Birdwatching in Prespa
Birdwatching in Prespa centres on the lakes, which the Society for the Protection of Prespa describes as internationally important for their waterbirds. This guide says what the Society reports, where the tourism portal suggests you look, and how to watch without disturbing the birds. It promises no sightings.
Why Prespa matters for birds
According to the Society for the Protection of Prespa, Prespa holds the largest Dalmatian pelican colony in the world, with about 15% of the estimated global breeding population. The Society also reports that more than 40,000 waterbirds use the lakes in winter, and it describes the area as internationally significant as a wintering area for waterbirds. Lesser Prespa, on the Greek side, is internationally important for its waterbird populations.
Pelicans
Prespa is home to both pelican species found in Europe, the Dalmatian pelican and the great white pelican. The Society says that Dalmatian pelicans exceeded 1,200 pairs until a catastrophic avian influenza outbreak in 2022, and that great white pelicans have numbered around 500 to 700 pairs since 2015. Tour du Valat reported on 16 November 2022 that the colony was hit by the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain in the first quarter of that year, and that about 100 pairs nested after the outbreak and raised about 90 chicks. The Society has worked on the species since 1990 and describes the Dalmatian pelican as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. We print no current count, because neither source gives one.
Other birds
The tourism portal says that herons nest in the reeds along the eastern lakeshore, and that cormorants, pelicans and gulls gather on the islet of Vidronisi in the breeding season, which the portal calls home to one of the largest cormorant colonies. We name no other species, because we have no source for them.
When to look
The tourism portal says that from March to July you can see the pelican colonies from a viewing hill. This comes from one portal page, so ask locally before you plan around it. In winter, the Society reports the large numbers of waterbirds on the lakes, and weather and ice decide what you will see. See Prespa in winter.
Where and how to watch responsibly
The tourism portal lists an Information Center in Agios Germanos, in the village square, with a permanent exhibition and a map of the area with hiking routes and bird-watching points. Opening days change, so check before you go. Landing on Vidronisi is not allowed, because any human presence would disturb the birds' rest and endanger their chicks. Keep your distance from nesting birds, and follow any signs and rules you find.
Binoculars and patience
Bring binoculars, and give the birds time. Early starts and still waiting often show more than walking. If you can, read the guide to the Prespa lakes first.
Quick answers
Will I see pelicans?
We cannot promise it. The Society reports a large pelican colony at Prespa, and the portal suggests March to July for the colonies, but sightings depend on the season, the weather and where you stand.
Can I land on Vidronisi?
No. The tourism portal says people are not allowed there, because any human presence would disturb the birds' rest and endanger their chicks.
Is there an information centre?
Yes. The tourism portal lists one in Agios Germanos, in the village square. Check its opening days before you go.
Four homes in the village
Prespes Luxury Homes has four homes in one renovated stone building in Agios Germanos: Home 1 for up to 2 guests, Home 2 for up to 4, Home 3 for up to 4 and Home 4 for up to 5, and up to 15 guests in all. Every home has heating you control room by room, hot water all day and a welcome basket with breakfast treats. Homes 2, 3 and 4 also have a fireplace; we provide firewood, and a person helps you with the fire. Meet the homes or ask about availability.
The reeds and the beans that shaped the lake meadows are in Prespa beans, and more ideas are in things to do in Prespa. More guides
