and rainy days are coming again - not good time for Iksi
The water level in the drainage canals is rising sharply, and the high, turbid water makes hunting difficult for black storks. The fields are muddy after the rains, and moving through such terrain is both difficult and risky for the storks.
AI helped me (I checked the sources, it is good summary):
Update on habitat conditions near Achelous / Katochi :
Recent heavy rains and storms — especially linked to Storm Adel — have caused significant flooding and high water levels in drainage canals, fields, and the Achelous floodplain near Katochi/Aitoliko.
This means that juvenile storks like Iksi, which forage in wet fields and ditches, may find both opportunities and challenges: shallow, turbid water may make hunting harder, and muddy terrain can limit safe movement. But the flooded lowlands and riverside trees along Achelous remain among the few still-suitable roosting and foraging zones.
People in the region report flooded roads, blocked drains, and difficulties accessing farmland or homes.
For Iksi: expect shifts in movements — birds may move between the floodplain, drained fields, and lagoon areas depending on water levels. It’s a critical period for monitoring habitat suitability around Achelous and nearby wetlands.
Recent Reports on Water Conditions & Flooding near Achelous / Katochi / Aitoliko
On 26 November 2025, heavy rainfall caused flooding in Katochi and Aitoliko: many roads were submerged, some residents reported being unable to leave their houses, and fire / municipal crews were deployed to manage the situation.
As part of the broader impact of Storm Adel, the region of Aitolokarnania (which includes Katochi/Aitoliko) was explicitly mentioned among the zones hit with floods, stream overflows, and landslides.
Experts note that the area (Aitoliko / Achelous delta / lagoons) is particularly vulnerable — not only to local rainfall, but also to higher river discharges from upstream large rivers such as the Achelous and limited lagoon outflow to the sea. This makes even moderate rain potentially dangerous in terms of flooding or inundation.
Local civic-environmental groups and residents have recently revived calls for sustainable development of the “Achelous Valley,” underscoring concerns about ecological balance, flood risk, and habitat integrity.
Conclusion from recent info: yes — there are recent, concrete reports of flooding, high water, and habitat-altering conditions affecting the Achelous floodplain and Aitoliko / Katochi region. These directly affect areas used by storks.
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Fingers crossed very, very much for our little Iksi!
