What is your favorite bird species?
Hoopoe (Upupa epops) – a truly unique and stunning bird, easily recognizable by its elegant crest and striking plumage.
What is your name, and where do you live?
Spyros Skareas. I live in Athens, Greece, at the East Coast of the Attica region
White Stork
What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?
I offer private birding tours across Greece, including the Athens region, Central Greece (Delphi, Mount Parnassos, Mesolongi Lagoons), Lake Kerkini, Lesvos Island, and Evia Island. I can also design customized tours anywhere in Greece, tailored to the interests of visiting birders, from coastal wetlands and forests to mountains and remote islands.
European Bee-eater
How long have you been a bird guide?
I have been guiding birdwatchers since 2003, leading numerous private tours all around Greece. With more than 20 years of experience, I am one of the pioneers of birdwatching tours in Greece, bringing international-style bird guiding to local habitats. My services have been awarded and received hundreds of 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews
Cretzschmar’s Bunting
How did you get into bird guiding?
My passion for birdwatching grew after a nature trip to South America in the late 90s. I was truly inspired by the way local bird guides led tours in diverse habitats. I thought: “Why not bring this to Greece?”, combining expert birding knowledge with enjoyable experiences in nature.
Black-headed Bunting
What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best? Which aspects do you dislike most?
The best part of guiding is sharing the full experience with guests – not only spotting the birds but enjoying local nature, food, and culture. It is incredibly rewarding when a birder finally sees their target species. The most challenging aspect is when some guests are overly stressed about ticks on their “target list” or when photographers get too close to birds, disrupting them and their habitats.
Glossy Ibis
What are the top 5-10 birds in your region that are the most interesting for visiting birders?
- Dalmatian Pelican
- Eleonora’s Falcon
- Rüppell’s Warbler
- Cretzschmar’s Bunting
- Blue Rock Thrush
- Rock Nuthatch
- Sombre Tit
- Hoopoe
- European Bee-eater
- Roller
Dalmatian Pelican
Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area?
- Athens Region (1 day): Schinias National Park, Oropos Lagoon, Mount Hymettus. Expect wetlands, pine forests, and farmland species, including herons, flamingos, hoopoes, rollers, and warblers.
- Central Greece (4 days): Delphi, Mount Parnassos, and Mesolongi Lagoon National Park. Visitors enjoy a mix of mountains, forests, and wetlands, with species such as eagles, warblers, and pelicans.
- Lake Kerkini (5 days): Full exploration of the lake, surrounding hills, mountains, and marshes, targeting pelicans, herons, raptors, and migratory species.
- Lesvos Island (5 days): Kalloni Wetlands, Metochi Lake, Sigri, Petrified Forest, Napi Valley, Filia Forest, and other key sites. Highlights include gulls, falcons, warblers, and island specialties like Kruepper’s Nuthatch and Cinereous Bunting
Black-winged Stilt
Cinereous Bunting
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?
- Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a positive mood!
- Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September) are ideal seasons for birdwatching in Greece. Winter is great for big raptors and waterfowl.
- Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended for variable terrain and weather.
Ruppell’s Warbler
If any readers of 10,000 Birds are interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?
Birders interested in a private custom-made birding and wildlife holiday in Greece with me can email greecebirdtours@gmail.com or visit http://www.greecebirdtours.com for more information and tour bookings.
Little Owl
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
Greece is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering an extraordinary variety of species, habitats, and landscapes in a relatively compact area. From coastal wetlands and lagoons to rugged mountains, forests, olive groves, and islands, Greece hosts both resident and migratory birds. Its location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, combined with a mild Mediterranean climate, makes Greece a key stopover for migratory birds and a year-round destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Birding holidays in Greece offer a unique combination of wildlife and culture. You can enjoy incredible birdwatching experiences while exploring ancient history, traditional villages, and stunning landscapes. Even around Athens, birders can find rare target species in nearby wetlands, forests, and mountains, all within easy reach of iconic landmarks like the Acropolis. This perfect blend of nature, culture, and accessibility makes Greece an unforgettable destination for birders seeking both discovery and adventure.
I specialize in private birding tours with flexible dates, times, pace, and tailored experiences. Whether you are an experienced birder seeking rare species or a beginner wanting a relaxed introduction to Greek birds, private tours offer the best way to explore Greece’s diverse habitats while focusing on your personal birding goals.
Black-headed Bunting
Eurasian Scops Owl
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