A guided bird tour at Schinias National Park was organized on April 10th 2022, for 6 birders from all over the world (USA, France, Australia). They were all here a few years ago and birded with us around Athens, and they came again this year in Marathon for their biennual conference. Having a few hours free from their meetings, they had the chance to visit the wetland during spring migration, as well as the fields around Ramnous.
Happy birders with happy bird guide, after a short bird trip
The first species our birding trip was a Eurasian Jay, followed by Magpies and songs from Cetti's Warbler from the nearby reeds. We were still at the entrance of our hotel, when a pair of Blackbirds showed, together with the first Barn Swallows. The birding day has just started!
Our first stop was the north side of the Rowing Center, were we briefly saw a Tree Pipit sitting on the fence of the center. Goldfinches flew by, and we had some fast views of them. Our next spot was the pond in the east side of the national park. A big flock of Ruff, surrounded by Woodsandpipers, Black-winged Stilts, Mallard, Grey Herons, Little Egrets, Snipe and Garganey were all there just a few meters from us. Other birds that we enjoyed were 5 Little Ringed Plovers, Green Sandpeipers, Teal, Coot, Moorhen, and a couple of Kestrels that were flying by. Hooded Crows were very loud, as well as Cetti's Warblers, Sedge Warblers, House Sparrows, Collared Doves that were heard all day long. A pair of Great Tits was very active too.
Later on, we headed towards Ramnous, the fields north of the wetland. We enjoyed a couple of Woodchat Shrikes and had great views of a nice singing male Sardinian Warbler, Corn Buntings and the first colorful Whinchats that have just arrived from Africa. A couple of March Harriers, a Common Buzzard, Yellow-legged Gulls, and dozens of Barn Swallows filled the sky.
Sardinian Warbler
Coming back at the wetland, a Crested Lark was singing from a rusted wire. Our next stop was one of the observation towers. an awesome Squacco Heron was enjoyed by all members of our group, while 3 Shelducks flew over. The highlight of the day were the 3 Short-toed Eagles that we saw over the little bridge. The birds were soaring slowly and hovering over the hills, so we could see their details through the spotting scope. Trully, a magnificent sight! Later on 2 Glossy Ibises were eating very close to the road, and a few Ferruginous Ducks flew away from us.
Overall, we had a great birding moring, despite its short duration. We hope to see you again, in 2 years time, with more available time so we can visit more locations and achieve a longer species list.
