A rewarding day (15th September) of birdwatching: Over 14 bird species spotted in a remote area (Theotokos, Greece).

© Chris Taklis - Lanius collurio

Today’s birdwatching tour at Theotokos Beach, South Pelion (Greece) took us deep into a tranquil and remote area, where nature truly put on a show. We were treated to sightings and sounds from a variety of bird species, making the trip an unforgettable experience for all. Here's a recap of what we observed.

Birds We Spotted:

• Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata): This little beauty was seen flitting between the field and the nearby bushes, showing off its aerial agility.
• Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo): Soaring gracefully at a distance over the field for few seconds.
• Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius): Flew across the road right in front of us, a flash of color and energy when we were passing a forest.
• Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs): Perched calmly in a pine tree as we began our return journey.
• Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos): Singing softly among the olive trees, a beautiful reminder of nature’s soundtrack.
• European Greenfinch (Chloris chloris): Spotted perched on the power lines.
• Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes): Seen in the bushes at the end of our route.
• Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula): Made a quick appearance as it flew across the road while we passed the forest.
• Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix): Soaring in the distance.
• Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus): Perched on the power lines, its presence a joyful reminder of the area's diverse birdlife.
• House Sparrow (Passer domesticus): Always a common but delightful sight, these were scattered across the field.
• Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes): This raptor made a dramatic overhead appearance, its flight a majestic display of speed and power.
• Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio): A female was perched on top of a tree near the power lines as we started our return.
  
  

Birds We Heard But Couldn’t See:

• Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus): We heard its melodic call near the villa, though it remained out of sight, adding to the peaceful ambiance.
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The variety of species we encountered today highlights the richness of biodiversity in this area. Each sighting brought its own excitement, whether it was the swift flight of a sparrowhawk or the cheerful chirps of smaller birds.
This is why I cherish these birdwatching tours—there’s always something new to discover. I’m already looking forward to the next one!

© Chris Taklis - Accipiter brevipes