Bird watching in Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark 17th & 18th October 2020

The Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest and the Kalloni Environmental Information Center in collaboration with the Hellenic Ornithological Society are organizing guided bird watching tours over the weekend at the largest wetland of the island, the Kalloni Salt Pans at the Kalloni Gulf.

Home to many rare bird species and also a stopover for around 279, species Lesvos Island UNESCO Global Geopark is considered one of the best bird watching locations in Europe. The island is particularly known among bird watchers as a great destination to observe migrating birds.

Bir Watchers at the Kalloni Salt Pans

Wildlife experts and scientists will provide all the visitors with valuable guidance, as well as special  equipment such as telescopes and binoculars offered by the Kalloni Environmental Information Center. The bird watching tours will last about 50’ and will be carried out in small groups of participants and at specific arrival and departure time slots due to the health protocols for the Covid-19 pandemic. In particular on Saturday 17th October bird watching tours will take place both in the morning (9:00-13:00) and in the afternoon (16:00-18:00), while on Sunday 18th October in the morning (9:00-13:00).

Among the various bird watching sites across the island, the Kalloni Salt Pans is without doubt one of the best. This area is a natural shelter and a breeding place for a great number of rare and endangered bird species, a magnet especially for wetland species. The wider area of Kalloni Gulf  gives shelter to 252 bird species, 87 of which are protected. But what is most important is that 101 species of birds nest there, a number particularly notable, while 66 species are migrating. Species like ruddy shelduks, avocets, black-headed buntings, white and black storks, glossy ibis, pink flamigos, shags, little Egrets, Gray Herons, swans ect. are encountered in the region. There are also elevated sheltered watchtowers around the area where bird watchers can stand hidden and view the birds feeding.

Flamingos in the Kalloni Salt Pans

This is a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors to explore Lesvos’s ecosystems and discover its spectacular bird fauna while enjoying a day trip in nature with their friends and family. These activities are also aiming to raise awareness for the protection of migrating birds and their ecosystems in general and the protection of the island’s biodiversity in particular.

The event is supported by the «Rural regeneration through systemic heritage-led strategies — RURITAGE» HORIZON 2020 Programme.