A Journey Tracked: The Eurasian Spoonbill of Kalochori Lagoon

During a calm morning of birdwatching at Kalochori Lagoon, the light over the shore shimmered with white — a flock of about 50 Eurasian Spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia) was feeding gracefully in the shallows. Among them, one bird stood out. Through the scope, I noticed a plastic leg ring and a small transmitter on its back — a clear sign of a tracked individual.

Curious to learn its story, I contacted Dr. Savvas Kazantzidis - Research Director of the Forest Research Institute of ELGO - DIMITRA. His reply revealed an impressive journey across the Greek wetlands:

“The Spoonbill was ringed at Lake Kerkini in 2023. It has since visited Lake Karla, the Spercheios Delta, returned to Kerkini, and is now in the Kalochori lagoon area. We’ve been tracking it through the transmitter.”

This bird, part of that beautiful flock at Kalochori, has traveled across some of the most important wetlands of northern and central Greece — showing how vital these habitats remain for migratory waterbirds.

Tracking the Eurasian Spoonbill in Greece

The Eurasian Spoonbill is one of Greece’s most iconic wetland species, breeding mainly at Lake Kerkini and the Axios–Loudias–Aliakmonas Delta.
Ringing and telemetry studies help scientists uncover their migration routes, stopover sites, and wintering areas, connecting wetlands across the Balkans and the Mediterranean.

Observations like this one from Kalochori Lagoon highlight how every tagged bird contributes to understanding broader conservation networks and the need to maintain healthy wetland ecosystems throughout Greece.

Birdwatching at Kalochori Lagoon

Just 10 minutes from Thessaloniki, Kalochori Lagoon is a birding hotspot within the Axios Delta National Park. Throughout the year, it hosts flamingos, pelicans, avocets, stilts, herons, and of course Spoonbills.
Whether you’re a local birder or visiting northern Greece, this site offers outstanding opportunities for photography and observation — especially during migration seasons.

📍 Plan your visit: www.aegeanbirding.gr/www.birding-northrengreece.gr