Lake Kerkini in perfect weather

In early January 2020 I went back to Lake Kerkini to work with the Dalmatian Pelicans as well as the Great White Pelicans. We travelled by road from south-eastern part of Bulgaria after the days spent there working with Vultures. You find those pictures in a different photo album.

Each time you go to Lake Kerkini you will get surprised and treated with a show you do not want to miss. In 2018 the group was fortunate to get closeups of a single pelican getting onto the rail of the boat. This year gave something else, which you will see among the photos.

Video: Dalmatian Pelican steering towards the boat

A good setup is essential

What I always try to accomplish at Lake Kerkini is to be out with a boat for as long as possible. That means that the morning session often starts at sunrise and that you are heading back after sunset during the afternoon session. That gives you opportunity to see different areas of the lake as well as to work with the background. In parts of the lake there are more pelicans, but that necessarily does not always turn into great photo opportunities. You do need birds around the boat all the time, but in my experience the area of the lake in which you photograph is essential.

Video: Dalmatian Pelican landing with reflection

At times you can even get good photo opportunities with birds from the shore. That was true in 2017 when the lake was frozen for parts of the time.

An attempt to grab some video

I can honestly say that Lake Kerkini in 2020 was splendid. The weather in northern Greece was fabulous and gave us five great sessions on the lake. We got ample opportunities for a different variety of pictures as well as trying to work with video recording, mainly slow motion. Not the easiest doing handheld while being in a moving boat. Still, it shows a little bite more about what you will experience while being surrounded by pelicans.

Video: Flying Dalmatian Pelican Lake Kerkini

All of the videos are straight out of the camera without any editing, just cut the clip. I have started to plan for my next trip there which probably will be in January 2023. More information will come as soon as I have information to share. Until then enjoy the pictures and videos.

Photo Album: Lake Kerkini 2020