Bird watching

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Bird watching

Observing feathery creatures

Kos island is quite a popular spot for migratory birds and thus, becoming increasingly popular as a bird watching location. The well-established tourist infrastructure along with the island's strategic location make it ideal for observing a number of rare eastern migrants. Kos Island makes for a fascinating bird watching destination during peak migration seasons, but one can observe feathery creatures all year round in several noteworthy spots like Tigaki’s saltpans, wetland of Psalidi, Plaka forest or Mount Dikaios, providing diversity both for resident and migrant birds.

The island has two very important and protected bird reserves, Psalidi wetlands and Tigaki salt lake. The wetlands of Psalidi can be found 4km to the south-east of Kos town.

After the winter’s first rainfall, when the water level is high enough, flamingos, ruddy shelducks and long-legged buzzards can be spotted here. During migration in April and May, the island is full of Bee-eaters, Rollers and Cattle Egrets even in smaller fields into the city of Kos. The island provides a resting point for many waders and ducks during migration, being one of the few breeding places in Europe for ruddy shelducks.

The wetland of Psalidi, located about 4 kilometres from Kos town is where one can observe waders, flamingos and terns. Various herons are also regular here, as is ruddy shelduck.

The land of Kos is a floral wonderland housing many butterflies and reptiles, too. Migrants aside, Kos has a good range of breeding species, like the Bonelli's Eagle (A. f. fasciata) in Mount Dikaios.