Near Tigkaki beach, there is the area of Alykes, one of the two main wetlands in Kos, where bird lovers will discover various intriguing species. The area is the largest breeding place of ruddy shelduck in Southern Europe. Zitting cisticolla, house sparrows, crested lark, turtle dove, hooded crows, swallows and house martins are the most common birds you encounter in salt pans, but you could, also, see alpine and pallid flying over Tigkaki. Early morning and evenings will be best for visiting the salt pans.Local efforts to study the ecosystem and ban road traffic are evidence of Kos’ commitment to sustainable tourism and eco-tourism.