Grey Skies and Feeding Flocks at Kalochori Lagoon

The day began under a restless November sky — clouds drifting low over the delta, light showers passing through, and occasional bursts of sunlight breaking over the water. Despite the shifting weather, Kalochori Lagoon was full of activity and sound.

Early in the morning, a group of pelicans was feeding together with Great Cormorants, diving and surfacing in unison, stirring the shallows near the main channel. Along the embankment, a Common Kingfisher flashed its bright blue and orange plumage — a brief moment of color against the grey light — showing a metal ring on its leg. Unfortunately, the poor light and distance made the code unreadable in photos.

The flamingos dominated the lagoon and the adjacent mudflats, their pink reflections shimmering across the wet surfaces as they fed in dense groups. Duck numbers continue to rise steadily week by week, marking the deepening of the winter season across the delta. Over the water, Black-headed Gulls gathered in large feeding flocks, taking advantage of the stirred-up prey.

In the surrounding area, Corn Buntings, Meadow Pipits, and Chaffinches were moving in restless flocks, rising and settling repeatedly with the wind. Out at sea, conditions were rough — strong waves made it almost impossible to scan for grebes or divers, though a few Sandwich Terns were seen patrolling the choppy surface.

It wasn’t a day for long species lists, but rather one for observing the pulse of the delta — the steady rhythm of feeding flocks, shifting light, and the quiet energy of a wetland alive even in grey weather.

More about Kalochori Lagoon:

https://www.aegeanbirding.gr/thessaloniki-kalochori-lagoon-axios-delta-bird-species