As September draws to a close, the first flocks of Lesser White-fronted Geese have reached Greece — returning to one of their favorite stopovers.

That place is none other than Lake Kerkini, a true paradise and haven for countless species, both permanent residents and seasonal visitors. According to the Hellenic Biodiversity Organization (OFYPEKA), this artificial lake northwest of Serres is one of Greece’s 10 internationally important wetlands, known as Ramsar Sites. It is also designated as one of the country’s 196 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) under EU law.

So far, at least 300 bird species have been recorded at Kerkini and in the surrounding mountains, 50 of which are listed in Greece’s Red Data Book of endangered birds. Ten species nest in significant numbers in the riparian forest, making the site vital not only for Greece but for Europe as well.

According to the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the first 47 Lesser White-fronted Geese have now landed at Kerkini. This is Europe’s most endangered waterbird, with only about 30 breeding pairs left in the Fennoscandian population. Each winter, nearly the entire population spends the season in northern Greece’s wetlands — mainly Lake Kerkini and the Evros Delta — before returning in spring to their breeding grounds in northern Scandinavia.

Here’s what the Ornithological Society reported in its latest update:

VIB (Very Important Birds) arrivals at Lake Kerkini:
“The first 47 Lesser White-fronted Geese have just touched down on their favorite wet meadows! The rare geese were spotted on September 22 by the Kerkini Management Unit of OFYPEKA. Just nine days earlier, on September 13, the same flock was observed at Valdak Marshes in Norway by BirdLife Norge. That means they covered the distance from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean in less than 10 days!”

The society emphasizes that the geese are closely monitored by members of the international Lesser White-fronted Goose Monitoring Network and local volunteers throughout their migratory route. Conservationists are now waiting for the arrival of the well-known satellite-tagged geese “Evros” and “Kerkini,” as well as the famous Mr. Blue and his family.

“Welcome back — and happy autumn!” the society added.