Stunning & majestic, the Pelicans of Lake Kerkini National Park in Northern Greece are breathtaking to behold. Every year, thousands of nature photographers travel to this stunning lake in northern Greece, where one can photograph the majestic pelicans that make the lake their home. These incredible birds represent one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles & have made the lake an internationally-renowned tourist destination.
These Dalmatian Pelicans in northern Greece are certainly one of the defining features of the lake, which is renowned for its remarkable habitat.
Protected by the Natura 2000 network, the lake is situated on the lush green plains of northern Greece & is surrounded by forests; the area is known to be one of the most important wetlands in Europe. It is part of the Portolagos-Sevdili-Kerkini National Park & is also considered a Ramsar site due to its impressive bird species. The lake itself & the wider Kerkini area hosts 2,500 pelicans at its peak.
The Species of Pelicans Found at Lake Kerkini
Lake Kerkini is home to two species of Pelican: the elegant Dalmatian Pelican & the White Pelican.
Native to Eurasia & Africa, the Dalmatian Pelican is an incredibly adapted bird. It can live in various environments, such as saltwater, freshwater, & brackish waters, as well as mountains, coastal areas, & even deserts. During the winter, the Pelicans of Lake Kerkini return to their breeding grounds, where visitors to Lake Kerkini can get a glimpse of these gorgeous birds.
The ever-hungry Dalmatian Pelican‘s diet consists primarily of fish, but occasionally it will eat other animals, such as frogs, young ducks & even small mammals. Its robust bill is used to scoop up prey & store it in its throat pouch for later consumption.
The White Pelican is easily identified by its pale pink or yellowish-white plumage, with white feathers around its neck, head, & back. It also boasts a long, thick bill with a pouch on the lower mandible, which they use to scoop & carry the fish they find in the lake. This pouch, which can hold up to three gallons of water, allows the white Pelican to feed in shallow waters until it is full.
Other Species Found in the Kerkini area
Lake Kerkini is home to various species throughout the year, including Little Bittern, Great, Cattle & Little Egrets, Squacco, Grey & Purple Herons, Spoonbills, & Glossy Ibis.
Other commonly seen birds include waterfowl such as mallard ducks & mute swans, as well as moorhens, & little grebes. In addition, the lake is home to several rare or near-threatened species, such as the Long-legged Buzzard, Imperial Eagle, & Black Stork.
In late October, the Flamingos arrive & steadily increase their numbers to a few thousand until mid-winter; they remain on the lake until late February.
Winter is a popular time for bird photographers, as it is an important staging ground for migratory birds such as the Great Cormorant & the Pygmy Cormorant – of course, these are a sideshow to the magnificent Dalmatian Pelicans!
Which Photography Holidays Does NaturesLens Schedule for Photographing the Pelicans of Lake Kerkini?
NaturesLens offers a range of pelican photography holidays designed to allow photographers of any level of photography skills to capture the character of the characteristic Dalmatian Pelicans in northern Greece. These trips generally are conducted in January & February when the pelicans are most active.
Our photography holidays allow photographers to spend time photographing & exploring the amazing Pelicans of Lake Kerkini as they interact with each other, & soar in the air. During some of our trips, photographers will also have the opportunity to photograph a wide array of other wildlife, including flamingoes, cormorants, & more.
At NaturesLens, we aim to provide amateur to professional photographers with a memorable experience that will leave them with beautiful images. Our trips are led by experienced wildlife photographers who are passionate about wildlife photography & are dedicated to helping photographers capture the best images possible.
