For me Kerkini is really about birds, being a Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area it is naturally an exciting place to visit. With 300+ species recorded from the National Park, including many eastern specialists such as Masked Shrike, Syrian Woodpecker and Sombre Tit as well as the Pygmy Cormorants and Dalmation Pelicans it is more famous for Wetland Kerkini is a destination for international tour operators. However the numbers coming here are still relatively small, meaning there is no crowding, or harassment of the birds, and as access to the lake and other important habitats is very good here it is still my birding habitat of choice in Europe. During the Spring and Autumn migrations it is not too difficult to see 100 species in a day if that is what you like, but even a more relaxed approach will net you an impressive total in a week or two-week visit. I highly recommend the Birdwing EU guide to birding in northern Greece to anybody planning a visit.
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As you might expect, the national park being centred on a wetland of international importance, there are plenty of Odonata here. Most easily noticed are the various skimmers and the brightly all red Crocothemis erythraea, however a closer look will reveal many more species from the small Red-eyed and Blue-tailed Damsels to giants like Cordulegaster bidentata and Lindenia tetraphylla. Although 40 species have now been recorded from the national park there undoubtedly some more names to be added to the list.
Greece is Grasshopper country and there are plenty here, in the dryer habitats they are exceedingly numerous, but the lake edges and marshes have their specialist species too, as does the treeless zone at the top of the mountains. Ranging in size from the two tiny species of Xya less than 5mm long to the giant Saga natoliae with a leg span exceeding the stretch of most people's open fingers the 78 species so far recorded from the national park will keep any visiting orthopterists happy.
There are plenty of Butterflies in the National Park if they are what you like. One hundred and twenty seven species have been recorded here, ranging from spectacular Swallowtails and Scarce Swallowtails (far from scarce here) and the beautiful Large Tortoiseshell and Camberwell Beauty through many Fritillaries and the interesting Nettle Tree Butterfly to many smaller Skippers and Blues, including the tiny, but delightful Balkan Tiger Blue. The moths have not been so well studied, but more than 550 species have been recorded so far, representing probably half the total number of species. Fixing the missing bits of the list would be a nice job for somebody.
Insects (6 legs, 3 body parts etc) are the most diverse part of the macrofauna of any habitat, and Wetland Kerkini, like much of Greece, supports an unknown number of insects. A recent partial survey has shown the presence of more than 4,000 species, including more than 120 species of butterflies, 75 species of Grasshoppers and Crickets and 40 species of Dragonflies and Damselflies.
Wetland Kerkini is well represented with Hymenopterans, particularly the ants, solitary bees and solitary wasps, all of which are know to be diverse in Mediterranean habitats with nearly 100 species of ants, and over 100 of bees and wasps Wetland Kerkini is an exciting place to be a hymenopterist.
Beetles are never as common in temperate climates as in tropical ones, however there are still plenty of them around. Most noticeable are the various dung beetles that labour day and night to clean up after the herds and flocks of domestic animals. Also common are several species of green metallic Cetoniids that can be found throughout Spring and early Summer visiting white flowers.
Where there are insects, there are spiders, and as Wetland Kerkini is a haven for insect life there are plenty of spiders here as well. While many are small the impressive and colourful Argiope breunnichi is easy to find, as are many others. While not spiders, and requiring a little more effort to discover, the single species of both scorpionidae and solifugidae recorded from the national park are well worth seeking out.
Reptiles and amphibians are relatively common here, though not as obvious as the birds or the insects (except for the common marsh frogs whose singing is sometimes quite robust). There are 23 species of reptiles known from the park, 10 lizards and 13 snakes. Most spectacular among the snakes are scarce Dahl's Whipsnake and the Sand Boa, however the species that frequent water are more common. Among the lizards the large green Lacertas are common, but keep an eye out also for the impressive, and relatively slow moving, European Glass Lizard. Among the amphibians, aside from the endless choirs of fecund frogs in the marshes and ditches a stroll at dusk will surely result in your finding the delightful Green Toad. Those with a desire to see the Eastern Spadefoot Toad should visit in March and survey the marshes at night.
The most obvious mammals at Wetland Kerkini are all domesticated, even so the herds of Water Buffalo are well worth seeing. There are good populations of both Otters and Wild Cat around the lake but they are not easy to see. The mountains are home to Badger, Wild Boar, Deer, Squirrels, Martins and Brown Hares as well as many smaller rodents. Wolves and Jackals are both present in small numbers, but they are secretive and hard to find. There are many bats here as well, but as their populations have never been surveyed little is known about which species use the area. Obviously this would make the area a excellent choice of a holiday destination for any of the many bat experts in western Europe, just please remember to tell the management of the park of any species you determine as present.
Kerkini Lake famous for its natural beauty but with the wildlife who dominates.
Numerous activities anyone can do in Kerkini such as canoeing, cycling, horse riding and many others
The warmth of hospitality in Guest House Limneo is something you will never forget and will be one of the reasons to visit ever Kerkini.
The lion of Amfipoli. One of the most important monuments that have been salvaged and the only one restored at its original location.
It is one of the bigger and most beautiful caves in Europe. The tour inside will impress you.
In a distance of 10km from the city of Serres at the back end of the ravine of Mount Menikio.
The city of Serres, the Acropolis (Koulas), the Archeological Museum (Bezesteni), the Church Museum, the Museum of Sarakachani and the Natural History Museum.
At the speedway of Serres, the largest in Greece and in the Balkans. An event takes place almost every weekend.
Scenery of unique natural beauty between mount Menikio and Pageo. The old stone made bridge will amaze you with its volume. It is the base for alternative activities related to the river, such as rafting.
Limneo Guest House
Hrisohorafa Kerkinis,
e-mail: info@limneokerkini.gr
Tel: +30 23250 515 81
Mobile1: 6936 11 60 65
Mobile2: 6936 11 60 66
Our accommodation is located in Hrisohorafa near to Lake Kerkini you wait and promise you a pleasant stay.
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