Birdwatching in Lesvos

A few kilometres east of Skala Kalloni lies the salt marsh of Kalloni Salt Pans. Birdwatchers from all over the world comes here to birdwatch. More than 280 different bird species have been seen on Lesvos - from birds of prey to waders. Around the salt marsh there are birdwatching towers where you often see birdwatchers with telescopes.

The salt marsh have been used for a long time to extract salt, giant heaps of salt is proof of that the business is still running. It is possible to drive along the salt marsh all the way down to the sea, where there is a sandy beach and a taverna.

Kalloni Salt Pans at the wetland near Skala Kalloni.

Krüper's Nuthatch is endemic to Lesvos. It is also found in Turkey, but it can only be seen on Lesvos in Greece. It is a relatively small nuthatch, only 11.5-12.5 centimeters. Krüper's nuthatch is characterized by the combination of black front crest, white eyebrow stripe and a large rust-red spot on the chest.

Waiting to see Krüper's Nuthatch and other unusual birds in Lesvos.

Flamingos at Kalloni Salt Pans near Skala Kalloni.

Bronsibis in the wetland.

It is common to see white storks nesting on chimneys, like here at Hot Springs of Polichnitos.

My favourite island for bird watching is Tilos. The advantage to watch birds on Tilos compared to Lesbos and Crete, is that the island is so small. You do not need to drive around to see the birds, it is enough with short hikes, or to sit on the balcony and watch. I have seen many rare species from the balcony at Annas Studios. Bonelli's Eagle, Eleonora's Falcon, Long-Legged Buzzard, Eurasian Hoopoe, Blue Rock Thrush and Sardinian Warbler are just some of the species I have seen from the balcony when I have eaten breakfast.

Read about bird watching in Tilos here »

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU ARE IN THE AREA

Don't miss Skala Kalloni beach, which you can read about here »

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