SANI WETLANDS A bird sanctuary
Editor-in-Chief
Eleni Andreadis
Director of Sani S.A. Environmental Programme MPP Environmental Policy
Scientific advisor
Lefteris Kakalis
M.Sc. Forestry and Environmental Sciences
Bird photographs Wetlands photographs Additional photographs (pp. 6, 10, 16, 18)
Kostas Stafylidis Lefteris Kakalis
Vice-President of Sani S.A.
Editor
Georgia Dodou
Published by
Sani S.A. 55 N. Plastira St., 542 50 Thessaloniki T: 2310 317.327, Fax: 2310 317.881 www.saniresort.gr
SANI WETLANDS A bird sanctuary
Archive of Fokion Zisiadis
We wish to thank Mr. Stavros Kalpakis for his important contribution to the completion of this project.
© publication: Sani S.A. © photographs: the photographers © texts: the authors No part of this book may be reproduced or republished in any form and by any means – electronic, digital, mechanical or using any other system of data storage and retrieval – without the written consent of the publisher. Thessaloniki 2011 ISBN: 978 – 960 – 9678 – 01- 8
Photographs
Kostas Stafylidis, Lefteris Kakalis TEXT
Lefteris Kakalis
4
5
C o ntents
Introduction by Stavros Andreadis........................................................................................................................................9 Sani Wetlands by Lefteris Kakalis.......................................................................................................................................... 11
Map of observation area and walks......................................................................................................................................24
Evolving new life: Breeding species.....................................................................................................................................28 Permanent residents: Year round species......................................................................................................................... 56 Spring visitors: Migrant species arriving in the spring.................................................................................................. 70 Autumn travelers: Migrant species arriving in the fall....................................................................................................82 Safe haven: Winter visitors.................................................................................................................................................... 94
Index of birds by species........................................................................................................................................................119
6
Adjoining the facilities of the Sani Resort, surrounded by shady pine forests and gentle hills, with fields and olive groves, there lies a magical world: the Sani Wetlands.
To approach it is to feel as if an invisible door has suddenly opened, allowing you to enter another world, a world living at its own pace and according to its own rules.
This is a place where absolute silence coexists with the process of reproduction and the triumph of life, where the waters lie resplendent in the summer sun, or grey and ruffled by the winter winds. A place of amazing, changing colours, a place of departure and return. It is an unbelievably complex ecosystem, a demonstration of the profound wisdom of nature, filling you with a sense of tranquility while at the same time inspiring admiration and awe.
The book you have before you is a record of images and moments from this natural paradise, an attempt on our part to convey something of its magical quality.
I wish to thank all those involved in the production of this book: Eleni Andreadis for her keen interest in ecology, her ideas and initiatives; Lefteris Kakalis for his specialist’s knowledge and expertise, and the many, many hours he has spent in observing and recording the wildlife of the wetlands; Stavros Kalpakis for his advice and support, and Kostas Stafylidis and Fokion Zisiadis for their superb photographs that are genuine works of art.
This glorious place is truly a blessing bestowed on us by God, and we all have a duty to protect it and help our visitors to enjoy and appreciate it better.
Stavros Andreadis Chairman, Sani S.A. 8
9
SANI WETLANDS An important bird sanctuary
On 2 February 1971 the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance was signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The Convention came into effect on 21 December 1975. But what are wetlands, and why was their protection so important? The dictionary defines a wetland as “an area by a river, lake or the sea, with the adjoining land, which is home to animal and plant species.� Reading between the lines, it is not difficult to see their huge significance to the life cycle of the planet. The countries that signed the Ramsar Convention (including Greece) agree that wetlands are natural resources of great value (economic, scientific, social) which represent complex ecosystems providing important benefits in terms of fishing, livestock rearing, forestry, leisure and environmental education. Moreover, they are of major environmental value because of the diversity of their ecosystems and bio-communities, which include many rare and threatened species – particularly bird species. Sani S.A. is keenly aware of the environmental impact of all its activities and has funded a significant study of the Sani Wetlands, undertaking responsibility for protection of the bird species that make the area their home. This study was conducted by the author, under the supervision of Assistant Professor of the University of the Aegean, Triantafyllos Akriotis. For the year October 2009-September 2010 we devised and implemented a plan to monitor the birdlife and habitats of the wetlands. The general objectives of the plan can be summarized as follows: a) a systematic inventory of all bird species in the Sani Wetlands and adjoining areas, including the Mesonisi pine forest and adjacent farmland, b) establishment of the necessary database on important bird species, with respect to their populations, the threats they face and the measures needed to protect them, c) inventory and mapping of the main habitats of the area, d) analysis of data that will help plan the protection and showcasing of the area to appeal to the local community as well as and visitors to the region. We visited the site for four days each month to record birds, human activities and environmental problems, while also mapping the main habitats. The various parameters were then analyzed and evaluated and specific measures proposed for the protection, rational management and public presentation of the area. 10
11
THE SANI WETLANDS
on farmland, and the Yellow Wagtail in the water meadows. Also frequently seen are the Northern Wheatear, the Pipit, the Sombre Tit, the Robin and the Woodchat Shrike.
The Sani Wetlands are to be found in the northwestern part of Kassandra, and consist of a complex of two coastal lakes –
In April the breeding season begins for many species, with birds building nests and then laying their eggs. The Sani
Lake Yerani, with brackish water, and Lake Stavronikita, with its mainly fresh water – supplied with water by two streams
Wetlands are an important breeding ground for aquatic species like the Coot (70-90 couples), the Green-headed Duck
carrying rain water in the winter months. The two wetlands are surrounded by pine trees and farmland – mainly cereals
(35-35 couples), the Common Pochard (8-12 couples), the globally threatened Ferruginous Duck (2 couples) and the Little
and olives – creating a mosaic of ecosystems typical of the Mediterranean. The alternation of different ecosystems is
Grebe (30-40 couples). The Purple Heron, rarely seen in Greece (2-3 couples), and the Little Bittern (7-10 couples) are
one of the unique characteristics of the Sani Wetlands, where, over a relatively small area, coastal wetlands alternate
the heron species that nest in the reeds of the lakes. The presence of a breeding population of the Purple Heron increases
harmoniously with farmland, olive groves, sand dunes and Mediterranean pine forests, comprising an extremely complex
the importance of the area on the national level, since this heron breeds in only very few wetlands in Greece. Of the birds
nexus of ecological processes. The difference in salt levels and vegetation of the two lakes in the area also increases the
nesting in the mud and islets of the lakes the most important is the Black-winged Stilt, of which up to 100 couples have
variety of habitats and the range of different bird and animal species to be found here.
been recorded in the past. The most common representatives of birds of prey in the breeding season are the Buzzard (5-6 couples), the Sparrowhawk (3-5 couples), the Kestrel (2-3 couples), the Hobby (1-3 couples) and the Long-eared Owl.
BIRDLIFE OF THE SANI WETLANDS
Finally, there is a significant number of small birds (44 species) breeding in the area, among them the Sardinian Warbler, the Spotted Flycatcher, the Nightingale and the Woodchat Shrike.
Up until 2009 the only records kept of birds in the Sani area were by visiting birdwatchers. With funding from Sani S.A., it was now possible to make a thorough inventory of the species, documenting the importance and value of the location.
The period from early July to late September is the season of autumn migration. The month of July sees a rich variety of shorebirds, the most common and numerous being the Black-winged Stilt, the Dunlin, the Wood Sandpiper, the Spotted
The completed study shows that the total number of species recorded to date at the Sani Wetlands is 214 (compared with
Redshank, the Greenshank and the Curlew Sandpiper. These birds remain in high concentrations throughout the months
a total species number for Greece as a whole of 445). There are examples of all categories to be found – specifically: 24
of August and September, with a wide variety of species present, and 23 different species being recorded – 77% of the
species of diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey, 28 species of aquatic birds (ducks, geese, etc.), 17 species of heron-type
shorebirds observed in total throughout the study. Another group with high concentrations of birds during this period are
birds (herons, cormorants, pelicans), 30 species of shorebirds, 11 species of gulls (seagulls and terns), 4 species seen at
the herons. The most numerous species are the Little Egret and Grey Heron, appearing in large flocks of several dozen each
sea and 100 species of small birds. Of the above, some are visitors stopping here during migration (66 species); others
(422 individual Little Egrets were seen in September). There were also many sightings of the Purple Heron (42 birds) in
winter in the area (55 species); 52 species can be seen here all year round; 32 species are summer visitors, and 6 are rare
the same month, although usually only a few of this species are to be seen during the autumn migration. There was also
or random visitors.
a significant presence, from July to September, of Glossy Ibis and Spoonbills.
In winter the aquatic birds in particular, such as dabbling and diving ducks, form large flocks that remain in the wetlands
If we attempt to explain the wide variety of species hosted by the wetlands we might suggest that there are many
until the spring. From the beginning of October there are high concentrations of certain species, such as the Coot, with the
parameters involved, all interacting with and influencing one another. The most important factors are as follows:
populations growing as winter advances so that by January there are up to 5500 aquatic birds on site. Among the most
A. The geographical location is important, because the area is part of the broader wetland network of the Thermaic Gulf
common species of aquatic birds at this time of year are the Green-headed Duck, the Wigeon, the Common Teal and the
and closely linked to the delta complex of the Axios, Loudias and Aliakmon rivers, one of the richest ecosystems of the
Coot. Some of the rare species to be seen in winter are the Bittern, the Pygmy Cormorant and the Ferruginous Duck.
country in terms of birdlife. B. The Sani Wetlands, in conjunction with the wetlands at Agios Mamas, create a single wetland system in Halkidiki that
12
In late February and early March the first migratory species make their appearance, including large flocks of Black-headed
is home to an abundance of species and attracts large populations of aquatic birds. There are a number of species of
Gulls and Little Gulls, that stop over in the wetlands to rest and regain weight before travelling on to their breeding grounds
aquatic and shorebirds birds using both wetlands on an everyday basis.
in northern Europe. The period of the spring migration brings birds of all kinds, with a variety of species sufficiently broad
C. The differentiation in salt content of the water in the two lakes at Sani also contributes to broadening the variety of
to satisfy the most demanding of birdwatchers. There are large flocks of birds nesting near water, such as the Osprey,
bird species present.
Wood Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and Avocet. And in spring we also see a fair number of species of birds of prey
D. The highly heterogeneous vegetation of the area also encourages a broad variety of birdlife. The fact that bodies of water
travelling north, such as the Montagu’s Harrier and Short-toed Snake Eagle. Among the species of small birds seen in high
alternate with pine forest, farmland and meadows creates a mosaic of habitats where we encounter species with different
concentrations there are the Willow Warbler and Wood Warbler in the pine forest and hard-leaved shrubs, the Whinchat
ecological requirements, e.g. species that live in agricultural ecosystems, forest species and species that nest in wetlands. 13
E. Most of the study area has been spared the intense development that is to be seen all across Halkidiki. The absence
suitable measures to manage and protect the wetlands; the need to coordinate the work of the competent agencies; the
of heavy, unregulated development has helped to preserve the cohesion of farmland, wetland and forest ecosystems,
systematic monitoring of the birdlife and the need to oversee and safeguard the location. The special proposals include fire
and therefore the large variety of bird species. There is also very little disturbance of the natural landscape by other
protection measures in the Mesonisi pine forest; measures to combat possible sources of pollution and the over-extension
human activities.
of vegetation (reeds, Scirpus) into open land and water meadows; measures to discourage housing development, and to
F. The Sani Wetlands, together with those at Agios Mamas, are one of the main migratory resting places during the spring
reduce the threat posed by predators and hunters to nesting grounds and birdlife in general. Special measures will also
migration for species migrating across a broad front and passing over the Aegean Sea.
be needed to assist reproduction among certain priority species by constructing artificial islands for them to nest in.
THE VALUE OF THE SANI WETLANDS FOR BIRDLIFE
Finally, but by no means least important, we must note the need for basic principles of visitor management in ecologically vulnerable areas like the Sani Wetlands. There needs to be a special agency in charge of visitor management, operating
The Sani Wetlands constitute a significant location on the European level, meeting the criteria for classification as a key
according to special eco-development plans that take account of environmental parameters, the species to be protected,
feeding and resting point during migration for the Little Egret, the Black-headed Gull and the Little Gull; an important
the needs of visitors, and so on. It should be possible, using the existing road network, as well as constructing observation
breeding ground for the Black-winged Stilt; and an important wintering place for the globally threatened species, the
posts and placing information notices in suitable locations, to allow access to visitors without disturbing the natural habitat
Ferruginous Duck. On the national level the wetlands are a significant breeding ground for the Little Grebe, the Little Bittern,
of the vulnerable bird species that make the Sani Wetlands their home.
the Purple Heron, the Green-headed Duck, the Common Pochard, the Coot, the Common Tern and Little Tern, as well as for the Black-throated Loon, the Great Egret, the Wigeon, the Red-breasted Merganser and the Jack Snipe, the latter using the location for its wintering place. We can therefore say that the Sani Wetlands are a significant regional wetland of northern
Lefteris Kakalis M.Sc. Forestry and Environmental Studies
Greece, whose significance is less than those of the country’s great wetland areas (e.g. Ramsar wetlands), but greater than that of many others of comparable size. On the local level, the Sani Wetlands are far and away the most important in Halkidiki, and together with the wetlands at Agios Mamas constitute its richest ecosystem in terms of birdlife. The protection status of the local birdlife is high, with 1 in 3 species (31%) included in the recently revised Red Book of the Threatened Animals of Greece. Four species are classified as at critical risk (CR): the Glossy Ibis, the Greylag Goose, the Black Kite and the Montagu’s Harrier. Seven are classified as endangered (EN): the Bittern, Purple Heron, Black Stork, Spotted Eagle, Black-headed Gull, Whiskered Tern and Black Tern. Finally, a total of 23 species, or 11% of all species present, are classified as vulnerable (VU). In all, 34 species or 16% of the total birdlife species of Sani are included in the three most important categories of the Red Book (CR, EN and VU). We can therefore say with some confidence that the presence of rare species at Sani is quite high. There are also large numbers of birds that are protected by legislation and by international conventions to which Greece is a signatory. Some 67 species, or 31% of the total, are protected by European Directive 79/409; 150 species or 70% by the Bern Convention; and 121 species or 57% by the Bonn Convention. At the same time 93 species are included in the three most important protection categories on the European level (SPEC), according to the Birdlife International classification system. THE NEED TO PROTECT THE SANI WETLANDS The study offers a detailed description of the institutional and management measures proposed to protect and showcase the Sani wetland area, as well as more specific suggestions for combating specific threats identified during the investigation. Among the first group of proposals is the preparation of a Special Environmental Study of the area; the introduction of 14
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16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Paliurus spina cristi / Rushes / Holm-oak / Schinus terebinthifolius / Sunflower / Pinus halepensis / Reeds
Ammophila arenaria / Eryngium maritimum / Halimione partulacoides / Sea Lily / Olanthus maritimus / Pyrus pyraster
23
Map of observation area Walks
Note Α
SANI RESORT
Area boundaries
B D
Walks Starting points Thessaloniki
Walk 1
C
HALKIDIKI
Walk 2 Walk 3
Sani Resort
Vegetation Pine forests Rushes of the Juncus genus Olive groves
Infrastructure LAKE STAVRONIKITA
Inhabited areas LAKE YERANI
WALK 1 The walk covers a distance of about 3.6km and takes about 45-55 minutes. It follows a circular path and allows visitors to observe a number of bird species, mainly aquatic birds.
Sani Resort
WALK 2
Α
Sani Beach Hotel
B
Sani Asterias Suites
C
Porto Sani Village
above, and provides access to most of the wetlands, allowing visitors a chance to observe almost all the species of birds
D
Sani Marina
that are able to be seen here. It also has the advantage of providing a panoramic view of the whole area.
℗
Visitor parking
The walk covers a distance of about 5km and takes about 60-80 minutes. It also makes a circuit, is the sequel to the walk
WALK 3
Wetland features Sea
The walk covers a distance of about 2.2km and takes about 25 minutes. It continues from the path of Walk 2 and leads to the wetlands at Lake Yerani wetland, where the more common aquatic birds can be seen.
Areas under water in spring Wetlands
GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS • Visitors are welcome to observe and photograph the flora and fauna of the area, but must avoid disturbing the animals
Roads N
0
24
250
500
1000 m
and birds. We recommend that you walk quietly and keep strictly to the marked paths. Paved
•You must not interfere with the wildlife in any way. The protected species range from insects and other invertebrates
Unpaved
to fish, amphibious creatures, reptiles, birds and mammals. Visitors must also refrain from picking flowers or plants and
Footpaths
damaging the local plant life. • This is not an appropriate place to walk your dog. • Hunting is prohibited over most of the wetland area.
25
Evolving new life: Breeding species
26
27
28
Willow Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis Male Willow Sparrow in summer plumage. Lake Yerani, Sani, April 2010
Black-winged Stilt & Shelduck Himantopus himantopus & Tadorna tadorna The male keeps watch, protecting his mate. Lake Yerani, Sani, April 2010
29
30
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis In mating plumage. Lake Yerani, Sani, April 2010
House Martin Delichon urbica Collecting pieces of mud to build its nest. Lake Yerani, Sani, April 2010
31
32
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Lake Yerani, Sani, July 2010
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica In characteristically vigilant pose, on a wire. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, June 2010
33
34
Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala Lake Yerani, Sani, July 2010
Streaked Fantail Warbler Cisticola juncidis Concealed among branches, Lake Yerani, Sani, June 2010
35
36
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos In flooded meadow. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, January 2010
Coot Fulica atra Landing on water, Lake Stavronikita, Sani, August 2010
37
38
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Unexpected encounter with a frog. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, August 2010
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Mating. Lake Yerani, Sani, April 2010
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40
41
L E F T PAG E
42
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Dawn. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, June 2010
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator A watchful eye. Lake Yerani, Sani, August 2010
43
44
Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Characteristic stance among the reeds. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, October 2010
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio On a branch, looking for prey. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, October 2010
45
46
Common Pochard Aythya ferina In flight from Lake Yerani to Lake Stavronikita. Sani, October 2010
Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Hidden among the reeds. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, October 2010
47
L eft P A G E
48
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Motionless and concealed in the reeds. Lake Yerani, Sani, September 2010
Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala Watching over his territory. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, January 2010
49
50
Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus Among the dry winter branches. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, January 2010
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Perched on a withered sunflower. Lake Yerani, Sani, August 2010
51
52
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Pine forest. Sani, September 2010
53
Permanent residents: Year round species
54
55
56
Corn Bunting Milaria calandra Bathing. Lake Yerani, Sani, April 2010
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus In flight from the pine forest to Lake Yerani. Sani, October 2009
57
58
Starling Sturvus vulgaris In summer plumage. Lake Yerani, Sani, April 2010
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus On top of a bush. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, January 2010
59
60
Crested Lark Galerida cristata On a thorn bush. Lake Yerani, Sani, January 2010
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Bathing. Lake Yerani, Sani, March 2010
61
L eft P A G E
62
Yellow-legged Gull & Coot Larus cachinnans & Fulica atra Enjoying the peace of midday. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, December 2009
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris In the bushes. Sani Beach Hotel, Sani, January 2010
63
64
Little Owl Athene noctua Watching curiously. Lake Yerani, Sani, January 2010
Buzzard Buteo buteo Flying over Lake Yerani. Sani, October 2009
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66
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Looking for food. Porto Sani Village, Sani, January 2010
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Flying over Lake Stavronikita. Sani, October 2009
67
Spring visitors: Migrant species arriving in the spring
68
69
70
Ruff Philomachus pugnax In two groups at twilight. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, April 2010
Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus Taking off for the meadows around Lake Yerani, Sani, April 2010
71
72
73
74
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola In shallow water at Lake Yerani, Sani, April 2010
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Spreading his wings. Lake Yerani, Sani, June 2010
75
76
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Stretching. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, September 2010
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Looking down over his territory. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, April 2010
77
78
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Drying after a bath. Lake Yerani, Sani, April 2010
79
Autumn travelers: Migrant species arriving in the fall
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81
82
Red Knot Waders Calidris Landing at sunset. Lake Yerani, Sani, July 2010
Red Knot Waders Calidris Flying over Lake Yerani, Sani, July 2010
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84
Herons & Great Cormorants Ardeidae & Phalacrocorax carbo In peaceful groups. Sani, September 2010
85
86
Little Egrets Egretta garzetta At sunset. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, September 2009
Little Egrets Egretta garzetta Gathering in shallow water. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, September 2010
87
88
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Resting on a little island. Sani, October 2010
Lake Stavronikita, Sani, June 2010
89
90
Little Egrets Egretta garzetta Lake Stavronikita, Sani, September 2010
Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Looking for prey. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, October 2009
91
Safe haven: Winter visitors
92
93
94
Robin Erithacus rubecola On a branch. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, January 2010
Siskin Carduelis spinus Enjoying a meal. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, January 2010
95
96
Redwing Turdus iliacus In bushes near Porto Sani Village. Sani, January 2010
97
98
Common Teal Anas crecca
Common Teal Anas crecca
Small group in flight over Lake Stavronikita. Sani, January 2010
Landing. Sani, January 2010
99
100
Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus Large flock taking off from shallow water. Lake Yerani, Sani, August 2010
101
102
Snipe Gallinago gallinago Inconspicuous among the reeds. Sani, October 2009
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Among the winter branches. Lake Yerani, Sani, January 2010
103
104
White Wagtail Motallica alba In mud. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, December 2009
Great Egret & Coot Egretta alba & Fulica Atra Lake Stavronikita, Sani, October 2009
105
106
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Concealed in tamarisk. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, October 2009
Song Thrush Turdus Philomelos Seated on the ground. Lake Yerani, Sani, October 2009
107
108
Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon Among the reeds. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, December 2009
Stonechat Saxicola torquata On guard. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, October 2009
109
110
Wigeon Anas penelope Taking to the air. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, January 2010
111
112
Lapwing Vanelus vanelus In flooded meadows. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, December 2009
Great Egret Egretta alba In flight above Lake Stavronikita. Sani, October 2009
113
114
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes On low branch. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, January 2010
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Preparing for flight. Lake Stavronikita, Sani, January 2010
115
116
117
English name
Latin name
Page
B reeding species
Index of birds by species
Latin name
Page
M igrant species arriving in the spring
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
33
Montagu’s Harrier
Circus pygargus
Black-headed Bunting
Emberiza melanocephala
34
Ruff
Philomachus pugnax
Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus
Red-rumped Swallow
Hirundo daurica
75
Cirl Bunting
Emberiza cirlus
Squacco Heron
Ardeola ralloides
76 77
29, 32 50
Coot
Fulica atra
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetra
Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
37, 62, 105 38
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareola
Common Pochard
Aythya ferina
46
Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flava
Great Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus arundinaceus
47
House Martin
Delichon urbica
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis
30
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubius
39
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
36
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo
Purple Heron
Ardea purpurea
48
Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
Red-backed Shrike
Lanius collurio
45
Heron
Ardeidae
Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceus
44
Little Egrets
Egretta garzetta
Sardinian Warbler
Sylvia melanocephala
49
Red knot Waders
Calidris
Shelduck
Tadorna tadorna
29
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striata
53
Streaked Fantail Warbler
Cisticola juncidis
35
Turtle Dove
Streptopelia turtur
51
Woodchat Shrike
Lanius senator
Willow Sparrow
Passer hispaniolensis
71 70
74 78, 79
31
42, 43 28
Y ear round species
118
English name
M igrant species arriving in the fall 85, 88 89 85 86, 87, 90 82, 83
Winter visito rs Black-headed Gulls
Larus ridibundus
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochruros
100 115
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybita
106
Common Teal
Anas crecca
Coot
Fulica atra
98, 99 37, 62, 105
Great Egret
Egretta alba
Blue Tit
Parus caeruleus
59
Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
Buzzard
Buteo buteo
65
Lapwing
Vanelus vanelus
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebs
61
Moustached Warbler
Acrocephalus melanopogon
Coot
Fulica atra
Redwing
Turdus iliacus
Corn Bunting
Milaria calandra
56
Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclus
Crested Lark
Galerida cristata
60
Robin
Erithacus rubecola
94
Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
66
Siskin
Carduelis spinus
95
Greenfinch
Carduelis chloris
63
Snipe
Gallinago gallinago
Little Owl
Athene noctua
64
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelos
107
Marsh Harrier
Circus aeruginosus
67
Stonechat
Saxicola torquata
109
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisus
57
White Wagtail
Motacilla alba
104
Starling
Sturvus vulgaris
58
Wigeon
Anas penelope
110
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus cacchinans
62
Wren
Troglodytes troglodytes
114
37, 62, 105
105, 113 91 112 108 97 103
102
119
The book Sani Wetlands: A bird sanctuary was designed by Red Creative translated by christopher markham proofread by randall warner with photographs processed by Sotiris Yiannakopoulos printed in 5,000 copies on 150gr MEDIAPRINT MAT paper by Giorgos skordopoulos ινd bound by ioakim trikaliaris in Thessaloniki Greece November 2011