Work Trip to Halkidiki

I had to fly to Thessalonika for a three day trip to see two new hotels in our portfolio.

Ryanair flew from Stansted - great - but times were awful and I arrived at the first hotel at 22.30.

Due to the late arrival the hotel group had arranged for all my work to be done on the Friday which meant a long day. However, it gave me the whole of Thursday and a long half day on Saturday before my flight home.

I had been doing a bit of research and the only place of interest from a birding point of view was a saline lake which looked about 10km away.

I got up at 6.30 and looked out from my balcony. Common Swifts and House Martins were plenty and Gull sp were flying a good distance away. On land I only saw two species before getting ready for breakfast - Greenfinch and the lovely Cirl Buntings.

I saw these all three mornings in the hotel grounds but never anywhere else and only first thing!

After breakfast I spoke to an incredibly helpful member of staff who understood where I wanted to go and organised a taxi for me. She explained that the driver would only get me so far as the dirt roads were very rough and he would not want to risk his car. He would come and pick me up an 1pm too. Cost was 25E return which seemed reasonable so off I went.

The small town nearest is called Agios Mamas and the lake is known locally by the same name. I was dropped at the edge of an olive grove and shown a path to take me down to the lake.

On the path down, there were Corn Buntings everywhere.

Unfortunately the sun was shining right in my face looking at the lake so I could not get great photos of anything there. However, a pair of Garganey were the first water birds I saw along with loads of Coot.
Little Grebe and Mallard followed quickly along with distant Little and Great Egrets.

On the waters edge were Black Winged Stilts and these ended up to be the only waders seen.

The path around the lake was in good nick although reeds and general foliage was tall in places giving obstructed views. I doubt anyone has birdied this place yet it was really lovely and shows how little importance other countries put on their natural attractions.

As I approached some reeds, a shadow swept straight over me. It was a large Eagle and I did manage to get it in view to get a decent view before it flew across the lake. The significant thing was the two very distinct white patches on the upper wing. Fortunately, I had my Collins app on the phone and was able to clearly id the bird as a Lesser Spotted Eagle - a lifer for me.  The only other raptor seen was Marsh Harrier.

Approaching the reeds I got a quick glimpse of a large warbler and having seen one briefly before on another Greek trip was able to id Great Reed Warbler. Ironically I did not see any other warbler whilst visiting the lake.

As I got passed the reeds the view opened up. I could have really done with my scope but nevertheless was able to pick out Shelduck and Black Terns. I did attempt a photo but I have still not mastered the flying bird photo as seen below!

As I approached the last part of the path I did notice some very distant birds and was able to easily id Flamingoes which I have not seen in Greece before. With such distance and a heat haze I managed nothing more than a record shot.

It was getting close to my pick up time and by now was knackered. I found an old log under a tree in the shade and decided to take five minutes out to update my list.

Just as I had put my camera and binos down a beautiful bird with long tail and spotted back with russet patches flew straight into the olive grove. It was the easiest id og the day and my second lifer - Great Spotted Cuckoo. I walked to the olive grove but it was completely fenced and I could not see the bird. However, I heard it and have never heard a call like it in my life. I can only describe it as sounding like an ape in the jungle! Sad that I could not get a photo of either lifer but a great morning nevertheless.

My final morning was a gentle stroll around the countryside near the hotel.

I added Red Rumped Swallow and Yellow Legged Gull immediately closely followed by a Hoopoe in grass near the hotel.

An area of scrub was not too far away and I heard my first Nightingale of the year. This briefly appeared on an electric cable but the sun was directly in my eyes so got the classic silhouette shot we never want!

However, Whitethroat and a too quick Sardinian Warbler were added.

Overall only 35 species but as a non birding trip and two lifers to boot - not a bad trip at all!