Herons and flamingos in Corfu wetlands
Ο ερχομός τους κι αυτό το Φθινόπωρο σημαίνει πως το νησί παραμένει φιλόξενο και ότι το περιβάλλον του εξακολουθεί να λειτουργεί. Το στιγμιότυπο στα Κορίσσια με τον φακό του Ευριπίδη Κλεόπα.
CORFU. They are making their usual stop here on their long journey back to Africa.
Every autumn, as the weather changes and Europe prepares for winter, Corfu briefly becomes one of the most important sanctuaries for the migratory birds of the Mediterranean. Herons and flamingos — two of the most distinctive species that cross the island — stop in Corfu’s wetlands to rest and feed before continuing their long journey south.
Herons - Silent Travellers of the Waters
Grey herons, little egrets, squacco herons, and night herons arrive from the northern regions of Europe to find a safe refuge in Corfu’s mild waters. In the wetlands of Korission, Halikounas, Lefkimmi, and at the mouth of the Messonghi River, the herons encounter the ideal environment: shallow waters, rich fish life, and relative tranquility.
Flamingos - Pink Mirrors of Autumn
The rose-coloured flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) often appear in the Lefkimmi salt pans and the Korission Lagoon, mainly from October to December. There, in the shallow salty waters, they feed on microorganisms, shrimp, and algae, which give their feathers their characteristic pink hue.
The flocks of flamingos reflected in the water create a rare and striking sight — and also serve as an indicator of biodiversity. Their presence means that the wetlands still maintain the delicate balance of salinity and food resources needed to attract them.
Although small in size, Corfu’s habitats are key points in the Mediterranean’s migratory network. The autumn stop of herons and flamingos on Corfu is a reminder that nature still places its trust in the island.
GIORGOS KATSAITIS
