Beautiful Birds (11): Black Stork

Hellenic Ornithological Society Information Kiosk on the Pier, Pylos area, Peloponnese

While we were staying in the Pylos area of Greece last September, we visited the volunteers at the kiosk above, and decided to book in on one of their guided nature walks on the lagoon.

The view from the hide

The photo above shows our first view of this magnificent lagoon. There were Little Egret in abundance. I think one may be 'touching down' in the water to the left of the photo.

You can just see the hide on stilts (look below the mountain)

The guided walk took us along the banks of the lagoon to the hide on stilts.

The Old Pumping Station - a wildlife H.Q. and Information centre

We returned to our starting point, here at the Old Pumping Station, just as the sun set, casting a fiery glow over the scene. I will post my sunset pictures on another occasion.

A Black Stork over the lagoon, taken by David

The lagoon often has flamingos, but they were not around during the week we were there. We were thrilled, however, to see a Black Stork flying overhead - and glad to have the H.O.S. volunteers to confirm the identification. I had seen Storks in Turkey a long time ago, but it was a real thrill to see this bird in such a stunning setting. I'm wondering if it was on its hibernation route to tropical Africa.

We were on the mainland in the western Peloponnese, but there are other amazing areas for birds, such as the island of Lesvos. I wonder if you saw the repeat of a fascinating programme, 'Aristotle's Lagoon' (and here - but 11 hours left to view at the time of writing), the other night on UK television, about the bio-diversity of this wildlife-rich habitat that had so inspired the early philosopher-naturalist-scientist, Aristotle?

• Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) - with recent UK sightings

• Black Stork - UK sighting, 2004 and on the Isle of Skye, 2010

• Black Stork - useful facts (British Trust for Ornithology)

• White Stork

• Hellenic Ornithological Society

Testudines (1): Sea Turtle Mystery, Caretta Caretta - in Greece

Turtle Priority

I was particularly thrilled to learn that there were breeding Sea Turtles (Caretta Caretta) in our area of the south-western Peloponnese. I wondered if we would see any sign of these beautiful but endangered creatures.

Those of you who have followed my blogs may know by now that I always enjoy seeing unusual animal road signs (see below) - and although this sign referred to the beach and sand dunes, I have included it since it was in a car parking area!

Turtles allowed - and dogs on leads ...

The turtles lay their eggs in the sand dunes and then when the young hatch, they make their way down to the sea under cover of darkness. The adults certainly chose some beautiful beaches for their nurseries.

Surprisingly strong waves

I kept an eye open for any tell-tale signs, like shuffle marks in the sand. I stopped in my tracks for a moment when I saw the scaly object below ... but only for a moment!

False alarm!

Turtles have a number of predators. Sometimes they get caught up in fishing nets. You can read about 'Rafael' (here) and how he was rescued after a fishing net encounter. 

Fishing net may be fun for cats, but can endanger turtles

We kept a sharp eye out, but there were - apparently - no turtles to be seen. You can imagine my surprise when I arrived back in the UK and looked at the photo below. I can't be sure, but I think there may be something lurking in the water!

Archelon is a Greek-based organisation dedicated to the protection of Sea Turtles. The Peloponnese boasts about 900 turtle nests per year. Volunteers carry out patrols in key areas to ensure their protection. They try to raise public awareness through education initiatives such as slide shows. You can read more about these conservation measures here.

For a wonderful blog post on the Sea Turtle, do visit Vickie Henderson's Art blog here. 

A Couple of Unusual Animal Road Signs ...

• on the island of Raasay, Scotland (my Land&Lit blog)
• on the island of Eriskay, Outer Hebrides, Scotland (Donnie's Photo Hebrides blog)