Delta of Axios river

Delta of Axios river

Greece
Macedonia
Delta of Axios river

The wetland complex of the Delta of Axios river is one of the most important ecosystems in Greece. It constitutes a vast surface of river banks, marches, dunes, lagoons and salt flats thus creating an ideal biotope of many species of wild animals and birds.More than 300 kinds of birds take refuge in the coastal forest of the river many of which are threatened with extinction such as the avocet, the glossy ibis, the pigmy cormorant, the Dalmatian pelecan and the blackheaded seagull. Apart from birds the region is also very important for many kinds of mammals like the ground squirel as well as for reptiles as it hosts one of the largest populations of the Mediterranean tortoise in Europe. The region is included in the Natura 2000 network of European ecological regions and it is protected by the Ramstar International Convention on Wetlands.

The place is ideal for birdwatchers and photographers especially during the very early hours of the day and the evening when the soft light enhanced by heat and moisture composes magic scenes with reflections and terrific variations of colors around. Amazing is the rapidity of light changes so the photographer has to be exceptionally swift in his decisions regarding selection of sites,lenses, settings and shots. A use of tripod is essential.
In the photo an early morning shot with the bulk of the Mount Olympus in the background, just visible in the mist...