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.
  ​

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!

The September 2023 floods in Pelion, Greece, were not just a natural disaster; they were an ecological event with profound implications for the region's terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Among the many species affected by the floods, the Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) has drawn particular attention, especially the juveniles that we were fortunate to document during the Wildlife Recovery Survey: After the September 2023 Floods in Pelion (Greece).

The Importance of Juvenile Stingrays

​Juvenile stingrays are a critical indicator of the health of marine ecosystems. Their presence suggests successful breeding and a suitable environment for growth and development. In the context of Pelion, the discovery of juvenile Common Stingrays is particularly significant because it indicates that, despite the ecological upheaval caused by the floods, the conditions in the coastal waters still support the early life stages of this species. 

This observation was made today, September 3, 2024, at the beach of Theotokos in South Pelion, Greece.​ Additionally, the nearby beach of Liri holds the distinction of being the first officially recorded and studied nursery area for the Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) in Greece.

Stingrays, like many marine species, have specific habitat requirements during their juvenile phase. They typically prefer shallow, sheltered areas with abundant food and low predation pressure, often favoring seabeds composed of mixed sediments, including sand and rocks. These areas provide not only sustenance but also refuge, which is vital for their survival.

The Impact of Habitat Changes on Juvenile Stingrays

The floods in Pelion dramatically altered the seafloor composition at Theotokos beach, transforming a significant portion of the seafloor from a rocky to a predominantly sandy substrate. This change can significantly impact juvenile stingrays for several reasons:

1. Loss of Shelter: Rocky substrates offer crevices and hiding spots that juvenile stingrays use to avoid predators. A shift to a sandy bottom reduces these refuges, potentially increasing predation rates on young stingrays.
   
   
2. Altered Food Availability: The composition of benthic (seafloor) communities can change with the substrate. Rocky areas typically host a variety of invertebrates, such as crustaceans and mollusks, which are key prey items for juvenile stingrays. A sandy substrate might not support the same diversity or abundance of these prey species, leading to nutritional stress for the stingrays.
   
   
3. Breeding and Nursery Grounds: The suitability of breeding and nursery grounds is critical for the continuation of stingray populations. If the altered seabed conditions are less conducive to supporting juveniles, it could lead to a decline in local stingray populations over time.