The ever-present White Stork, here along the shores of Lake Koronia

Our final day in Northern Greece was spent in a long, leisurely transit from our base in the Evros Delta to the airport at Thessaloniki, via the Nestos river delta and Lake Volvi. We saw plenty of good birds, including several high mountain species at the now derelict ski-centre on Mount Paggeo – N.B. the track from there to the radio mast is now only navigable on foot.

Distant views of Mount Paggeo 

Mount Paggeo – the only place we saw Ortolan Bunting, but they were here in good numbers

Distant views of an elusive male Rock Thrush

Horned Lark, seen just below the radio mast on Mount Paggeo. Considered to be breeding, so we kept our distance

Tawny Pipit – a surprise species to find high up in the mountains

A last look back to Lake Volvi before heading for the airport and home..

We were very impressed with our first trip to Northern Greece. Thanks again to Steve and Hilary for their gentle encouragement to visit. The birding was excellent, the scenery superb and the people friendly and helpful.

To view our annotated checklist, of all 165 species seen during our week-long holiday, follow this link.

Distant grab-shot of Long-billed Dowitcher, Cley NWT

This morning’s Long-billed Dowitcher at Cley NWT, was my 350th bird for Norfolk. Not a big score I know, compared with the serious County listers, but as a relative new-comer to this part of the world I’m pretty pleased! The bird, well-found by Jake Gearty and Co, played cat and mouse with the 50 or so birders stationed along East Bank, as it moved between the tussocky grass of The Serpentine and Arnold’s Marsh.

and again, with wings out-stretched