Birdwatching contributes to environmental education and raises awareness about the fragility of ecosystems in the face of global challenges. Birdwatchers are pleasantly surprised in Greece. The Hellenic Ornithological Society has already spotted over 440 bird species in Greece, many of them rare. There are over 200 Important Bird Areas that are home to one or more globally or regionally threatened, endemic or congregatory bird species.

If you want to spot swans, ducks, grouses, partridges, divers, grebes, pelicans and an endless list of birds then visit the following sites that are just a few of the hundreds Greece offers for birdwatching.

Athens & Attica
Mt. Ymittos is the closest and largest location for birdwatching. Start from Kaisariani and take the hike through the forest to spot Alpine Swift, Black-eared Wheatears, Blue Rock Thrus, Chukar, Turtle Doves etc. Another noteworthy birdwatching site is Mt. Lykavittos where there are many rock-loving birds. Mt. Parnitha is great for watching Coal Tits, Firecrests, Flycatchers, Magpies etc. Mt. Pendeli and the region of Schinias are also good for birdwatching.

The museum near the sky lift at Parnitha gives information about the birdlife you can encounter at the mountain

Kotychi Lagoon and Strofylia, Ilia, Peloponnese
A vacationland for birds that stop to breed en route to other countries. Breeders such as the Fudge Duck and Lesser Kestrel compete with passers-by such as Little Egret, Great Egret, Glossy Ibis and others. Be sure to spot the Collared Pratincole and little Tern, two of the rare species in the area. A visitor Center at the village of Lappa provides information about the Kotychi and Strofylia wetlands.

Evia
Central Evia is a popular area for birdwatching and is home for two important habitats for migratory and non-migratory birds: Dirfys Mountain range, 30 km north of Halkida and Lake Dystos that lies 45 km south of Halkida. Pam Tours organize birdwatching tours thorughout Evia 210 922 9294 (pamtours@pamtours.gr)

Mount Parnon, Arcadia
217 bird species have been spotted at this haven for birds of which 53 are protected by law. Amongst the rarest is the mountain blackbird (pictured), the shore lark, golden eagle, alpine chough, purple heron and ring ouzel. Aquatic birds and water fowl head to the Moustos wetland and smaller wetlands in the area.

Korission Lake, Corfu
The area, situated in the south-western part of the island, is part of the Natura 2000 network. You may spot a variety of wintering birds as well as birds of pray such as Eleonaras and Red-footed falcons and Montagu’s Harriers. The area is also a stopping area for European flamingos, Pygmy Cormorants, Great White Egrets, swans, herons and Marsh Harriers. 96 rare species have been spotted here. Corfu offers visitors birdwatching tours. Contact Kosmas Apergis (6948 058 670 or comsasevo@hotmail.com) or Yiannis Gasteratos (6946 204378 or gaster1@otenet.gr)

Herakleion, Crete
The Zaros and Rouvas gorge, the “lake at Thrapsano and the area around Gouves, especially the Aposelemis river and the lagoons formed in winter are great places to spot buzzards, little egrets, blacked-winged stilts, griffon vultures, wheaters, plovers, stonechats, kestrels, herons and the odd eagle. CLICK HERE to download a checklist of the birds of Crete.

Hania, Crete
Lake Agia, the manmade lake on Northwest of Crete, Georgioupolis Lake, Lake Kournas, Lefka Ori (White Mountains) and Imbros Gorge are ideal areas for spotting rare breeds of birds. The Adventure Nature Guiding Association offers birdwatching tours and botany walks. Call 28970 23468 (holidays@exploringcrete.com)

Rhodes
It is said that a visit to Rhodes without birdwatching is incomplete. Some of the areas that have been noted for their bird life are: the Apolakkia dam, Ialysos, Kalithea, the Gadoura river mouth, Ixia, Kremasti Bridge and Koskinou. Ataviros and Profitis Ilias are known for common birds like vultures, hawks, Peregrine falcons, eagles and owls.
Species on Rhodes include Collared Dove, Blue Tit, Crested Lark, Sardinian Warbler and House Sparrow but, according to the birders, rarer species such as Baillon’s Crakes, Short-toed Larks, White-tailed Lapwing, Trumpeter Finch, Black-headed Bunting can also be found.Other sightings include Golden Eagle, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Golden Oriole, Audouin’s Gull, Calandra lark, Lanner Falcon, Long-Legged Buzzard and White-winged Black Tern. The Bonelli’s Eagle, an endangered species, can also been seen.

Blue tit

Kos
Lake Psalidi is a vital stop for rare ducks and flamingoes (pictured), the Aliki wetlands are less organized than Lake Psalidi but also is a great place to spot migratory birds on their way to Africa, whereas Dikaio Mountain is the final part of the Natura network on the island where you can hike up through the pine and cedar forest to catch a glimpse of buzzards and falcons.

Patmos
A great place to birdwatch due to its pristine ecosystems. Birdwatchers will enjoy visiting the wetlands and lake around Grikos Bay and Petra where there is a vibrant ecosystem of wild ducks, swans and heron. The Arki islets have many tiny islets that attract birds. Visit the island’s environmental research center in Arki and then hike through the island to find hidden coves.

Amvrakikos Gulf, Preveza
The gulf is one of the largest wetlands in Greece and supports a diverse ecosystem with over 290 species of birds, 75 of which are endangered. An ecocruising adventure takes visitors on river tours that allow for bird and dolphin watching through the wetlands, rivers and beaches. Call 26820 41992 (http://www.eco-cruising.gr) Rodia Wetlands Information Center informs visitors about the wide range of birds, animals, fish and plants across their gulf and their role in the area’s ecosystem. Call 26830 41219

Trikala
The Koziakas Mountain is an important part of the Natura 2000 network with roaring rivers ripping through deep canyons. The wildlife is critical to birds. Owls, woodcocks, pheasants, eagles, falcons and partridges are just a few of the fowl that call this region home.

Aitoloakarnania
Probably the best place for birdwatching in central and western Greece due to the Mesolonghi lagoon, an important wetland that stretches over 11,600 hectares and is home to over 40,000 ducks. Go on a birdwatching tour with Spyros Skareas, call 6978 180387)

Serres, Northern Greece
A to site for birdwatching. Lake Kerkini is an important passage for waterfowl and raptors as well as for breeds of migratory songbirds. The nearby forests and mountains provide resting grounds for the eagles, falcons and owls that forage the area. Locals at the villages of Neohori and Livadia have erected platforms for nesting pelicans and storks. Useful numbers: Kerkini Wetland Information Center (23270 28004-5), Lake kerkini Center for Ecotourism also offers excursions (23250 41036), Management Authority for Lake Kerkini, Kato Poroia (23270 28004)

Greece Bird Tours
Spyros Skareas and his birdwatching colleagues take visitors on birdwatching trips around Greece, including to the Mesolonghi Lagoons, Parnassos Mountains and even around Athens. Call 6978 180 387