The Gialova lagoon is a true paradise on earth. It is so picturesque. As you walk by, the terrain changes often and completely, from sand to rock, from grass to trees, from flat to high and the eye travels too…from green sweet waters to the deeper and darker sea, from the old castle to the open horizon, from the far away city of Pylos to the rounded and empty beach of Voidokilia. There isn’t a dull moment either for the foot or for the eye.
In winter time with the sporadic yet rich rains showers the grounds become muddy and there is not a single “walking” soul at the Gialova lagoon …but there are always thousands of souls flying right above it…
The Gialova lagoon is one of the most important wetlands in Europe as it constitutes the southernmost migratory station of birds in the Balkans to and from Africa.
The Lagoon is located 7 km north of the little town Pylos, between the seaside settlement Gialova and Voidokilia cove, in an area of 6,000 acres. It is also known as Divari (from the Latin word “vivarium”). Its greater depth does not exceed 4 meters. 254 types of birds find shelter here: herons, cormorants, kestrels, seagulls, flamingos, ospreys, imperial eagles and other wading birds.
The observing station of the Ornithological Society at the Gialova Lagoon enables visitors to learn and observe this shallow lake that has been declared an area Natura 2000.
So in total in winter there are about 20,000 birds at the lagoon. Ducks and coots are the most numerous birds, but there are other interesting species too. Over 500 herons – great white egrets, little egrets and grey herons – overwinter at the lagoon.
Thu, February 6, 2020Messinia, Travel, Wild Life
