A Warm Autumn Day at Kalochori Lagoon & Axios Delta

We spent a beautiful day exploring Kalochori Lagoon and the Axios Delta together with Georg and Edith from Germany, who are touring Northern Greece in search of the region’s rich birdlife. The warm, golden light of late October made for ideal conditions to enjoy the wetlands, with calm weather, blue skies, and temperatures still well above the seasonal average.

Our first stop was Kalochori Lagoon, where a fine mix of waders and waterfowl occupied the shallow and the lagoon. Later in the day we continued to the Axios Delta, where the most memorable moments unfolded. From the wooden observation tower hide, we enjoyed superb views of Dalmatian Pelicans gathered in good numbers, mixed with Spoonbills, egrets, and herons, all feeding and resting together in the shimmering shallows. Watching these large white birds take off and circle gracefully over the delta was an unforgettable sight — the true essence of autumn birding in northern Greece.

Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) at Kalochori.

Photo by Stylianos Zannetos

Axios delta - view from the wooden tower hide

Photo by Stylianos Zannetos

Georg and Edith enjoying the Grey Plovers and the Curlews at Kalochori Lagoon

Photo by Stylianos Zannetos

On our way back we found the bird of the day: a Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata), calmly floating offshore near the shoreline. A rare and unexpected visitor in the area, it was a real delight to seend as always, the colourful Kingfishers added their sparkle to the day, flashing along the canals and perches with their electric blue and orange plumage — a constant highlight that never fails to impress.

By the end of the excursion, we had recorded 54 bird species, an excellent total that reflects the remarkable diversity of these wetlands even at the close of the migration season. The Axios Delta remains one of Northern Greece’s most rewarding birding areas, offering new surprises and special moments on every visit.

🐦 Species Highlights

• Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)

• Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata)

• Black-throated Diver (Gavia arctica)

• Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

Stelios and Georg at Axios Delta wooden tower hide