The Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest and the Kalloni EIC in an effort to raise awareness about the Lesvos UNESCO Geopark and the Protected Natural Areas of the island, invite you to take part in our outdoor activities.
Mediterranean wetlands are known to host nearly 50% of the European populations of waterfowl (Coots included)! The birds find here milder winter conditions and the essential food resources they need to survive. At the end of winter (some species even from the end of January!) they migrate back to the Northern areas they originated from.
Twenty different waterfowl species have been recorded on Lesvos in winter: 14 duck, 4 geese, and 3 swan species. The Mallard, Wigeon, and Teal are common winter visitors while scarcer species are the Shoveler, Red-breasted Merganser, Pintail, and Gadwall. Rare species are the Pochard and the Smew and extremely rare (with only 1-2 records) are the Common Golden-eye, Red-breasted Pochard, White-headed Duck, Tufted Duck, and the Scaup. Geese arrive on the island every several years, usually the White-fronted Geese and Σταχτόχηνα, and there are only a few records for the Red-breasted (2 individuals spent the whole winter here on 2016-17!) and the Lesser White-fronted. Common and Ruddy Shelducks that are breeding here have an important overwintering population of over 200 each. Finally, all the swan species of Europe have been recorded here, Mute, Whooper, and Tundra, the latter being the rarest.
In extremely harsh winters, that hit the Eastern continent early (October) or/and involve several weeks of extreme temperatures in the Northern parts of Greece, even larger populations of birds find their way as South as the Aegean Sea. At that time, it is likely to also attract birds from inland Turkey that are seeking better conditions towards coastal wetlands.
Birds in the wetlands of Lesvos change through the seasons. This is the perfect time to observe the winter species that will be with us until February. Join us on Sunday, January 16, 2022, for a guided birdwatching event at the Kalloni Salt Pans wetland. Our goal is to find 6-9 species of waterfowl (ducks) and also enjoy other wetland birds such as Flamingos, Dalmatian Pelicans, etc.
Adults and kids older than 8 years old may participate in our event, but families are welcomed! No more than 10 will be allowed in a group (infants included) and, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is required to register for the event. There will be two groups (10:00 and 11:30) and each guided trip will last approximately 1 hour and a half. Please bring your own binoculars if possible, although binoculars will be available by the center if needed. Masks are required for visitors over the age of 10.
For additional information and to participate in one of the two groups, please contact us: +30-22510-47033.
Learn more about the wetland birds of Lesvos here!