and approx 10 ex on 11 June on Lake Mitrikou.
028. Ferruginous Duck     Seen only on Lake Kerkini with 5 ex on 12 June.
029. Shelduck     Observed at Kitros salt pans (6 ex on June 7), Nestos delta (2 ex on June 8), Porto Lagos (6 ex on June 8), in the Evros delta (4 ex on June 9) and at the coast near Epanomi (June 16)
030. Goosander     June 4, 2 female type birds seen on Prespa Lakes, the most southern breeding location of  this species.
031. Egyptian Vulture     Seen at Meteora (4 ex on June 4), and in the Dadia forest (approx 15 ex on both 10 and 11  June). Most birds in the Dadia forest were seen from the observation hide (up to 10).
032. Black Vulture     Approx 35 ex seen on both 10 and 11 June, in the Dadai forest. Most birds were seen from the vulture observation hide, but up to 10 ex were seen elsewhere in the environment.
033. Griffon Vulture     Approx 20 to 25 birds seen on both 10 and 11 June, in the Dadia forest. Like the previous  species most birds (up to 15) were seen from the hide, the other birds elsewhere in the environment.
034. Common Buzzard     Seen on many dates and locations (2 to 10 daily). Some birds apparently were of the vulpinus race.
035. Long-legged Buzzard     On June 3 a single bird between Edessa and the Prespa Lakes, 1 ex on June 9 in the Avas Gorge, and 1 ex flying along Loutros Hill on June 10.
036. Honeybuzzard     Only seen once on route to Meteora on June 4.
037. Levant's Sparrowhawk   Three records: 1 ex seen south of Soufli on June 10, and 2 more single birds on two   locations on the peninsular Chalkidiki on June 13.
038. White-tailed Eagle     An adult bird seen on June 9, soaring over the Evros delta, where the species still may  breed.
039. Short-toed Eagle     1 ex between Meteora and Trikala on June 5, 2 ex in the Avas Gorge and Evros delta resp. on June 9, 1 ex at Loutros Hill on June 10 and another 6 ex the same day over the Dadia  forest, and on June 11 an all-day record of 12 ex in again the Dadia forest area.
040. Booted Eagle     1 ex (light phase) on June 9 in the Evros delta, 1 ex (dark-phase) on June 10 near Dadia, and  2 ex (light and dark-phase) on June 12 at the Kerkini Lake.
041. Golden Eagle     On June 10 a single bird seen from the vulture hide at Dadia.
042. Lesser Spotted Eagle     1 ex on June 9, hunting in the Evros delta.
043. Marsh Harrier     3 and 4 June, 1 ex at Prespa Lakes; 7 June 1 ex at Nestos delta, 8 June 3 ex Porto Lagos, 8  and 9 June 10 to 15 ex in the Evros delta, 11 June 5 ex at Lake Mitrikou, and 12 June 5 ex at Lake Kerkini.
044. Montagu's Harrier     On June 3 we saw 2 male birds in the agricultural area between Edessa and the Prespa Lakes. This species is very localised in Greece.
045. Black Kite     A relative rare bird in Greece. Seen only in low numbers at Meteora (1 ex on 4 and 5 June),  Lake Kerkini (6 ex on June 12) and on Chalikidiki (2 ex on June 13).
046. Kestrel     Seen daily in low numbers
047. Hobby     1 ex seen on June 7 flying over the excavations of Dion.
048. Eleonora's Falcon    On 8 June 1 (dark) ex seen flying over the beach of Keramoti (Nestos delta) flying in form Thassos. On June 12 we saw two flocks (of 13 and 9 birds) hunting at Lake Kerkini. In the  evening (20.00-21.15 pm) of June 12 we saw 6 birds (light and dark phases) hunting over the  EOT camping in Asprovalta.
049. Peregrine     Seen at Meteora (2 ex on June 4, 3 ex including two juveniles, on June 5), from the vulture hide at Dadia (1 ex, 10 June) and 1 ex on route between Asprovalta and Kalamitsi on June 13.
050. Lanner Falcon     11 June, 2 ex seen from the observation hide at Dadia.
051. Baillon's Crake     1 bird heard on both 3 and 4 June, in the reedbelt of Micri Prespa.
052. Moorhen     5 ex in Dion on June 7, and 2 ex at Porto Lagos (8 June).
053. Coot     2 ex on Micri Prespa (4 June), and approx. 50 ex on Lake Mitrikou (11 June).
054. Oystercatcher     1 ex at Porto Lagos (June 8), and 2 ex in the Evros delta (June 8 and 9).
055. Stilt     Seen in low numbers at Kitros salt pans (4 ex, June 7) and Porto Lagos (6 ex, June 8).
056. Avocet     2 ex on June 7 in the Kitros salt pans.
057. Stone Curlew     Seen on the flats east of Litohora (3 ex, June 6) and in the Evros delta (2 ex on June 8).
058. Curlew     A group of 50 ex in the Evros delta on both 8 and 9 June.
059. Collared Pratincole     Seen at Porto Lagos (4 ex on June 8) and in the Evros delta (30 to 35 ex on both 8 and 9  June).
060. Little Ringed Plover     3 and 4 June, 2 ex at Prespa Lakes; 7 June, 1 ex at Kitros Salt pans; 8 June, 2 ex Porto Lagos; 10 June, 1 ex Alexandropoulis; 12 June, 4 ex Kerkini Lake.
061. Kentish plover     On 8 June 1 ex in the Evros delta.
062. Grey Plover     On 8 June 1 ex in the Evros delta
063. Spur-winged Plover     On 7 June 2 ex and on 8 June 8 ex in the Nestos delta, approx 1 km NW of Keramoti.
064. Redshank     Seen at Kitros salt pans (7 June, 1 ex), at Porto Lagos (8 June, 5 ex), and Evros delta (8 June, 5 ex).
065. Mediterranean Gull      Only low numbers at Kitros Salt pans (150 ex on June 7) in stead of a few thousands   breeding pairs reported in previous reports, but more abundant at both Porto Lagos (3000 ex  on June 8) and Evros delta (1000+ on 8 and 9 June). Also seen from the camping at Alexandropoulis (10 ex on June 10), and Epanomi (2 ex on 15 June).
066. Black-headed Gull     A scarce bird, only seen at Porto Lagos (20 ex on June 8) and Lake Kerkini (approx 50 ex on June 12).
067. Slender-billed Gull     Seen at Kitros salt pans (15 ex on June 7), Porto Lagos (4 ex on June 8), and Evros delta (4 ex on June 9). Kitros salt pans has been reported to hold Greece's only breeding colony of  this gull.
068. Yellow-legged Gull     Seen on most sites and days, including Prespa Lakes (approx 10). A common bird.
069. Sandwich Tern     Present at Kitros salt pans (3 ex, 7 June), Porto Lagos (approx 10 ex on 8 June), and Evros  delta (3 ex on 9 June).
070. Common Tern     Seen in low numbers at Prespa Lakes (2 ex) and Kitros (10 ex), present in higher numbers at e.g. Porto Lagos (250+ on June 8), Evros delta (20 ex on June 9) and Kerkini Lake (10 ex on June 12). Singles seen elsewhere along the coast.
071. Little Tern     2 ex on June 7 at Kitros saltworks, at least 200 ex (breeding colony) at Porto Lagos (June 8), also present in the Evros delta (100+ on 8 and 9 June).
072. Black Tern     Seen at Porto Lagos (10 ex on June 8) and Kerkini Lake (10 ex on June 12).
073. Whiskered Tern     3 ex at Porto Lagos on June 8, 25 ex at Lake Mitrikou (11 June), and at least 150 ex  (breeding) on Lake Kerkini on June 12.
074. Rock Pigeon     Apparently wild birds at Prespa Lakes ( 1 or 2 ex on June 4) and Meteora (1, resp. 2 ex on   4 and 5 June).
075. Wood Pigeon     Only two records: 1 ex W of Edessa on June 3, and 1 ex at Kerkini Lake on June 12.
076. Collared Dove     a very common bird with daily counts of up to 150.
077. Turtle Dove     Also a common bird with daily counts of 10 to 50 birds.
078. Cuckoo     Still calling birds at Prespa Lakes (4 ex on 3 and 4 June), Mount Olympus (2 ex. on June 6),  Loutros Hill (2 ex, June 10), Dadia Forest (5 ex on June 11), and Lake Kerkini (3 ex on June 12).
079. Scops Owl     2 calling birds on June 10 in Dadia village and at Dadia forest visitor centre, 1 ex on 13 and 14 June on camping Kalamitsi (Sithonia), and 1 ex on the camping at Epinomi (June 15).
080. Eagle Owl     Heard on 3/4 June calling from the cliffs at the west end of the sandbar which separates the Prespa lakes, and 1 ex heard at camping Kalamitsi (Sithonia) in the nights of 13/14 and 14/15 June.
081. Little Owl     On June 8 1 ex at Porto Lagos and a second bird in the Evros delta, 9 June 1 ex south of Avas.
082. Tawny Owl      2 ex (also seen) on June 4 at camping Kastraki, near Meteora.
083. Long-eared Owl     1 ex heard on 9 June at the camping of Alexandropoulis.
084. Nightjar     1 male heard on 13/14 June at camping Kalamitsi.
085. Common Swift     Common bird, no counts.
086. Pallid Swift     3 ex on June 3 on route between Edessa and Prespa Lakes.
087. Alpine Swift     Seen at Prespa Lakes (up to 30 ex, 3 and 4 June) and Meteora (200+ on 4 and 5 June).
088. Kingfisher     3 ex at Lake Kerkini on 12 June.
089. Bee-eater     A locally common bird, with almost daily counts of 1 up to 150 birds.
090. Roller     2 ex on June 3 between Edessa and Prespa Lakes, 1 ex on June 7 near Kitros, 2 ex on June 10 between Alexandropoulis and Dadia, 2 ex on June 11 north of Loutros, and 1 ex on June 12 at Kerkini Lake.
091. Hoopoe     A rather common bird, seen on most places at most dates, with daily counts up to 6 ex.
092. Syrian Woodpecker     A rather common bird, in total 33 ex seen (and heard) on 9 dates at a.o. Meteora, Litohora, Lake Koronia, Nestos delta, Alexandropoulis, Loutros Hill, Avas Gorge, Dadia forest, Kerkini Lake, and Epanomi.
093. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker     1 ex heard at Dadia hills (vulture hide) on June 10.
094. Short-toed Lark     Common (at least 20 ex on June 6) on the flats east of Litohora, and in the Evros delta (50 ex on June 8 and 9).
095. Calandra Lark     1 ex on 3 June in the agricultural area between Edessa and the Prespa Lakes, at least 15 ex  on June 6 on the plain East of Litohora, near Mount Olympus, approx 10 ex on June 8 at  Porto Lagos, and approx 15 ex on both 8 and 9 June in the Evros delta.
096. Crested Lark     A common bird, seen in daily numbers of 5 up to 50.
097. Wood Lark     1 ex on June 3 on route to Prespa Lakes, 1 ex on June 4 between Prespa Lakes and Meteora, 8 ex on the plains east of Loutros hill on June 8, and 5 ex near Dadia on June 11.
098. Skylark     2 ex at Kitros salt pans (June 7), and approx. 5 ex in the Evros delta (June 8 and 9).
099. Sand Martin     2 ex at Kitros salt pans (June 7), common (100's) at Porto Lagos, Nestos and Evros delta.
100. House Martin     A common bird almost everywhere.
101. Rock Martin     About 20 ex at the cliffs near the Prespa Lakes (3 and 4 June), common (at least 50 ex) at the Meteora rocks (4 and 5 June). Also seen in the Avas gorge (10 ex on June 9).
102. Barn Swallow     A common bird recorded every day.
103. Red-rumped Swallow     A locally common bird, seen almost everywhere with daily counts of 20 to 100 ex.
104. Tawny Pipit     Seen at Prespa lakes (1 ex on June 3), the flats East of Litohora (1 ex, June 6), Kitros salt  pans (1 ex, June 7), Evros delta (2 ex on June 8), Dadia Forest (1 ex on June 11), and on  Sithonia (1 ex on June 13).
105. Black-headed Wagtail     A local bird, seen only at Nestos delta (2 ex on June 8), Evros delta (10-15 ex on June 8 and   9), and Lake Kerkini (2 ex on June 12).
106. Grey Wagtail     Single birds seen on various location, e.g. Mount Olympus (June 6), Avas gorge (June 9),  Dadia (June 10 and 11).
107. White Wagtail     Seen in low numbers at most locations.
108. Wren     3 males heard on June 6 during the walk up Mount Olympus, and 2-5 ex at Meteora (June 4  and 5).
109. Robin     Heard and seen only at Mount Olympos (June 6) and at Dadia forest (5 to 10 on both June 10 and 11).
110. Nightingale      A common bird with daily numbers of 5 up to 50, at virtually all sites visited.
111. Black Redstart     Present at Meteora (1 resp. 3 on June 4 and 5) and Mount Olympos (3 ex, June 6).
112. Stonechat      Uncommon: 1 male in the hilly area between Edessa and Prespa Lakes on June 3, 1 ex on June 10 in the Dadia forest region.
113. Northern Wheatear     On June 7 a pair at Dion (Zeuss city), N of Litohora, on June 10 1 at Loutros Hill and 2 ex in Dadia forest, and on June 14 1 ex near Sarti (Sithonia).
114. Isabelline Wheatear     Found at two sites: a pair in the Evros delta, in the undulating, uncultivated area along the railway, S of Monastiraki (June 9), and 1 ex on the Loutros Hill on June 10.
115. Eastern Black-eared Wheatear     2 ex between Edessa and Prespa (June 3), 1 ex at Meteora on both June 4 and 5, 1 ex on  Loutros Hill (June 8), 1 ex at the Avas Gorge (June 9), 1 ex on both dates (June 10 and 11)  in the Dadia forest area, 2 ex on Sithonia peninsular (June 13), 1 ex near Sarti (June 14), and 1 ex near the Petralona cave on June 15.
116. Blue Rock Thrush     3 ex on the cliffs of Meteora (June 4 and 5), 1 ex on Loutros Hill (June 8), 2 ex in the Avas Gorge (June 9), and 1 ex on Sithonia peninsular on June 15.
117. Blackbird     Seen in low numbers on almost all days.
118. Song Thrush     1 singing male on Mount Olympos (June 6), and 2 ex in Dadia forest on both June 10 and 11.
119. Mistle Thrush     2 ex on June 10 in the Dadia forest region.
120. Cetti's Warbler     Heard on many places, e.g. up to 5 ex at Prespa Lakes (June 3 and 4), 5 ex at Nestos delta (June 7), several ex at Porto Lagos (June 8), up to 10 ex in Evros delta (June 8 and 9) and 3  ex at Kerkini Lake (June 12). Singles elsewhere.
121. Fan tailed Warbler     Only 1 male singing in the Strymon delta near Asprovalta on June 12.
122. Reed Warbler     Common bird at Prespa Lakes, Nestos delta, Porto Lagos and Evros delta.
123. Great Reed Warbler     Present at most lakes and wetlands, with e.g. approx. 25 ex at the Prespa Lakes (June 3 and 4), 2 ex at Dion (June 7), 20 ex in the Evros delta (June 8 and 9), and 15 ex at Kerkini Lake (June 12).
124. Olivaceous Warbler     A rather common bird, seen and heard on almost all dates in a variety of habitats.
125. Olive-tree Warbler     Only 1 ex seen on June 3 in the mountanous area between Edessa and the Prespa Lakes.
126. Lesser White-throat     1 ex on June 9 at Avas.
127. Common White-throat     Seen in low numbers (up to 10 ex) on most days.
128. Orphean Warbler     4 ex on Loutros Hill on June 10.
129. Blackcap     Seen and heard on most days in low numbers.
130. Sardinian Warbler     Rarely heard, i.e. 1 ex near Litohora on June 6, and 2 ex on Sithonia
peninsular on June 15.
131. Subalpine Warbler     More common than previous species. Seen and heard at Prespa Lakes (2 and 3 ex on June 3 and 4), 1 ex at Meteora (June 5), 1 ex near Litohora (June 6), 1 ex at Lake Koronia (June  7), 1 ex at Loutros Hill (June 8), 3 to 5 ex on Sithonia peninsular (June 13, 14 and 15).
132. Eastern Bonelli's Warbler     Seen and heard only in the Dadia forest during the walk to and at the vulture hide on both 10  (2 ex) and 11 (3 ex) June.
133. Chiffchaff     1 ex on June 3 on route to Prespa Lakes, 5 ex on Mount Olympos on June 6, and approx. 5-10 ex at Dadia forest on both  June 10 and 11.
134. Firecrest     Very common (at least 20 ex on June 6) on Mount Olympos.
135. Spotted Flycatcher     1 ex near Litohora (June 5), 2 ex Mount Olympos (June 6), 1 ex at Avas (June 9), 1 ex at Dadia (June 11), 1 ex Asprovalta (June 12), and 1 resp. 2 ex on Sithonia peninsular on June 13 and 14.
136. Bearded Tit     Heard and seen in the reed beds of Micri Presap on June 3 (2 ex) and 4 (6 ex).
137. Long-tailed Tit     Seen at Meteora (6, resp. 2 ex on June 4 and 5), and near Dadia (1, resp. 5 ex on June 10 and 11).
138. Penduline Tit     Records at Prespa Lakes (5, resp. 3 ex on June 3 and 4), Lake Koronia (1 ex, June 7), Porto Lagos (1 ex on June 8), and at Kerkini Lake (15+ on June 12).
139. Great Tit     Daily counts of up to 10 ex but apparently absent on Sithonia.
140. Crested Tit     Only seen and heard during the walk on Mount Olympos (4 ex, June 6).
141. Coal Tit     Seen/heard on most days, but especially common on Mount Olympus (25+ on June 6).
142. Nuthatch     On June 11 5 ex (family) at a picknick site north of Loutros.
143. Rock Nuthatch      Seen on two locations. This bird is rather scarce in Northern Greece. On both June 3 and 4 we saw a pair feeding young at a nest on the cliffs west of the sandbar separating the Prespa Lakes. At Meteora we saw 3 ex ( 1 adult and 2 fledglings) on June 5, on
the cliffs near the  stairs to the Great Meteora monastery (the most western located monastery).
144. Short-toed Creeper     On June 11 3 males heard during the walk to the vulture hide near Dadia.
145. Golden Oriole     Almost daily heard, with counts up to 10 ex at Dadia and Kerkini Lake.
146. Red-backed Shrike     Also rather common, with 40, resp. 50 ex on June 3 and 4, on route between Edessa and Prespa, and Prespa and Meteora respectively. Lower counts elsewhere.
147. Woodchat Shrike     15 ex on June 9 in the surroundings of Avas (olive groves), 5 ex on June 10 at Loutros Hill, 3 ex on June 11 in Dadia forest, 2 ex on June 12 at Lake Kerkini, and 1 ex on June 14 near Sarti.
148. Lesser Grey Shrike     3 ex (on 3 sites) around Lake Kerkini on June 12, 1 ex on June 14 near Sarti (Sithonia).
149. Masked Shrike     We found this rather rare bird on two locations: on June 10 2 ex (pair) at Loutros Hill, and  on June 14 we found 1 ex (male) 2 km North of Sarti (Sithonia), along a path signposted "Achlada Beach".
150. Eurasian Jay     Seen on almost all days with daily counts of up to 10 ex at Mount Olympos.
151. Magpie     A common bird, with daily counts of up to 25 ex.
152. Alpine Chough     30 ex seen on June 6 around refuge A on Mount Olympos (altitude 2100 m)
153. Jackdaw     Almost daily seen with counts of up to 250 ex.
154. Hooded Crow     Seen daily, with counts of 10 up to 100 ex.
155. Raven     2 ex on June 4 at Meteora, 1 ex at Kalamitri campsite on June 13.
156. Starling     A rather common bird, seen in good numbers almost daily.
157. House Sparrow     Common bird, seen daily.
158. Tree Sparrow     Seems more widespread than indicated in fieldguides. Seen at Prespa Lakes (2 ex on June 3), Meteora (2 ex on June 5), and Evros delta (1 ex on June 8).
159. Spanish Sparrow     Becoming more common when driving east. First large colony seen on June 8, with 2000+  birds in pine trees in the village of Sapes. Very common in Evros delta (500+ on June 8, 1000+ on June 9). Hundreds (500 to 1500 daily) of birds present at Dadia forest and Lake Kerkini (often co-nesting with White Storks).
160. Chaffinch     A common bird, with daily counts of 10-25 ex.
161. Serin     Apparently restricted to higher altitudes: 1 ex near refuge A on Mount Olympos (June 6),  and approx. 10 ex on both June 10 and 11 in the Dadia forest area.
162. Greenfinch     Common bird, almost seen daily though in lower (10-) numbers.
163. Goldfinch     Common bird, seen in dozens every day.
164. Linnet     2 ex on June 3 near the Prespa Lakes, 1 ex on June 6 near Litohora, and 1 ex on June 14  near Kalamatsi (Sithonia).
165. Hawfinch      1 ex on both June 4 and 5 on the camping near Meteora (Kastraki), 2 ex on June 12 at the  E.O.T. camping at Asprovalta.
166. Bullfinch     3 ex on June 6 on Mount Olympos.
167. Crossbill     15 ex on June 6 on Mount Olympos, 1 ex near Dadia on both June 10 and 11.
168. Yellowhammer     Only seen in the North-West, with 6 ex on June 3 west of Edessa, and 2 ex on June 4  between Prespa and Meteora.
169. Cirl Bunting     A (very) common bunting, with daily counts of up to more than 25 singing males.
170. Rock Bunting     2 ex (pair) seen on June 3 in the mountainous area West of Edessa.
171. Ortolan Bunting     1 ex on June 3 in agricultural fields West of Edessa, 2 ex on June 10 on Loutros Hill, another 25 ex (mostly singing males) on route between Loutros and Dadia on the same day, approx. 10 males on June 11 in the Dadia forest area.
172. Reed Bunting     1 male bird on June 4 at the border of Megali Prespa.
173. Black-headed Bunting     Unexpectedly common through the whole of Northern Greece. Seen on all days with counts  of up to 100 ex in e.g. Evros delta and Avas area.
174. Corn Bunting     Common bird, seen almost every day with typical counts of 15 to 50 birds.