Birdwatching Trip Report from Northern Greece and Bulgaria

SITES

GREECE

All sites are excellently described in Steve Mills’ “Birdwatching in Northern Greece”.

PRESPA LAKES

Accommodation: Hotel Agios Germanos in Agios. Price €50 for a double-room.

Birds seen during our visit:

Great Crested Grebe, Great White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Great Cormorant, Pygmy Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Little Egret, Squacco Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Great Bittern, White Stork, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Black-shouldered Kite, Short-toed Eagle, Western Marsh-Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Eurasian Kestrel, Common Quail, Eurasian Coot, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, Eurasian Turtle-Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Common Cuckoo, Common Swift, European Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe, Syrian Spotted Woodpecker, Crested Lark, Wood Lark, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Tawny Pipit, White-throated Dipper, Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush, Eurasian Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler, Eurasian Reed-Warbler, Great Reed-Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Blackcap, Greater Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Barred Warbler, European Robin, Common Nightingale, Black Redstart, Whinchat, Northern Wheatear, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Bearded Reedling, Long-tailed Tit, Sombre Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Eurasian Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Eurasian Penduline-Tit, Eurasian Golden-Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Eurasian Jay, Black-billed Magpie, Eurasian Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, European Starling, House Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Hawfinch, Yellowhammer, Cirl Bunting, Rock Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Corn Bunting.

LAKE KERKINI

Accommodation: Hotel Limneo in Chrisochorafa. Price €45 for a double-room.

Birds seen during our visit:

Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Eared Grebe, Great White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Great Cormorant, Pygmy Cormorant, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Great Egret, Little Egret, Squacco Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Little Bittern, Black Stork, White Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Garganey, Northern Shoveler, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, European Honey-Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Black Kite, Western Marsh-Harrier, Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Water Rail, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Whiskered Tern, Common Cuckoo, Eurasian Turtle-Dove, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Grey-faced Woodpecker, Calandra Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Wood Lark, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Eurasian Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Eurasian Reed-Warbler, Great Reed-Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Olive-tree Warbler, Blackcap, Subalpine Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Nightingale, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Sombre Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Penduline-Tit, Eurasian Golden-Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Masked Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Eurasian Jay, Black-billed Magpie, Eurasian Jackdaw, Rook, Hooded Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, House Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Hawfinch, Yellowhammer, Cirl Bunting, Black-headed Bunting, Corn Bunting.

LAKE ISMARIDA
Accommodation: Hotel Kassiani in Keramoti. Price €40 for a double-room.

Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Great Egret, Little Egret, Squacco Heron, White Stork, Mute Swan, Common Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Garganey, Ferruginous Pochard, White-tailed Eagle, Western Marsh-Harrier, Eurasian Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Eurasian Hobby, Eurasian Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Collared Pratincole, Northern Lapwing, Black-bellied Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Common Greenshank, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Gull-billed Tern, Common Tern, Whiskered Tern, White-winged Tern, Eurasian Turtle-Dove, Common Cuckoo, Common Swift, European Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Sky Lark, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Cetti’s Warbler, Eurasian Reed-Warbler, Great Reed-Warbler, Greater Whitethroat, Common Nightingale, Eurasian Penduline-Tit, Eurasian Golden-Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Hooded Crow, European Starling, European Goldfinch, Corn Bunting.

EVROS DELTA

Accommodation: Hotel Isidora in Traianoupoli. Price €40 for a double-room.

Birds seen during our visit:

Great Crested Grebe, Dalmatian Pelican, Great Cormorant, Pygmy Cormorant, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Great Egret, Little Egret, Squacco Heron, Black Stork, White Stork, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Mute Swan, Common Shelduck, Mallard, Garganey, European Honey-Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Western Marsh-Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Levant Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle, Eurasian Kestrel, Red-footed Falcon, Eleonora’s Falcon, Eurasian Coot, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Eurasian Thick-knee, Collared Pratincole, Northern Lapwing, Spur-winged Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Snowy Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Common Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Sanderling, Little Stint, Temminck’s Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruff, Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Common Tern, Little Tern, Whiskered Tern, Black Tern, Eurasian Turtle-Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Common Cuckoo, Common Swift, European Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe, Calandra Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Wood Lark, Sky Lark, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Tawny Pipit, Eurasian Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Eurasian Reed-Warbler, Great Reed-Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Blackcap, Greater Whitethroat, Sardinian Warbler, European Robin, Common Nightingale, Northern Wheatear, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Great Tit, Eurasian Penduline-Tit, Eurasian Golden-Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Magpie, Hooded Crow, European Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Eurasian Linnet, Hawfinch, Cirl Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Black-headed Bunting, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting.

DADIA FOREST

Accommodation: Hotel Dadiaselo in Dadia. Price €75 for a double-room.

Birds seen during our visit:

Grey Heron, Black Stork, White Stork, European Honey-Buzzard, Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Griffon, Cinereous Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Western Marsh-Harrier, Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle, Eurasian Hobby, Little Ringed Plover, Eurasian Turtle-Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Common Cuckoo, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Tawny Owl, Little Owl, Eurasian Nightjar, Common Swift, European Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Crested Lark, Wood Lark, Sky Lark, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Goldcrest, Eurasian Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Great Reed-Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Blackcap, Greater Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Sardinian Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, European Robin, Common Nightingale, European Stonechat, Great Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Eurasian Golden-Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Masked Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Black-billed Magpie, Hooded Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, House Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Eurasian Linnet, Hawfinch, Cirl Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Black-headed Bunting, Corn Bunting.

BULGARIA

IVAYLOVGRAD AREA

Accommodation: Hotel Luxor in Ivaylovgrad. Price €20 for a double-room.

Birds seen during our visit:

Grey Heron, White Stork, European Honey-Buzzard, Black Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Griffon, Short-toed Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Eurasian Kestrel, Eurasian Hobby, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Wood-Pigeon, Eurasian Turtle-Dove, Common Cuckoo, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Crested Lark, Wood Lark, Sky Lark, Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Eurasian Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Wood Warbler, Blackcap, Greater Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Eastern Orphean Warbler, European Robin, Common Nightingale, European Stonechat, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Great Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Eurasian Golden-Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Magpie, Eurasian Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, House Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Hawfinch, Black-headed Bunting, Corn Bunting.

DAILY LOG

Saturday May 5

Our trip began with a 2½ hours Aegean flight (12.45 p.m.) from Düsseldorf to Thessaloniki. Stepping of the plane we were greeted by warm sunshine! On the airfield we saw a Fox. We met up with Leo Snoeckx, Tom’s father, who lives in Greece. At the airport we picked up our only Pallid Swifts of the trip. We immediately drove with two cars for four hours out of Thessaloniki via the brand-new Egnatia motorway to the Prespa Lakes. Amongst the birds seen en route were Levant Sparrowhawk and Lesser Kestrel. In the early evening we checked into Hotel Agios Germanos in the small village of Agios Germanos.

Sunday May 6

First light saw us tramping in the cool of the early morning in the hills surrounding the village. Amongst the birds seen here were our only Sombre Tit of the trip, Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush, Cirl Bunting and Ortolan Bunting. When returning for breakfast at the hotel we immediately spotted a Syrian Woodpecker. Hereafter we headed to the Prespa Lakes and amongst the more interesting birds seen were many Dalmatian Pelicans and Pygmy Cormorants, a few Squacco Herons, a single Great Bittern and hunting Western Marsh-Harriers. In the reed surrounding the lake we saw amongst others many Great Reed Warblers, Bearded Reedling, Cetti’s Warbler and a Eurasian Penduline-Tit at the nest.

In the afternoon we explored the fields surrounding the lake and seen here amongst many others were a group of breeding European Bee-eaters, Crested Lark, Red-rumped Swallow, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Whinchat, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike and Woodchat Shrike.

The highlight of the afternoon however was a Barred Warbler, but it took quite some time before we had decent looks at the bird. Vital and Tom spent most of the time trying to identify the butterflies, while the rest of us were more interested in the birds.

Monday May 7

After breakfast, our first port of call was again the Prespa Lakes. Inevitably we saw the same birds as yesterday, but we managed to find a few new ones. We had close encounters with 2 Tawny Pipits. Other ‘new’ ones were Common Mergansers, here at their most southern breeding area of Europe

In the afternoon we visited the mountains near Agois Germanos. Highlights seen here were Golden Eagle, Grey Wagtail, White-throated Dipper and Rock Bunting.

Mammals were hardly seen, although we did see a Fox.

Tuesday May 8

The following morning saw us driving into the typically rolling steppe and agricultural country near Florian. Our first stop was at Kelli near a refuse-dump. We explored the rocky area from the roadside and sampled a long list of birds amongst them Short-toed Eagle, Levant Sparrowhawk, Tawny Pipit, Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Cirl Bunting and our only Rock Nuthatch of the trip, watched at length on the rocks above us.

Hereafter we headed to Lake Doirani near the Macedonian border. A short stroll along the lake produced amongst others a few Dalmatian Pelicans, Western Marsh-Harrier and a few Wood Sandpipers and Ruffs.

After lunch near the lake we headed to Lake Kerkini and in the late afternoon we spent some time near this lake. Great Crested Grebes were abundant here and amongst other the birds seen on the lake were Great White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant and Eurasian Spoonbill.

Along the woodland along the lake we had good views of Lesser Grey Shrike and Woodland Shrike.

We spent the night in the excellent Hotel Limneo in Chrisochorafa.

Wednesday May 9

The next morning we headed back to the lake and proceeded to drive round it clockwise from northeast to northwest from the same starting point. We started at the river Strimón. Driving on we spotted many Pygmy Cormorants, 4 Black-crowned Night-Herons and had amazing views of 4 Little Bitterns.

Many ducks were seen amongst them a few Garganey, 28 Ferruginous Pochards, Nothern Shovelers and Common Pochards. The bushes and trees along the lake produced Grey-faced Woodpecker, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Eurasian Golden-Oriole and Hawfinch along with the regular Black-headed Buntings and Corn Buntings. A single Common Raven was also spotted along the lake.

In the afternoon we explored two places in the forest near the lake. Here we managed to get excellent views of Olive-tree Warbler and Masked Shrike. Other birds we encountered here were Black Stork, European Honey-Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Subalpine Warbler and Sombre Tit.

Thursday May 10

A driving day today. We left Lake Kerkini and headed eastwards to visit the Nestos Delta. En route we made a few stops. A brief stop at a dig-off not far from Lake Kerkini produced our first of many European Rollers, a few Calandra and Greater Short-toed Larks and a small colony of European Bee-eaters.

In the Nestos Delta we visited a few places along the sea and highlight of the day were three Golden Jackals hunting along the seashore. The birds here included many waders amongst them Eurasian Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Black-bellied Plover, Common Redshank and Ruddy Turnstone. There was also a large colony of Black-headed Gulls and 25+ Common Terns and here along the seashore we also saw our first Spur-winged Plovers.

We then headed to the small sea town of Keramoti where we checked into Hotel Kassiani. In the late afternoon we visited another part of the Nestos Delta, where our only birds of note were a single Lesser Spotted Eagle and a Marsh Warbler.

Then dark storm clouds gathered and the first drops of rain started to fall and our birding day was over. We drove on slippery sandy roads now and it cost us a bit of trouble to return to the tarmac road.

Our hotel was situated right by the sea and we relished the refreshing breezes that wafted into the nearby restaurant, where we had a delicious dinner.

Friday May 11

Today was largely a travelling day and on our way to the Evros Delta we again visited a few marshy areas.

Our first stop was at the Mandra Marsh. In the agricultural fields near the marsh we found a few Collared Pratincoles. In the marsh itself waders were well represented and included Black-winged Stilt, Spotted Redshank, Common Greenshank, Little Stint, Temminck’s Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin and Ruff.

At the Lafrouda Lagoon we found a group of 41 Glossy Ibises.

We also visited a Salt Works, where we added Pied Avocet and Little Tern to our trip list. Along the shore we saw a single European Shag.

We then headed for Lake Ismarida. European Bee-eaters were sat up everywhere with Olivaceous Warblers and Nightingales in full song. Carrying on along the track the habitat changed to reed bed and scrub. Marsh Harriers were quartering the reed beds, Bank Swallows, Great Reed and Cetti’s Warblers were plentiful and here we also saw our first Lesser Kestrels.

Many waterbirds were seen in huge numbers - including Great Egrets, Purple Herons, Squacco Herons, Ferruginous Pochards and huge numbers of Whiskered and White-winged Terns.

We made a stop in the small village of Kalamokastro, where a small colony of Lesser Kestrels is breeding.

We then drove to the main road and headed east to the Evros Delta, via Alexandroupolis.

We checked into Hotel Isidora in Traianoupoli.

Saturday May 12

Before breakfast we spent some time on the craggy hill (the one with the white chapel on its top) dominating the Traianoupoli hotel area near the hotel. On our way to the hill we counted no less than 11 Woodchat Shrikes on a fence. An English birder had seen on the hill an Eurasian Eagle-Owl, but we had no success in locating the bird. Here we experienced for the first time the migration of raptors and storks and we did see a group of 14 Levant Sparrowhawks pretty close with its black tipped underwings, a few Lesser Spotted Eagles, 25+ Black Storks and many White Storks. Hereafter we walked to the nearby Evros Visitors’ Centre, where we got our permit.

The rest of the day we spent in the Evros Delta. On the shore we were picking up Snowy Plovers, Curlew Sandpipers and Little Ringed Plovers, but we searched in vain for Eurasian Thick-knee. We followed the many tracks in the delta. This revealed many Little Egrets, Squacco Herons, Purple Heron, Grey Heron and Garganey. There were flocks of many Little Stints, Wood Sandpipers, Dunlin and Curlew Sandpipers, a few of which looked very resplendent in full breeding plumage.

We motored on along the track to some open water. This revealed many Mute Swans, 7 Glossy Ibises, Common Shelduck and Mallard. Birds seen along the track were Black-headed Wagtails, Tawny Pipits, Crested and Greater Short-toed Larks and Isabelline Wheatear, Corn and Black-headed Buntings were everywhere. Highlight of the day however was a Terek Sandpiper, a very rare bird in the Evros Delta.

We had frequent sightings of raptors: a group of migrating European Honey-Buzzards, Western Marsh-Harriers, a female Montagu’s Harrier, Eurasian Buzzards, a single Greater Spotted Eagle and a Booted Eagle.

Then again dark storm clouds gathered and the first drops of rain started to fall and our birding day was over.

Sunday May 13

We departed the Evros and headed north to the Kapsalo radio mast, the highest spot in the area, a place with superb views above the forest.

We spent a few hours here and we had eyeball to eyeball views with a few Eurasian Griffons and Cinereous Vultures. Amongst the other birds seen here were Short-toed Eagle, Rock Pigeon, Blue Rock-Thrush, and Rock Petronia, although the last one we did only hear.

On our return trip from the radio mast we had scope views of a Peregrine Falcon and also saw Greater Spotted Woodpecker and an immature Imperial Eagle.

We then headed to Dadia where we checked into Hotel Dadiaselo. In the afternoon we made a stroll in Dadia Forest and amongst the birds seen here were Black Stork, Eurasian Griffon, Cinereous Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Northern Goshawk and we heard a few Goldcrests.

In the late afternoon we again had heavy rain.

Monday May 14

Today we spent all day in Dadia Forest and the fields surrounding the village. Since 1986 they have been running a conservation programme for European Vultures. We of course did see the vultures, but not many:

2 Egyptian Vultures, 3 Eurasian Griffons and 10+ Cinereous Vultures. Other raptors in and above the forest were also well represented and included Short-toed Eagle, Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle and Eurasian Hobby. In another part of the forest we added Middle Spotted Woodpecker to our trip list and a singing Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler gave unbeatable views and we also saw 2 Masked Shrikes.

In the fields we started picking up the usual birds, Eurasian Hoopoe, Cirl, Black-headed and Corn Bunting, Crested Larks, Woodchat & Red-backed Shrike etc.

We again spent the night at Hotel Dadiaselo.

Tuesday May 15

Today was largely a travelling with very bad weather. On our way to Bulgaria we made a short stop close to the border in a river valley. Birds of note here were Little Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Greater & Lesser Whitethroat and Hawfinch.

At the border Todo, a Bulgarian guide, was waiting for us. We left one car at the border and headed with Todo to the small town of Ivaylovgrad, where we checked into Hotel Luxor.

In the late afternoon we set off to Todo’s house and birding around these deserted farm houses gave us amongst others European Stonechat, Common Raven and Eurasian Linnet.

Wednesday May 16
The next morning we set off for the steppes situated just outside Ivaylovgrad. Fortunately the sky was crystal clear and we spent a few hours on the grasslands. Isabelline Wheatears were quite common and conspicuous on the steppe, where several Susliks were seen. The steppes also turned up a female Montagu’s Harrier and of course the usual birds Eurasian Hoopoe, Black-headed and Corn Bunting, Crested Larks, Woodchat & Red-backed Shrike etc. However the star bird was undoubtedly the Eastern Orphean Warbler, which we scoped beautifully.

A short visit to a forest nearby turned up our only Wood Warbler of the trip.

In the afternoon we set off for the hunting reserve “Studen Kladenetz”, where we hoped to see the wolf.

We spent a few hours walking on steep rocky hills with a guide but to no avail. We did not see a wolf, although our guide said that he had seen a wolf!

Birds of note here were Black Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Griffon, Golden Eagle, Eurasian Hobby, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear and Ortolan Bunting.

Hereafter we returned to Ivaylovgrad, where we drank a few cold beers with Todo.

Thursday May 17

The next day we left Bulgaria and headed back to the Evros Delta. Once again, there were various herons, egrets, cormorants, shorebirds and waterfowl. On the beach we finally found a pair of Eurasian Thick-knees and also 3 Sanderlings. A group of 31 Slender-billed Gulls were among the additions to our list.

Perched on a wire brought our car to a rapid stop and gave excellent scope views of a female Red-footed Falcon before soaring off. Highlight of the day however were 4 Elenora’s Falcons, amongst them 2 of the black phase.

We again spent the night at Hotel Isidora in Traianoupoli.

Friday May 18

Today we had very bad weather with a lot of rain and wind. On our way back to Thessaloniki we made another stop at Lake Ismarida where we found the nest of a White-tailed Eagle with an adult bird and an almost full-grown young bird on the nest.

We then headed via a steep winding road to the Nestos Gorge. However wind and rain made it almost impossible to see any birds. I tried to find the Rock Partridge, in what sadly proved to be a fruitless search.

Hereafter we returned to Thessaloniki, where we checked into the luxurious Inthana Hotel near the airport.

Saturday May 19

Unfortunately today we had to leave Greece. We enjoyed a breakfast at the hotel and in the early morning we took the Aegean flight to Düsseldorf. At 14.30 I was back in Chaam.

Greece has much to offer and, in my opinion, is one of the finest countries in the whole of Europe for birdwatching, in some remarkably unspoilt surroundings.

During our explorations in Greece we saw a lot of birds, but the most memorable event during our trip certainly occurred when three Jackals were seen in the Nestos Delta and we could admire this magnificent mammals.

My five best birds of the trip? Dalmatian Pelican, Eleonora’s Falcon, Olive-tree Warbler, Eastern Orphean Warbler and Masked Shrike. The final group total was 204 species.

Chaam, 20 August 2012,

If you need any help or further information, contact me at the following address and I'll try and help if I can!

Jan Vermeulen
Bredaseweg 14
4861 AH Chaam
The Netherlands
Telephone: (031) – 161 – 491327

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF BIRDS

This list follows the taxonomy, names and sequence of James F. Clements (Birds of the World, A Check List, Sixth Edition 2007, including updates July 2007 – August 2011). This sixth edition is based primarily on the higher taxonomic sequence outlined in the “Handbook of the Birds of the World” series published by Lynx Edicions.

The Dutch names follow the translated "Complete Checklist of Birds of the World" (Complete Checklist van Vogels van de Wereld) of Michael Walters.

Numbers quoted are estimates of the minimum numbers seen.

The following abbreviations are used:
NP          = National Park
100+       = a minimum of 100 birds
(B)          = Bulgaria
(H)          = heard

1.     LITTLE GREBE, Tachybaptus ruficollis, Dodaars
1 at Lake Doirani and small numbers at Lake Kerkini.

2.     GREAT CRESTED GREBE, Podiceps cristatus, Fuut
Fairly common at the Prespa Lakes, abundant at Lake Kerkini and a few at the Evros Delta.

3.     EARED GREBE (BLACK-NECKED GREBE), Podiceps nigricollis, Geoorde Fuut
Common at Lake Kerkini.

4.     GREAT WHITE PELICAN, Pelecanus onocrotalus, Roze Pelikaan
Small numbers at the Prespa Lakes and common at Lake Kerkini.

5.     DALMATIAN PELICAN, Pelecanus crispus, Kroeskoppelikaan
Common at the Prespa lakes, small numbers at Lake Kerkini and the Evros Delta.

6.     GREAT CORMORANT, Phalacrocorax carbo, Aalscholver
A common and widespread species in suitable habitat.

7.     EUROPEAN SHAG, Phalacrocorax aristotelis, Kuifaalscholver
2 along the coast in the Nestos Delta.

8.     PYGMY CORMORANT, Phalacrocorax pygmaeus, Dwergaalscholver
Common at the Prespa Lakes and Lake Kerkini, a few in the Evros Delta.

9.     GREY HERON, Ardea cinerea, Blauwe Reiger
A common and widespread species.

10. PURPLE HERON, Ardea pupurea, Purperreiger
1 at Lake Doirani, 2 at Lake Kerkini, 4 at the Avdira Marshes, 1 at Lake Ismarida and 6 at the Evros Delta.

11. GREAT EGRET, Egretta alba, Grote Zilverreiger
Small numbers almost daily in suitable habitat.

12. LITTLE EGRET, Egretta garzetta, Kleine Zilverreiger
A common and widespread species.

13. SQUACCO HERON, Ardeola ralloides, Ralreiger
A fairly common and widespread species.

14. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, Nycticorax nycticorax, Kwak
2 at the Prespa Lakes and 2 at Lake Kerkini.

15. LITTLE BITTERN, Ixobrychus minutus, Woudaap
Splendid observations of 4 birds at Lake Kerkini.

16. GREAT BITTERN, Botaurus stellaris, Roerdomp
A single sighting at the Prespa Lakes.

17. BLACK STORK, Ciconia nigra. Zwarte Ooievaar
2 near Lake Kerkini, 1 at the Avdira Marshes, up to 25 a day in the Evros Delta, up to 15 a day in the Dadia area.

18. WHITE STORK, Ciconia ciconia, Ooievaar
A very common and widespread species.

19. GLOSSY IBIS, Plegadis falcinellus, Zwarte Ibis
41 at the Avdira Marshes and 17 in the Evros Delta.

20. EURASIAN SPOONBILL, Platalea leucorodia, Lepelaar
25+ at Lake Kerkini and 15+ in the Evros Delta.

21. MUTE SWAN, Cygnus olor, Knobbelzwaan
8+ at Lake Kerkini, 10+ at Lake Ismarida and 50+ in the Evros Delta.

22. GREYLAG GOOSE, Anser anser, Grauwe Gans
20+ at the Prespa Lakes and 3 at Lake Kerkini.

23. COMMON SHELDUCK, Tadorna tadorna, Bergeend
3 in the Nestos Delta, a few at the Mandra Marsh, common at Lake Ismarida and in the Evros Delta.

24. GADWALL, Anas strepera, Krakeend
5 at Lake Ismarida.

25. MALLARD, Anas platyrhynchos, Wilde Eend
Up to 25 a day in suitable habitat.

26. GARGANEY, Anas querquedula, Zomertaling
2 at Lake Kerkini, 10 at Lake Ismarida and 5 in the Evros Delta.

27. NORTHERN SHOVELER, Anas clypeata, Slobeend
5 at Lake Kerkini and 2 at Lake Ismarida.

28. COMMON POCHARD, Aythya ferina, Tafeleend
25+ at Lake Kerkini.

29. FERRUGINOUS POCHARD (FERRUGINOUS DUCK), Aythya nyroca, Witoogeend
28 at Lake Kerkini and 6 at Lake Ismarida.

30. COMMON MERGANSER, Mergus merganser, Grote Zaagbek
A single sighting at the Prespa Lakes.

31. EUROPEAN HONEY-BUZZARD, Pernis apivorus, Wespendief
Seen almost daily. On the 12^th May 40+ in the Evros Delta.

32. BLACK KITE, Milvus migrans, Zwarte Wouw
2 at Lake Kerkini, 2 at Studen Kladenetz (B) and 2 en route Bulgaria – Evros Delta.

33. WHITE-TAILED EAGLE, Haliaeetus albicilla, Zeearend
An adult and a young one on the nest at Lake Ismerida.

34. EGYPTIAN VULTURE, Neophron percnopterus, Aasgier
1 at Kapsalo, 3 at Dadia and 5 at Studen Kladenetz (B).

35. EURASIAN GRIFFON, Gyps fulvus, Vale Gier
Small numbers at Kapsalo and Dadia, 5 at Studen Kladenetz (B).

36. CINEREOUS VULTURE, Aegypius monachus, Monniksgier
A few at Kapsalo and 15+ at Dadia.

37. SHORT-TOED EAGLE, Circaetus gallicus, Slangenarend
2 at the Prespa Lakes, 4 near Kelli, 1 at Lake Kerkini, 6 at Kapsalo, 5 at Dadia, 1 at Ivaylovgrad (B), 2 en route Bulgaria – Evros Delta and 1 in the Evros Delta.

38. WESTERN MARSH-HARRIER, Circus aeruginosus, Bruine Kiekendief
A rather common species in suitable habitat.

39. MONTAGU’S HARRIER, Circus pygargus, Grauwe Kiekendief
2 ♀♀ in the Evros Delta and 1 ♀ at Ivaylovgrad (B).

40. LEVANT SPARROWHAWK, Accipiter brevipes, Balkansperwer
1 en route Thessaloniki – Prespa Lakes, 1 at Kelli, and 14 in the Evros Delta.

41. EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK, Accipiter nisus, Sperwer
Singles at the Prespa Lakes, Lake Kerkini, the Evros Delta and near Ivaylovgrad (B).

42. NORTHERN GOSHAWK, Accipiter gentilis, Havik
1 at Lake Kerkini and 2 at Dadia.

43. EURASIAN BUZZARD, Buteo buteo, Buizerd
Small numbers each day of the trip.

44. LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD, Buteo rufinus, Arendbuizerd
Single ones near Lake Kerkini and in the Evros Delta.

45. LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE, Aquila pomarina, Schreeuwarend
6 in the Evros Delta and 3 at Dadia.

46. GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE, Aquila clanga, Bastaardarend
A single one in the Evros Delta.

47. IMPERIAL EAGLE, Aquila heliaca, Keizerarend
An immature bird near Kapsalo.

48. GOLDEN EAGLE, Aquila chrysaetos, Steenarend
1 at the Prespa Lakes and 1 at Dadia.

49. BOOTED EAGLE, Aquila pennata, Dwergarend
Singles near Lake Kerkini, in the Evros Delta and at Dadia.

50. LESSER KESTREL, Falco naumanni, Kleine Torenvalk
A few en route Thessaloniki – Prespa Lakes, 5+ Lake Ismerida and 15+ Kalamokastro.

51. EURASIAN KESTREL, Falco tinnunculus, Torenvalk
Small numbers almost each day of the trip.

52. RED-FOOTED FALCON, Falco vespertinus, Roodpootvalk
2 in the Evros Delta.

53. ELEONORA’S FALCON, Falco eleonorae, Eleonora's Valk
4 in the Evros Delta.

54. EURASIAN HOBBY, Falco subbuteo, Boomvalk
1 at Dadia, 1 at Studen Kladenetz (B) and 2 in the Evros Delta.

55. PEREGRINE FALCON, Falco peregrinus, Slechtvalk
2 near the Kapsalo radio mast.

56. COMMON QUAIL, Coturnix coturnix, Kwartel
Only heard near the Prespa Lakes.

57. WATER RAIL, Rallus aquaticus, Waterral
A single one at Lake Kerkini (H).

58. COMMON MOORHEN, Gallinula chloropus, Waterhoen
2 at the Prespa Lakes and a few at Lake Kerkini.

59. EURASIAN COOT, Fulica atra, Meerkoet
Small numbers in suitable habitat.

60. EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER, Haematopus ostralegus, Scholekster
1 in the Nestos Delta and small numbers in the Evros Delta.

61. BLACK-WINGED STILT, Himantopus himantopus, Steltkluut
4 in the Nestos Delta, a few at the Saltworks (Porto Lagos), common at Lake Ismarida and in the Evros Delta.

62. PIED AVOCET, Recurvirostra avosetta, Kluut
4 at the Saltworks (Porto Lagos) and 10+ in the Evros Delta.

63. EURASIAN THICK-KNEE, Burhinus oedicnemus, Griel
2 in the Evros Delta.

64. COLLARED PRATINCOLE, Glareola pratincola, Vorkstaartplevier
6 at Mandra Marsh, 8 at the Avdira Marshes and 20+ in the Evros Delta.

65. NORTHERN LAPWING, Vanellus vanellus, Kievit
A few at Mandra Marsh and in the Evros Delta.

66. SPUR-WINGED PLOVER, Vanellus spinosus, Sporenkievit
8 in the Nestos Delta and 15+ in the Evros Delta.

67. BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, Pluvialis squatarola, Zilverplevier
4 in the Nestos Delta, 15+ at Lake Ismarida and 100+ in the Evros Delta.

68. COMMON RINGED PLOVER, Charadrius hiaticula, Bontbekplevier
Small numbers at the Avdira Marshes and the Saltworks (Porto Lagos), 3 in the Evros Delta.

69. LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, Charadrius dubius, Kleine Plevier
4 at Lake Kerkini, a few in the Evros Delta, 2 at Dadia and 1 en route Dadia – Bulgaria.

70. SNOWY PLOVER (KENTISH PLOVER), Charadrius alexandrinus, Strandplevier
10+ in the Evros Delta.

71. COMMON SNIPE, Gallinago Gallinago, Watersnip
2 at the Mandra Marsh.

72. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT, Limosa limosa, Grutto
4 at Lake Ismarida.

73. BAR-TAILED GODWIT, Limosa lapponica, Rosse Grutto
2 in the Evros Delta.

74. EURASIAN CURLEW, Numenius arquata, Wulp
9 in the Evros Delta.

75. SPOTTED REDSHANK, Tringa erythropus, Zwarte Ruiter
2 at Mandra Marsh and 6 at Lake Ismarida.

76. COMMON REDSHANK, Tringa totanus, Tureluur
3 in the Nestos Delta.

77. COMMON GREENSHANK, Tringa nebularia, Groenpootruiter
3 at Lake Ismarida.

78. GREEN SANDPIPER, Tringa ochropus, Witgat
A single one in the Nestos Delta.

79. WOOD SANDPIPER, Tringa glareola, Bosruiter
4 at Lake Doirani, small numbers at the Avdira Marshes, fairly common at Lake Ismarida, a few in the Evros Delta.

80. TEREK SANDPIPER, Xenus cinereus, Terekruiter
A splendid observation of this rare and irregular passage migrant in the Evros Delta.

81. COMMON SANDPIPER, Actitis hypoleucos, Oeverloper
Only one at Lake Kerkini.

82. RUDDY TURNSTONE, Arenaria interpres, Steenloper
4 in the Nestos Delta and 15+ in the Evros Delta.

83. SANDERLING, Calidris alba, Drieteenstrandloper
Small numbers in the Evros Delta.

84. LITTLE STINT, Calidris minuta, Kleine Strandloper
Common at Mandra Marsh, the Salt Works (Porto Lago), Lake Ismarida, abundant in the Evros Delta.

85. TEMMINCK’S STINT, Calidris temminckii, Temmincks Strandloper
3 at Mandra Marsh and 1 in the Evros Delta.

86. CURLEW SANDPIPER, Calidris ferruginea, Krombekstrandloper
Very common at Mandra Marsh, Lake Ismarida and in the Evros Delta.

87. DUNLIN, Calidris alpina, Bonte Strandloper
A few at Mandra Marsh and fairly common in the Evros Delta.

88. RUFF, Philomachus pugnax, Kemphaan
4 at Lake Kerkini, common at Mandra Marsh and Lake Ismarida, 8 in the Evros Delta.

89. YELLOW-LEGGED GULL, Larus michahellis, Geelpootmeeuw
A rather common and widespread species.

90. BLACK-HEADED GULL, Larus ridibundus, Kokmeeuw
A common and widespread species.

91. SLENDER-BILLED GULL, Larus genei, Dunbekmeeuw
31 in the Evros Delta.

92. MEDITERRANEAN GULL, Larus melanocephalus, Zwartkopmeeuw
1 en route Thessaloniki – Prespa Lakes, common in the Nestos Delta and 3 in the Evros Delta.

93. GULL-BILLED TERN, Sterna nilotica, Lachstern
3 at Lake Ismarida.

94. COMMON TERN, Sterna hirundo, Visdief
A rather common and widespread species.

95. LITTLE TERN, Sterna albifrons, Dwergstern
1 at Lake Doirani, 2 at the Saltworks (Porto Lagos), 40+ in the Evros Delta.

96. WHISKERED TERN, Chlidonias hybridus, Witwangstern
3 at Lake Kerkini, 1 in the Evros Delta and 500+ at Lake Ismarida.

97. WHITE-WINGED TERN (WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN), Chlidonias leucopterus, Witvleugelstern
25+ at Lake Ismarida and 5 in the Evros Delta.

98. BLACK TERN, Chlidonias niger, Zwarte Stern
30+ in the Evros Delta.

99. ROCK PIGEON, Columba livia, Rotsduif
2 at the Kapsalo Radio Mast.

100.       COMMON WOOD-PIGEON, Columba palumbus, Houtduif
10+ at Studen Kladenetz (B).

101.       EURASIAN TURTLE-DOVE, Streptopelia turtur, Zomertortel
A rather common and widespread species.

102.       EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, Streptopelia decaocto, Turkse Tortel
A rather common and widespread species.

103.       COMMON CUCKOO, Cuculus canorus, Koekoek
A rather common and widespread species.

104.       BARN OWL, Tyto alba, Kerkuil
A single one at Dadia (H).

105.       EURASIAN EAGLE-OWL, Bubo bubo, Oehoe
A single one at Dadia (H).

106.       TAWNY OWL, Strix aluco, Bosuil
A single one at Dadia (H).

107.       LITTLE OWL, Athene noctua, Steenuil
3 en route in Northern Greece.

108.       EURASIAN NIGHTJAR, Caprimulgus europaeus, Nachtzwaluw
A single one at Dadia (H).

109.       COMMON SWIFT, Apus apus, Gierzwaluw
Small numbers seen almost daily.

110.       PALLID SWIFT, Apus pallidus, Vale Gierzwaluw
10+ at the airport in Thessaloniki.

111.       EUROPEAN BEE-EATER, Merops apiaster, Bijeneter
A very common and widespread species.

112.       EUROPEAN ROLLER, Coracias garrulus, Scharrelaar
Up to 15 a day in the more open areas.

113.       EURASIAN HOOPOE, Upupa epops, Hop
A fairly common and widespread species.

114.       LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER, Dendrocopos minor, Kleine Bonte Specht
A single one en route Dadia – Bulgaria.

115.       MIDDLE SPOTTED WOODPECKER, Dendrocopos medius, Middelste Bonte Specht
2 at Dadia.

116.       GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, Dendrocopos major, Grote Bonte Specht
2 near the Kapsalo Radio Mast and 1 at Studen Kladenetz (B).

117.       SYRIAN WOODPECKER, Dendrocopos syriacus, Syrische Bonte Specht
2 at Agios Germanos and 1 at Keramoti.

118.       GREEN WOODPECKER, Picus viridis, Groene Specht
3 at Dadia and 1 near Ivaylovgrad (B).

119.       GREY-FACED WOODPECKER (GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER), Picus canus, Grijskopspecht
A single one at Lake Kerkini.

120.       CALANDRA LARK, Melanocorypha calandra, Kalanderleeuwerik
4 en route Lake Kerkini – Nestos Delta, 10+ near the Saltworks (Port Lagos), small numbers in the Evros Delta.

121.       GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK (SHORT-TOED LARK), Calandrella brachydactyla, Korteenleeuwerik
Small numbers near Lake Kerkini, 10+ in the Evros Delta and 1 near Ivaylovgrad (B).

122.       CRESTED LARK, Galerida cristata, Kuifleeuwerik
A common and widespread species.

123.       WOOD LARK, Lullula arborea, Boomleeuwerik
Small numbers almost every day throughout the visited areas.

124.       SKY LARK, Alauda arvensis, Veldleeuwerik
1 in the Nestos Delta, a few at Lake Ismarida, at Dadia and near Ivaylovgrad (B).

125.       BANK SWALLOW (SAND MARTIN), Riparia riparia, Oeverzwaluw
A rather common and widespread species, abundant at Lake Kerkini.

126.       EURASIAN CRAG-MARTIN, Ptyonoprogne rupestris, Rotszwaluw
10+ in the mountains near the Prespa Lakes.

127.       BARN SWALLOW, Hirundo rustica, Boerenzwaluw
A very common and widespread species.

128.       RED-RUMPED SWALLOW, Cecropis daurica, Roodstuitzwaluw
A fairly common and widespread species.

129.       HOUSE MARTIN, Delichon urbica, Huiszwaluw
A common and widespread species.

130.       WHITE WAGTAIL, Motacilla alba, Witte Kwikstaart
Seen in small numbers nearly each day of the trip.

131.       BLACK-HEADED WAGTAIL, Motacilla feldegg, Balkankwikstaart
A few nearly each day of the trip.

132.       BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL, Motacilla flava, Gele Kwikstaart
A few nearly each day of the trip.

133.       GREY WAGTAIL, Motacilla cinerea, Grote Gele Kwikstaart
3 in the mountains near the Prespa Lakes, 1 en route Prespa Lakes - Lake Kerkini.

134.       TAWNY PIPIT, Anthus campestris, Duinpieper
2 at the Prespa Lakes, 1 at Kelli and 6 in the Evros Delta.

135.       GOLDCREST, Regulus regulus, Goudhaan
A few at Dadia (H).

136.       WHITE-THROATED DIPPER, Cinclus cinclus, Waterspreeuw
A single one in the mountains near the Prespa Lakes.

137.       RUFOUS-TAILED ROCK-THRUSH, Monticola saxatilis, Rode Rotslijster
Singles in the mountains near the Prespa Lakes and at Kelli.

138.       BLUE ROCK-THRUSH, Monticola solitarius, Blauwe Rotslijster
4 at the Kapsalo Radio Mast.

139.       EURASIAN BLACKBIRD, Turdus merula, Merel
Small numbers each day of the trip.

140.       SONG THRUSH, Turdus philomelos, Zanglijster
2 at Dadia Forest and 1 at Ivaylovgrad (B).

141.       MISTLE THRUSH, Turdus viscivorus, Grote Lijster
2 at the Prespa Lakes, 1 at Dadia, 5 en route Dadia – Bulgaria and a few at at Studen Kladenetz (B).

142.       CETTI’S WARBLER, Cettia cetti, Cetti’s Zanger
Small numbers each day in suitable habitat.

143.       SAVI'S WARBLER, Locustella luscinioides, Snor
A few at Lake Kerkini (H).

144.       EURASIAN REED-WARBLER, Acrocephalus scirpaceus, Kleine Karekiet
Small numbers nearly every day in suitable habitat.

145.       MARSH WARBLER, Acrocephalus palustris, Bosrietzanger
A single one in the Nestos Delta (H).

146.       GREAT REED-WARBLER, Acrocephalus arundinaceus, Grote Karekiet
A common bird in suitable habitat.

147.       EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER, Hippolais pallida, Oostelijke Vale Spotvogel
Small numbers nearly every day in suitable habitat.

148.       OLIVE-TREE WARBLER, Hippolais olivetorum, Griekse Spotvogel
1 seen and 2 heard in a forest near Lake Kerkini.

149.       COMMON CHIFFCHAFF, Phylloscopus collybita, Tjiftjaf
Singles in Dadia and at Ivaylovgrad (H).

150.       EASTERN BONELLI’S WARBLER, Phylloscopus orientalis, Balkanbergfluiter
A splendid observation at Dadia.

151.       WOOD WARBLER, Phylloscopus sibilatrix, Fluiter
A single one heard at Ivaylovgrad (B).

152.       BLACKCAP, Sylvia atricapilla, Zwartkop
Seen/heard nearly every day of the trip.

153.       GREATER WHITETHROAT, Sylvia communis, Grasmus
Small numbers nearly every day of the trip.

154.       LESSER WHITETHROAT, Sylvia curruca, Braamsluiper
Seen/heard in small numbers most days.

155.       BARRED WARBLER, Sylvia nisoria, Sperwergrasmus
3 at the Prespa Lakes.

156.       EASTERN ORPHEAN WARBLER, Sylvia crassirostris, Oostelijke Orpheusgrasmus
A splendid observation near Ivaylovgrad (B) and one heard.

157.       SUBALPINE WARBLER, Sylvia cantillans, Baardgrasmus
A single bird near Lake Kerkini.

158.       SARDINIAN WARBLER, Sylvia melanocephala, Kleine Zwartkop
2 in Traianopoulos and 1 at Dadia (H).

159.       SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, Muscicapa striata, Grauwe Vliegenvanger
2 near Lake Kerkini and 3 at Dadia.

160.       EUROPEAN ROBIN, Erithacus rubecula, Roodborst
2 at the Prespa Lakes, 1 in the Evros Delta, 1 at Kapsalo Radio Mast and 1 at Studen Kladenetz (B).

161.       COMMON NIGHTINGALE, Luscinia megarhynchos, Nachtegaal
Abundant.

162.       BLACK REDSTART, Phoenicurus ochruros, Zwarte Roodstaart
2 in Agios Germanos.

163.       WHINCHAT, Saxicola rubetra, Paapje
6 at the Prespa Lakes and 1 at the Saltworks (Port Lagos).

164.       EUROPEAN STONECHAT, Saxicola rubicola, Roodborsttapuit
2 at Dadia and 1 near Ivaylovgrad (B).

165.       NORTHERN WHEATEAR, Oenanthe oenanthe, Tapuit
1 at the Prespa Lakes, 1 at Kelli and 1 in the Evros Delta.

166.       EASTERN BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR, Oenanthe melanoleuca, Oostelijke Blonde Tapuit
1 at the Prespa Lakes, 2 at Kelli, 2 at Lake Kerkini, 3 in the Evros Delta, 1 at Kapsalo Radio Mast and 1 at Studen Kladenetz (B).

167.       ISABELLINE WHEATEAR, Oenanthe isabellina, Izabeltapuit
10+ in the Evros Delta.

168.       BEARDED REEDLING (BEARDED TIT), Panurus biarmicus, Baardman
3 at the Prespa Lakes.

169.       LONG-TAILED TIT, Aegithalos caudatus, Staartmees
6 near the Prespa Lakes.

170.       SOMBRE TIT, Poecile lugubris, Rouwmees
Single ones near Agios Germanos and near Lake Kerkini.

171.       GREAT TIT, Parus major, Koolmees.
Small numbers nearly every day of the trip.

172.       EURASIAN BLUE TIT, Cyanistes caeruleus, Pimpelmees
3 at the Prespa Lakes, 1 at Dadia and 1 near Ivaylovgrad (B).

173.       EURASIAN NUTHATCH, Sitta europaea, Boomklever
2 near the Prespa Lakes.

174.       ROCK NUTHATCH, Sitta neumayer, Rotsklever
A splendid observation near Kelli.

175.       SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER, Certhia brachydactyla, Boomkruiper
Singles heard near the Prespa Lakes and at Studen Kladenetz (B).

176.       EURASIAN PENDULINE-TIT, Remiz pendulinus, Buidelmees
Seen and heard in very small numbers at all the lakes.

177.       EURASIAN GOLDEN-ORIOLE, Oriolus oriolus, Wielewaal
A rather common and widespread species.

178.       RED-BACKED SHRIKE, Lanius collurio, Grauwe Klauwier
A very common and widespread species.

179.       LESSER GREY SHRIKE, Lanius minor, Kleine Klapekster
Up to 5 a day and seen at most locations.

180.       MASKED SHRIKE, Lanius nubicus, Maskerklauwier
2 in the forest near Lake Kerkini and 2 at Dadia.

181.       WOODCHAT SHRIKE, Lanius senator, Roodkopklauwier
Up to 8 a day and seen at most locations.

182.       EURASIAN JAY, Garrulus glandarius, Gaai
Seen in small numbers most days.

183.       EURASIAN MAGPIE, Pica pica, Ekster
Seen everyday in small numbers.

184.       EURASIAN JACKDAW, Corvus monedula, Kauw
A rather common and widespread species.

185.       ROOK, Corvus frugilegus, Roek
2 near Lake Kerkini.

186.       HOODED CROW, Corvus cornix, Bonte Kraai
A very common and widespread species in Greece.

187.       COMMON RAVEN, Corvus corax, Raaf
1 at Lake Kerkini, 3 at Dadia and 2 near Ivaylovgrad (B).

188.       EUROPEAN STARLING, Sturnus vulgaris, Spreeuw
A very common and widespread species.

189.       HOUSE SPARROW, Passer domesticus, Huismus
Very common near villages and cities.

190.       EURASIAN TREE SPARROW, Passer montanus, Ringmus
Small numbers almost every day of the trip.

191.       SPANISH SPARROW, Passer hispaniolensis, Spaanse Mus
A few in Thessaloniki, the Prespa Lakes and the Evros Delta,

192.       ROCK PETRONIA, Petronia petronia, Rotsmus
A single one at Kapsalo radio mast (H).

193.       CHAFFINCH, Fringilla coelebs, Vink
A rather common and widespread species.

194.       EUROPEAN GREENFINCH, Carduelis chloris, Groenling
Small numbers almost every day of the trip.

195.       EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH, Carduelis carduelis, Putter
A rather common and widespread species.

196.       EURASIAN LINNET, Carduelis cannabina, Kneu
2 at Lake Kerkini, 1 at the Saltworks (Porto Lago), 2 in the Evros Delta, a few at Dadia and near Ivaylovgrad (B).

197.       HAWFINCH, Coccothraustes coccothraustes, Appelvink
Singles at the Prespa Lakes and near Lake Kerkini, 9 at Dadia, 3 at Studen Kladenetz (B) and 3 in the Evros Delta.

198.       YELLOWHAMMER, Emberiza citrinella, Geelgors
3 near the Prespa Lakes, 1 en route Prespa Lakes - Lake Kerkini and 1 at the Nestos Gorge.

199.       CIRL BUNTING, Emberiza cirlus, Cirlgors
8 near the Prespa Lakes, 1 at Kelli, 1 near Lake Kerkini, 3 in the Evros Delta and 2 at Dadia.

200.       ROCK BUNTING, Emberiza cia, Grijze Gors
A single sighting in the mountains near the Prespa Lakes.

201.       ORTOLAN BUNTING, Emberiza hortulana, Ortolaan
Small numbers near the Prespa Lakes, near Lake Kerkini, in the Evros Delta, at Dadia and at Studen Kladenetz (B).

202.       BLACK-HEADED BUNTING, Emberiza melanocephala, Zwartkopgors
A fairly common and widespread species.

203.       REED BUNTING, Emberiza schoeniclus, Rietgors
3 in the Evros Delta.

204.       CORN BUNTING, Emberiza calandra, Grauwe Gors
A very common and widespread species.

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF MAMMALS

This list follows the taxonomy, names and sequence of the Mammal Data by BirdBase & BirdArea by Andrew Duff and Ann Lawson. Numbers quoted are estimates of the minimum numbers seen.

The Dutch names follow "Elseviers Zoogdierengids" by Mr. F.H. Van den Brink.

1.     EUROPEAN HARE , Lepus europaeus, Haas
A single one near Ivaylovgrad (B).

2.     RED SQUIRREL, Sciurus vulgaris, Eekhoorn
Singles at Dadia and at Ivaylovgrad (B).

3.     EUROPEAN GROUND SQUIRREL (SUSLIK), Spermophilus citellus, Siezel
5 near Ivaylovgrad (B).

4.     RED FOX, Vulpes vulpes, Vos.
1 on the airfield of Thessaloniki and 3 near the Prespa Lakes.

5.     (GOLDEN) JACKAL, Canis aureus, Jakhals
3 in the Nestos Delta.

6.     WILD CAT, Felis catus, Wilde Kat
A single sighting in the Evros Delta.

7.     WESTERN ROE DEER, Capreolus capreolus, Ree
3 en route in the Nestos Delta.

SYTEMATIC LIST OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

This systematic list follows the taxonomy, names and sequence of “Reptiles and Amphibians” by E.N. Arnold/J.A. Burton/D.W. Ovenden.

The Dutch names follow "Elseviers Reptielen- en Amfibieëngids"

1.       MARSH FROG, Rana ridibunda, Grote Groene Kikker

2.       EDIBLE (POOL) FROG, Rana esculenta, Groene Kikker

3.       EUROPEAN POND TERRAPIN, Emys orbicularis, Europese Moerasschildpad

4.       BALKAN TERRAPIN, Maurmys rivulata, Balkan Moerasschildpad

5.       SPUR-THIGHED TORTOISE, Testudo graeca, Moorse Landschildpad

6.       GREEN LIZARD, Lacerta viridis, Smaragdhagedis

7.       ERHARD’S WALL LIZARD, Podarcis erhardii, Egeïsche Muurhagedis

8.       SCHELTOPUSIK (LARGE LEGLESS LIZARD), Ophisaurus apodus, Scheltopusik

9.       GRASS SNAKE, Natrix natrix, Ringslang

10.   AESCULAPIAN SNAKE, Elaphe longissima, Esculaapslang

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF BUTTERFLIES

This systematic list follows the taxonomy, names and sequence of Collins Field Guide to the Butterflies of Britain and Europe by Tom Tolman & Richard Lewington.

1.       SWALLOWTAIL, Papilio machaon, Koninginnenpage

2.       SCARCE SWALLOWTAIL, Iphiclides podalirius, Koningspage

3.       CLOUDED APOLLO, Parnassius mnemosyne, Zwarte Apollovlinder

4.       BLACK-VEINED WHITE, Aporia crataegi, Groot Geaderd Witje

5.       LARGE WHITE, Pieris brassica, Groot Koolwitje

6.       SMALL WHITE, Artogeia rapae, Klein Koolwitje

7.       GREEN-VEINED WHITE, Artogeia napi, Klein Geaderd Witje

8.       EASTERN DAPPLED WHITE, Euchloe ausonia, Oostelijk Marmerwitje

9.       ORANGE TIP, Anthocharis cardanines, Oranjetipje

10.   GRUNER’S ORANGE TIP, Anthocharis gruneri, Zwavelig Oranjetipje

11.   BERGER’S CLOUDED YELLOW, Colias alfacariensis, Zuidelijke Luzernevlinder

12.   DARK CLOUDED YELLOW, Colias croceus, Oranje Luzernevlinder

13.   EASTERN PALE CLOUDED YELLOW, Colias erate, Oostelijke Luzernevlinder

14.   BRIMSTONE, Gonepteryx rhamni, Citroenvlinder

15.   WOOD WHITE, Leptidea sinapis, Boswitje

16.   EASTERN WOOD WHITE, Leptidea duponcheli, Zwartsprietboswitje

17.   GREEN HAIRSTREAK, Callophrys rubi, Groentje

18.   SMALL COPPER, Lycaena phlaeas, Kleine Vuurvlinder

19.   SOOTY COPPER, Lycaena tityrus, Bruine Vuurvlinder

20.   LESSER FIERY COPPER, Lycaena thersamon, Oostelijke Vuurvlinder

21.   OSIRIS BLUE, Cupido osiris, Zuidelijk Dwergblauwtje

22.   GREEN-UNDERSIDE BLUE, Glaucopsyche alexis, Bloemenblauwtje

23.   CHEQUERED BLUE BUTTERFLY, Scolitantides orion, Vetkruidblauwtje

24.   EASTERN BATON BLUE, Pseudophilotes vicrama, Oostelijk Tijmblauwtje

25.   SILVER-STUDDED BLUE, Plebejus argus, Heideblauwtje

26.   BROWN ARGUS, Aricia agestis, Bruine Blauwtje

27.   BLUE ARGUS, Aricia anteros, Balkan Bruin Blauwtje

28.   MAZARINE BLUE, Cyaniris semiargus, Klaverblauwtje

29.   COMMON BLUE, Polyommatus icarus, Icarusblauwtje

30.   NETTLE-TREE BUTTERFLY, Libythea celtis, Snuitvlinder

31.   SOUTHERN WHITE ADMIRAL, Limenitis reducta, Blauwe IJsvogelvlinder

32.   PEACOCK BUTTERFLY, Aglais io, Dagpauwoog

33.   SMALL TORTOISESHELL, Agalis urticae, Kleine Vos

34.   LARGE TORTOISESHELL, Nymphalis polychloros, Grote Vos

35.   RED ADMIRAL, Vanessa atalanta, Atalanta

36.   PAINTED LADY, Vanessa cardui, Distelvlinder

37.   QUEEN OF SPAIN FRITILLARY, Issoria lathonia, Kleine Parelmoervlinder

38.   COMMA, Polygonia c-album, Gehakkelde Aurelia

39.   CARDINAL, Argynnis pandora, Kardinaalsmantel

40.   SILVER-WASHED FRITILLARY, Argynnis paphia, Keizersmantel

41.   MARBLED FRITILLARY, Brenthis daphne, Braamparelmoervlinder

42.   GLANVILLE FRITILLARY, Melitaea cinxia, Veldparelmoervlinder

43.   WEAVER’S FRITILLARY, Boloria dia, Akkerparelmoervlinder

44.   KNAPWEED FRITILLARY, Melitaea phoebe, Knoopkruidparelmoervlinder

45.   LESSER SPOTTE FRITILLARY, Melitaea trivia, Toortsparelmoervlinder

46.   MARSH FRITILLARY, Euphydryas aurinia, Moerasparelmoervlinder

47.   MEADOW BROWN, Maniola jurtina, Bruin Zandoogje

48.   SMALL HEATH BUTTERFLY, Coenonympha pamphilus, Hooibeestje

49.   WALL BROWN (BUTTERFLY), Lasiommata megera, Argusvlinder

50.   GRIZZLED SKIPPER, Pyrgus malvae, Aardbeivlinder

51.   OBERTHÜR’S GRIZZLED SKIPPER, Pyrgus armoricanus, Bretons Spikkeldikkopje

52.   YELLOW-BANDED SKIPPER, Pyrgus sidae, Geelbandspikkeldikkopje

53.   HUNGARIAN SKIPPER, Spialia orbifer, Oostelijk Kalkgraslanddikkopje

54.   ORIENTAL MARBLED SKIPPER, Carcharodus orientalis, Oostelijk Andoorndikkopje

55.   DINGY SKIPPER, Erynnis tages, Bruin Dikkopje

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