The first 47 Lesser White-fronted Geese arrive at Lake Kerkini

As September draws to a close, the archetypal flocks of Lesser White-fronted Geese person reached Greece — returning to 1 of their favourite stopovers.

That spot is nary different than Lake Kerkini, a existent paradise and haven for countless species, some imperishable residents and seasonal visitors. According to the Hellenic Biodiversity Organization (OFYPEKA), this artificial water northwest of Serres is 1 of Greece’s 10 internationally important wetlands, known arsenic Ramsar Sites. It is besides designated arsenic 1 of the country’s 196 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) nether EU law.

So far, astatine slightest 300 vertebrate species person been recorded astatine Kerkini and successful the surrounding mountains, 50 of which are listed successful Greece’s Red Data Book of endangered birds. Ten taxon nest successful important numbers successful the riparian forest, making the tract captious not lone for Greece but for Europe arsenic well.

According to the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the archetypal 47 Lesser White-fronted Geese person present landed astatine Kerkini. This is Europe’s astir endangered waterbird, with lone astir 30 breeding pairs near successful the Fennoscandian population. Each winter, astir the full colonisation spends the play successful bluish Greece’s wetlands — chiefly Lake Kerkini and the Evros Delta — earlier returning successful outpouring to their breeding grounds successful bluish Scandinavia.

Here’s what the Ornithological Society reported successful its latest update:

VIB (Very Important Birds) arrivals astatine Lake Kerkini:
“The archetypal 47 Lesser White-fronted Geese person conscionable touched down connected their favourite bedewed meadows! The uncommon geese were spotted connected September 22 by the Kerkini Management Unit of OFYPEKA. Just 9 days earlier, connected September 13, the aforesaid flock was observed astatine Valdak Marshes successful Norway by BirdLife Norge. That means they covered the region from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean successful little than 10 days!”

The nine emphasizes that the geese are intimately monitored by members of the planetary Lesser White-fronted Goose Monitoring Network and section volunteers passim their migratory route. Conservationists are present waiting for the accomplishment of the well-known satellite-tagged geese “Evros” and “Kerkini,” arsenic good arsenic the celebrated Mr. Blue and his family.

“Welcome backmost — and blessed autumn!” the nine added.