On January 5th, 2025, we kicked off the new year with an exciting private bespoke birding tour around Athens. Our first destination? The stunning Oropos Lagoon, a birding hotspot just 40min drive from the city. Accompanied by two enthusiastic couples from Texas and Ohio, we set out on a memorable wildlife adventure.
A Rare Start: Horned Grebe in Athens
Our day began with a mission: finding the rare Horned Grebe recently reported by a local birder. This species is a rarity for Athens and had been spotted just two days prior near Skala Oropos port. With the anticipation high, we set up our spotting scopes and scanned the calm waters of the sea. Within minutes, there it was—the sleek, striking silhouette of the Horned Grebe! Everyone took turns admiring it through the scope and celebrating this incredible start to the day.
Flamingos, Plovers, and Winter Flocks
The excitement didn’t stop there. As we moved deeper into the lagoon, we were greeted by a vibrant flock of 40 Greater Flamingos, their pink plumage glowing against the morning light. Resident Kentish Plovers scurried along the mudflats, together with Black-belied Plovers, Common Redshanks, Sandwich Tern.
Winter brings an abundance of life to Oropos Lagoon, and we were treated to massive flocks of overwintering Serins—their cheerful calls and synchronized flights were a spectacle to behold. Among the highlights were also five Slender-billed Gulls, a species with a restricted distribution and nearly threatened status. Watching these elegant gulls forage gracefully in the lagoon was a reminder of the delicate balance of their habitats. Other gulls recorded were Mediterranean Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Yellow-legged Gulls.
Full Bird List
In total, we recorded an impressive 38 species during our tour. You can find the complete checklist here: Oropos Lagoon eBird List.
Why Choose Greece Bird Tours?
This incredible start to 2025 highlights why our private bespoke birding tours around Athens are perfect for birders and photographers alike. Whether you’re chasing a rare species or looking for stunning photographic moments, our tailored tours ensure an unforgettable experience.
Book your next birding adventure today and explore the rich avian diversity of Athens with Greece Bird Tours—where every trip is a celebration of nature!
