Ferruginous Duck: A success story at Schinias National Park
During the last weeks of September, the Greek National Rowing Team was away,
competing at the European Rowing Championship in Prague. That was time for a visit at the
Olympic Rowing Center of Schinias, in order to enjoy great views of breeding Ferruginous
Ducks and estimate their population. When there is no rowing activity, birds are
undisturbed, more visible and therefore their counting in more accurate.
The Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) in not just another species of common duck.
The world’s population is estimated no more than 50.000 individuals, and is considered
nearly threatened. Despite the wide distribution, the numbers have dramatically decreased
the last 30 years, due to degradation and destruction of its natural habitats as well as
hunting in overwintering and passage areas. The regions of successful breeding worldwide
are very limited, as this is the case for Greece too. A significant population of 500 birds is
breeding in Amvrakikos Gulf (Western Greece), while smaller groups are often seen in
various wetlands of Northern Greece.
It is a relatively small species, with a body of 40cm long. It may seem black when
seen during an overcast day or against the sun, but actually has a brown, chestnut
coloration, with a white under patch and tail. The males are often brighter and have shining
white eyes, which are well striking and visible from distance. Ferruginous Ducks are shy
birds, usually seen close to reed and dense vegetation. As all diving ducks, they dive in the
water to find food, such as small crustaceans, mollusks and vegetation. They do not form
huge flocks, but they are usually found mixed with Common Pochards and Tufted Ducks.
The last 20 years, Ferruginous Ducks have found their shelter at Schinias National
Park. The Olympic Rowing Center (part of the Schinias National Park) provides an ideal habitat, with minor anthropogenic activity and complete absence of hunting. No wonder why during the September 25th counting, we recorded 85 individuals, which is one of the highest recorded number the last years. On that day, we were honored to guide a big group of American naturalists and birdwatchers in the area, and they were all thrilled while enjoying close views of these species of duck.
So, if you are in Athens and want to enjoy this world threatened species of duck, you
need to visit the Schinias National Park, just 45min from the city center. During a non windy
day, with minor rowing practice in the Rowing Center, anybody with a pair of binoculars can
have excellent views of the birds. Indeed, photography opportunities are also ideal, since the
birds are not very shy in the particular area… they are used to everyday rowing practice!
Birdwatchers should keep an eye in the sky too: raptors such as March Harriers, Common
Buzzards, Sparrowhawks are soaring daily over the wetland, while a special visitor arrives
from Siberia in November and overwinters in the park: the superb Greater Spotted Eagle, an
impressive bird of prey.
Σπύρος Σκαρέας