During a very recent birding holiday in Northern Greece I finally managed to get some shots of a Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) a bird I had previously recorded on visits to Bulgaria, Lesvos and Morocco but the views were either distant or fleeting flight memories.
Fortunately on and around Lake Kerkini this species is a fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant with around 200 pairs breeding here (2015).
Often located as a buffy brown shape standing still in the waterside vegetation or disturbed into flight as it moves to another location.
When this Heron is stationary there is no hint of the blazing white upper wing colour that is so prominent in flight.
The following shots were all taken at Mandraki Harbour where this individual flew out to perch on the open marsh vegetation fairly close to my viewing position.
And finally a decent flight shot.
You can check out the various other species seen during this overseas trip by visiting Wildlife Watching with FAB.
Linking to:
Saturday's Critters
I'D-Rather-B-Birdin'
Wild Bird Wednesday
