Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/03/20/lake-kerkinis-pelicans-spotlight/ # A spotlight on Lake Kerkini’s Pelicans Published on March 20, 2023 [![One Of Lake Kerkini Pelicans Drifts On The Still Waters](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-lake-kerkini-pelicans-drifts-on-the-still-waters-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-lake-kerkini-pelicans-drifts-on-the-still-waters.jpg) Written by [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) with images contributed by Simon Jenkins. In [Greece](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/greece/)’s flat, semi-mountainous areas, many important water habitats are developing into areas of international significance. Perhaps the most essential of these regions is Lake Kerkini. Lake Kerkini is arguably the premier birding site in Greece & the home for Lake Kerkini’s Pelicans. With its location on a major migratory route to the Aegean & Black seas, the rest of the Balkan region, & beyond, it experiences some very interesting migrations. ![A Group Of Lake Kerkini Pelicans Drift On The Waters Of The Lake With The Mountains Behind](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-group-of-lake-kerkini-pelicans-drift-on-the-waters-of-the-lake-with-the-mountains-behind.jpg) Species that migrate to Lake Kerkini are diverse & include many species of waterbirds, mammals, & reptiles. This lake is a wetland of international importance & protects over 250 species of animals. The most notable species that migrate to the area is the [**Dalmatian Pelican**](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/pelicans/), a species classified as extremely vulnerable & the largest bird of the pelican family. The population of these large birds increased significantly due to the conservation efforts of the authorities in the region & today, they are often seen either in flocks or perched on the small islands in the lake. Several species of ducks also migrate to the lake, such as the Eurasian Wigeon, the Mallard, & the Northern Pintail. Also known for housing large waterfowl populations, Lake Kerkini is home to other animals too. In the wintertime, thousands of greylag geese flock to the marshy lake areas, while the surrounding forests provide habitats for various [mammals](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/mammal/) such as [Red Foxes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/red-fox/), Beech Martens, & Roe Deer. Additionally, numerous species of reptiles & amphibians are often spotted in the lake’s waters. These include the Balkan Terrapin, the European Pond Turtle, the Grass [Snake](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/snake/), & the European Tree Frog. ![One Of Lake Kerkini Pelicans Glides On The Still Waters](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-lake-kerkini-pelicans-glides-on-the-still-waters.jpg) One of the most unique birds photographers can find in Lake Kerkini is the Dalmatian Pelican. This massive bird is the largest member of the pelican family, with a length of 160-183 cm & a wingspan of 290-351 cm. In addition to its size, it is the heaviest flying bird species, with an average weight of 11.5 kg (25 lbs). No other species can rival the Dalmatian pelican in sheer mass except for a few birds. ![One Of Lake Kerkini Pelicans Drifts Alone On The Still Waters](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-lake-kerkini-pelicans-drifts-alone-on-the-still-waters.jpg) Lake Kerkini’s Pelicans have curly nape feathers, grey legs & silvery-white plumage, which will turn to a dingier brownish-grey colour in winter. Loose feathers around the forehead create a ‘w’-like shape seen over the bill. The bill has an orange-red pouch beneath & a yellow upper part, except in winter, when the bill is a somewhat duller yellow. When in flight, the [Dalmatian pelican](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/dalmatian-pelican/) can be identified by the colouring of its wings, which are greyish-white with black tips. ![A Lone Pelican Stands On A Rock Under The Moon](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-lone-pelican-stands-on-a-rock-under-the-moon.jpg) This species has declined significantly throughout its range. An estimated 10-20,000 [Dalmatian pelicans](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/dalmatian-pelican/) are left out of a population once thought to be millions. During the 20th century, a marked decline was allegedly due to habitat loss when swamps & other wetlands were drained for agricultural & economic uses. ![One Of Lake Kerkini Pelicans Drifts In Front Of One Of The Nesting Platforms](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-lake-kerkini-pelicans-drifts-in-front-of-one-of-the-nesting-platforms.jpg) It is hoped that the Dalmatian pelican can make a comeback with the creation of areas like Lake Kerkini. ![A Group Of Lake Kerkini Pelicans Squabble For Fish](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-group-of-lake-kerkini-pelicans-squabble-for-fish.jpg) ![One Of Lake Kerkini Pelicans Drift On The Still Waters Of The Lake](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/one-of-lake-kerkini-pelicans-drift-on-the-still-waters-of-the-lake.jpg) ![A Pair Of Lake Kerkini Pelicans Drift On The Waters Of The Lake With The Mountains Behind](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/a-pair-of-lake-kerkini-pelicans-drift-on-the-waters-of-the-lake-with-the-mountains-behind.jpg) [Lake Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/greece/) is located in the Serres regional unit, which is part of the Greek region of Central Macedonia. It can be found about 16 miles north of the city of Serres & 67 miles north of the Greek capital Athens. The lake is an essential part of the larger eco-park of the same name created in 2000 to preserve the natural environment & its wealth of wildlife. The lake is surrounded by steep hills & is home to many species of water birds & fish, including common Terns, Dalmatian Pelicans, & many other species of birds. The lake has also been used as a breeding ground for two game fish species, the carp & the bleak. ## Which Photography Tours Does NaturesLens Schedule for photographing Lake Kerkini’s Pelicans? NaturesLens offers a range of [photography holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/pelicans/) designed to allow photographers of all levels to add images of Lake [Kerkini](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/greece/)’s [Pelicans](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/pelicans/) to their portfolio. These trips generally are conducted in January when the lake’s wildlife is most active. Our photography holidays allow photographers to capture strong images of [Lake Kerkini’s Pelicans](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/pelicans/) & several other species, including Flamingos. At NaturesLens, we aim to provide photographers with several days of rewarding Dalmatian [Pelican](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/pelicans/) photography that will leave them with beautiful, memorable 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. - NaturesLens wildlife photography holidays are structured around photographic opportunity — every schedule decision is made around light, behaviour, & access. - Small groups of 4–8 photographers ensure unhurried positions & individual guidance. - Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard across the majority of our trips. ## Share this post - - - - [![A Closeup Of One Of The Skomer Island Puffins Photographed During The Natureslens Welsh Puffins Of Skomer Island Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-closeup-of-one-of-the-Skomer-Island-Puffins-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Welsh-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-photography-holiday-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/25/hotspots-for-photographing-puffins/) ### [Hotspots for Photographing Puffins](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/25/hotspots-for-photographing-puffins/) January 25, 2026 Close access, repeatable behaviour, & golden-hour light define the world's best puffin photography hotspots. From Fair Isle to Grímsey, discover… ### Author DM [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) shares practical field notes, trip updates and wildlife photography advice from the NaturesLens programme. Next step ### Find your next wildlife photography holiday Browse small-group trips by destination, subject, season and photographic goal. [Browse Holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/) ### Related articles [![Hotspots For Photographing Puffins](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-closeup-of-one-of-the-Skomer-Island-Puffins-photographed-during-the-NaturesLens-Welsh-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-photography-holiday-150x150.jpg) **Hotspots for Photographing Puffins**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2026/01/25/hotspots-for-photographing-puffins/) ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. [Join The List](https://natureslens.co.uk/newsletter/)