Wildlife around Vatera
The flatlands around Vatera are home to stunning birds.
Lesvos has become famous with birdwatchers for its spectacular bird migration. Vatera, on the southern tip of the island is well positioned to witness the many birds coming back from their wintering grounds in warmer climates.
The salt-pits of Kallonis and Polichnitos, the torrents Tsikneas, Vouvaris, Mylopotamos, Enea Kamares, Potamea, the lagoon of Meson, the marsh of Skala Kallonis, of Parakela, Nyphidas etc. The area has been placed among the European Program "Special Areas of Nature's Preservation" of the net NATURA 2000.
Add to this the many colourful birds that stay in Lesvos to breed during the summer months and you really are in one of the best locations to enjoy the 'twitchers' dream.
Apart from the birds you can see around the resort, there is a wealth of other wildlife. In the olive groves, Persian squirrels scurry into the trees and if you're lucky you may see the odd wild fox. Also keep a look out for tortoises crossing the paths.
In early spring the fields and roadsides are carpeted with wild flowers, especially poppies, attracting colourful butterflies and dragonflies along the tracks. The river, in the western end of the beach, is a good place to see the Stripe-necked Terrapins. Although shy to start with, they often come to check you out, if you stand quietly.
Several types of lizards may be seen dashing across the pathways, along with the occasional snake. Don't worry too much - they're probably more frightened of you, and they will want to make a quick exit.
The sheltered bay lends itself to calm waters and shoals of Bottle-nosed and Common Dolphins can sometimes be seen leaping out of the water, swimming close to the shore.
