Lake Kerkini in winter

Lake Kerkini in northernmost Greece is one of Europe´s prominent wintering areas for birds.
There are few places in Eastern Europe where birds overwinter in such large numbers. When snow covers most of the Continent and severe frosts arrive lake Kerkini becomes one of the chief wintering waters of the east where birds can still find plenty of food at Kerkini.
Some birds have a reputation of regular winter visitors to the area. Dalmatian Pelicans are special not only because of their presence and numbers reaching 500-1000 individuals but they also wear full breeding plumage in late winter and when fed by local fishermen you can approach them to a few feet.
Another chief speciality are several Greater Spotted Eagles (up to 16) that regularly winter at Kerkini. There will be though other raptors to look for like Golden, Imperial and White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk and Peregrine.
Myriad water birds are found in the lake like Greater Flamingoes, waterfowl (Ferruginous and White-headed Ducks are possible), egrets and cormorants. A few waders should be present too. Lesser White-fronted Geese are regular among more numerous White-fronts. Numbers varied between 20 and 70 (69 in 2012) and they used to leave Kerkini already in December. Current numbers exceeded 120 individuals and they stay at Kerkini whole winter. The area is great for many other species like woodpeckers, Eagle Owl or passerines like Water Pipit, Sombre Tit or Hawfinch that occurs in hundreds.
We always manage to see some 120 species. Arnika has ran so far 10 winter tours to this wonderful destination.
Come to join us for a relaxing holiday to find premature spring in wonderful northern Greece.

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