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Description
Metochi is a small lake and is part of the larger Christou River. Water levels can differ due to heavy rainfall or change of seasons. During spring migration, the lake is most of the time full and provides an ideal habitat for many species of waterbird. The location is even one of the best places on the island to observe crakes and herons!
The lake itself can be a good spot for observing (Κοινή) Φαλαρίδα and (Κοκκινόλαιμο) Νανοβουτηχτάρι, but the shores provide the main attraction of the area. Reedbeds cover most of the shores with some scattered and overhanging trees in mainly the northern part. Species like (Ευρωπαϊκός) Μικροτσικνιάς, Μικροπουλάδα and many other species of heron and crake can be easily observed from a very close distance. Marsh terns, like Μουστακογλάρονο and Αργυρογλάρονο tend to visit the pool often.
The reedbeds are also a very good spot for songbirds, like (Ευρωπαϊκό) Ψευταηδόνι and Τσιχλοποταμίδα. Sometimes, large flocks of hirundines, like Οχθοχελίδονο, tend to sleep in these reedbeds too.
Surrounding the lake, several channels are located which are also a very good spot for observing (Ευρωπαϊκός) Μικροτσικνιάς, other herons and crakes and always worth a check.
Several fields and olive groves are located around the area and provide a good habitat for other good species, like shrikes, Καστανολαίμης and Τσαλαπετεινός. Raptors can pass overhead, like Φιδαετός and Αετογερακίνα.
Details
Access
The area is easy accessable by car and turns from tarmac into a dirtroad from both the eastern and southern side. There are no obvious parkingspots located near the lake, so park your car carefully and try not to blockade the road.