Birds
The most spectacular birds are the large birds of prey that hunt over the hills near the
Lemon Grove. More common are the swallows which used to nest in the deserted lemon grove
building but sadly have not returned since the renovation.
They can, however, be seen in Methoni.
many birds are the same families as in other European countries - Robins, wrens, blackbirds, thrushes and sparrows. In migratory terms, the peloponnese is not far from North Africa and, although not commonly seen, a Hopoe used to meet the car as I drove to the Lemon Grove and would swoop low alongside the car.
The dawn chorus at the Lemon Grove is wonderful and cuckoos arrive in Spring.
Many small birds nest in the lemon trees, and migratory birds gather together
close to the sea near Methoni towards the end of the year to fly further south as Winter temperatures on the
Peloponnese can be low, especially at night.
On December 8th 2008, we witnessed the preparation for
Migration which lasted several hours,
and were able to photograph it - sadly not to video.