Winter Birding Adventure in Athens – A Day of Digiscoping and Bird Photography
On January 18, we had the pleasure of guiding Daniel, an experienced birder and avid bird photographer from Minnesota, USA, on an incredible birding tour around Athens. With a focus on digiscoping and bird photography, we explored two key locations that offered an abundance of birdlife and stunning natural scenery, making for a memorable day of winter birdwatching.
Flamingos at Oropos Lagoon
digiscoped
Exploring Tritsis Metropolitan Park
We began our tour at Tritsis Metropolitan Park, a peaceful urban oasis in the western part of the city of Athens, perfect for observing a variety of bird species. This location provided ideal conditions for Daniel’s digiscoping and photography, with plenty of opportunities to capture detailed images of birds in their natural habitats.
Kingfisher
Black Redstart
Daniel photographing a Black Redstart
Some of the highlights included Sardinian Warblers flitting through the bushes, Great Tits feeding on tree branches, and Black Redstarts perched in open areas. A particular standout was the colony of Black-crowned Night Herons, Athens' only breeding colony, with over 15 individuals resting gracefully near the water. The bright blue flash of Kingfishers darting across the wetlands was another photographic highlight, while Greater Cormorants and Eurasian Teals added to the diverse sightings.
The Scenic Oropos Lagoon
After two hours at Tritsis Park, we drove to the Oropos Lagoon, a birding hotspot renowned for its stunning scenery and rich bird diversity. The wide, open vistas of the lagoon offered perfect conditions for long-range digiscoping, allowing Daniel to capture incredible close-up shots of distant birds.
Grey Plover digiscoped
The sight of a large flock of Flamingos feeding in the shallow waters was truly awe-inspiring. Among the ducks, we spotted species such as Shovelers, Wigeons, Pintails, and Mallards, all of which presented excellent photo opportunities. The shores of the lagoon were bustling with waders, including Redshanks, Greenshanks, Kentish Plovers, Grey Plovers, Ringed Plovers, and Curlews, all carefully documented through Daniel’s lens.
Notable gulls included the rare Slender-billed Gull, alongside Black-headed and Mediterranean Gulls. Adding a vibrant touch to the scene were large flocks of Serins, which filled the air with their cheerful calls.
Highlights of the Day
By the end of our half-day birding adventure, we had recorded an impressive 54 bird species. Both Tritsis Metropolitan Park and Oropos Lagoon provided excellent conditions for birding and photography, showcasing the incredible diversity of birdlife around Athens during the winter months.
This tour wasn’t just about birdwatching—it was an immersive experience, combining the thrill of spotting unique species with the creative joy of capturing them through digiscoping and photography.
Plan Your Birding Tour with Greece Bird Tours
If you’re looking for a unique birding experience near Athens, whether you’re an avid birder or a keen photographer, Greece Bird Tours offers tailor-made tours to suit your interests. Escape the city, connect with nature, and discover the beauty of Greece’s birdlife.
