Essence of Evros
DVD - The Essence of Evros – Dadia Forest/Evros Delta produced and presented by Malcolm Rymer and filmed by him with help from Peter Swayne - 95 minutes available from http://www.wildlifevideos.net
The major strength of Malcolm Rymer’s DVds of late has been his willingness to take his time and, where appropriate, film in several locations and more than one season to really cover the available birds and the attractive state of flora, fauna and landscape. This offering is his best yet covering two very different habitats, woodland and wetland, in three seasons; leaving out only high summer when birding is quieter.
It is some years since I have visited any part of Greece and, whilst I am aware of some of the attractions of Spring birding on several islands notably Lesvos, I was unaware of the attractions of the mainland – I venture to say that I am not alone in this and Malcolm has found us yet another two centre destination to dream about. The problem is, of course, that each season has its attractions whether it be over-wintering wildfowl, autumnal raptor migration of the plethora of incoming resident and migrating summer visitors to Europe.
Being an all round naturalist Malcolm takes time to show the delights of wild flowers in both habitats, butterflies and dragonflies as well as, naturally, the abundant birdlife. Whilst I am not a particular flora fan I was, nevertheless, very impressed with the colour and variety of the spring flowers; not just the familiar flowers of southern Europe in the wetlands and fields of the delta but the under story of the forest with its wild orchids, peonies and tulips. The good news is that there is a large nature reserve and visitor centres in both Dadia and the delta; access is not all open so if you plan to follow in Malcolm’s footsteps remember permits must be sought well in advance.
Being in the south-eastern corner of the Mediterranean the area is not just good for southern European species and birds migrating through to the north, and for birds familiar in eastern Europe, but it is also the furthest flung toe-hold for some African birds. This means we are treated to Black-headed Buntings, Masked Shrike, the black-headed form of yellow Wagtails, European Bee-eaters, Great Reed Warblers and Spur-winged Plovers et al. Occasionally Malcolm commits the cardinal sin of not naming a species but most often you find it mentioned later so he is forgiven. Indeed, I have even got used to his sing-song delivery and odd emphasises.
This DVD is as beautiful and entertaining to watch as it is informative and will delight and whet your appetite for birding in general and this destination in particular. Well done Malcolm, another excellent birding DVD.
Fatbirder
Created: 17th Sep 2006
