January 2026 weekend trip report with Greece Bird Tours
Winter in Greece often surprises visiting birders — not with scarcity, but with abundance. This January, I had the pleasure of guiding a couple of avid birders from Washington DC on a weekend private birding trip to the Mesolongi and Etoliko National Park, one of the most important wetland complexes in the Mediterranean. Even in mid-winter, the area proved to be a spectacular destination for exploring Mediterranean avifauna.
Sunrise colors in Mesolongi lagoons
Day 1 – The Eastern Wetlands of Mesolongi
We began our exploration from the eastern part of the wetlands, where the vast open lagoons immediately revealed their richness. The sheer numbers were impressive: hundreds of Pied Avocets feeding gracefully in the shallows and thousands of Greater Flamingos creating a constantly moving pink horizon.
Among them, Great White Egrets, Grey Herons, and other heron species dotted the lagoons, while wintering ducks were well represented. We enjoyed excellent views of Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, and Mallard, all actively feeding and resting across the marshes.
Whimbrel at Mesolongi lagoon
Raptors were never far away. Marsh Harriers quartered low over the reeds, while Common Buzzards, Common Kestrels, and the agile Eurasian Sparrowhawk added excitement to the day.
Beyond the birds, Mesolongi offers a landscape unlike anywhere else in Greece. The traditional fishermen’s houses (pelades) standing on stilts above the water, the endless reflections of sky and lagoon, and the profound peacefulness of the area made the experience as much about atmosphere as it was about species lists. Winter light and silence gave the lagoons a timeless quality that our guests particularly appreciated.
"Pelades", the traditional fishing hub
Sunrise colors
Day 2 – Kleisoura Gorge & Raptors of the Cliffs
Our second day started inland at Kleisoura Gorge, a dramatic landscape of cliffs and open slopes. Here came one of the major highlights of the trip: 12 Griffon Vultures soaring together, offering prolonged and close views.
The Griffon Vulture is a species of great conservation importance, with populations declining worldwide due to poisoning, habitat loss, and reduced food availability. Seeing a strong group actively using this gorge was both thrilling and encouraging, and it sparked meaningful discussion about conservation challenges in the Mediterranean.
Lagoon Specialties: Pelicans, Cormorants & Gulls
The lagoons proved especially important for several key Mediterranean waterbirds. Dalmatian Pelicans, among the heaviest flying birds in the world and listed as Near Threatened, were seen well, underlining the importance of western Greece for the species, as the country hosts some of Europe’s most significant populations. Pygmy Cormorants were widespread and conspicuous throughout the wetlands; once scarce, they have expanded greatly in southeastern Europe, with Greece now supporting internationally important wintering numbers.
Pygmy Cormorant
Slender-billed Gulls were encountered almost everywhere — a characteristic species of Mediterranean lagoons, with a relatively restricted global distribution and Mesolongi representing one of its key wintering strongholds in Greece.
Slender-billed Gull,
a species with restricted global distribution
Trip Highlights & Notable Species
Throughout the weekend, the diversity and quality of sightings were exceptional. Among the most memorable highlights:
7 overwintering Black-winged Stilts
Great Sand Plover – a species with very limited distribution in Europe
Pygmy Cormorant
Dalmatian Pelican
Great Bittern
Griffon Vulture
Whimbrel
Slender-billed Gulls
By the end of the trip, our total reached 92 bird species, an excellent result for a short winter weekend.
Why Bird Mesolongi?
Exceptional diversity of birds and habitats: lagoons, saltpans, marshes, reedbeds, farmland, and nearby hills in a compact area.
Easy and relaxed birding with accessible sites, short walks, and excellent visibility.
Large numbers of birds, especially in winter, with impressive concentrations of waterbirds and raptors.
Close to Athens – just a 3-hour drive, ideal for long weekends or short winter escapes.
Excellent local food, with fresh fish, seafood, and strong regional cuisine.
Peaceful, unhurried atmosphere, offering a perfect balance between high-quality birding and a strong sense of place.
The birder's selfie
Winter Birding in Greece
This trip perfectly demonstrated that winter is an outstanding season for birding in Greece. Large wetland concentrations, excellent light, fewer visitors, and relaxed birds make areas like Mesolongi and Etoliko ideal destinations for visiting birders — even for those traveling from far beyond Europe.
Interested in winter birding in Greece? Mesolongi is just one of many destinations that truly shine outside the traditional birding seasons.
