Bewick's Swans Arrive at Greek Wintering Site
The first 70 swans reached the Evros Delta in northeastern Greece in the second half of October, with thousands more expected in the coming weeks.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Bird Watching
The Evros Delta in northeastern Greece has recorded the first Bewick's swan arrivals of the 2026 winter season, with 70 birds reaching the wetland in the second half of October. Thousands more are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
Why it matters
Bewick's swan populations have collapsed in traditional wintering areas such as Britain, making the growth of the Evros Delta population notable for the species. Scientists from several European countries are studying shifts in the swans' migratory patterns.
Counts of wintering Bewick's swans in the Evros Delta rose from 30 birds in 2005 to approximately 11,000 in 2022, a historic record. The current season's total has not yet been reported, and the cause of the growth remains unexplained in the extraction.
The players
OFYPEKA
The Greek government agency that operates the Management Unit of Evros Delta and Dadia National Parks, which oversees the wetland where the swans winter.
The details
The swans use the entire delta complex during winter, searching for food across the wider area and choosing protected areas on the Greek side for resting and overnight stays. The Management Unit of Evros Delta and Dadia National Parks, operated by OFYPEKA, oversees the site.
Timeline
2005: The Evros Delta recorded 30 wintering Bewick's swans.
2010: The wintering population rose to 2,200 swans.
2016: The wintering population rose to 8,400 swans.
2022: Approximately 11,000 swans wintered in the delta, a historic record.
Second half of October 2026: The first 70 swans arrived for the current season.
Roadmap
The growth of the Evros Delta population stands in contrast to the documented collapse of Bewick's swan numbers in traditional wintering areas such as Britain. Bewick's swans breed in the Arctic tundra and are the smallest of Europe's three swan species, and researchers are tracking whether these migratory shifts represent a lasting redistribution.
Birdwatchers planning winter trips to northeastern Greece can expect the Evros Delta's swan population to grow over the coming weeks as more birds arrive. Visitors should check local guidance from the park management unit before visiting protected areas on the Greek side of the delta.
The takeaway
The Evros Delta's rising Bewick's swan numbers offer a rare bright spot for a species whose traditional wintering sites have declined. Birdwatchers can follow the arrival of thousands more swans over the coming weeks.
Further reading
Explore more on Bird Watching for guidance on spotting migratory waterbirds.
