birding...

Corfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. Its northeastern coastline of lies off the coast of Sarandë, Albania, from which it is separated by straits varying in width from 3 to 23 km (2 to 15 mi), while the southeast side of the island lies off the coast of Thesprotia, Greece. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands and, including its small satellite islands, forms the edge of the northwestern frontier of Greece. The island is part of the Corfu peripheral unit, and is administered as a single municipality. The municipality includes the island Corfu and the smaller islands Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi. The principal city of the island and seat of the municipality (pop. 33,886) is also named Corfu. Corfu is home to the Ionian University.

Two high and well-defined ranges divide the island into three districts, of which the northern is mountainous, the central undulating, and the southern low-lying. The more important of the two ranges, that of Pantokrator stretches east and west from Cape Falacro to Cape Psaromita, and attains its greatest elevation in the summit of the same name.

The second range culminates in the mountain of Santi Jeca, or Santa Decca or the Ten Saints.

The whole island, composed as it is of various limestone formations, presents great diversity of surface, and views from more elevated spots are magnificent.

Beaches are found in Agios Gordis, the Korission lagoon, Agios Georgios, Marathia, Kassiopi, Sidari, Palaiokastritsa and many others.

Corfu is located near the Kefalonia geological fault formation; earthquakes have occurred. Corfu city and countryside have not lost the traditional architecture from the 16th century.

Corfu's coastline spans 217 kilometres (135 mi) including capes; its highest point is Mount Pantokrator (906 metres (2,972 ft)); and the second Stravoskiadi, at 849 metres (2,785 ft). The full extent of capes and promentories take in Agia Aikaterini, Drastis to the north, Lefkimmi and Asprokavos to the southeast, and Megachoro to the south. Two islands are also to be found at a middle point of Gouvia and Corfu Bay, which extends across much of the eastern shore of the island; are known as Lazareto and Ptychia (or Vido).

Several cultivated plants are found across the island; olives, pomegranate, fig and grape vine along with all the fruit trees known in southern Europe, with addition of the kumquat, loquat and prickly pear and, in some spots, the banana. When undisturbed by cultivation, the myrtle, arbutus, bay and holm oak form a rich brushwood, and the minor flora of the island are extensive.

Bird Life

Corfu's mild all-year round climate and because it is one of the greenest island in the med with a number of lagoons it does have a rich avifauna. Unfortunately, of course, they have to avoid the ravages of hunters. Nevertheless, around 200 species have been recorded. High elevations and wetlands are the best places to bird but scrubland, orchards and cultivated areas do hold birds if you are quiet and patient.

Arriving by plane the first wetland you will see is by the airport itself which is built in the Chalikopoulou lagoon, a small ecosystem in its own right. This is a sea water lagoon but has several streams that trickle fresh water almost all year round make is a very diverse habitat for wildlife. It has recently been designated as a reserve.

There are two much larger lagoons the Korission in the south west and Andinoni in the north east but the greatest magnet for bird life is the great salt flat in Lefkimmi and the no longer used salt pans.

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