If you find yourself in Athens this September and have a pair of binoculars at hand, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the city’s best birding spots — the National Gardens. Located right in the heart of Athens, next to the Parliament and Syntagma Square, the gardens offer an unexpected pocket of greenery where both resident birds and autumn migrants can be observed in peace — even while the city bustles all around.
Why Visit the National Gardens in September?
September is a fantastic time for birding in Athens. The first signs of autumn migration are underway, and alongside the city’s common resident birds, you can often spot migrating warblers, flycatchers, and even flocks of bee-eaters or white storks flying overhead. The garden’s mix of tall trees, shrubs, open lawns, and hidden corners offers resting opportunities for birds and rewarding moments for birders.
Eurasian Robins are residents at the National Garden
Spotted Flycatchers are common autumn migrants
What Birds to Expect
While birdlife varies from day to day, here are a few species you may encounter in September:
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Resident species: Great Tit, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Collared Dove, Hooded Crow, Sardinian Warbler, and the occasional Scops Owl.
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Migrants: Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, European Bee-eater (often flying overhead), Common Redstart, and possibly Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler
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Overhead migration: Look up occasionally — White Storks, Honey Buzzards, and other raptors may be passing through.
Finding a Scops Owl at the National Garden is always a hightlight.
Try the Pine trees, before sunrise or after sunset.
Colorful Eurasian Jays are residents
at the National Garden
Birding Tips for the National Gardens
To make the most of your visit, consider the following tips:
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🕖 Go early – The earlier the better. Birds are more active in the morning, and you’ll beat the crowds.
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🧭 Avoid the main paths – Stick to the small, quiet trails and shady spots. These are often where birds forage and hide.
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⏳ Be patient – Pick a good spot and stay a while. Birds often reappear once they've grown used to your presence.
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🎠 Explore near the playground – The large open space around the big playground attracts birds feeding on the ground or moving between trees.
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🌤️ Watch the sky – During September, you might catch flocks of bee-eaters, storks, or even raptors overhead.
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📆 Weekends are quiet – Surprisingly, Saturdays and Sundays in the early morning can be peaceful times for birding, as fewer people use the gardens then.
Long-tailed Tit perform acribatic moves in the canopy
Monk Parakeet getting a refreshement
Willow Warblers are common autum migrant
at the National Garden
A Green Escape in the City
The National Gardens offer a perfect way to combine your city visit with a bit of nature. Whether you're a serious birder or just enjoy quiet mornings with birdsong, this spot is well worth a visit.
Are you visiting Athens and interested in birding?
Join a guided birding walk with Greece Bird Tours and explore Athens’ hidden birdlife with a local expert. We offer half-day tours tailored for all levels of birders.
