Athens Birding Tour, March 2nd-3rd 2024
Here's a brief account of our weekend birdwatching expedition around Athens in March. With the arrival of the first spring migrants, including the Isabelline Wheatear, Great Spotted Cuckoo, and Black-headed Wagtails, alongside lingering winter residents like the Firecrest, Black Redstart, and Eastern Yellow Wagtail (a first record for Greece), our anticipation was high.
Alexandrine Parakeets at Tritsis Park
We commenced our journey on Saturday, March 2nd at Tritsis Metropolitan Park. The tranquility of the early morning made birdwatching a delightful and serene experience. Along the banks of the large lake, we spotted Black-headed Gulls, Mallards, Teal, and Cormorants. The small colony of nesting Night Herons was also active. Around the park, we encountered numerous pairs of Rose-ringed Parakeets and Alexandrine Parakeets, busy constructing their nests. Among the olive orchards, we observed flocks of Chaffinches and Goldfinches while hearing the melodious calls of Firecrests, Sardinian Warblers, and Song Thrushes.
Coat Tit
Firecrest
Hooded CrowsOur journey then took us eastward to Spata fields, where we hoped to catch sight of the first spring migrants. Although we heard the distinctive calls of Great Spotted Cuckoos, we were unable to get a clear view of them.
However, we were delighted by the presence of three Isabelline Wheatears, undoubtedly a highlight sighting for Athens.
Serins, Zitting Cisticolas, and Goldfinches accompanied us along the fields, along with Stonechats, Sardinian Warblers, Eurasian Jays, and Robins.
Isabelline Wheatear, a special migrant
at Spata fields
Giant Orchid (Himantoglossum robertianum)
With limited time on Saturday, we saved the rest of Eastern Attica for Sunday. We arrived early at a small park within Schinias National Park, known as a breeding ground for Great Spotted Cuckoos. This time, we were fortunate to spot two or three birds, exhibiting playful behavior as they attempted to settle on Magpies' nests to lay their eggs. Two Hoopoes flew swiftly before us, marking the first sightings of the year.
Our next destination was the Olympic Rowing Center, where the resident population of Ferruginous Ducks thrives around the wetlands, making it a significant bird area for Athens. Surprisingly, we encountered only a few raptors, including a Marsh Harrier, several Common Kestrels, and a Sparrowhawk. Reed Buntings seemed to be departing the area, with only one striking male spotted.
Sardinian Warbler
Mallard
It turned out to be a day dominated by wagtails, as we observed three species from this family of birds. The most abundant were the wintering White Wagtails, complemented by sightings of the first Black-headed Wagtails and the Eastern Yellow Wagtail, a recent 1st record for Greece established a couple of months ago.
In addition to birds, the trip offered glimpses of wild orchids, with blooming Giant Orchids (Himantoglossum robertianum) adorning the pine forest. Upon closer inspection, we also discovered Sawfly Orchids (Ophrys tenthredinifera) and Horseshoe Bee Orchids (Ophrys ferrum-equinum) scattered on the ground.
Giant Orchid (Himantoglossum robertianum)
However, our excitement was tempered by the encounter with an injured Little Owl. The frightened bird sought refuge in a pile of wood near the main bird observatory. Fortunately, one of the women in our group had extensive experience in rescuing wild birds from her work at a rehabilitation center. We quickly located a cardboard box and transported the bird to the rescue center, hoping for its eventual recovery.
Bird List, March 2nd & 3rd
Mallard
Eurasian Teal
Ferruginous Duck
Little Grebe
Feral Pigeon
Collared Dove
Great Spotted Cuckoo
Hoopoe
Moorhen
Coot
Black-winged Stilt
Black-headed Gull
Yellow-legged Gull
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Alexandrine Parakeet
Eurasian Jay
Hooded Crow
Magpie
Common Kestrel
Common Buzzard
Sparrowhawk
Little Owl
Penduline Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Crested Lark
Zitting Cisticola
Chiffchaff
Cetti's Warbler
Sardinian Warbler
Blackcap
Firecrest
Starling
Robin
Blackbird
Sond Thrush
Isabelline Wheatear
Stonechat
Grey Wagtail
White Wagtail
Black-headed Wagtail
Eastern Yellow Wagtail
Meadon Pipit
Chaffinch
Goldfinch
Serin
Corn Bunting
Reed Bunting
