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Thessaloniki Area

West of Thessaloniki

Aliakmon, Axios and Gallikos Deltas and Alikes Kitrous saltworks and lagoon.

This vast area lies south-west of Thessaloniki. Now largely agricultural, it is punctuated by several rivers running between embankments to the sea. The area includes a colony of 25 pairs of Purple Heron, up to 10 pairs of Glossy Ibis, a pair of White-tailed Eagle and a large colony of Mediterranean Gulls. Kalohori often turns up good waders and Wilson’s Phalarope and Pectoral Sandpiper were surprise visitors in 2007 and, in 2010, 7 Terek and 3 Broad-billed Sandpipers were there together. A few km south is a large, purpose-built observation tower provides an excellent view across marshland. Nearby are the Alikes Kitrous saltworks and lagoon which hold passage waders and plenty of winter duck.

East of Thessaloniki

Angelohori Lagoon

This area of saltpans and lagoon, can hold good numbers of passage waders. this was the case during a visit in September ’10 with more than 400 particularly around the western and southern shores. Most numerous were Kentish Plover, with Black-tailed Godwit, good numbers of Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Little Stint and several Marsh and Common Sandpipers, Avocet and 7 Stone Curlew. Plenty of Mediterranean Gull were accompanied by a few Slender-billed and Sandwich, Little and Common Terns, with 300 Flamingo and a dozen Spoonbill.

It seems that entry by car has been curtailed but it is still possible to walk along the track between the pans and the sea.

 

Epanomi Lagoon

Further south lies Epanomi Lagoon which, although having deteriorated somewhat in recent years, can also hold passage waders.

 

Thanks to the Axios - Loudias - Aliakmonos Management Authority for their data

Axios/Aliakmon area June 2015

June is usually a fairly quiet month with spring passage all but over and autumn passage yet to begin. Highlights include 9 Purple Heron, 105 Little Egret, 38 Spoonbill, 55 Black-tailed Godwit, 157 Avocet, 9 Stone Curlew, 87 Collared Pratincole, 21 Kentish Plover, 225 Black-winged Stilt and 1244 Flamingo.

Axios/Aliakmon area May 2014

May totals included: 90 Grey and 6 Purple Heron, 48 Spoonbill, 754 Flamingo, 7 Marsh Harrier, 66 Avocet, 114 Black-winged Stilt, 12 Collared Pratincole, 2 Stone Curlew and 188 Ruff.

Axios/Aliakmon area April 2014

April sightings include 7 Purple Herons, 12 Glossy Ibis, 532 Flamingos, 7 Marsh Harriers, 142 Avocet, 409 Black-winged Stilts, 14 Collared Pratincoles, 6 Spur-winged Plover, 3 Stone Curlew, 42 Black-tailed Godwit, and 225 Ruff.

Axios/Aliakmon area November 2013

November waterbirds included 111 Dalmatian Pelicans, 21 Great White Egrets, 19 Spoonbill and over 1200 Flamingos. waterfowl included 15 Whooper Swans, 364 Shelduck and 42 Pochard. Harriers were represented by 21 Marsh and 3 Hen. 134 Curlew,  4 Ruff and 2 Stone Curlew completed the picture.

Axios/Aliakmon area December 2013

Three Black-throated Divers and 33 Black-necked Grebes opened December's account, with 5 Red-breasted Merganser and Shelduck numbers climbing to 738, and Teal to over 5000. After a slow start the big winter raptors arrived with 7 Spotted and 2 White-tailed Eagles supported by 18 Marsh and 3 Hen Harriers, 18 Common and 2 Long-legged Buzzards. Some 70 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Sandwich Terns were along the west bank of the Axios.

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