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A timid tortoise on the sand dunes

Birds of prey, including the buzzard and kite, are at home on open mountain terrain, such as the Pandokratoras. In a more urbanised setting, astonishing numbers of swifts, swallows and house martins swarm over Corfu Town in shrieking black clouds during from the month of March all the way through to mid-October, before they head for warmer climes.

The hoopoe is unforgettable and eye-catching, as it runs and bobs its way along the ground. Vaguely like a woodpecker, it has a showy crest of black-tipped, chestnut brown feathers and black-and-white striped wings.

Water birds include the occasional flock of flamingos, along with waders such as seagulls, herons, spoonbills, egrets and oystercatchers that can be spotted at the important wetland sites of Lake Andiniotissa, Lake Korission and the old salt pans at Lefkimmi.

The vast wetlands at Lefkimmi are home to many birds (Walk 20)

Potential danger may come in the shape of the island’s small venomous snakes, but sightings are rare. The asp viper (Vipera aspis) is a smallish cream–hazel-coloured snake with a broad triangular head, whereas the horned viper (Vipera ammodytes), as its name suggests, has a horn on its snout and is a lighter grey–brown, with wavy markings. These snakes only attack when threatened or surprised – they may be drowsy when soaking up the sun on a path, so give them time to slither away. Their poison acts slowly and very rarely is the bite fatal. In the unlikely event that you are bitten, contact emergency services immediately. The number of these snakes has diminished drastically over recent years due to the widespread use of pesticides and weed killers.