It is now three years since our first spring wildlife expedition in Northeastern Greece. In addition to wildlife watching, the trip was also an opportunity to learn about the millennial history, culture and traditions of the fantastic Hellenic terriotories. To celebrate the anniversary we propose you the tour report: 7 days among some of the most interesting nature areas in the country, during which we observed 179 species among Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals!
DAY 1
Leaving Naples airport, we arrive in Athens, the first tour stop. Already on the landing strip we make the first observations, including a White Stork (Ciconia ciconia). On the way to the hotel, we add the most common species of Mediterranean urban and agricultural environments to the checklist. After refreshing ourselves with a Gyros Pita, we head towards the National Garden of Athens, a historical park in excellent maintenance conditions. Here we observe some migratory species such as the Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) and the Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus). We are particularly surprised by the large colonies of Rose-ringed and Monk Parakeets in the garden.
In addition to birdlife, the group begins to search for Reptiles and Amphibians. The absence of lizards disappoints, probably due to the gloomy day, but numerous freshly metamorphosed individuals of Common Toad (Bufo bufo) crowd the vicinity of the different bodies of water in the park. During the return to the hotel, we contact the three species of Swift: the Common (Apus apus), the Pale (Apus pallidus) and the Alpine (Tachymarptis melba). We conclude the day with a dinner based on traditional dishes with a modern twist and with a glass of Raki.
DAY 2
After tasting some excellent Baklava, Kataifi and other Greek delights, we head to the center for a morning dedicated to the archaeological wonders that make Athens famous in every corner of the globe. We begin our historical tour with the Temple of Hephaestus, where we find the first species of Reptile of the trip: a Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata). The visit continues with a walk in the magnificent Acropolis dominated by the imposing Parthenon, where we add further species of Birds to the checklist.
We return to the hotel to head back to the airport to reach Thessaloniki. Once landed, the sun has almost completely set but, nevertheless, we can perceive how much greener the area is compared to the arid Attica. We spend the first night in the Macedonian capital, in view of the wake-up call the following day before dawn.
DAY 3
We wake up in good spirits to be able to reach, with the rented cars, in an acceptable time, the first real target destination of the tour: the Evros Delta National Park, the easternmost wetland of Greece, on the border with Turkey. The journey, lasting about three hours, is extremely suggestive and gives us many emotions. During the initial phase we skirt the Koroneia and Volvi Lakes, where we observe large numbers of Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus), Eurasian Spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia) and Common Shelducks (Tadorna tadorna).
After a quick stop in the town of Asprovalta, where we have breakfast in a famous pastry shop, we start again through picturesque rural landscapes that give us several species such as a Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus), an European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), numerous Lesser Kestrels (Falco naumanni), Red-footed Falcons (Falco vespertinus) and Red-rumped Swallows (Cecropis daurica). We are now in Alexandroupolis, a city at the outskirts of the delta complex, and, during a pitstop by the gas station, we observe in the same upward current a Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) and a Booted Eagle (Hieraatus pennatus).
Once inside the Evros wetland, local guides welcome us to accompany us during the first part of the visit to the western part of the delta. At the entrance of the protected area we do what will be our only encounter with the European Glass Lizard (Pseudopus apodus), a large Reptile characterized by the total absence of the legs. Unfortunately it is an roadkilled individual.
Here, we are welcomed by multiple Squacco Herons (Ardeola ralloides) that hunt in the canals, while the sky is crowded with Barn Swallows, House Martins, Red-rumped Swallows and Sand Martins (Riparia riparia). Several individuals of Marsh Harrier patrol the reeds and a Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola) crosses our field of vision. We stop in an area with low-level water ponds to look for one of the main target species of the expedition, which does not take long to appear to our telescopes: two wonderful Spur-winged Lapwings (Vanellus spinosus). This unmistakable wader can only be observed in continental Europe in this area where it nests with several pairs.
Continuing along the path, it becomes difficult to choose which side of the road to look at: Eurasian Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus) and Little Stints (Calidris minuta) crowd the banks of the canals, in the deeper water areas there are numerous Mute Swans (Cygnus olor), as well as some Dalmatian Pelicans (Pelecanus crispus) and on the perches the Pigmy Cormorants (Microcarbo pygmaeus). Meanwhile, the road is crowded with Yellow Wagtails (Motacilla flava feldegg), Corn Buntings and Greater Short-toed Larks (Calandrella brachydactyla).
Arriving at an observation tower, we add to the list Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) and Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis), which nests in a colony between the beams of the building. Returning to the visitor center, our first Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca) crosses the road.
Once we say goodbye to the guides, we decide to have lunch at the foot of the hill overlooking the wetland. Not even the time to leave the binoculars and bite the sandwiches that in a few minutes we observe an individual of Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), several Short-toed Eagles, a Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) and a Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca). Before exploring a new area of the delta, a short herping session during which we find an individual of European blind Snake (Xerotyphlops vermicularis), a tiny worm-shaped snake with purely fossorial habits. We conclude our visit in an area characterized by different ponds where we contact many Red-footed Falcons, different individuals of Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra), a Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) and another Greek Tortoise.
Reluctantly we leave Evros to head towards the Dadia Forest, the next stop of the tour. Here, after a dinner based on Moussaka, a Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) says us goodnight.
DAY 4
We still wake up early in the morning, a long and exciting day is coming: we will explore the Dadia Forest National Park, known to be probably the best place in Europe for the observation of birds of prey. Before breakfast we inspect the surroundings of the cottage where we observe several Song and Mistle Thrushes, a Black-heared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica), an individual of Agile Frog (Rana dalmatina) and a Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). After taking the load of energy, we are preparing to move towards one of the main elements of the expedition: the raptor feeding station of Dadia. The emotions, however, begin well before reaching the aforementioned place and, just outside the door,, we spot a female Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus), 8 Eurasian Black Vultures (Aegypius monachus), 3 Eurasian Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) and 2 Black Storks.
When we reach the observation point, we havea silent chat with some birders telling us that they saw a group of six Wolves approaching the feeding station the previous afternoon. The visit to the hide, despite the absence of the Canids, is however profitable: to crowd around the cow carcass there are Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures (Neophron pernocpterus), as well as numerous Black Kites and Common Ravens. In addition, everything is made even more interesting by the passage in flight of a Booted Eagle and a young Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) mobbing some Black Vultures, a documentary scene!
On the way back to the cottage, we meet multiple individuals of both the Green Lizard species, Lacerta viridis and L. trilineata, several Greek Tortoises, a beautiful individual from the local subspecies of Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) and many Empusa fasciata mantises.
Having refreshed with a classical Greek milkshake, we are ready to head for the next stop on the tour: Lake Kerkini, on the border with Bulgaria. We arrive at destination at sunset already late, settling in a delightful cottage on the shores of the lake. We move to the village of Kerkini to have dinner and here we notice that each pole of the electrical network hosts a pair of White Stork. After having tasted grilled meat and buffalo Feta, we try to return to the accommodation to rest… but, there are many distractions offered by the local biodiversity that lead us to stay out late. The different species of frogs in courtship present on the banks of the reservoir give life to a deafening concert, a delicious opportunity for the “herpetology fanatics”.
So, while few decide to retire to the rooms, “thirsty” for new species, we decide to do a night herping session. Hundreds of thousands of Water Frogs (Pelophylax sp.) and European Tree Frogs (Hyla arborea) attract us near the waters, where, in addition, we observe a European Pond Terrapin (Emys orbicularis) and a young Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata). On the way back to the cottages, we meet a Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and a European Hare (Lepus europaeus). Before falling asleep, still in fibrillation for the intense day just ended, we add Little Owl (Athena noctua), Scops Owl (Otus scops) and Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) to the list.
DAY 5
Our day starts very early with a boat trip at dawn. As soon as we got on the typical local boat, called plaves, we are pleasantly surprised by the very short escape distance of the many species that crowd the shores and perches, including Pygmy Cormorants, Common Terns and Squacco Herons.
We head north, where we begin to observe the first individuals of Dalmatian Pelican. In the distance we note the famous artificial platforms aimed at guaranteeing the Pelicans’ nesting over time, protecting their broods from changes in the water level connected to the dam. Approaching them, we are delighted to be able to observe, a few meters away, hundreds of individuals of Dalmatian Pelican and Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus). Our guide, given the pre-reproductive period, is concerned with keeping a safe distance so as not to stress the animals. After photographing the birds, we continue our tour by moving away from the platforms. Continuing on, we observe further species such as Greylag Goose (Anser anser), Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope), Garganey (Anas querquedula) and Common Pochard (Aythya ferina).
Once back to the pier, we return to the cottage hungry but satisfied. Along the way we make a short stop near some ponds, where we contact some Emys orbicularis accompanied by some individuals of Balkan Terrapin (Mauremys rivulata). We also observe several White Storks, a Black Stork and two Pied Avocets (Recurvirostra avosetta) feeding on the edges of the lake.
After a super breakfast with exclusively homemade products, we are reluctantly preparing to leave the facility. Before leaving, we inspect the walls of the cottage, managing to photograph some individuals of Kotschy’s Gecko (Mediodactylus kotschyi). We are unable to leave the cottage as the place continues to reserve surprises for us and, as we load the cars, we observe two White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla).
So we explore the western shore of the lake, a meadow area in bloom, where we add Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus) and Balkan Wall Lizard (Podarcis tauricus) to the checklist.
Going back to the village we give everyone the opportunity to photograph the beautiful pairs of White Stork observed the previous evening. Here we finally contact an individual of Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), in addition to noting the presence of several colonies of Spanish Sparrow within the Stork nests. The Passerines are not the only ones to draw our attention, in fact numerous children at the exit of a nursery school, a few meters from the nests, make us reflect on the peaceful coexistence between the country’s community and the birdlife one.
After eating Souvlaki and french fries, we continue our clockwise tour of the lake perimeter. During the trips it is really difficult to look away from the sky, being surrounded for the whole duration by Red-rumped Swallows, Sand Martins, Red-footed Falcons and Lesser Kestrels.
We therefore decide to make a short stop on the north-eastern shore of the lake, characterized by hygrophilous groves, reedbeds and more stagnant inlets, and we do not regret it at all. The site is particularly profitable and we observe Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Purple Herons, Eurasian Spoonbills, Glossy Ibises, a Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), a Ferruginous Duck (Aythyna nyroca), as well as multiple Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), Pied Avocets, Wood Sandpipers (Tringa glareola), Common Greenshanks (Tringa nebularia) and Ruffs (Philomachus pugnax).
Continuing, near the Strymónas River, we contact a Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), numerous European Bee-eaters (Merops apiaster), an European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis) and a large individual of European Pond Terrapin in the middle of the lane, which we decide to transfer beyond the roadway, to save it from the various trucks along the way. Before saying goodbye to this important wetland, Kerkini gives us the last gift: a beautiful Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) flies over our heads!
So we set off for the next destination, Mount Olympus. We go down to the south, arriving to skirt the Thermaic Gulf up to the eastern slopes of the mountain sacred to the ancient greeks. Here we come to Litochoro, a picturesque village located between the home of Zeus and the Thermaic Gulf, where we will spend two nights in a characteristic residence. After a dinner of roasted octopus, mussels and fried sardines (Litochoro is only 5 km from the coast), we decide to retire to our rooms, with the goodnight given by a singing Scops Owl.
DAY 6
We wake up early in Litochoro and are greeted by the lodge ownerwith an assorted breakfast based on genuine products such as yogurt, cakes and dried fruit bars. Given the temperatures still below the seasonal average and the snow still present above 1600 m, we decide to focus on the many sites of interest that the mountain range can offer even at lower altitudes. So, after making buying lunch in the village, we start another day of exploration. Before investigating the typical forest environment of Mount Olympus, some natural meadows surrounded by Mediterranean scrub arouse our interest. The stop proves to be very productive and, as soon as we get off, we observe two Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata). Among the herbaceous vegetation, characterized by elegant orchids (Ophrys mammosa), we find a Hermann’s Tortoise and several individuals of European Copper Skink (Ablepharus kitaibelli).
At higher altitudes, before making a quick overlooking a road immersed in a mixed beech forest with fir-wood, we spot a couple of Short-toed Eagle. Once arrived at the point, in a few minutes we add the following forest species: Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), Coal Tit, Eurasian Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper and Eurasian Bullfinch. We head towards the Monastery of Agios Dionysios, a Byzantine monument of rare beauty, perfectly integrated into the natural environment. After this historical-architectural parenthesis, we move to the banks of the stream behind the monastery, descending a path immersed in the woods, to have our pic-nic. While we eat, it is really difficult to take our eyes off the nature that surrounds us: a White-fronted Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) crosses our field of vision and dozens of Eurasian Crag Martins (Ptyonoprogne rupestris) perform stunts on our heads.
We then start looking for Amphibians, managing to identify some larvae of Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra) and a couple of adults of Greek Stream Frog (Rana graeca) among the fresh waters. Back to the cars, we go up to the refuge of Prionia, in a setting dominated by snowy peaks, beeches and black firs. Once there, we walk towards a reproductive site of Yellow-bellied Toad (Bombina variegata). Once at the established place, a large number of toads welcome us, some of them in amplexus, inside karst pits dug into the rock, near a torrential river.
So we go back to the refuge, giving us half an hour of relaxation. Before returning to the valley, we decide to inspect some waterfalls, where it is possible to contact the Pinguicola hirtiflora, a carnivorous plant linked to environments of dripping limestone cliffs. Unfortunately we are not able to find it (probably due to the still quite low temperatures), so we take the opportunity to take a group photo and then leave these beautiful mountains.
Despite so much tiredness and the sun slowly turning to the horizon, owe are captivated by some meadows near olive groves, the potential home of interesting species of Reptiles. So we end the day with a European Blind Snake individual!
DAY 7
After another rich breakfast, we move north, towards the Ruins of Dion. Before reaching the archaeological site, we stop halfway to explore some arid pastures on the slopes of Olympus, particularly interesting when it comes to Herpetofauna. While a Booted Eagle flies over the area, among the boulders we contact two individuals of Xerothyphlops vermicularis and a young Four-lined Snake (Elaphe quatorlineata). In addition, several Arachnids attract our attention, including a Steatoda paykulliana, spider of the Theridiidae family, and a beautiful scorpion belonging to the Mesobuthus gibbosus species.
Arriving at the ruins, the sun begins to hit. The archaeological site, located in the flat area of Pieria, in the shadow of Olympus, is truly suggestive. In fact, the remains of the Classical and early Christian Age are set in the middle of springs, riparian groves and marshy areas. In this extraordinary union between history and nature there is no shortage of observations, among the crowns of the trees we see a Green Woodpecker, a Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) and a couple of Eurasian Golden Orioles (Oriolus oriolus). We also note the presence of some Bee-eaters and an impressive number of Common Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) in migration, we have never seen so many together!
La presenza di numerosi specchi d’acqua rende la zona un hotspot per molteplici specie legate all’ambiente palustre. Durante la nostra visita, infatti, contattiamo diversi individui di Emys orbicularis e Mauremys rivulata, un individuo adulto di Natrice tassellata, oltre a molteplici Rane verdi e Granchi di fiume (Potamon fluviatile). Tornati alle autovetture, a pochi metri dal parcheggio, alcuni individui di Cicogna bianca ci danno l’arrivederci.
During the short journey to get to the Axios Delta National Park we cross an industrial area where we observe a group of about 12 Common Crows (Corvus frugilegus). .Having reached our last stop on the tour, we are explore the right bank of the river mouth. Most of the pools are dry and the number of birds present is quite small compared to expectations, nonetheless we observe Marsh Harriers, White Storks, Spoonbills and Glossy Ibises, few Oystercatchers and a Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola). Reaching the coast, while we having lunch a Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) passes by and two Little Terns (Sternula albifrons) land a few meters away. We thus move to the eastern part of the delta, on the border between the National Park and the suburban area of Thessaloniki, characterized by some coastal ponds. Along the way, we spot 11 Ruffs, some Black-winged Stilts and a Little Owl resting on a ruin, as well as a young European Pond Terrapin.
Reaching the lagoons we notice that these are crowded with a large number of individuals and species of Caradriforms and other aquatic birds. We thus spend a pleasant hour, observing hundreds of individuals among Shelducks, Avocets, Little Stints, Wood Sandpipers, Common Sandpipers (Actitis hypoleucos), Ringed Plovers (Charadrius hiaticula), Kentish Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus), Curlew Sandpipers (Calidris ferruginea), Redshanks (Tringa totanus) and Gull-billed Terns (Geochelidon nilotica). At the same time, we also investigate the coast line, hoping for some seabirds. Unfortunately, we do not spot pelagic species, but we do contact some Sandwich Terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis), Common Terns and many individuals of Mediterranean Gulls (Ichtyaetus melanocephalus) in summer plumage.
The adventure comes to an end and, reluctantly, we put the equipment in the bag: it is now time to say goodbye to “mythical” Greece, destination of many of our future expeditions!
CHECKLIST:
AMPHIBIANS:
- Salamandra salamandra
- Bombina variegata
- Bufo bufo
- Rana dalmatina
- Rana graeca
- Pelophylax sp.
- Hyla arborea
REPTILES:
- Testudo marginata
- Testudo graeca
- Testudo hermanni boettgeri
- Emys orbicularis
- Mauremys rivulata
- Mediodactylus kotschy
- Ablepharus kitaibelii
- Lacerta trilineata
- Lacerta viridis
- Podarcis tauricus
- Podarcis muralis
- Xerotyphlops vermicularis
- Natrix tessellata
- Elaphe quatuorlineata
BIRDS:
- Greylag Goose (Anser anser)
- Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
- Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
- Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)
- Mallard (Anas plathyrhynchos)
- Garganey (Anas querquedula)
- Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
- Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
- Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)
- Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)
- Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
- Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
- Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)
- Pigmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus)
- Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
- Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
- Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
- Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
- Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
- Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
- Great Egret (Ardea alba)
- Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
- White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
- Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
- Glossy Ibis(Plegadis falcinellus)
- Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
- Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
- Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
- Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
- Eurasian Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus)
- Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
- White-tailed Eegle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
- Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)
- Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata)
- Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)
- Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
- Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
- Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
- Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus)
- Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
- Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)
- European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
- Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
- Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
- Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus)
- Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
- Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
- Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
- Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)
- Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
- Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
- Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
- Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola)
- Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)
- Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
- Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)
- Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
- Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)
- Little Stint (Calidris minuta)
- Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
- Spotted Redshank (Tringa erhythropus)
- Common Redshank (Tringa totanus)
- Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
- Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
- Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
- Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)
- Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
- Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
- Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
- Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus)
- Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
- Little Tern (Sternula albifrons)
- Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
- Gull-billed Terd (Gelochelidon nilotica)
- Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
- Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
- Feral Pigeon (Columba livia var. domestica)
- Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
- European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)
- Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
- Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)
- Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)
- Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
- Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)
- Little Owl (Athene noctua)
- Scops Owl (Otus scops)
- Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba)
- Common Swift (Apus apus)
- Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus)
- European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
- European Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
- Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major)
- Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
- Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)
- Common Skylark (Alauda arvensis)
- Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)
- Woodlark (Lullula arborea)
- Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla)
- Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra)
- Common Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)
- Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris)
- Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
- Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica)
- Common House Martin (Delichon urbica)
- Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)
- Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
- White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
- Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
- White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)
- European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
- Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)
- Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)
- Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)
- Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica)
- Striped Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)
- Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca)
- Blue Rock Trush (Monticola solitarius)
- Common Blackbird (Turdus merula)
- Song Thrush (Turdus philomelus)
- Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)
- Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
- Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca)
- Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans)
- Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala)
- Cetti’s Warbler (Cettia cetti)
- Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
- Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
- Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix)
- Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus)
- Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris)
- Coal Tit (Periparus ater)
- Great Tit (Parus major)
- European Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
- Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
- Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla)
- Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator)
- Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus)
- Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
- Common Magpie (Pica pica)
- Western Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)
- Rook (Corvus frugilegus)
- Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)
- Common Raven (Corvus corax)
- Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
- Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
- House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
- Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis)
- Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
- Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
- European Serin (Serinus serinus)
- Eurasian Greenfinch (Chloris chloris)
- European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
- Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)
- Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra)
- Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus)
MAMMALS:
- Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
- European Hare (Lepus europaeus)
- Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)