Birding in Athens: Sept 24th Trip report

Birding in Athens: Trip report Sept 24th

Today we run a guided birding tour around Athens for two evolutionary biologists from Michigan. Their goal was to see as many species as possible, together with some lifers.

We started from Oropos Lagoon. The wetland was full of waders, gulls and hirundines. Among other, we enjoyed great views of Greater Flamingos, Kentish Plovers, Curlew Sandpipers, breeding Zitting Cisticolas, together with dozens of Grey Herons and Little Egrets. As for ducks, 4 Gadwals were the highlight species, followed by Teal and Mallard. 

Our next stop was Mt Parnitha, and more specifically the northern part of it, called Avlonas. This is the home of Rock Nuthatch, Blue Rock Thrush, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear. More than 10 Raven were soaring, while Cirl Bunting were singing from the dense pine forest. Coal Tits, Great Tits, Chaffinches and Goldfinches were all very active. 

Saving a Martinated Tortoise from the road

After a very tasty tradition lunch in the nearby village, we headed south, to Spata fields. We had great views of Common Buzzards, Red-backed Shrikes, Common Kestrels and Stonechats. The terebinth trees were full of migrating warblers and chats, such as Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher

Photographic birds of prey at Spata fields

Our next stop was Rafina's Stream. We walked down to the river mouth and managed to have encellent views of two Kingfishers that were having their afternoon display. The shallow waters provide an ideal habitas for small fish, so this is why Kingfishers prefer this small but important bird area.

Taking close up shot of Kingfishers
at Rafina's Stream

We ended up at Artemis Lagoon by late afternoon. Surprisingly, two water Rails were seen wondering close to the reeds, a species that is usually very elusive. However, the highlight was two Red Foxes that enjoyed the afternoon breeze, mobbed by the dozens of Magpies.

 

Birders' selfie by the end of the trip

The full bird list (62 species) for Athens full day bird trip, September 24th 2022

Mallard

Gadwall

Eurasian Teal

Greater Flamingo

Collared Dove

Feral Pigeon
Moorhen

Water Rail
Kentish Plover

Little Ringed Plover
Little Plover

Grey Plover

Curlew Sandpiper

Dunlin

Sanderling

Little Stint

Redshank

Greenshank
Common Snipe

Wood Sandpiper

Grey Heron

Little Egret

Common Buzzard

Common Kestrel

Kingfisher

Pallid Swift

Common Swift

Alpine Swift

Red-rumped Swallow

House Martin

Sand Martin

Yellow-legged Gull

Mediterranean Gull

Black-headed Gull

Sandwich Tern

Magpie

Eurasian Jay

Hooded Crow

Raven

Rock Nuthatch

Great Tit

Long-tailed Tit

Crested Lark

Tree Pipit

Spotted Flycatcher

Redstart

Stonechat

Blackbird

Blue Rock Thrush

Red-backed Shrike

Grey Wagtail

Zitting Cisticola

Cetti's Warbler

Sardinian Warbler

Blackcap

Lesser Whitethroat

Whithethroat

Chaffinch

Goldfinch

Cirl Bunting

House Sparrow