A brief trip report from our recent Dalmatian Pelican Photography Tour at Lake Kerkini, on February 1-3rd 2025
Day 1: Arrival and Drive to Kerkini Our adventure began with the arrival of renowned Maltese bird photographer, Natalino Fenech, at Thessaloniki Airport. After a warm welcome, we embarked on the scenic drive to our lodge at Lake Kerkini, discussing our shared passion for bird photography along the way. Nestled in the serene landscape, our lodge provided the perfect base for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2: Sunrise Boat Photography & Afternoon Birding An early 6:00 AM wake-up call set the stage for a thrilling day. After a quick coffee, we drove to the Kerkini village port, where the first light of the day painted the sky in breathtaking hues. Boarding our boat, we spent the next 2.5 hours immersed in the icy yet exhilarating experience of photographing the magnificent Dalmatian Pelicans. Their impressive size and unusually tame nature allowed for close encounters and dynamic compositions.
Sunrise at magical Lake Kerkini
Trying some black and white pics
Photoshooting from the boat
Returning to our lodge, we indulged in a well-earned full breakfast before setting out again for a few hours of birding and photography around the lake. The variety of species and changing light conditions provided endless opportunities for capturing stunning images.
At 3:30 PM, we met at Lithotopos for our afternoon and sunset boat excursion. As the golden hour set in, the lake transformed into a photographer’s paradise. We experimented with various lenses, from wide-angle to 500mm, and explored different photography techniques, including panning, low-speed, low-key, and high-key shots. The shifting light and angles resulted in a diverse and compelling portfolio of images.
Ideal light conditions for bird photography:
Golden hour at its best
As the day concluded, we enjoyed a hearty dinner at a local restaurant, savoring regional specialties such as buffalo meat and spicy Northern Greek delicacies—a perfect way to wrap up an extraordinary day in the field.
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Day 3: Foggy Morning and Lakeshore Photography The next morning, we set out again from Lithotopos, greeted by atmospheric fog over the lake. The mist created an ethereal setting, lending a dramatic effect to our photos. The subdued light and stillness of the lake provided a unique contrast to the previous day’s golden sunrise shots, adding depth to our photographic collection.
Pelicans in flight
A foggy morning offer opportunities for more
dramatic birdscape photos
Midday was dedicated to relaxation at the lodge, sorting through our thousands of images and reflecting on our experiences. At 2:00 PM, we ventured out for a lakeshore photoshoot, which turned out to be surprisingly productive. Using low-angle perspectives—sometimes almost at water level—we captured striking images of birds at eye level, creating intimate and powerful compositions.
Photoshooting Dalmatian Pelicans
from the lakeshore of Lake Kerkini
Photo taken while laying down
and shooting from the lakeshore
Our final dinner featured more local culinary delights, including pasta with smoked buffalo meat and fresh carp from the lake, celebrating our successful trip with delicious flavors and engaging conversation.
Day 4: Departure with Unforgettable Memories As we drove back to Thessaloniki Airport, our memory cards brimmed with thousands of photographs, each telling a story of an unforgettable three-day wildlife photography journey. The beauty of Lake Kerkini, the grandeur of the Dalmatian Pelicans, and the joy of perfecting our craft made this trip truly remarkable. Until next time, Kerkini!
