In season Dalmatian Pelican Colony — Lake Kerkini Greece
Lake Kerkini in northern Greece's Serres Prefecture hosts Europe's largest Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) breeding colony — up to 1,200 pairs nesting on floating reed islands from January through June, the world's most endangered pelican species (estimated 10,000–13,700 globally) in its finest accessible breeding aggregation. The pelicans' winter fishing aggregations (300–500 birds fishing cooperatively in the lake's shallow water in December and January) and the February nest-building activity — the males' spectacular bill-pouch display inflating the gular sac red-orange — create two distinct and equally rewarding seasonal peaks. Boat tours on the lake provide access to 30-metre range from active nests, and the Dalmatian pelican's combination of its silvery-white plumage, the curly head feathers, and the enormous yellow pouch makes it one of Europe's most impressive birds at any range.
About this spectacle
Lake Kerkini rewards visitors with one of Europe's most dramatic waterbird spectacles. From a flat-bottomed boat gliding across the shallow lake at dawn, you can approach to within 30 metres of active Dalmatian pelican nests built on floating reed islands — close enough to hear the guttural clucking of adults and to see the extraordinary curly crest feathers ruffling in the breeze. In winter, hundreds of birds gather in loose flotillas, driving fish toward the shallows in coordinated surges, their enormous yellow-orange bill pouches flashing as they plunge. February brings a different drama: males inflate their gular sacs to a vivid red-orange and fan their bills in courtship display. The pelicans' silvery-white plumage catches the low morning light magnificently. Surrounding reed beds murmur with other waterbirds — herons, cormorants, egrets — adding texture to the soundscape. The lake itself is glassy and reflective at dawn, offering mirror images of the birds that raise the photographic stakes considerably.
When to go
Jan — Dec, peak Dec — Feb
Getting there
Nearest airport: SKG. Nearest city: Serres.
Booking options
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