In Search of Kingfishers and Other Birds

Kingfisher Kalyves Harbour

Both Graham and I love birds, and here is a snapshot of our personal experiences of bird life in Crete.

There are two almost identical bays where we use to live in Kalyves, western Crete, both with beaches and a cliff face that forms a backdrop to a small fishing harbour. One at Kalyves and one at Almyrida next door.

During the summer, and when the midday heat has subsided, we would often take a small picnic to one of these harbours - Kalyves, if we are feeling lazy. Sometimes we take the walking path to Almyrida.

The walk to Almyrida is quite a testing one - up and down some steep slopes until you finally get to the beach near the Almyrida Beach Hotel.

We have seen kingfishers at both harbours, flying and fishing amongst the boats, sometimes as flashes of metallic turquoise skimming over the sea, almost touching the water.

In Search Of Kingfishers And Other Birds

We remember one time, when it seemed as though all the birds of Crete had decided to make an appearance all at once.

The morning walk down to the fishing harbour at Kalyves rewarded us with not only the usual quaint fishing village vibe, with warm sunshine, clear blue water and pretty colourful boats bobbing gently in the harbour, but also the equally colourful kingfisher. The kingfisher swooped and settled on some tie ropes of the boats but before I could get my camera out, he’d again swooped away.

Later on the same walk we saw several blackbirds, goldfinches and chaffinches flying around the orange and olive groves near our home. And on the last few yards of our walk back home a buzzard flew above our head seemingly only a few feet away.

Later still in the afternoon both Graham and I saw a mass of seagulls settled on the sea as a fishing boat laid out its massive nets.

Neither Graham or myself are expert birdwatchers but for those who are a visit to Crete either in the spring or autumn is a must do experience.

A bird watching holiday on Crete offers a wonderful opportunity to see some of the rarest European birds of prey with ease. The magnificent Cretan Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetus) and the Lammergeyer (Gypaetus barbatus), a subspecies unique to Crete, stand out among the birds to be spotted here. While birding on Crete you should also be able to spot Griffon Vultures and Buzzards.

Sardinian and Cetti's Warblers, Crested Larks, Swallows, Kingfishers, Hoopoes, Goldfinches and Chaffinches are common on Crete. So don't forget to pack your binoculars when taking your holiday in Crete!

To learn more about the rich flora and fauna of Crete visit here

The Kissamos Kastelli Kingfisher

One time, we went on a day out to Kissamos Kastelli, which is around 40km west of Chania. It is officially called Kissamos. However, it is mostly known as Kastelli meaning castle, because of its Venetian fortress.

Along with the Venetian fortress we wanted to explore other aspects of the area of the history of Kissamos Kastelli. We came across the remains of Roman baths and a cemetery with interesting mosaic pavements.

The highlight of the day however was eating lunch at a fabulous fish restaurant at the quaint little fishing harbour of Kissamos Kastelli. The fish restaurant, the fish lunch and the cute fishing boats bobbing gently in the fishing harbour were spectacular enough in themselves. It gave us sufficient evidence that the Greek island of Crete is simply wonderful.

But to top it off we saw three, possibly four brightly coloured Kingfisher birds. This just added to the theme of fishing as the birds swooped over the water occasionally diving for their catch.

A Glimpse into Kalyves' Serene Harbours

As the golden hues of the Cretan sun mellow and the midday heat gives way to gentle breezes, the twin bays of Kalyves and Almyrida beckon with their tranquil charm. Nestled in western Crete, these almost identical harbors, each adorned with sandy beaches and framed by majestic cliffs, offer a serene escape from the bustle of daily life.

In these peaceful settings, the return of the kingfishers marks a delightful transition. Their vibrant, metallic turquoise feathers catch the sunlight as they dart gracefully among the fishing boats, skimming the sea's surface in search of their next catch. Observing these magnificent birds adds a touch of magic to the already picturesque landscape.

Whether indulging in a leisurely picnic at Kalyves or embarking on the invigorating walk to Almyrida—navigating steep slopes that reward with breathtaking coastal views—the experience is enriched by the presence of these avian wonders. It's moments like these that encapsulate the timeless beauty and serene rhythm of life in Crete's coastal villages.