Epanomi Lagoon, Thermaikos Riviera

It is located at Mytika Cape, 5 km south west of Epanomi, and has a total area of 830.38 hectares.In excess of 186 bird species reproduce, feed and winter at the lagoon.The total number of bird species and individual birds during the year is very high and extremely rare species of birds appear sometimes. A characteristic example was the appearance of the Aegean Sea gull in June 2009, which is a globally threatened species. 135 bird species respond during migration, 38 bird species nest in the region, while 67 species spend the winter. Amongst these birds, 3 species are globally threatened, 54 are mentioned in the Red Data Book for Threatened Vertebrates in Greece and 67 species are included in Appendix 1 of the Community Directives for birds.

Some of the species that one may encounter in the region are the “cormorant” (phalacrocoraxcarbo), and the “Little Egret” (Egrettagarzetta), small and large predators such as the “Levant Sparrowhawk” (Accipiterbrevipes), the “redbreast” (falcoperegrines), the “buzzard” (buteorufinus) and “Hen Harrier” (circuscyaneus),while the only species that is regularly encountered amongst the ducks is the “Common Shelduck” (Tadornatadorna). There are even many wading birds in the region such as the “Pied Avocet” (Recurvirostaavosetta), “Black-winged Stilt” (Himantopushimantopus), “flamingo” (Phoenicopterusruber), “Curlew” (Burhinusoedicneus) and “Ruff” (Philomachuspygnax). One may also encounter the “Common Pratincole” (Glareolapratincola), “Mediterranean Gull” (Larusmelanocephalus) and several terns like the “Sandwich Tern” (Sternascadvicensis), “Common Tern” (Sternahirundo) and “Whiskered Tern” (Chlidoniashybridus). There are also even “stranger birds” regarding their colours and behaviour, such as the “European Nightjar” (Caprimulgus europaeus), “European Roller” (Coracias garrulous), “Syrian Woodpecker” (Dendrocopos syriacus), “Tawny Pipit” (Anthus campestris) and “Red-Backed shrike” (Laniuscollurιο).

In relation to the wetland habitats, 12 types of habitats have been recorded, while in addition to the protected “Posidonia” species, it is worth mentioning the (pancratium maritimum) sea daffodil species, as well as the rare species of fish, the “black-striped pipefish” (syngathus abaster) and South European toothcarp (aphanius fasciatus).

Source: http://visit-thermaikos.com/item/epanomi-lagoon/?lang=en