Half a day of birdwatching in Thessaloniki — short time, big moments!

We started our day of birdwatching in Thessaloniki with Richard and Dana from the Netherlands under very cloudy and rainy conditions, but that didn’t stop us. We began birdwatching at a relaxed pace from Kalochori Lagoon (https://www.aegeanbirding.gr/thessaloniki-kalochori-lagoon-axios-delta-bird-species), one of the most important wetland areas for birdwatching in northern Greece, following the coastline towards the Axios Delta National Park.

The weather made things challenging — at times it was difficult even to open the car windows — but despite the conditions, we managed to observe a great variety of excellent species. Bird activity was impressive throughout the morning, proving once again that even difficult weather conditions can produce rewarding birding experiences in the Thessaloniki wetlands.

The wetlands of Kalochori Lagoon and the Axios Delta are among the best locations for birding in Greece (https://www.aegeanbirding.gr/birdwatching-tours-greece), offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and bird photography throughout the year.

Highlights included a group of 40 Eurasian Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus), around 15 Little Gulls (Hydrocoloeus minutus) including several adults, and Mediterranean Gulls (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus) among the flocks. We also observed six Dalmatian Pelicans (Pelecanus crispus), one of the most iconic species for birdwatching in Greece.

The appearance of two Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) near the Axios Delta was simply breathtaking. Without hesitation, we jumped out of the car into the rain to photograph them — a truly unforgettable moment in the field and a fantastic experience for wildlife photography in northern Greece.

After this exciting encounter, we made a short stop for coffee while waiting for the rain to ease. Our final stop of the day was a well-known location for owl enthusiasts — the village cemetery — where six Long-eared Owls (Asio otus) were roosting in the cypress trees, always a special sight for visitors interested in owls.

Additional notable species included Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus), Eurasian Spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia), Pied Avocets (Recurvirostra avosetta), Western Marsh Harriers (Circus aeruginosus), several duck species, and a variety of waders across the wetlands.

Despite the harsh weather, the day proved extremely productive, with a total of 53 species recorded during this short visit.

Even a short birdwatching session around Thessaloniki can deliver outstanding wildlife encounters. The wetlands of Kalochori Lagoon and the Axios Delta National Park remain among the most important birdwatching destinations in northern Greece, attracting birders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

This half-day excursion once again showed that time in the field is always rewarding — especially when shared with enthusiastic birders and good company.

If you are planning a birdwatching trip to Greece, the Thessaloniki wetlands offer exceptional opportunities for observing a wide diversity of species in a unique Mediterranean landscape.

Book your birdwatching experience in Thessaloniki

Interested in experiencing birdwatching in Thessaloniki and the wetlands of Kalochori Lagoon and the Axios Delta National Park?

With Aegean Birding, we offer guided birdwatching tours (https://www.aegeanbirding.gr/services-birdwatching) in northern Greece tailored for birders, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts of all levels. Our tours focus on the best locations for observing owls, flamingos, pelicans, and migratory species throughout the year.

What we offer:

• Half-day and full-day birdwatching tours in Thessaloniki

• Expert local guiding

• Small groups and personalized experiences

• Bird photography opportunities

• Access to the best birding locations in northern Greece

📩 Contact us: info@aegeanbirding.gr
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