ORIOLE BIRDING TOUR REPORT LAKE KERKIN

ORIOLE BIRDING TOUR REPORT LAKE KERKIN 5TH -10TH NOVEMBER 2016 www.oriolebirding.com oriolebirding@gmail.com

TOUR LEADER Paul Roberts PARTICIPANTS Stephen Bowen Ian Bryant David Calder David Evans John Fisher Jenny Hill Anna Marett Anne Sampson Saturday 5 th November 2016 The flight from London Gatwick to Thessaloniki landed at 18:30 and we arrived at our hotel in Ano Poroia two hours later, keenly anticipating the next day s birding at Lake Kerkini. Sunday 6 th November 2016 The day dawned foggy and windless, and so the planned trip to Vironia Quarry on the slopes of Mount Belles was put on hold, opting instead to circumnavigate the lake in a clockwise direction, stopping off at various points. Heading out of the village on the minor road heading south-east out of the village, we stopped off at the large water trough, where the forest gives way to agricultural land. The area around here was teeming with birds. Several Hawfinches, White Wagtails, Grey Wagtails and Fieldfares were at the trough, while a flock of around one hundred and thirty Mistle Thrushes made an impressive spectacle. Adding to this were Song Thrushes, European Robins, Eurasian Jays, Black-billed Magpies, Common Starlings and various common finch species. A couple of Black Redstarts flicked around and forty Corn Buntings were on wires. A Great Grey Shrike completed the picture not a bad start to the trip! The Port of Mandraki was our first destination on the lake. Several Moustached Warblers were calling close by, but it took a bit of patience to get acceptable views of one. Also in the reeds were Cetti's Warbler, Northern Wren, Common Chiffchaff [incredibly abundant around the lake many seen today] and a somewhat unexpected Common Redstart. Several Green Sandpipers zipped past, while a Black Redstart [frequently encountered every day] posed. A good variety of species on the marsh included Greylag Goose, Greater Flamingos, Pied Avocets and Water Pipits. No fewer than three Greater Spotted Eagles and a Peregrine hung out; a Hen Harrier was distantly seen, with the first of our Common Buzzards another frequently encountered bird today. Eurasian Siskins and European Greenfinches flew over, while two hundred Wood Pigeons gathered in the tree tops. After adding a seen Water Rail and a few Sky Larks, we continued on our odyssey of the lake. Stopping at the Strimonas river crossing, south of Vironia, we stopped off briefly, noting Pygmy Cormorants, Green Woodpecker [heard], Crested Larks, Water Pipits, White Wagtails, Corn Buntings, Yellow-legged Gull and our first Great White Egret. From here we joined the lake s east embankment at Megalachori. The first pools held a nice selection of waterfowl Common Moorhen, Common Coot, Little Grebe, Pygmy Cormorant, Common Pochard and various dabbling ducks. A lovely mixed group of swans held families of six Whooper s and four Bewick's, plus three adult Mute Swans. A juvenile Eurasian Spoonbill was noted, with two Spotted Redshanks nearby. Common Kingfishers and Green Sandpipers were hard to miss. A male Green Woodpecker posed nicely and a Greater Spotted Eagle was the closest one yet. Further birds of prey were Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Common Kestrel and further Common Buzzards. A couple of Meadow Pipits and a flock of Sky Larks were on the expansive marsh, while two Reed Buntings were also logged. Further down the lake the shore became less distant and our first fifty Dalmatian Pelican were found, along with good numbers of Pied Avocet and Northern Shoveler. Oriole Birding Lake Kerkini Autumn 2016 2

We next headed to the dam at the south end of the lake, where we would take lunch. Three Whiskered Terns were with a large loose flock of Black-headed Gulls and a Cirl Bunting sang from a nearby bush. The river below the dam held hundreds of Great and dozens of Pygmy Cormorants quite a sight. Much of the lower lake s west shore was disturbed by locals taking their Sunday recreation, but we found a quieter patch clearly favoured as a gull and cormorant roost. Careful scrutiny revealed Little Stint, three Temminck's Stints and around twenty five Little Ringed Plovers. The Black-headed Gull roost held four Caspian Terns, while three Great White Pelicans flew in and joined the Dalmatians. Several hundred Great Cormorants joined the throng and a flock of thirty Common Linnets landed on the shore. Next along the shore travelling north is the marsh at Korifoudi. Two Black-throated Divers and two Black-necked Grebes were a chorus in black & white, while a close ringtail Hen Harrier vied for our attention. A Spotted Redshank was distantly seen, with Common Snipe widely spread along the shore. A flock of Stock Doves numbered approximately seventy. Our final stop was the Port of Livadia, in the north-western lake corner. A European Serin was flushed and two Green Woodpeckers called. A great view along the north shore with the assemblage spread out before, allowed us to reflect on what a great birding location this is. It had been a very full first day of our tour and we headed the short distance back to the hotel, anticipating another delicious meal of authentic Greek cuisine. Monday 7 th November 2016 The day dawned fine and warmed up steadily, with temperatures in the mid 20s we certainly weren't expecting this! Following breakfast we drove to the rocky scrub-covered slopes above the village of Vironia, noting a Dunnock at the roadside, and parking by the small church. There was clearly a lot of small passerine activity towards the farm, where we soon located several Cirl Buntings among many Chaffinches, House Sparrows and Tree Sparrows. Plenty of Hawfinches were also present, judging by the numbers perched atop the trees, and the now almost 'de rigueur' Black Redstarts were all around. Eurasian Jays were more plentiful here than at any other previous location, and that's saying something! A flock of Long-tailed Tits were in the churchyard before flying into an isolated tree. We were delighted to find a Sombre Tit tagging along with the flock, giving us all great views. A black and white woodpecker was seen flying into a tree which was unfortunately still in heavy leaf. Even so, some very patient watching of the quietly sitting bird allowed us to note the salient features of Syrian Woodpecker. We all agreed that we had earned that one. While watching the Syrian, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was found in the next tree over, but understandably didn't garner quite so much attention. A Peregrine flew past along the mountainside and several Eurasian Sparrowhawks were noted. A search for Western Rock Nuthatch in the adjacent quarry proved fruitless and we retreated to the vehicle for a pick me up. An adult Golden Eagle soon appeared at relatively close quarters. We watched this magnificent raptor patrol the slopes above us for some time, before it dived into the forest canopy, emerging shortly after carrying prey [possibly Red Squirrel], which it carried off to some height before disappearing. Buoyed by our success, we drove the short distance to the tracks between Vironia and the river, where we would take a stroll west for around seven hundred metres or so. As soon as we left the vehicle a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker called and flew over the roadside pool. A short distance on we located another Lesser Pecker, which showed perched to just one of the group before flying off, while yet another was heard calling only. Three European Serins perched briefly and a flock of fifteen Stock Doves were observed. We also saw a Green Woodpecker here, also hearing a few others, but alas no Grey-headed. A Syrian Woodpecker was heard here and the usual Common Kingfishers and Water Rails which associate with any wet areas were recorded. A Merlin flew over. Following lunch on the picnic benches by the Strimonas crossing, we made for the Port of Kerkini, to catch our boat trip onto the lake with Nikos, nicknamed locally as Captain Jack Sparrow! We set off for the rivermouth area [noting a Black-necked Grebe on the way], which held a super flock of one hundred European Spoonbills, with hundreds of Greater Flamingos also very noticeable. Waders included a Common Greenshank, Pied Avocets and a whirling flock of approximately two thousand Dunlins. A Tufted Duck was the first of the trip, while a raft of two hundred and fifty Common Pochards was also seen. Oriole Birding Lake Kerkini Autumn 2016 3

With the white-fronted geese flock having relocated from the east of the delta [where visible from the eastern embankment] to the extremely inaccessible area west of the delta and well nigh impossible to view from the shore this would be our best chance to catch sight of them. We soon located the flock, which took flight and resettled several times. The flock appeared to be around two hundred and fifty strong, very difficult to get much proper detail on, but counts by the conservation body a few days before had estimated one hundred and thirteen Lesser White-fronts and one hundred and forty Greater White-fronts, which would tally with our guesstimate. On our return to the harbour we had a close encounter with two Dalmatian Pelicans, ending a very enjoyable and varied day. Tuesday 8 th November 2016 Today we were to spend the large majority of the day on the coast west of Thessaloniki. Our journey south took seventy five minutes, during which we added Common Raven and Rook. Our visit started along the rough track which runs south towards the sea along the east side of the Axios delta. The first of many Marsh Harriers was soon noted, along with the usual Common Buzzards and Eurasian Sparrowhawks. Our first Common Stonechat was logged. A flock of sparrows at a smallholding held Spanish, Tree and House, plus a couple of presumed escapees, later identified as Baya Weavers. A White Stork was in a recently harvested field. A series of vegetated pools running alongside the length of the raised track held a variety of waterfowl species, including a lone Dalmatian Pelican. Waders along this section included four Temminck's Stints, five Black-tailed Godwits, Green Sandpipers, Spotted Redshanks, Common Redshanks, Common Snipe, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper and Common Greenshank. The first Little Egret was soon found, along with several Great White Egrets and Pygmy Cormorants. We paused for refreshments by the tower hide which marks where the delta reaches the sea, noting Grey Plovers, Eurasian Curlew, Sky Larks, Peregrine and the first Greater Flamingos, of which hundreds would be seen during the day. From here we turned east and trundled along the rutted track, with pools on our left and the sea on our right. Masses of birds were seen all along the route, which we followed as far as the Kalahori Lagoons. Passerines by the mussel fishers chalets included Black Redstarts and Common Stonechats. Little Egret, Dunlin, Common Redshank, Water Pipit, Corn Bunting [hundreds seen today] and Crested Lark seemed to be everywhere. Several Black-necked Grebes showed at ridiculously close range in a small bay on the sea, while another comically struggled to run off from a muddy pool, finding itself stranded in shallow water. A Hen Harrier was over the reeds and a tardy Osprey perched on a post, before flying off along the coast. Eurasian Spoonbills were frequently encountered. Waders were present in every pool with Little Stints consorting with the commoner Dunlins, two Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, ten Ruff, European Oystercatchers and Ruddy Turnstones among the sightings. Stopping to view a gull roost, a raptor was picked up hunting along a reedy channel at relatively close range. The initial impression in the first few seconds with just the naked eye was of maybe a harrier species, owing to the size, brown tones, broad wings and level relatively languid flight action. However, through the binoculars it was immediately identified as a falcon. The combination of large overall size; wings that were broad, longish and round tipped; brown upper wing coverts with darker primaries; narrow moustache; and a distinctly slower flight action to Peregrine led us to conclude that this was a Saker Falcon; reportedly a rare bird in Greece. The bird was watched in level flight along the reed line, but failed to reappear once lost to view. By now the wind had really picked up, whipping waves over the stony breakwater, making scrutinizing the gull flock a bit of a chore, but we were rewarded with a superbly pink-flushed Slender-billed Gull among the Black-heads, with several Sandwich Terns also in the throng. Lunch was taken at the Galliakos Estuary, where two Great White Pelicans were on the sea, before we pushed on for the Kalahori Lagoons. Standing off the causeway to mitigate the effect of the wind [although it was at least pleasantly warm], we studied the small waders on the mud flats. Three Kentish Plovers, two Common Ringed Plovers, a Little Ringed Plover and several Little Stints were present among larger numbers of Dunlin. The water levels on the lagoon over the other side of the causeway were higher, with Common Shelduck, Northern Shoveler and Greater Flamingos the most common species. A couple of Meadow Pipits concluded our stay. Oriole Birding Lake Kerkini Autumn 2016 4

Leaving the coast behind we decided to visit a new site for us on our journey back north. Artzan- Amatovo Reservoir is an artificial reservoir of approximately one hundred and thirty hectares in area, contained within a steep stone embankment, just north of the village of Vafiochori. This proved to be an excellent choice, with the lake teeming with wildfowl and waders. Viewing condition weren't ideal in the strong wind and poor light, but species noted included Black-necked Grebe [100+], Mute Swan, Bewick s Swan [18], Common Pochard [250], Tufted Duck, Ferruginous Duck [seven], Pygmy Cormorant, Dalmatian Pelican [50+, interestingly two breeding island have been constructed here], Eurasian Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Pied Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Northern Lapwing, Little Stint, Dunlin and Common Greenshank. An excellent site with real potential, and one to which we will surely return. What a stunning day s birding it had been. Wednesday 9 th November 2016 Heavy overnight rain gave away to showers by the morning. We firstly made our way to Sidirokastro, where the remains of a Byzantine castle afford a vista over a series of rocky outcrops. Three Common Ravens were perched on the castle as we approached and subsequently totalled around twenty. Two Hawfinches perched up, with Common Linnet and Eurasian Siskin also noted, but sadly no birds with Rock in their name, despite our best efforts, although we did find this year's Western Rock Nuthatch nest, a rather impressive structure. We also checked the Ice Cream Rocks in the town, also without luck. With the rain temporarily paused, we wasted no time in heading for the Populus alba woodland on the Bulgarian border near Promachonas. We were onto a Great Spotted Woodpecker straight away, with a Black Woodpecker seen in flight by a few of the group shortly after. Unfortunately the river had burst its banks owing to the overnight rain, which meant that we were only able to walk a short distance into the wood, somewhat clipping our wings. Even so, we still managed to add a Middle Spotted Woodpecker, European Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper and Marsh Tit in a relatively short space of time. We paused for a refreshments by the vehicle, noting a couple more Short-toed Treecreepers. A friendly local policeman checked us out as we were about to leave, recommending a local fish taverna where many animals were apparently present! The fish taverna would have to wait for another day, and having dipped twice on Western Rock Nuthatch, we decided to make for the quarry above Vironia for one last go. A Golden Eagle was noted high over, perhaps surprising giving the inclement weather, and we headed for the quarry, negotiating our way past a pack of farm dogs and a herd of cows, being rounded up by the farmer. Once at the quarry a substantial rock fall took place, presumably precipitated by the rain. The omens seemed against us, but we were all relieved to finally find a splendid Sitta neumayer, coincidentally in the area where the rock fall occurred. The bird showed several times in the same area, before heavy rain returned. As we retreated to the vehicle a Golden Eagle a different individual than which was seen on our first visit here gave a low overhead pass. With rain looking set in, we took lunch on the picnic shelter by the church, opting next to take a drive round the lake, stopping at various points. Nothing new was unearthed on our circumnavigation, but we enjoyed the spectacle of Kerkini and its birds, feeling we had made the most out of the day, given the challenging weather. Thursday 10 th November 2016 With a couple of hours to spare before we needed to set off for our flight from Thessaloniki, we opted to stay local, visiting the mountain track above Ano Poroia. The most numerous birds here were European Greenfinches and Chaffinches, with the usual Eurasian Jays bombing around. Two Firecrests were located in dense scrub, while a Marsh Tit checked us out. Hawfinches were frequently seen in flight and perching on tree tops, with Eurasian Siskins generally distributed. A little further up a flock of Long-tailed Tits was moving through the pines, where a few Goldcrests were also seen. Our last new bird of the trip was a calling Crested Tit, which refused to reveal itself. Having picked up our luggage from the hotel, we said our goodbyes to Stelios, before commencing a smooth transit back to the UK. Oriole Birding Lake Kerkini Autumn 2016 5

During our stay a total of 136 species was recorded, with many memorable sightings to savour from this excellent birding location. SYSTEMATIC LIST 1/Mute Swan 2/Whooper Swan 3/Bewick's Swan 4/Lesser White-fronted Goose 5/Greater White-fronted Goose 6/Greylag Goose 7/Common Shelduck 8/Gadwall 9/Eurasian Wigeon 10/Mallard 11/Northern Shoveler 12/Northern Pintail 13/Common Teal 14/Common Pochard 15/Tufted Duck 16/Ferruginous Duck 17/Little Grebe 18/Great Crested Grebe 19/Black-necked Grebe 20/Black-throated Diver 21/Greater Flamingo 22/Great White Pelican 23/Dalmatian Pelican 24/Great Cormorant 25/Pygmy Cormorant 26/Eurasian Spoonbill 27/Great White Egret 28/Little Egret 29/Grey Heron 30/White Stork 31/Osprey 32/Golden Eagle 33/Greater Spotted Eagle 34/Common Buzzard 35/Eurasian Sparrowhawk 36/Marsh Harrier 37/Hen Harrier 38/Peregrine 39/Common Kestrel 40/Merlin 41/Saker Falcon 42/Common Moorhen 43/Common Coot 44/Water Rail 45/European Oystercatcher 46/Pied Avocet 47/Northern Lapwing 48/Grey Plover 49/Kentish Plover 50/Little Ringed Plover 51/Ringed Plover Oriole Birding Lake Kerkini Autumn 2016 6

52/Eurasian Curlew 53/Common Snipe 54/Common Redshank 55/Spotted Redshank 56/Common Greenshank 57/Green Sandpiper 58/Common Sandpiper 59/Ruff 60/Ruddy Turnstone 61/Dunlin 62/Black-tailed Godwit 63/Little Stint 64/Temminck's Stint 65/Black-headed Gull 66/Slender-billed Gull 67/Yellow-legged Gull 68/Caspian Tern 69/Sandwich Tern 70/Whiskered Tern 71/Feral Rock Dove 72/Stock Dove 73/Wood Pigeon 74/Collared Dove 75/Little Owl 76/Common Kingfisher 77/Black Woodpecker 78/Green Woodpecker 79/Great Spotted Woodpecker 80/Syrian Woodpecker 81/Middle Spotted Woodpecker 82/Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 83/Great Grey Shrike 84/Eurasian Jay 85/Black-billed Magpie 86/Western Jackdaw 87/Rook 88/Hooded Crow 89/Common Raven 90/Great Tit 91/Coal Tit 92/Blue Tit 93/Crested Tit 94/Marsh Tit 95/Sombre Tit 96/Long-tailed Tit 97/Sky Lark 98/Crested Lark 99/Moustached Warbler 100/Cetti's Warbler 101/Sardinian Warbler 102/Common Chiffchaff 103/Goldcrest 104/Firecrest 105/Short-toed Treecreeper 106European Nuthatch Oriole Birding Lake Kerkini Autumn 2016 7

107/Western Rock Nuthatch 108/Common Starling 109/Northern Wren 110/Blackbird 111/Song Thrush 112/Mistle Thrush 113/Fieldfare 114/European Robin 115/Common Redstart 116/Black Redstart 117/Common Stonechat 118/Dunnock 119/House Sparrow 120/Tree Sparrow 121/Spanish Sparrow 122/Rock Sparrow 123/Meadow Pipit 124/Water Pipit 125/White Wagtail 126/Grey Wagtail 127/Chaffinch 128/Hawfinch 129/Greenfinch 130/Eurasian Siskin 131/Eurasian Serin 132/Goldfinch 133/Common Linnet 134/Corn Bunting 135/Cirl Bunting 136/Reed Bunting Oriole Birding Lake Kerkini Autumn 2016 8