THE PELOPONNESE MIGRATION ROUTE

BIRD WATCHING PARADISE

The Peloponnese region of Greece is a prime destination for bird-watchers, boasting a rich and bewildering array of interesting and unusual species. Every morning, a rich cacophony of tits, robins and warblers blends with the monotonous cicada chorus, greeting the new day with joy and vigour. Jays ceaselessly squabble amongst the fruit orchards and olive groves, adding colour and life to the heady summer days.

The best times of year for watching birds, however, are during the autumn and spring migrations. Thousands of birds use the peninsula, as an easy crossing point between Eastern Europe and Africa, resting in the area after the long flight across the Mediterranean. In addition to the familiar species, including martins, swifts and swallows, there are many unusual bird species passing through, stopping to feed, and replenish their energy. The Peloponnese migration route is a prime corridor for migrating birds, and there is always a chance of seeing an extremely rare and elusive species.

RESIDENT SPECIES

Much of the land in the region is unsuitable for intensive farming methods, so many of the local farmers do not use chemical pesticides. The resulting abundance of insects provides food, for a plethora of species, and waking up to the morning chorus is an unparalleled pleasure. The area is home to a few species that are rare, in Northern Europe, and every day almost guarantees something exciting and new.

Flocks of Crag Martins feed amongst the broken escarpments of Taygetos, diving for insects in a dizzying, yet precise, aerobatic display. Amongst the rugged mountain slopes, Eleanora’s Falcons seek their prey, occasionally tumbling from the sky, gathering speed as they plummet towards their target. Huge Vultures dutifully patrol the barren Mani peninsula, lazily soaring on the thermals rising from the baking rocks, covering vast areas with an economy of effort.

Some of the rarities hidden amongst the cliffs and valleys are; two kinds of Chough, Bonelli's Eagles, Ravens and Shrikes, amongst others. Common species are present in abundance, with the pleasant metallic piping of goldfinches, as they dart amongst the olive trees, contrasting with the harsh and menacing croak of the crows. These aggressively mob buzzards and drive them away from their ramshackle nests, a haphazard collection of sticks balancing precariously amongst the pine trees.

GIALOVA LAGOON

The tranquil Gialova Lagoon is situated in Messinia, close to Pylos, the ancient site of Nestor’s palace. The undisturbed Lagoon is a protected area, and is the best site for a day's bird-watching in the Peloponnese, with two thirds of the resident Greek bird species found here. The tall reed beds hide a multitude of bird, animal and plant species, interacting in a difficult and challenging environment. For duck and wader spotters, there are upwards of 25 000 birds wintering here, every year.

Raptors are well represented, with huge Imperial Eagles, majestic Ospreys and Falcons frequenting the area. These all coexist with birds rarely seen in Northern Europe, such as Flamingos, Glossy Ibises, Bee-Eaters and Hoopoes. The Gialova Lagoon is a superb location, at any time of the year, blending the soporific bird song with some of Europe’s most spectacular sunsets.