Lake Kerkini

Today's treat was a boat trip on Lake Kerkini. We left from Mondraki and set off through the reeds and water lilies. It covers 72 square kilometres and was formed in 1932 when the first dam was built on what was previously marshy ground, with more embankments being built in 1982. During the summer water from below the dam is used to irrigate farmland. The lake is then reduced to 54 square kilometres and its muddy margins attract thousands of Greater Flamingo, waders and wildfowl. Today it was at its higher level as the snow melt continues. The sheer numbers of birds was incredible. 320 species have been recorded here as it is on a major migration route, but it was both the Pelicans and numbers of the different Heron species that impressed ...and the hundreds of Great-crested Grebes. Sadly, the Lake is heavily polluted by plastics, noticeably so, despite being a National Park.

Our boat arrives.

Setting off through the reeds.

Cormorants drying their wings. The yellow swathe is Fringed Water Lily.

European Pond Terrapin - we also saw Dice Snake swimming.

Great-crested Grebes.

Looking back. 

A good variety of Heron species.

Great White Pelicans.

Dalmation Pelican.

Spoonbill.

Squacco Heron...

Three Squaccos...

Grey Heron with Little Egrets and a Black-crowned Night Heron (far back right) .

A Hooded Crow watched on.

Incoming Pelicans.

Into the middle of  the lake.

Common Tern.

Sheets of Fringed Water Lily.