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Description
Butrint is a reputable migration area, but also known for the gathering of large numbers of birds during the winter with thousands of ducks, but also flamingo and kiharapelikaani. During the year more than 240 species are said to be seen. Among those; pronssi-iibis , lehmähaikara , silkkihaikara , rääkkähaikara , yöhaikara , pikkumerimetso , pitkäjalka , kapustahaikara , käärmekotka and merikotka.
Butrint National Park is a wide area, the south western parts are the most interesting for birdwatching. The site is situated in a small valley between hills with a mix of mailnly oak trees and machia. The area is flat, with channels, marshes, salt marshes and bushland. On the north side runs Vivar channel out in the bay towards Corfu. In the south, beneath the hills a less wide stream.
Since the area is so wide and flat and in some parts are overgrown with vegetation it is hard to get an overview, in the NW parts is a salt marsh which has to be scanned from many angles. Along the big channel and the bay you have of course a better view but the stream in the south is hard to reach.
A visit a morning in late June gave a rather small number of birds but with a nice variety. The Kuhankeittäjä singing from the woods along the sides of the valley, silkkikerttunen and heinäkerttu singing from the bushlands and sometimes the thin whistle of pussitiainen. Some pronssi-iibis crossed the marshlands and along the coast waders, such as avosetti and kuovi and an arguing flock of lehmähaikara. Also nice ammounts of mehiläissyöjä , turturikyyhky , harjalintu and a couple of käärmekotka circling the southern hills.
I visited Butrint once and in the summer so please add comments with further information of how it is to visit during mirgration and winter time. Please also, if needed, give feedback on the birdlist.
Details
Access
Butrint is located 30 minutes drive south of Sarande. If going by car from Sarande park outside the Archeological Park, then take the ferry over the channel. It costs 1.5 Euro and runs from arround six until late night. If going by car from the south, you can park next to the Ventian Castle. Press a P in the map for directions.
The site is also possible to reach with bus from Sarande, it costs 1.5 Euro. For timetable see the uploaded picture below.
Another alternative, if living in Sarande, is to take at taxi, it costs arround 30 Euros. A kind and serious driver that can be recommended is Altin Cumani who can be reached on +355692515358
It is, according to some maps, possible to make a circular route, going over Vrine. I would not say that is recommended considering SE is mainly farmland.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Plain , River , Scattered trees and bushes , Pond , Lake , Beach , Mud flatsConditions
Flat , Wet , No shadow , Open landscape , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
Winter , Spring , AutumnBest time to visit
Winter , Autumn migration , Spring migrationRoute
Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The archeological park of Butrint is very well worth a visit. Well preserved ruins under the canopy of old oaks and eucalyptus. A visit also gives the ability to scan the Lake Butrint. At the top, in the Castle, is a small cafe located.
There are quite some stray dogs in Albania, none of these were seen or heard along the route.