{"id":324,"date":"2022-02-09T11:36:49","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T11:36:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/?p=324"},"modified":"2022-02-24T08:32:29","modified_gmt":"2022-02-24T08:32:29","slug":"lesvos-april-2001-report-includes-lesvos-bird-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/2022\/02\/09\/lesvos-april-2001-report-includes-lesvos-bird-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"Lesvos – April 2001 Report includes Lesvos bird photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

TRAVEL<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When travelling to Lesvos you have 2 options. Option 1 is to travel by Olympus Air via Athens: this extends your travel time by several hours because you have to wait at Athens for the connecting flight. What it does give you however, is the opportunity of seeing the early migrants you may miss by travelling later. Option 2 is to take one of the direct charter flights which usually start in the first week in May: this gives a shorter flight and a more agreeable arrival time. Also Lesvos is fairly new to tourism and many of the resorts don\u2019t get geared up for tourists until the direct flights start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re travelling to Lesvos independently I would recommend you get a taxi from the airport and have your hire car delivered to your hotel. Mytilini is a nightmare to find your way through; we have yet to see a sign in Mytilini that points to Skala. The airport is well signed on your return through Mytilini so you can elect to drop the car off at the airport if you so wish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CAR HIRE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hiring a car on Lesvos is simple as most of the major car hire companies are represented. You can hire a car through your Travel Agent, via the internet, at the airport or through your hotel. Car hire is, in the main, more expensive than on the continent with a grade 2 vehicle costing \u00a3300+ per week. Be prepared to shop around especially on the net because bargains do exist. It is possible to find one of the major hirers providing vehicles at 30% less than their rivals. Hertz is a company that regularly has bargain prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be aware that insurance may not cover damage to the underside of the vehicle. This is mainly due to birders in the early days taking cars on roads that in reality were little more than dry river beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not totally satisfied with your hire car and have genuine reasons, complain immediately, this usually results in an upgrade at no extra cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LOCATION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most important decisions you will make are where to base yourself, and when to go. To maximise the number of migrants seen I would recommend you go as early as direct flights will allow, mid\/late April. If you are a serious birder and birding is the reason for your holiday then Skala Kalloni is your only choice. Skala is central for most birding sites but more importantly it is also very close to some of the major birding hot spots on the island. It would be possible to stay at Skala without hiring a car and still get in some serious birding. This can\u2019t be said for any other part of the island. If birding were incidental to the holiday then I would recommend the north of the island where you will find a greater choice of accommodation.

Be aware that Lesvos is very popular with birders and photographers especially in spring so you are advised to book well in advance. It\u2019s not uncommon for people to book up 12 months prior to departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WEATHER<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The weather from April is usually fine with warm sunny days and evenings that may require a sweater slung over the shoulder. We may have been lucky during our visits but we have encountered little in the way of rain although it\u2019s not uncommon to have a stiff breeze that will chill if you stand about in it too long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EATING OUT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are self catering and I would recommend this for the serious birder, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from and you will soon find your own favourite. Be aware that if you go in early April not all the restaurants will be open and the ones that are may operate with a reduced menu. We can recommend the Sea Horse in Skala where we had good service, well cooked food, decent wine all at a very reasonable price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the hotels will also provide evening meals although in our opinion they are not to the standard you get in the restaurants, you will also find the choice of meals limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SELF-CATERING<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Self-catering is probably the best option if you\u2019re on a birding holiday as this gives you the flexibility of early starts & late finishes without worrying about meal times. Skala Kalloni has plenty of self-catering apartments and studios but beware, in the main, they are not of the standard you would normally expect in Western Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have yet to find a kettle at any of the apartments we have had, so if you like an early morning cuppa we would recommend you take a travel kettle especially if you chose to stay at one of the hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Greeks also tend to provide the bare minimum of both cooking utensils and cutlery so we restricted our cooking to breakfast after returning from early birding sorties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of these early morning sorties culminated in our visit to one of the two bakeries in Scala Kalloni to stock up on fresh bread and pastries for the day ahead. The old one at the harbour makes bread in a traditional oven and is superb. The new one makes very acceptable bread and has a far greater choice of bread rolls and pastries. I would heartily recommend the apple turnovers from the old one if you can get them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several general stores in Skala, which cater for most things but if you\u2019re a more serious self-caterer then you may need to visit the supermarket, which is situated on the main road into Kalloni town and sells every thing you would expect from a supermarket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you require cash this can be obtained from a cash point machine on the front in Skala near the harbour, instructions can be obtained in English. Credit cards are accepted at most places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you hire a car and stop in Skala your nearest petrol station is on the main road adjacent to the salt pans. If you go to the birding spots to the north a petrol station is situated near the village of Agra<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>BIRDING<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Buy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Birding on Lesvos has been popular with British birders for a dozen years or so and therefore all of the best birding spots are well documented. Love him or loathe him Richard Brooks bird watching guide to Lesvos is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have already mentioned early morning or late afternoon birding previously, at some sites this is essential because of the disturbance caused by unthinking birders and photographers and early morning means just that, pre 06.00am on site I\u2019m afraid. To illustrate this I have seen both Little Crake & Spotted Crake at the Inland Lake every time when I have been there at first light I have yet to see either species once the birders start arriving at say 07.00am<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will soon find the back way to the salt pans from Skala, which will mean you will have to traverse the East River ford, this isn\u2019t a problem at all, but you will be surprised at the number of vehicles that have strayed off the ford and got stuck in the river because the driver has been distracted by the birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sites to visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you stay on Lesvos during April & May the visitors to the island will be predominantly birders and photographers so some disturbance to the birds is inevitable. I therefore suggest birding before breakfast and early evening tend to be most productive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The summary of sites listed below is well documented in Richard Brooks Guide to Birding in Lesvos, together with location maps and directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is a personal account of the main birding sites:-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kalloni 2 Pool<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you choose to stay at Skala Kalloni this pool is right on your doorstep and tends to be the first point of call each morning. The pool can be excellent for waders, terns, ducks and herons depending on the water level. Black-winged Stilts, Water Rail and Little Bittern all breed. Spur-winged and White-tailed Plover, Bittern and Garganey have all been seen during our visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birds of note<\/strong>
Spur-winged Plover, Black Tern, White-winged Black Tern, Whiskered Tern, Bittern, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, White Stork, Black-winged Stilt, Garganey, Spotted Redshank, Water Rail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Kalloni Salt Pans<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kalloni<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This area is excellent and probably the premier birding spot of the island for birding at any time, Be aware that disturbance can push the birds to the centre of the pans, it\u2019s therefore best to bird from the car especially along the access road. Most birders will access the site by the metalled road leading to the main entrance. I suggest for early morning trips you go past the garage and turn right down a rather bumpy track, which accesses the rear of the pans. This means the sun is behind you making identification, especially at distance, far easier. The track is narrow but with a little care it was possible to turn around at the bottom when we were last there in 2001. You may find that other birders will note where you are and before to long you have company, which is fine as long as they park sensibly. For late afternoon and evening trips best views are from the access road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Birds of note<\/strong>
Black Stork, Collard Pratincole, Stone Curlew, Red-necked Phalarope, Avocet, Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Mediterranean Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Common Tern, Little Tern, European Bee-eater, Rufous Bush Robin, Roller, Red-footed Falcon, Tawny Pipit.

East River<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"East<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A drive or walk along the east river can be very rewarding. The area between the road bridge and the sea is very popular but don\u2019t ignore the river above the bridge as this tends to be less heavily birded and some of the rarer birds have been found here. If you take the track on the left hand side of the bridge with the river on your right and turn left towards the silos and then right the track takes you past a smelly goat farm and up to an area, which will afford good views of the surrounding countryside. This has been a good area for raptors in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Birds of note<\/strong><\/strong>
Glossy Ibis, Great Snipe, Marsh Sandpiper, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Ruddy Shelduck, Rufous Bush Robin, Golden Oriole, Black-headed Bunting, Citrine Wagtail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

West River<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although not to be ignored, I have found the west river to be the least productive of the sites around Skala Kalloni, although we did see our first Red-throated Pipits there on our first morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inland Lake<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Inland<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Richard Brooks recommends you stay in your vehicle when you visit this site as your target birds, Spotted Crake, Little Crake and several of the Heron family will disappear at the slightest disturbance. This is sound advice not acted on by many birders so my advice is to visit this site either at the crack of dawn or mid to late evening when most of the birders will be feeding their faces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Birds of note
Spotted Crake, Little Crake, Night Heron, Purple Heron, Alpine Swift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parakila Marshes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my visits to these marshes I have found little of ornithological interest. My advice is to take a cursory glance as you drive slowly past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Devil’s Bridge<\/strong>
The small chapel at Parakila referred to in Brooks\u2019s book as Devil’s Bridge is well worth exploring especially the ravine to the rear, this has produced many good birds in the past. As this area can be affected by disturbance my advice is either an early morning \/ late afternoon visit or stop if there are only a couple of parked cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birds of note
Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Cinerious Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Red-backed Shrike. Lesser Whitethroat, Blue Rock Thrush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Agra Round House<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am not sure if Richard refers to this in his book or not. The term, round house, is used by me to describe a large stone built circular building adjacent to the road as you leave Agra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birds of note<\/strong><\/strong>
Rock Sparrow, Little Owl, Rock Nuthatch, Red-rumped Swallow, Alpine Swift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ipsilou Monastery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"View<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another excellent birding spot, I suggest, if you feel confident, drive up the steep metalled road and park at the car park adjacent to the monastery. You can walk through the main courtyard to a large wooden door at the rear, this allows access to the rear of the monastery and lets you look down from an elevated position on the adjacent trees, which tend to attract many migrants. The alternative is to view at ground level which means looking up through the canopy affording restricted viewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Birds of note<\/strong><\/strong>
Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Alpine Swift, Whinchat, Isabelline Wheatear, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Collared Flycatcher, Rock Sparrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Petra lay-by<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"View<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This area is a recognised site for Ruppell\u2019s Warbler, which tend to be seen on the seaward side of the road, although I have encountered them on the landward side too. The area that is not so well documented is the track on the opposite side of the road that takes you up into a hilly area of scrub. This is an excellent area for warblers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Birds of note<\/strong>
Ruppell\u2019s Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Olivacious Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Pied Flycatcher, Blackcap, Lesser Kestrel, Northern Wheatear<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faneromeni Ford<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Faneromeni<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A personal favourite of mine. This is an excellent area for warblers and heron species, It was a favourite picnic lunch spot for us, especially if you can park the car in the shade of the reeds. Be aware that vehicles do use the ford so leave room for them to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Birds of note<\/strong><\/strong>
Citrine Wagtail, Nightingale, Olivacious Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Orphean Warbler, Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Night Heron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potamia Valley<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The olive groves at the entrance to the valley and en route to the inland lake are superbly carpeted with wild flowers in spring, and a haven for many of the island\u2019s passerines. It\u2019s also the nearest documented site for Olive-tree Warbler to Skala. I have to confess that I have never been able to justify the time to search out this rather elusive bird when there\u2019s so many colourful birds far more confiding. \"PotamiaAs you climb up through the valley, vantage points are apparent where many of the island\u2019s Raptors can be seen. One of these is known as Frances\u2019s camp, which can be reached by way of a rough track that leads from the main track adjacent to the reservoir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birds of note<\/strong>
Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Tree Sparrow, Cirl Bunting, Collared Flycatcher, Bee-eater, Short-toed Tree-creeper, Golden Oriole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Sites<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several other good birding sites referred to in Brooks\u2019s guide such as\u00a0Derbyshire\u00a0and the\u00a0Napi Valley. I find very little to add to what is in the guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is however a marsh referred to as\u00a0Dipi Larssos\u00a0and some Salt Pans in the south of the islands. I would suggest you only visit these sites when you have exhausted all the recognised sites, or if you receive reports of good birds being present. Dipi Larssos however does usually hold both Reed & Great Reed Warbler and occasionally Marsh Sandpiper, so if you need either for your trip list a visit could be included with a trip to Derbyshire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bird Photos\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bird List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  • LITTLE GREBE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tachybaptus ruficollis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2 birds on the East River 28th, 1 bird Inland Lake 29th, 2 at the same venue 3rd & 4th May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CORY’S SHEARWATER<\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/em>Colonectris diomedea<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hundreds of birds moving west, close inshore between Petra & Molivos.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CORMORANT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Phalacrocorax carbo<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Odd birds around the coast.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SHAG<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Phalacrocorax aristotelis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Odd birds on the coast, 5 fishing in the bay at Parakila.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>
  • LITTLE BITTERN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Lxobrychus minutes<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 female Kalloni pool 24th, 1 male on the East River 26th, male & female gave great views at Faneromeni ford on the 30th. 4 males & 2 females were encountered at the inland lake during a pre-breakfast visit.\u00a0<\/li>
  • NIGHT HERON<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Nyctricorax nyctricorax<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Only 2 sightings for the trip, both male birds: 1 on a small watercourse near Andissa, and 1 at the inland lake.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SQUACCO HERON<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ardeola ralloides<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds encountered most days peaking to 4 birds on the Upper East River, and 3 at the Kroussos Ford on 4th May.<\/li>
  • LITTLE EGRET<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Egretta garzetta<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>Birds common at suitable habitats.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GREAT WHITE EGRET<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Egretta alba<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sightings were confined mostly to the saltpans, although 1 bird was seen in the bay near Derbyshire. Singletons most days with 3 at the salt pans May 2nd .\u00a0<\/li>
  • GREY HERON<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ardea cinerea<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds seen at suitable locations, a flock of 27 seen flying high over the salt pans on 29th April.\u00a0<\/li>
  • PURPLE HERON<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ardea purpurea<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 bird flew into the field at the rear of the inland lake on 24th. 3 roosting in the Tamarisk at the same venue, on 3rd May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GLOSSY IBIS<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Plegadis falcinellus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds encountered most days, with 29 on the East River on 26th . Numbers had reduced to a handful by the beginning of May. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • BLACK STORK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ciconia nigra<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Single birds were seen on no fewer than 9 days. Most sightings were on or around the East River. Other sightings were at the saltpans. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • WHITE STORK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ciconia ciconia<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Small numbers of birds were seen on all but 1 day of the trip. Most sightings were concentrated in or around Kalloni 2 pool. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • SPOONBILL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Platalea leucorodia<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A single bird was present throughout the trip on the saltpans feeding with the Flamingos.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • GREATER FLAMINGO<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Phoenicopterus ruber<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Approximately 4\/500 birds were present on 22nd . This number had halved by 4th May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SHELDUCK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tadorna tadorna<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Odd birds especially at the rear of the salt pans. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • RUDDY SHELDUCK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tadorna ferruginea<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds, usually in pairs, were encountered on 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 28th April and 4th May. A flock of 37 was seen on the wetland between Kalloni saltpans and Derbyshire.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GARGANEY<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Anas querquedula<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pairs of birds were seen at the following locations, Potamia reservoir 26th, East River 28th, 29th, 5 were present at Kalloni pool 2nd & 3rd May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SHOVELER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Anas clypeata<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A flock of between 10-20 birds were observed at the Kalloni saltpans unto 26th April. No birds seen after that date.<\/li>
  • MARSH HARRIER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Circus aeruginosus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Singletons were present at both the Kalloni saltpans and the West River on each visit. All birds observed were female.\u00a0<\/li>
  • HEN HARRIER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Circus cyaneus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Only ring-tails were seen, East River 22nd, 23rd, Derbyshire 25th, Saltpans 28th April & 4th May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • MONTAGU’S HARRIER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Circus pygargus<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u00a01 female flew along the ridge behind the chapel at Devil’s Bridge 27th April.\u00a0<\/li>
  • BUZZARD<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Buteo buteo<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Common at suitable locations.\u00a0<\/li>
  • LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Buteo rufinus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A pair display flying at Ipsilou Monastery 23rd, Devil’s Bridge 30th, Kalloni saltpans 1st, Napi Valley 2nd, and Potamia Valley 3rd. \u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • BOOTED EAGLE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hieraaetus pennatus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 male (pale form) Potamia Valley 22nd April.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SHORT-TOED EAGLE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Circaetus gallicus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 male Derbyshire 25th, 1 male Potomia Valley 28th.<\/li>
  • LESSER KESTREL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Falco naumanni<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Small parties of up to 6 birds between Sigri & Andissa 23rd & 27th, 2 birds Faneromeni Ford 27th.<\/li>
  • KESTREL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Falco tinnunculus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds common at all suitable habitats.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>
  • RED-FOOTED FALCON<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Falco vespertinus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 First birds seen at the Kalloni saltpans on 25th April. Small flocks then encountered every day until 2nd May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • ELEONORA’S FALCON<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Falco eleonorae<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Only bird seen, 1 male between Agra & Mesotopos 4th of May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • PEREGRINE FALCON<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Falco<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0peregrinus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u00a01 bird between Petra & Molivos 24th, 1 bird hunting over the salt pans 30th & 1 bird at the Napi Valley 1st May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CHUKAR<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Alectoris chukar<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 bird between Eressos & Andissa 23rd , 2 birds seen Mesotopos & Kroussos.\u00a0<\/li>
  • LITTLE CRAKE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Porzana parva<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0\u00a02 birds encountered during an early morning visit to the Inland Lake on 3rd May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • MOORHEN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Gallinula chloropus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds common at all suitable locations.\u00a0<\/li>
  • COOT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Fulica atra<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Only record was a singleton on the Potamia Valley reservoir 29th April & 3rd May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • BLACK-WINGED STILT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Himantopus himantopus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Common breeding wader present at all suitable habitats.\u00a0<\/li>
  • AVOCET<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Recurvirostra avosetta<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Breeding population of 50 \u2013 100 pairs. Birds seem to be restricted to the saltpans.\u00a0<\/li>
  • STONE CURLEW<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Burhinus oedicnemus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds located at the saltpans from 25th April-4th May. Nesting pair badly disturbed by photographers.\u00a0<\/li>
  • COLLARED PRATINCOLE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Glareola pratincola<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9 birds loafing on a mud spit at Kalloni saltpans 22nd, only other sighting was a single bird at the same venue on the 29th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • LITTLE-RINGED PLOVER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Charadrius dubius<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds seen at all suitable locations.\u00a0<\/li>
  • RINGED PLOVER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Charadrius hiaticula<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Again small numbers at suitable locations.\u00a0<\/li>
  • KENTISH PLOVER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Charadrius alexandrinus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Common breeder on the island.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GREY PLOVER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Pluvialis squatarola<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11 birds in various stages of summer plumage were at the saltpans 26th – 30th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SANDERLING<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Calidris alba<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a02 birds present at Kalloni saltpans 29th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • LITTLE STINT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Calidris minuta<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Common wader with flocks of 50> not uncommon.\u00a0<\/li>
  • TEMMINCK’S STINT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Calidris temminckii<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a01 bird present on a small pool outside Skala on 1st May with 3 at the same venue on 2nd.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CURLEW SANDPIPER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Calidris ferruginea<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9 birds present at the saltpans on 26th-30th April with 14 at the same venue from 1st – 4th May.<\/li>
  • RUFF<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Philomachus pugnax<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A very common wader with 50> at suitable locations.\u00a0<\/li>
  • COMMON SNIPE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Gallinago gallinago<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0A singleton observed flying from Kalloni pool 2nd.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GREAT SNIPE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Gallinago media<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0This bird was located on the upper East River on 2nd. It was thought to be the same bird seen on the lower East River 3 weeks previously.\u00a0<\/li>
  • BLACK-TAILED GODWIT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Limosa limosa<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Just 2 birds present at the saltpans on 29th & 2nd May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SPOTTED REDSHANK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tringa erythropus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Only sighting was 2 birds between Kalloni & Derbyshire on 28th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • REDSHANK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tringa totanus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Single birds seen most days at suitable sites.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>
  • MARSH SANDPIPER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tringa stagnatilis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Up to 7 birds present on the upper East River on 28th, 29th April & 1st & 4th May. \u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • GREENSHANK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tringa nebularia<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Odd birds only seen during the trip.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GREEN SANDPIPER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tringa ochropus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Only 2 sightings of single birds, both on the saltpans. 1 on 22nd & 1 on 24th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • WOOD SANDPIPER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tringa glareola<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 A very common wader with birds at all suitable sites.\u00a0<\/li>
  • COMMON SANDPIPER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Actitis hypoleucos<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 All suitable habitats contained several birds.\u00a0<\/li>
  • TURNSTONE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Arenaria interpres<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 2 birds on the saltpans 29th & 30th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • MEDITERRANEAN GULL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Larus melanocephalus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a02 birds in full breeding plumage present on the saltpans on 25th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • LITTLE GULL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Larus minutus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a09 birds seen feeding on the seaward side of the breakwater at Skala Sikimmia 24th. Singletons at the saltpans on 26th April & 1st May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • BLACK-HEADED GULL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Larus ridibundus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a01 bird only with Little Gull on the saltpans. \u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • SLENDER-BILLED GULL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Larus genei<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a05 birds at saltpans 25th & 26th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • YELLOW-LEGGED GULL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Larus cachinnans<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Birds abundant at suitable locations.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GULL-BILLED TERN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Gelochelidon nilotica<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0A single bird at the saltpans for the duration joined by 2 more on 26th with 2 birds present on 4th .\u00a0<\/li>
  • CASPIAN TERN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sterna caspia<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A single bird was using the saltpans as over-night roost from 28th, usually arriving between 18.30\u201319.00.<\/li>
  • SANDWICH TERN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sterna sandvicensis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8 birds present at the saltpans on 28th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • COMMON TERN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sterna hirundo<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0As its name suggests, the commonest tern of the trip with 50> birds ever present usually at the Kalloni pool & saltpans.\u00a0<\/li>
  • LITTLE TERN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sterna albifrons<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The second most common tern with several dozen present at the saltpans.\u00a0<\/li>
  • BLACK TERN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Chlidonias niger<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Several birds feeding with other terns at the saltpans 30th April & 2nd May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Chlidonias leucopterus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Birds present at the saltpans on 25th, 29th, 30th April also on 2nd, 3rd, & 4th May, numbers peaked at 15. 5 present at Kalloni pool.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>
  • WHISKERED TERN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Chlidonias hybridus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Small numbers seen peaking to 11 on 3rd.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CUCKOO<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Cuculus canorus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Although regularly heard, birds were seen on only 4 occasions. \u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • ROCK DOVE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Columba livia<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 A small colony on the island off Skala Eressos .\u00a0<\/li>
  • WOOD PIGEON<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Columba palumbus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Only 1 bird seen at Potamia Valley 22nd. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • COLLARED DOVE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Streptopelia decaocto<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Common at all locations.\u00a0<\/li>
  • TURTLE DOVE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Streptopelia turtur<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 First seen on 27th then daily thereafter. \u00a0<\/li>
  • BARN OWL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tyto alba<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Birds observed at their traditional nesting site in the old disco building in Skala Kalloni. Possible different bird seen on the road to the old town of Kalloni. \u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • LITTLE OWL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Athene noctula<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 The commonest and only other owl seen, with birds seen all over the island. Birds usually associated with old farm buildings.\u00a0<\/li>
  • COMMON SWIFT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Apus apus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 A common passage migrant with small numbers seen most days.\u00a0<\/li>
  • ALPINE SWIFT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>Apus melba<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Small numbers were seen 23rd, 24th, above Agra & Molivos respectively. Birds were seen using the Potamia reservoir for a drink 30th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • ROLLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Coracias garrulus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Birds were observed on 3 occasions, 1 at the track between the East River and saltpans 28th, 1 at the saltpans 30th & 1 at Kroussos on 4th May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • BEE-EATER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Merops apiaster<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds were present at the usual sites. A flock of 43 was seen passing through the Napi Valley .\u00a0<\/li>
  • HOOPOE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Upupa epops<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sightings on 5 occasions, the most memorable was birds feeding well grown chicks in the Napi Valley 22nd April. \u00a0<\/li>
  • MIDDLE SPOTTED WOODPECKER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Dendrocopos medius<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A pair was feeding young in a dead tree at Skala Kalloni. Birds observed at Devil’s Bridge & Napi Valley .\u00a0<\/li>
  • SHORT-TOED LARK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Calandrella brachydactyla<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The only location birds seen was Kalloni saltpans on 22nd, 26th April & 1st May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • LESSER SHORT-TOED LARK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Calandrella rufenscens<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 2 birds at Kalloni saltpans 1st & 4th May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CRESTED LARK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Galerida cristata<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds abundant over the whole island.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>
  • WOODLARK<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Lullula arborea<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 bird observed display flying above the Kruper’s site, Derbyshire 28th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SAND MARTIN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Riparia riparia<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds very common, passing through the island in large numbers most days.\u00a0<\/li>
  • HOUSE MARTIN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Delichon urbica<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Very common, large numbers of both passage birds & summer visitors building nests.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CRAG MARTIN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ptyonoprogne rupestris<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A small colony of birds at 2 locations in the Grand Canyon .\u00a0<\/li>
  • SWALLOW<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hirundo rustica\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The most common Hirundine of the area.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>
  • RED-RUMPED SWALLOW<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hirundo daurica<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds encountered every day with birds nesting at suitable locations.\u00a0<\/li>
  • TAWNY PIPIT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Anthus campestris\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2 birds Kalloni saltpans 29th April & 1st May\u00a0<\/li>
  • RED-THROATED PIPIT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Anthus cervinus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fair numbers of birds on the West River from 22nd – 24th. Singleton at the saltpans 28th & 1 on the wires on the track between the East River and the saltpans.\u00a0<\/li>
  • WHITE WAGTAIL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Motacilla alba<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Odd birds seen throughout the trip.\u00a0<\/li>
  • YELLOW WAGTAIL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Motacilla flava<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds of most races seen at suitable locations during the trip.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CITRINE WAGTAIL<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Motacilla citreola<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 An obvious influx into the island was evident on 30th April & 1st May. A pair was present at Kroussos Ford. 3 males & a female were at Tavari . A pair with a sub-adult were on the upper East River on 1st.\u00a0<\/li>
  • RUFUS BUSH ROBIN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Cercotrichas galactotes<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The 1st bird was encountered near Faneromeni on 27th. A male was present on the track to Kroussos on 30th and observed displaying on a boulder at the same venue on 1st May. A bird was also present at the saltpans 3rd.\u00a0<\/li>
  • ROBIN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Erithacus rubecula<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Only sighting was in the chestnut woods above Agiassos.\u00a0<\/li>
  • NIGHTINGALE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Luscinia megarhynchos<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Abundant at all suitable habitats.\u00a0<\/li>
  • COMMON REDSTART<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Phoenicurus phoenicurus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Only 1 sighting, a male at Faneromeni on 27th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • WHINCHAT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Saxicola rubetra<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Common at suitable locations.\u00a0<\/li>
  • STONECHAT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Saxicola torquata<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Single birds seen on 23rd, 27th, & 28th. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Oenanthe hispanica<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Very common especially in the west of the island.\u00a0<\/li>
  • ISABELLINE WHEATEAR<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Oenanthe isabellina<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds seen on each visit to the well known site between Sigri & Andissa.\u00a0<\/li>
  • NORTHERN WHEATEAR<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Oenanthe oenanthe<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Only 1 bird seen at the East River on 22nd.\u00a0<\/li>
  • BLUE ROCK THRUSH<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Monticola solitarius<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A common resident.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>
  • BLACKBIRD<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Turdus merula<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Abundant throughout the island.\u00a0<\/li>
  • MISTLE THRUSH<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Turdus viscivorus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2 sightings at the chestnut woods above Agiassos.\u00a0<\/li>
  • FAN-TAILED WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Cisticola juncidis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 bird displaying on the West River .\u00a0<\/li>
  • CETTI’S WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Cettia cetti<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A very common warbler on the island.\u00a0<\/li>
  • MOUSTACHED WARBLER\u00a0\u00a0Acrocephalus melanopogon<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0A male present at Kroussos Ford.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SEDGE WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Acrocephalus schoenobaenus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Birds present at the West River on 2nd.<\/li>
  • MOUSTACHED WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Acrocephalus melanopogon<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A male present at Kroussos Ford. 4th, and at Kroussos on 30th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • REED WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Acrocephalus scirpaceus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Several birds present at Dipi Larssos 28th. Also the saltpans on 2nd. Birds also at the Potamia River on 3rd.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GREAT REED WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Acrocephalus arundinaceus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 1 bird singing on the track between the East River & the Kalloni saltpans, 25th. 2 birds present Dipi Larssos 28th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • OLIVACEOUS WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hippolais pallida<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A common warbler at all suitable habitats.\u00a0<\/li>
  • ICTERINE WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hippolais icterina<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0 1 bird present at the Faneromeni ford on 30th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SUBALPINE WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sylvia cantillans<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Several birds present adjacent to the second lay-by between Petra and Molivos. A male bathing in the Potamia valley on 26th, Napi Valley on 2nd & Grand Canyon on 3rd.\u00a0<\/li>
  • RUPPELL’S WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sylvia rueppelli<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2 males encountered up the track behind the 2nd lay-by on the road between Petra & Molivos on 24th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • ORPHEAN WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sylvia hortensis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2 sightings both adjacent to the Faneromeni ford, 1st on 1st May, 2nd on 4th May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • LESSER WHITETHROAT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sylvia curruca<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2 birds present at Faneromeni ford on 30th.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>
  • WHITETHROAT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sylvia communis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0 Small numbers of birds encountered 22nd, 24th, 25th & 26th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • BLACKCAP<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sylvia atricapilla<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Similar to Whitethroat, small numbers encountered on 23rd, 24th, 27th & 30th. All but the 30th sighting were in the north of the island.\u00a0<\/li>
  • WOOD WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Phylloscopus sibilatrix<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3 birds were present at the 1st ford on the track to Kroussos on 30th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CHIFFCHAFF<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Phylloscopus collybita<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 bird was seen singing at the Kruper’s site in Derbyshire.\u00a0<\/li>
  • WILLOW WARBLER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Phylloscopus trochilus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 bird at Ipsilou on 23rd, 2 birds at Kroussos ford on 30th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SPOTTED FLYCATCHER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Muscicapa striata<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Small number of birds at many suitable locations. Birds seen on 23rd, 24th, 26th, 30th April & 1st, 2nd and 4th May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ficedula parva<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 bird flew down and walked under the car at the Rock Thrush site at the Grand Canyon on 23rd.\u00a0<\/li>
  • COLLARED FLYCATCHER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ficedula albicollis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 bird present at the Grand Canyon on 23rd and 1 at the 2nd lay-by near the disco.\u00a0<\/li>
  • PIED FLYCATCHER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ficedula hypoleuca<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Although not plentiful, birds were seen on 27th, & 30th April, and 1st, 2nd & 4th May.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SOMBRE TIT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Parus lugubris<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds seen at most suitable locations.\u00a0<\/li>
  • BLUE TIT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Parus caeruleus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds encountered on most days, with upland areas being preferred.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GREAT TIT<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Parus major\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The commonest of all the tits with birds seen most days.\u00a0<\/li>
  • KRUPER’S NUTHATCH<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sitta krueperi<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A fleeting glimpse of a feeding bird at the recognised site in Derbyshire.\u00a0<\/li>
  • ROCK NUTHATCH<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sitta neumayer<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds common at all suitable upland sites.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Certhia brachydactyla<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2 adult birds feeding fledglings at the Kruper’s site 25th. Only other sighting Derbyshire on 28th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GOLDEN ORIOLE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Oriolus oriolus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A male in the Potamia Valley on 22nd. 1 male singing above the East River & a male over the track to Kroussos ford.\u00a0<\/li>
  • RED-BACKED SHRIKE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Lanius collurio<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The second most common shrike of the area.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>
  • LESSER GREY SHRIKE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Lanius minor<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds encountered at the following sites, Potomia Valley , Derbyshire & the Grand Canyon.\u00a0<\/li>
  • WOODCHAT SHRIKE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Lanius senator<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The commonest shrike of the region.\u00a0<\/li>
  • MASKED SHRIKE<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Lanius nubicus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The first bird was not encountered until 29th, after which there were several sightings at the East River, Napi Valley and the Potamia Valley.\u00a0<\/li>
  • JAY<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Garrulus glandarius<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds common at suitable sites.\u00a0<\/li>
  • JACKDAW<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Corvus monedula<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A small colony was present at Sigri and the only birds seen.<\/li>
  • HOODED CROW<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Corvus corone<\/em>\u00a0cornix<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Very common corvid. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • RAVEN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Corvus corax<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2 birds present Potamia valley 22nd and the Grand Canyon on 27th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • HOUSE SPARROW<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Passer domesticus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Abundant.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>
  • SPANISH SPARROW<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Passer hispaniolensis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Small nesting colonies were seen throughout the Island, with most around Skala Kalloni.\u00a0<\/li>
  • TREE SPARROW<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Passer montanus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 male was present with the Spanish Sparrows.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CHAFFINCH<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Fringilla coelebs<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds common where mature trees are present.\u00a0<\/li>
  • SERIN<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Serinus serinus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 4 birds present at the Kruper’s site 23rd & 25th. A male in Derbyshire 28th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GREENFINCH<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Carduelis chloris<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds very common.\u00a0<\/li>
  • GOLDFINCH<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Carduelis carduelis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The commonest finch of the region.\u00a0<\/li>
  • LINNET<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Carduelis cannabina<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Common at suitable sites.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CIRL BUNTING<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Emberiza cirlus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Small numbers encountered in valleys with scattered trees.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CINEREOUS BUNTING<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Emberiza cineracea<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Not common, but an accommodating male sang from the top of the conifers at the chapel in Devil’s Bridge each time we visited.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>
  • ORTOLAN BUNTING<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Emberiza hortulana<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 male present at Agra 23rd, and at Molivos on 24th.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CRETZSCHMAR’S BUNTING<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Emberiza caesia<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Birds fairly common at suitable locations.\u00a0<\/li>
  • BLACK-HEADED BUNTING<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Emberiza melanocephala<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 First birds arrived on 25th, the island then seemed full of birds.\u00a0<\/li>
  • CORN BUNTING<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Miliaria calandra<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0By far the commonest bunting with most overhead wires holding birds.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u00a9 Pat Hayes ","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":325,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ghostkit_customizer_options":"","ghostkit_custom_css":"","ghostkit_custom_js_head":"","ghostkit_custom_js_foot":"","ghostkit_typography":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[26,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lesvos","category-trip-reports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=324"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/324\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1389,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/324\/revisions\/1389"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/325"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}