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Metochi lake

Lesvos  >  Greece

Metochi is a small lake and one of the best places to observe crakes and herons on the island of Lesvos!

Added* by Jankees Schwiebbe
Most recent update 23 June 2023

Description

Metochi is a small lake and is part of the larger Christou River. Water levels can differ due to heavy rainfall or change of seasons. During spring migration, the lake is most of the time full and provides an ideal habitat for many species of waterbird. The location is even one of the best places on the island to observe crakes and herons!

The lake itself can be a good spot for observing Eurasian Coot and Little Grebe, but the shores provide the main attraction of the area. Reedbeds cover most of the shores with some scattered and overhanging trees in mainly the northern part. Species like Little Bittern, Little Crake and many other species of heron and crake can be easily observed from a very close distance. Marsh terns, like Whiskered Tern and White-winged Tern tend to visit the pool often.

The reedbeds are also a very good spot for songbirds, like Cetti's Warbler and Great Reed Warbler. Sometimes, large flocks of hirundines, like Sand Martin, tend to sleep in these reedbeds too.

Surrounding the lake, several channels are located which are also a very good spot for observing Little Bittern, other herons and crakes and always worth a check.

Several fields and olive groves are located around the area and provide a good habitat for other good species, like shrikes, Whinchat and Eurasian Hoopoe. Raptors can pass overhead, like Short-toed Snake Eagle and Long-legged Buzzard.

Details

Access

The area is easy accessable by car and turns from tarmac into a dirtroad from both the eastern and southern side. There are no obvious parkingspots located near the lake, so park your car carefully and try not to blockade the road.

Terrain and Habitat

Lake , Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Reedbeds , Agriculture

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Unpaved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Car , Bicycle , Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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