The Great Return 

Although it has not been felt yet in Corfu, spring has sprung and the “Great Return” has begun, hence, many of the migratory birds that overwinter in sub-Saharan Africa and come to Europe to breed have arrived, such as the magnificent bird on our photo the Purple Heron, Andrea Purpurea.

Erimitis’ three wetlands are not a permanent home for the Purple Heron (as it is for the Great White Heron, which breeds and stays in Erimitis all year round) but a stopover on its journey further north to Europe. It is a stopover of enormous importance however, for the continuation of the species.

Many of the migratory birds arriving in our country at this time of year have crossed two deserts, a literal one, which is the Sahara, and a metaphorical one, which is the Mediterranean Sea, where not only there is no food but no chance to rest either (if they get tired they will drown). For those that do eventually make it, ecosystems like the one of Erimitis are very important as they can provide them with shelter and food. In short, although they don’t face many direct threats, birds like the Purple Heron are threatened as a result of the degradation and eventual destruction of the wetlands where they live or stopover on their journeys.

Sources : Giannis Gasteratos και www.fdparnonas.gr

Purple Heron photo at Erimitis : Aggeliki Pouliasi