Birding Adventure in the Heart of Athens: National Gardens Tour Report
Nestled in the bustling heart of Athens, the National Gardens is a heaven for bird enthusiasts. With its mix of resident species and seasonal migrants, this urban park offers a unique opportunity to experience a variety of birdlife.
Our recent, 3 hour birding tour on September 14th through the gardens was nothing short of spectacular, with an impressive array of species observed in a relatively small area.
Spotted Flycatcher
The Resident Stars of the National Gardens
Upon entering the gardens from the northern entrance at Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, we were greeted by the loud and playful calls of Monk Parakeets and Rose-ringed Parakeets, two species that have become permanent residents here. Their bright green plumage and sociable nature make them easy to spot, often found in flocks, chattering noisily as they move from tree to tree.
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Try to spot the Rose-ringed Parakeet!
An acrobatic Monk Parakeet
The Eurasian Jays were also a highlight, with their striking blue feathers and sharp, intelligent eyes. These birds were often seen hopping around the park's more wooded areas, searching for acorns or insects. They can be elusive, but their distinctive call usually gives away their presence.
Other resident species included the delicate Blackcaps, with their cute black or brown caps (depending on the sex), as well as the energetic Sardinian Warblers. These small, insectivorous birds were frequently observed darting in and out of the underbrush, their sharp "tchak" calls drawing our attention.
The common, yet always charming, Eurasian Robins were also in abundance, the National Gardens being one of the few places in Athens to find the species all year long (elsewhere it is a winter visitor). Other small birds to spot are the mixed flocks of Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits, and Great Tits. These species, particularly the tiny Long-tailed Tits with their fluttering, agile movements, brought life and motion to the park’s dense canopy.
Long-tailed Tit
Grey Wagtails prefer wet surfaces,
always being close to water sources
Migrant Visitors: A Seasonal Delight
As fall begins, the National Gardens becomes a stopover for a variety of migratory birds. This time, we were lucky enough to spot Spotted Flycatchers and the less common Collared Flycatchers. These small, unobtrusive birds flit from branch to branch, hunting insects in the shaded clearings of the park.
Collared Flycatcher, a scarce migrant visitor
at the National Gardens
and fall migrants at the park
Among the highlights were the colorful warblers that graced us with their presence. The Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler, with their soft green and yellow plumage, were a delightful sight. Their subtle differences in behavior and appearance—Willow Warblers being more restless, while Wood Warblers seem to hover and sing more melodiously—made them a joy to observe.
Willow Warbler
Wood Warbler. Notice the difference with Willow Warbler,
Birding and Photography Tips for the National Gardens
The National Gardens is a great birding spot, but it does present a few challenges. The park’s dense canopy creates lighting conditions reminiscent of a cloud forest, which can make bird identification and photography tricky. Here are a few tips to make the most of your birding adventure:
Choose the Right Time: Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit, as birds are more active during these cooler hours. The softer light also helps with photography, reducing harsh shadows.
Do not miss the change of guards in front of the Parliament, every Sunday at 11am.
Bring Binoculars and a Telephoto Lens: The dense foliage means birds are often partially obscured, so good optics are essential. A telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 300mm will help capture those distant, hidden species.
Be Patient and Listen: Many of the garden’s birds, especially warblers and robins, are often heard before they’re seen. Take your time, listen for distinctive calls, and move slowly. Birds like the Sardinian Warbler and Blackcap are more likely to come into view when you’re quiet and still.
Shoot at Higher ISO: Since the lighting can be dim under the canopy, raising your camera’s ISO setting can help maintain a fast enough shutter speed to capture moving birds without blur. Don’t be afraid to experiment, as modern cameras handle higher ISO quite well. We often use ISO more than 10.000, why don't you give it try?
Focus on Behavior: Rather than waiting for the perfect perch shot, try capturing birds in action—feeding, preening, or flying. These natural behaviors make for more dynamic and engaging images.
Final Thoughts
Birding at the National Gardens of Athens is a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced birders. With its mix of resident species and seasonal visitors, it offers a dynamic snapshot of urban birdlife. Whether you're keen on identifying every species or just enjoying the vibrant sights and sounds of nature, this urban oasis is a must-visit spot on any Athens birding itinerary.
Stay tuned for more trip reports and birding tips, and join us on our next adventure, an exclusive 3 hour birding tour at the National Gardens!
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