Monitoring mission for the Lesser White-fronted Goose at the Evros – Meriҫ Delta (Greece – Turkey)

Monitoring mission for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose at the Evros – Meriҫ Delta (Greece – Turkey) 8‐10 February 2018

Mission Report March 2018

NorGreck Project: A bilateral Cooperation between Greece and Norway for the Conservation of the Lesser White‐fronted Goose

Monitoring Mission Report for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose

Compiled by Manolia Vougioukalou / Hellenic Ornithological Society – BirdLife Greece, with contributions from Eleni Makrygianni (Evros Delta Management Authority), Kostas Papadopoulos (Kerkini Lake Management Authority), Savvas Kazantzidis (Forest Research Institute – Hellenic Agricultural Organisation DEMETER) and Ingar Jostein Øien (NOF‐BirdLife Norway).

Maps: HOS/Christos Angelidis © all photographs were taken by the report contributors, apart from the Lesser White‐fronted Goose photographs (Figure 1) that were taken by D. Vangeluwe Recommended citation: Vougioukalou, M. (compiler) 2018. Monitoring mission for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose at the Evros – Meriҫ Delta (Greece – Turkey).

Hellenic Ornithological Society / BirdLife Greece.

Monitoring Mission Report for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose

1. Introduction

The Fennoscandian population of the Lesser White‐fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) – LWfG, winters most likely exclusively in Greece and mainly in two wetlands ‐ Kerkini Lake and Evros Delta, both located in northern Greece. In the recent years the LWfG flock tends to arrive in Greece and in particular in Kerkini Lake earlier than usual, spends more time in Kerkini Lake rather than in the Evros Delta and still tends to “disappear” for a short period of time during the wintering season1. Monitoring conditions for observers studying the LWfG in the Evros Delta are particularly challenging since the wider area where the LWfG can be usually found is very large and more or less square (approx 8km2), has an uneven terrain with vegetation that can reach up to 60cm that offers plenty of hiding areas for the geese and other animals. As a result, it is almost impossible to conduct any sort of individual identification analysis (ie. identification through belly‐patch and/or recording of colour ringed LWfG).

During winter, geese can be regularly observed flying out to the Turkish side of the Evros River (Meriҫ in Turkish) in the morning to feed and return to the Greek part at dusk to roost. A mission was organized by the Hellenic Ornithological Society in 8‐10.02.2018, in collaboration with the Evros Delta Management Authority, the Kerkini Lake Management Authority and the Forest Research Institute where both Greek and Turkish areas either side of the Evros River were surveyed for goose presence and in particular LWfG. During the mission at the Meriҫ Delta, the Gala Lake National Park Authority also joined the mission.

2. Study area and Methods

The areas surveyed were the Evros Delta Special Protected Area (SPA GR 1110006) in Greece, the Meriҫ Delta, the former floodplain of Meriҫ River, the northern Saros Bay lagoons and the Kavak Delta in Turkey (Map 1: Survey sites). Evros Delta was surveyed on 8th and 10th of February whereas the Turkish wetlands were visited on the 9th of February. During all missions three teams equipped with telescope, binoculars and protocols and performed coordinated searches for geese and in particular LWfG. The waterfowl hunting season in Greece was very near its end (10.02) whereas the goose hunting season had ended on 31.01. Only a few shots were heard. In Turkey the hunting season was still open and shots were also heard. The areas visited in Turkey were selected based on the Short Note by Mulayim 20172.

1

Demertzi, A., Angelidis, C., Portolou, D., Vougioukalou, M., Makrigianni, E. Naziridis, T. 2017. The Lesser White‐fronted Goose in Greece. Pp. 37‐46 in Vougioukalou, M., Kazantzidis, S. & Aarvak, T. (Eds.) Safeguarding the Lesser White‐fronted Goose Fennoscandian population at key staging and wintering sites.

Special publication. LIFE+10 NAT/GR/000638 Project. HOS/BirdLife Greece, HAOD/Forest Research Institute, NOF/BirdLife Norway report no. 2017‐2.

2 Mulayim O. M. 2017. Lesser White‐fronted Goose survey notes at Saros Bay and Meriҫ Delta in Turkey. Pp. 146‐148 in Vougioukalou, M., Kazantzidis, S. & Aarvak, T. (Eds.) Safeguarding the Lesser White‐fronted Goose Fennoscandian population at key staging and wintering sites. Special publication. LIFE+10 NAT/GR/000638 Project. HOS/BirdLife Greece, HAOD/Forest Research Institute, NOF/BirdLife Norway report no. 2017‐2.

Monitoring Mission Report for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose

Map 1: Survey sites

3. Results

3.1 Evros Delta The Evros Delta has been monitored for geese on a weekly basis by the Evros Delta Management Authority since the middle of November 2018, on behalf of the Hellenic Ornithological Society. By the time of the mission no LWfG were observed, while the Greater White‐fronted Geese ‐ GWfG (max number 1,930) and Greylag Geese (max number 64) were observed in the area and mainly in and around the Dimitriadis field.

On the 8th of February the weather conditions were ideal with very little wind and good light conditions. During sundown waterbird movement was observed with flocks arriving from Turkey to roost in the Evros Delta. In particularly, 49 Greater White‐fronted Geese were observed making this move. A total of 1,549 GWfG and 59 Greylag Geese were observed in Evros Delta (Map 2: Goose observations 08.02.2018). A flock of at least 350 Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) was also observed. Moreover, a number of raptors were observed including Golden Eagle (2), Marsh Harriers (10), Common Buzzard (8), Hen Harrier (2 males), Black Kite (1), Peregrine (1), White‐tailed Eagle (1), Imperial Eagle (1 ad) and Greater‐spotted Eagle (5). The geese seemed to be mostly undisturbed apart from the how flying aircrafts that passed through the area due to the visit of the Greek Minister of Defense at the eastern part of the Delta.

Monitoring Mission Report for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose

Map 2: Goose observations 08.02.2018

On the 10th of February the weather conditions deteriorated, with strong northern wind and cloud cover. Monitoring efforts focused in the extended area of the Dimitriadis field, where at least 2 adult LWfG were observed amongst a GWfG flock (Figure 1). The birds mainly remained on the edges of the GWfG flock; they were not obviously interacting with each other, while 1 LWfG was likely a displaying male. Moreover, a number of GWfG flocks were distributed in the area (Map 3: Goose observations 10.02.2018 ). In total approximately 3,000 GWfG were observed.

Additionally, as it was the last day of hunting a few shots were heard that did not seem to disturb the geese.

Monitoring Mission Report for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose

Map 3: Goose observations 10.02.2018

3.2 Meriҫ Delta and the Gala Lake National Park The areas were visited by Manolia Vougioukalou (HOS/BirdLife Greece), Thanos Tsirantzidis (Evros Delta Management Authority), Ingar Jostein Øien (NOF/BirdLife Norway) and kindly joined by Neslihan Aslan (Gala Lake National Park) on 9.02.2018. The area is heavily dominated by immense flooded and semi‐dry rice field cultivations that extend to almost the entire length of the eastern part of the Greek‐Turkish border along the river Evros/Meriҫ and it is very popular area with hunters (see cover photograph, Figures 2‐10).

The Enez castle offers good views of the Evros/Meriҫ exit to the sea, where according to the Gala Lake National Park representatives, geese are sometimes observed there. In the town of Enez, we also met with a hunter who claimed that he accidentally shot a LWfG in 2015 in the rice fields of the surrounding area. The hunter was certain that he had shot a LWFG and not a GWFG as he knew that the species is protected unlike the GWfG that he hunts regularly.

According to Mulayim 2017, the area is considered a potential suitable alternative feeding and roosting site for the LWfG mainly due to its proximity to the Evros Delta. No geese whatsoever were observed there, while a variety of other water birds were observed (swans, flamingoes, ducks etc.). The area seemed particularly frequented by human presence / disturbance and the natural landscape severely altered by the rice field cultivations. It was noteworthy to observe the very old electricity towers near some rice cultivations that were an obvious threat to perching birds (Figure 11).

Monitoring Mission Report for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose

3.3 Karagol, Vakif and Erikli lagoons The area was visited by Savas Kazantzidis (FRI HAOD), Theodoros Naziridis (Kerkini Lake Management Authority) and Didier Vangeluwe (Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences) on 9.02.2018. The Karagol lagoon (Figures 12 & 13) is a small coastal lagoon surrounded by hills with extensive pine plantations and connects to the sea by a small canal. At the western part of the lagoon there are extensive coastal marshes, while at the northern part of the lagoon there are shallow marshes with low reeds and halophytic vegetation. There is a lot of hunting around the lagoon and at the marshes there is garbage and debris. It seems that the lagoon is not suitable for the waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans) due to its small size and disturbance. However, it could be very useful for shorebirds during the migration period when there is no hunting. During our presence only a few (five) Shelduck were present Vakif lagoon is a small coastal lagoon with direct connection to the sea by a narrow canal (Figure 14). It is surrounded by low hills covered with oak woods. Due to its size it seems not very much suitable for wintering waterfowl. At the southern part of the lagoon (near the exit to the sea) there are shallow marshes suitable for shorebirds and waders as feeding areas. At the northern part of the lagoon there are shallow marshes with halophytic vegetation not very much extensive however very difficult to approach.

The lagoon seems to be not disturbed by human presence, however, there were no birds present in the lagoon and the marshes during our visit (although not the whole area was covered due to difficulties in approaching especially the northern part of the lagoon).

Erikli lagoon is the largest lagoon among the three wetlands visited (Figures 15 & 16). There is a huge, recently built, touristic settlement next to the lagoon at the western coastal zone. The lagoon is surrounded by low hills with sparse low vegetation, agricultural cultivations and oak woods. At the southern part of the lagoon there are shallow marshes, however, that area seems to be very much disturbed by human presence and has been seriously downgraded as a natural marsh due to human intervention (garbage, debris etc). At the northern part of the lagoon there is an extensive shallow marsh with halophytic vegetation and grassland.

Regarding birds there were many Shelduck (approximately 300), waders (a few herons), shorebirds (mostly avocets, curlews, Grey plovers etc.) and gulls (Yellow‐legged gulls) especially at the northern part of the lagoon. The most serious threats seems to be the garbage (scattered everywhere surrounded the settlement and the southern part of the lagoon) and the disturbance at both, the south and the north part of the lagoon. The main source of disturbance at the south is the permanent presence of humans of the settlement while at the north a road that crosses the marsh and the hunting. Erikli lagoon potentially could be a feeding or resting site for waterfowl (including geese) especially at the northern part, however, disturbance, probably, discourage birds to stay in that part of the wetland.

3.4. Kavak Delta Kavak Delta was visited by Eleni Makrygianni (Evros Delta Management Authority) and Kostas Papadopoulos (Kerkini Lake Management Authority) on 9.02.2018. It is a coastal wetland comprised by Kavak creek, large coastal meadows, seasonal small brackish lagoons, sand dunes and cultivations (Figure 17). It definitely hosts suitable habitats for geese, both for roosting and feeding, although it is not a remote area, surrounded by a highway and used by cattle, fishermen, hunters and farmers. It is a vast area with a variety of habitats suitable for many species of waders, waterfowl, herons, passerines, raptors, etc. Low vegetation and limited expansion of reeds and tamarisks is an advantage for the area and its use by the ornithofauna. During the mission thousands of ducks used the coast (mostly Mallard), herons, plovers, Oystercatchers, Black‐throated divers, Yellow‐legged gulls, etc were observed. We also observed 250 Ruddy Shelduck at the rice fields (Figure 18) and 2 Greater‐spotted Eagles soaring. Other birds observed at the meadows and shallow waters include Shelduck, Lapwing and Marsh Harrier. The site has three good

Monitoring Mission Report for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose

observation points (small hills) situated at the centre of the delta, but survey should also involve driving and walking in small roads crossing the delta, or at its limits. Part of the survey can also be done by the main road.

4. Discussion

The Evros and the Meriҫ Delta present two very different cases of water management practices. At the Greek side of the river water management works have taken place in the past in order to direct river waters faster towards the sea, however a still very large semi‐natural wetland area still remains and is of immense value to the visiting and resident bird fauna. At the Turkish side of the river extensive hydrological works have transformed what must have once been a vast wetland area, into an enormous rice plantation. Waterfowl movement between the two sides of the river seems to take place daily, with large groups of flamingos, swans and geese mainly flying to the Turkish part of the river delta to feed and return in the evening to roost in the Greek part.

Coordinated searches for the Lesser White‐fronted Geese are a useful tool for locating the LWfG flock especially when it cannot be observed in any of its usual wintering sites in Greece. It seems likely that surveying at the Turkish wetlands two or three times per winter especially when larger flocks of GWfG are observed in the Evros Delta between December and February can potentially yield LWfG observations. It is likely that any LWfG found within a larger GWfG flock will not belong to the Fennoscandian LWfG flock, especially if they are scattered individuals.

Additionally, it is apparent that extra effort and perseverance is required when monitoring a large GWfG flock at the Evros Delta as it needs additional patience to locate a few if any LWfG amongst them. In the Evros Delta the goose sites are more or less known as the area has been surveyed for at least 20 years mainly by the Management Authority of Evros Delta whose presence is constant in the area since 2003. However, the uneven terrain of the area and the relatively high vegetation allow plenty of “hiding” spots for the geese and additional time needs to be available in order for all individuals to become visible. During our mission at least two adult LWfG were observed amongst a flock of approximately 1,500 GWfG. It is not possible to accurately calculate the arrival of these individuals; however it is likely that they arrived together with the larger GWfG flock in early January.

5. Conclusions

It is evident that the Evros Delta is a LWfG site in which extensive monitoring effort is needed to locate LWfG. Moreover, additional vantage points / observatories are needed in order to improve the viewing conditions. It is recommended that existing structures are also utilized in order to provide shelter and the necessary height to the observers (ie. disused hide, west pumping station). Lastly, the collaboration with the Gala Lake National Park in Turkey is expected to be a very fruitful one and will increase the monitoring capacity as well as the LWfG conservation efforts.

Acknowledgements We thank the Norwegian Environment Agency that kindly funded this expedition through NOF‐BirdLife Norway and the Evros Delta Management Authority for co‐hosting this mission. We also thank the participants that invested their time and skills yet again in Lesser White‐fronted Goose conservation.

Monitoring Mission Report for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose

Annex: Figures

Figures 1, 2: Two LWfG individuals © D. Vangeluwe

Figure3: Flamingo flock in flooded rice field

Figure 4: Semi‐dry rice field

Figure 5: Flooded rice fields

Figure 6: Evros‐Meric River as seen from the Enez Castle

Monitoring Mission Report for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose

Figure 7: Female duck decoy on sale in Enez market

Figure 8: Presenting LWfG LIFE+ project publication to the Gala Lake National Park Management Authority

Figure 9: Gala Lake National Park signboard

Figure 10: Hunting hide inside flooded rice field

Figure 11: Eurasian bittern

Figure 12: Electrocuted Common buzzard next to rice field

Monitoring Mission Report for the Lesser White‐fronted Goose

Figure 13: Karagol lagoon

Figure 14: Karagol lagoon marshes at the western coastal area

Figure 15: Vakif lagoon

Figure 16: Erikli lagoon

Figure 17: Erikli lagoon

Figure 19: Ruddy shelduck at the Kavak delta

Figure 18: Kavak delta