The Magic of Lesbos (Week 2) Thu 28th April - Thu 5th May 2011

Transcription

1 Limosa Tour Report Lesbos: The Magic of Lesbos (Week 2) Thu 28th April - Thu 5th May 2011 Photos (clockwise from top): A Black Stork flies right overhead Great views of this singing Eastern Bonelli s Warbler at Ipsilou Widespread on Lesbos, the Crested Lark s pale goggles often make it look half-asleep Lunch break in bunting country for participants on our week two tour to Lesbos A delicate Marsh Sandpiper at Kalloni shows off its finely spotted breeding plumage and needle- like bill Peter Kennerley/Limosa Holidays Report compiled by tour leaders: Gary Elton and Peter Kennerley 1 Limosa Holidays, West End Farmhouse, Chapelfield, Stalham, Norfolk, NR12 9EJ Tel: +44 (0) fax: +44 (0) info@limosaholidays.co.uk website:

2 Trip Diary Tour Leaders: Gary Elton & Peter Kennerley with Paul & Sandy Freedman, Stephen Fuller, Iain & Lynn Gardner, Mike Hambley, Alan & Peter Josephs, John and Carol Ridings, and Paul & Janet Tublin The group arrived at Mytillene on time after an uneventful flight, and with the baggage quickly retrieved and the minibuses collected, we were soon on our way. The drive to our hotel at Skala Kalloni took just short of an hour, with the journey past the saltpans giving our first views of Greater Flamingos, Glossy Ibises and Black-winged Stilts. After depositing our bags we assembled for a short walk along the beach and to nearby Kalloni pool. Crested Larks were seen well on the beach, and the pool produced several Squacco Herons, Little Bitterns and a Purple Heron. The tamarisk bushes and small reedbed held vocal Reed, Sedge and Eastern Olivaceous Warblers, all of which eventually showed well. We started the following day in customary fashion, with an optional pre-breakfast birdwalk - this time around nearby Metochi Lake; most of the group joined in, as they did for the majority of subsequent early morning walks. It was very much a measure of the enthusiasm of the group that they could be heard assembling most mornings outside our hotel block before the leaders had even got out of bed! We made two morning and one evening visits to the lake, where we enjoyed fantastic views of Little Crake (it has to be one of the best places in Europe to see this species), Little Bittern and Night Herons, with Great Reed and very obliging Cetti's Warblers also noteworthy. Other pre-breakfast locations visited included the Kalloni Saltpans, Christou River and the Potamia valley, which between them produced birds such as Montagu's Harrier, Zitting Cisticola, Masked Shrike and Cirl Bunting. Throughout the week, Nightingales, Whinchats and Corn Buntings were arguably the commonest species, with the former seen or heard seemingly everywhere and the latter two noted regularly on convenient perches. We started our first full day at the Christou River, seeing species such as Gull-billed Tern, Black Stork and (eventually) a well-seen Red-throated Pipit. Next stop was 'Scops copse', where we enjoyed great views of a roosting Scops Owl before moving on to the nearby raptor watchpoint. Short-toed Eagles and Long-legged Buzzards were noted, and the nearby hillside proved just as productive with Cretzschmar's Bunting, Rock Nuthatch and Black-eared Wheatear all showing well. The afternoon was spent at Achladeri, searching for woodland species which included Short-toed Treecreeper (with several singing males present), although we were unsuccessful on this occasion in our search for our target species, Krüper s Nuthatch. Next day saw us heading out to the west of the island, stopping first for 'a few minutes' to view a circling Black Kite... But as we explored the surrounding area finding more and more birds - including Woodlark, Barred and Wood Warblers and Redstart - this few minutes stop turned into more than an hour. The nature of birding on Lesbos means that birds can and do turn up anywhere, and several 'two minute stops' stretched to minutes as we discovered more and more birds - which, to my cost, lead to the expression GMT to mean 'Gary mean time! We spent the remainder of the morning exploring the tree-lined slopes leading to the monastery at Ipsilou. Great views were had of species such as Cinereous Bunting, Sombre Tit, Subalpine and Eastern Orphean Warblers and a singing Eastern Bonelli's Warbler, plus the first of seven Little Owls that we were see during the day. A picnic lunch was enjoyed sitting by the monastery taking in the breathtaking scenery. We travelled on to the coast during the afternoon, spending time searching the fields around Sigri and Faneromeni, where again good birds were had by all including a cracking male Collared Flycatcher, a male Red-footed Falcon perched on the telegraph wire, and a Lesser Grey Shrike perched nearby on the pole! The drive back also rewarded us with a flock of a dozen or so Lesser Kestrels accompanied by several Red-footed Falcons. Day four took us to the north coast, stopping first at a favourite raptor watchpoint then travelling on to Petra where we added Rüppell s Warbler and Chukar, along with more Barred and Eastern Orphean Warblers. Good but distant views were had of a small flock of Yelkouan Shearwaters feeding off the headland there. A brief stop at Petra reservoir rewarded us with a male Red-backed Shrike which, surprisingly, was one of only two seen during the week. With rain in the air we headed off to Molyvos and drove the coast road between here and Skala Sykaminias, where we stopped for lunch (which we ate while sitting in the van). Shortly afterwards, the weather cleared and we went for a walk. Almost immediately our attention was drawn to a nearby flock of flava wagtails which held a least six male 'Grey-headed' birds, while at least a dozen Tree Pipits was present in and around the nearby trees - all seemingly grounded by the recent rain. It was here we experienced one of the highlights of the trip, which was dubbed 'the Oriole massive' by several members of the group... Several Golden Orioles had been disturbed by a Common Buzzard as it flew over a nearby woodland and closer inspection revealed there in fact were dozens of orioles perched up in the treetops. The birds constantly moved around making an accurate count difficult, though there could easily have been in excess of a hundred birds present! And this coupled with the 2 Limosa Holidays

3 sounds of the singing males created what was very much a once in a lifetime moment. Driving back through the busy village of Skala Sykaminias was an experience in itself, after which we returned to the hotel via the Napi Valley. Having spent some time driving about the island over the previous few days, day four saw us staying reasonably local, our first stop being a fortuitous one at the Christou River where almost our first scan over the trees and bushes produced a Roller. Initially distant, the bird flew nearer and landed on telegraph wires where we all saw it well. A further visit was made to Acladeri which was relatively quiet bird-wise although a Masked Shrike showed well for us, and several stands of Violet Limodores were found. After lunch we spent the afternoon around the saltpans, adding a good selection of waders to our list including Temminck's and Little Stints, and lovely Marsh, Curlew and Wood Sandpipers. We returned to the hotel 'across country' using a small farm track, and crossing the river at the ford. This proved to be a good move as we chanced upon a small crowd of birders who were looking out across the river at a cracking male Citrine Wagtail! The following day we again headed off to the west of the island again, but stopping briefly at the Christou River where we finally caught up with a juvenile Pallid Harrier that had been roosting there for the last few days. Our next stop was on the outskirts of Parakila, where a Middle Spotted Woodpecker had chosen to nest adjacent to the main road junction. As we walked down from the bus the bird flew out from the nest and after a short wait it or another bird was watched clinging to a nearby telegraph pole. A Wood Warbler also showed briefly and a band of four birding smurfs also appeared (I hope they don't read this!), all dressed identically with matching white beards and haircuts, and who were to continue to amuse us as they were encountered again several times over the remaining days. Our next stop, mainly to avoid the rain, was for drinks at a small taverna at Skala Eresou, while a stop nearby also proved rewarding, producing fantastic views of a male Penduline Tit. The rain quickly showed signs of moving through; as we finished our drinks and went to leave, Peter called an Eleonora's Falcon battling against the wind, and flying low over the water which all the group managed to see. The remainder of the day we spent travelling along the Eresos to Sigri road, taking lunch at Meladia Ford, where birds recorded included (finally!) a male Ortolan Bunting, several Cretzschmar's Buntings, Golden Orioles and a singing Icterine Warbler. The journey home via Andisa allowed us to get great views of Isabelline Wheatear, with initial fears over the windy conditions proving unfounded as at least six birds were seen. One last surprise here was the sight of three Black Kites circling over the nearby hillside. Our last full day on the island saw us heading south to the Polichnitos saltpans, taking the small coast road from Acladeri. Serins had been heard on several previous days but not seen, so on hearing them again as we passed a line of conifers we pulled over and enjoyed good scope views of several singing birds. During our drive several flocks of Bee-eaters were encountered and Spotted Flycatchers were in abundance, an obvious arrival having taken place over the previous day or so. Other species seen included Montagu s Harrier, Masked Shrike and Little Owl. The salt pans, although relatively quiet, still contained a selection of waders and new ones for us today included Redshank and Ringed Plover; both Black and White Storks were also seen. We drove back towards Kalloni with the intention of stopping at woodland en route to look for Krüper s Nuthatch. Our first stop looked good but produced no birds, so we walked across the road to another suitable looking area... and bingo, unbelievably, we had stumbled on a nest site where a pair were busy taking food into their nest at the top of a broken tree stump! On arrival at the Kalloni saltpans we enjoyed great views of mixed flock of terns feeding near the road, and once again a good selection of waders performed for us as we drove along the perimeter road. Arriving at far end of the saltpans, we were aware of the increasing black clouds building above us and, as we walked out across the fields, the first spots of rain could be felt. We scanned the fields noting several Kentish Plovers and as the rain started to increase discovered two Collared Pratincoles on the ground in front of us. With the rain now falling heavily, the group disbanded as everyone started to make their way back to the bus. This was badly timed as at that point large numbers of waders began dropping on to the puddles that were forming in front of us - mainly Little Stints, but also Ringed Plovers and Curlew Sandpipers. A quick vote confirmed an early return to the hotel to dry out was required, with the option of a evening visit to Metochi Lake an hour later to finish the day. The trip to the lake brought the addition of a Baillon's Crake to the trip list though unfortunately only seen by a few members of the group. A leisurely start to our last day on Lesbos saw us going for a local pre-breakfast walk. After breakfast, we finished packing and said our goodbyes to the hotel staff and made our way back to the airport, checking in and departing on time for the return to England. The weather during the week remained unsettled, with mixture of cloud, some rain and sunny periods though this did little to affect the trip itinerary or enthusiasm of the group. Also several stops were made for taverna lunches in Skala Kalloni giving us a chance to experiment and sample local Greek cuisine. Birding, as always with trips to the island, was fantastic with some great birds and magical moments, such as the almost nightly flights of Greater Flamingos over the hotel as we completed our daily log. 3 Limosa Holidays

4 As ever, the success of any tour depends largely upon the enthusiasm of the group. We saw many good birds and had many laughs along the way, so thank you all for making it such an enjoyable tour to lead. Thanks are also due to Thelka, Pela and Panagiostis at the hotel, who looked after us admirably over the week. Peter and I hope you all returned home safely and we hope see you all again in the not too distant future. Gary Elton & Peter Kennerley ANNOTATED LIST OF BIRDS RECORDED (A total of 155 species was recorded by the group) Chukar Alectoris chukar One on a rock overlooking the sea cliff-tops at Kavaki on 1/5. Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Noted on four dates at the Christou River and Mesa pool, with a high of 30 at Mesa pool on 4/5. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Recorded at many sites throughout the island, mostly wetlands, including lakes and Molyvos reservoir. Numerous at Alykes wetlands where it was seen on each visit, with a high of 28 on 2/5. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos A female at Kalloni pool on 28/4, a male at Kalloni saltpans on 30/4 and two at Mesa pool on 4/5. Garganey Anas querquedula A male at Mesa pool on 4/5 was the only sighting. Cory s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea Six off Skala Eresos on 3/5 were a bit too distant to determine whether they were of the expected nominate race, often known as Scopoli s Shearwater. Yelkouan Shearwater Puffinis yelkouan 100+ offshore Faneromeni on 30/4, 100+ off the north coast on 1/5, and 150+ at Skala Eresos on 3/5. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Regularly heard and one or two often seen at Metochi lake and Kalloni pool. Two at Molyvos reservoir on 1/5. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Approximately 1,000 birds present at Kalloni saltpans throughout our stay, and 100+ noted at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. The regular evening fly past over our hotel by a group of up to 150 birds was one of the highlights on this tour. Black Stork Ciconia nigra One seen at the Christou river on three occasions throughout our stay, and others noted included at two at Mesa pool on 29/4, two at Tsiknias River on 2/5 and one at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. White Stork Ciconia ciconia Just five birds seen in total throughout our stay, mostly at or near Kalloni, and all were flyovers. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Regularly seen at Kalloni saltpans, with a peak of 30+ there on 29/4, dropping to just three there on 4/5. Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus Regularly seen throughout the week with some birds posing nicely at Kalloni pool and Metochi lake, where up to four birds were present at both sites. Noted occasionally at the Christou and Tsiknias rivers, and one was at Faneromeni lower ford on 30/4. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax An immature at Metochi lake on 29/4 and two there on 2/5. 4 Limosa Holidays

5 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Quite common with 10+ seen on several days at various locations, although largely confined to Kalloni area, including Kalloni pool, the Christou and Tsiknias rivers, Alykes wetlands and Metochi Lake. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea One or two seen daily, mostly at locations around Kalloni, including Christou and Tsiknias rivers, Kalloni saltpans & adjacent flooded fields, Metochi lake and Mesa pool. Elsewhere, one at Faneromeni fields on 30/4. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Seen in similar numbers and locations as Grey Heron, but with a preference for dense reedbeds. Maximum day total was seven on 30/4. Great White Egret Ardea alba Seen on all visits to Kalloni saltpans with high of four on 4/5. Singles also seen at Christou river and Mesa pool, and two at the Tsiknias river on 2/5.. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Up to 30 seen daily at various sites although most numerous in the Kalloni region. Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis Four on the sea off the north coast between Molyvos and Skala Sykaminias on 1/5, two on the sea at Skala Eresos 3/5. and eight perched on a structure at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. These birds were of the Mediterranean form P. a. desmarestii. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni A flock of 12+ (together with Red-footed Falcons) hunting over the road from Sigri to Ipsilou on 30/4, and 6+ in hills approaching Sigri on the track from Eresos on 3/5. (Common) Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Ones and twos seen daily throughout the regions we visited. Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus A male at Kalloni on 28/4 followed by one at Faneromeni fields on 30/4 and 6+ with Lesser Kestrels later the same afternoon, hunting the hillside near Ipsilou on 30/4, a male showed well at Kavaki on 1/5 and two at Kalloni saltpans on 4/5. Eleonora s Falcon Falco eleonorae One with dark underparts but showing white cheeks and a dark moustachial stripe flew low over the sea close inshore at Skala Eresos on 3/5. Peregrine Falco peregrinus One at Kalloni 28/4, one at the raptor watchpoint on 29/4, and singles at the Christou river and raptor watchpoint, both on 1/5. Black Kite Milvus migrans One over the hills at Andisa on 30/4 and three there on 3/5. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus Regularly seen and encountered daily, with six on 29/4, and eight on 4/5. On other dates singles seen at widespread locations. The ridge above Kalloni saltpans was a particularly favoured location, with six hanging in the air there on 4/5. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus One or two seen daily throughout the island although most were seen at sites near Kalloni and were hunting over wetlands or areas with tall, rank grassland. All were females with the exception of a male at Faneromeni fields on 30/4. A female quartering a small valley near Sigri on 3/5 may have been a newly arrived migrant. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus A juvenile at the Christou river on 3/5 was the only sighting. Montagu s Harrier Circus pygargus A good year for this attractive species with several sightings of females, with single females noted at the 5 Limosa Holidays

6 Christou river on 1/5 and 2/5 (different bird), Kalloni saltpans on 2/5, the road to Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5 and another near Kalloni later the same day. Also a 2nd calendar year male quartering fields by the road to Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus A male seen briefly as we arrived at the raptor watchpoint on 29/4, a male at Kavaki on 1/5 followed by another along the north coast later the same day and, finally, one near Mesa pool on 4/5. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Between 1-3 recorded daily at various localities throughout the island. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus More numerous and widespread than Common Buzzard and recorded daily except 2/5. Numbers peaked on 3/5 with a daily total of five. Little Crake Porzana parva Seen at Metochi Lake, with a male and female there early on 29/4 and 2/5, and a female in the evening of on 4/5, and one seen briefly at Faneromeni lower ford on 30/4. Also heard at Kalloni pool on 3/5. Baillon s Crake Porzana pusilla One seen briefly by some of the group at Metochi Lake on 4/5. Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Recorded daily at several locations. Coot Fulica atra Singles at Kalloni pool on 28/4 and Petra reservoir on 1/5. Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Heard at the hotel on several occasions during the early hours. Elsewhere, two at the Christou river on 29/4 and one there on 4/5, and one at Kalloni saltpans on 2/5. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Recorded daily at several sites near Kalloni. Particularly numerous at Kalloni saltpans with 50+ there including several birds nesting on a small island until the water levels rose and flooded several nests. Also 30+ at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Common at Kalloni saltpans where several recently hatched chicks were noted. Also 10+ at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Singles at the Christou river on 2/5 and Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula At least ten at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5, followed by 30+ in the sheep fields at the back of Kalloni saltpans later the same day. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius One or two recorded on six dates at various locations around Kalloni, including the Christou and Tsiknias river and Kalloni saltpans. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Occurs in good numbers on coastal wetlands and clearly breeding at many sites. Numerous at the Kalloni saltpans and adjacent sheep field where 10-15birds present. Also seen in similar numbers at Mesa pool, the Christou River and Polichnitos saltpans. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Two in flight at Alykes wetlands on 4/5. Curlew Numenius arquata One at the Mresa Wetland on 29/4 was the only sighting. 6 Limosa Holidays

7 Redshank Tringa tetanus Two at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Two singles in breeding plumage at Kalloni saltpans on 2/5. Greenshank Tringa nebularia One heard at the Christou river on 1/5 and four there next day. At Polichnitos saltpans at least 12 present on 4/5. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus One on a roadside pool near Mesotopos on 3/5 was the only sighting. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Up to 30 seen daily at wetland sites throughout the island, with Kalloni saltpans being the favoured location. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos One or two seen at wetland sites throughout the island, but a group of 13 birds at Petra reservoir on 1/5 was exceptional. Little Stint Calidris minuta Numbers increased throughout the week. At Kalloni saltpans, just one on 30/4, increasing to 50+ there on 2/5 and 300+ on 4/5. Elsewhere 20+ at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. Temminck s Stint Calidris temminckii Two on a pool by the busy road at Kalloni saltpans on 30/4 and one there on 4/5. Also three within the Kalloni saltpans complex on 2/5. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Ten at the Christou river on 2/5 followed by 20+ at Kalloni saltpans later the same day. One 4/5, at least 15 at Polichnitos saltpans and 40+ at Kalloni saltpans. Many were sporting the deep blood-red tone of breeding plumage. Dunlin Calidris alpina At least 20 in the sheep fields at the back of Kalloni saltpans on 4/5. All were in breeding plumage. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Common at Kalloni saltpans with up to 50 birds present. Although birds were in breeding plumage the males had yet to develop the ornate head plumes. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola Two on the flooded field at the back of the Kalloni saltpans on 4/5. Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis Very common and seen just about everywhere throughout the week. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Small numbers regularly seen at the Christou river including 6+ on 29/4, 10+ on 2/5, 6+ on 3/5 and two on 5/5. Elsewhere, two at Kalloni saltpans on 3/5 and two at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephala A first-summer at Kalloni beach on 28/4 and another, perhaps the same bird, at the Tsiknias River mouth on 1/5. Little Tern Sternula albifrons Common at Kalloni saltpans with up to 30 birds present on each visit and one or two seen at the Christou river on most visits. Our only visit to Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5 produced 20+ birds. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Two at the Christou river on 29/4 followed by six there on 2/5, two on 3/5 and one on 4/5. Three over fields near Sigri on 3/5. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Kalloni saltpans was the favoured location with 20+ on 30/4, 12 on 2/5 and 10+ on 4/5. 7 Limosa Holidays

8 Black Tern Chlidonias nigra One at Kalloni saltpans on 30/4 and two there on 4/5. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Five at Mesa pool on 29/4 and three off the Tsiknias river on 1/5. Common Tern Sterna hirundo Up to 60 on each visit to Kalloni saltpans, and smaller numbers at the Christou and Tsiknias rivers. Feral Pigeon Columba livia Multi-coloured birds of feral origin seen daily, usually en route while passing through villages. Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Up to ten birds recorded daily at widespread locations throughout the island. More frequently heard than seen. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Common and seen daily throughout the island Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Two at Kavaki on 1/5 and one on the track from Eresos to Sigri on 3/5. Barn Owl Tyto alba One seen twice in the late evening passing through the hotel grounds at Skala Kalloni. Scops Owl Otus scops As usual, the regular bird was perched in its favoured group of eucalyptus trees, where we saw it well on 29/4. Little Owl Athene noctua No fewer than seven individuals seen on 30/4 at various locations in the west of the island. Most were sitting on signs by the roadside. Also, one perched on a building at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. Long-eared Owl Asio otus One in trees by a hotel in Skala Kalloni on 3/5. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba These superb swifts put on a good show for us this year. At least ten at Ipsilou monastery on 30/4, five at Achladeri on 2/5, a total of 10+ at various sites in the west on 3/5 and one at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. (Common) Swift Apus apus Widespread with up to 100 birds recorded daily. Roller Coracias garrulus One at the Christou river on 2/5 was our only sighting. Very few others were reported during the week we were on the island. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Very late arriving this year. We saw our first on 2/5 with parties of eight and five in flight over Kalloni saltpans, followed by five at Faneromeni fields on 3/5. Good numbers arrived on 4/5 and we saw in excess of 100 birds at various locations between Kalloni and Polichnitos saltpans, mostly in flight. Several birds flying over the hotel in Kalloni on 5/5. Hoopoe Upupa epops Regularly heard and occasionally seen at numerous sites throughout the island. Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus media One at Achladeri on 2/5, and another on a roadside power pole near a nest hole at Parakila on 3/5. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Very late arriving this year and just two birds seen. A male near the reservoir at Molyvos on 1/5, and one seen briefly in flight on 3/5 near Andisa. 8 Limosa Holidays

9 Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor One at Faneromeni fields on 30/4 was the only sighting. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Widespread throughout with nine at various sites in the west on 30/4, three along the north coast on 1/5, one at Metochi lake on 2/5, four in the west on 3/5 and three in the Potamia valley on 4/5. Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus Singles noted on four dates at various locations throughout the island. A small arrival on 4/5 with three in the Potamia valley in the early morning, three seen later during the day. Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Widespread and recorded daily at many sites. Mostly just one and two birds noted but an extraordinary large fall occurred on 1/5 along the north coast. As we ate lunch by the roadside between Molyvos to Sykaminias, many males were chasing each other, females were sitting out in small groups and the song of Golden Orioles filled the air. It wasn t possible to accurately estimate the numbers present as birds often dived straight into the canopy. At any one time, however, typically birds would be in view so it seems likely the total for this one patch of woodland would have exceeded 100 individuals. Jay Garrulus glandarius Small numbers seen daily. These birds differ from western European birds by having a dark cap and belong to the race G. g. atricapillus Jackdaw Corvus monedula Three at Sigri on 30/4 and four on a rubbish dump between Eresos and Sigri on 3/5. Hooded Crow Corvus cornix Common and widespread Raven Corvus corax At least ten at various sites in the west on 30/4 and 3/5. Two at the raptor watchpoint above Kalloni on 1/5, one at the Christou river on 2/5 followed by a further three over Achlederi later the same day. Sombre Tit Poeciles lugubris Four at Ipsilou monastery on 30/4 followed by singles in the Napi valley on 1/5 and near Agra on 3/5. Great Tit Parus major Common and widespread throughout the island Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Seen daily throughout the island Coal Tit Periparus ater One seen and several heard in pines near Vasilika on 4/5. Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus A male attending a nest at Skala Eresos on 3/5. Sand Martin Riparia riparia Common and recorded in good numbers throughout the week. Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Two Ipsilou monastery on 30/4, four Kavaki on 1/5 and one at Melaidia ford between Eresos and Sigri on 3/5. Swallow Hirundo rustica Very common throughout the week, many hundreds gathering at Skala Kalloni in the evenings. On 28/4 many birds showed a warm buff to pale reddish wash to the underparts, but not seen on subsequent dates. House Martin Delichon urbicum Common and widespread, and seen regularly throughout the week. Much nest building activity was taking place at the hotel, with one nest being completed in just four days. Unfortunately a pair of Spanish Sparrows squatted in the almost complete nest and prevented the House Martins entering. 9 Limosa Holidays

10 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica Following singles on 28/4 and 29/4, became widespread and numerous thereafter with 30+ on 30/4, 40+ on 1/5, 40+ on 3/5 and 10+ on 4/5. Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla 40+ at Mesa pool on 29/4, 12 at Faneromeni fields on 30/4 and one in flight over the Christou river on 1/5. Crested Lark Galerida cristata Common and widespread at all sites visited. Woodlark Lullula arborea A pair at Andisa on 30/4 and one heard at Ipsilou monastery later the same morning. Thereafter, singles in song at the raptor watchpoint on 1/5, Achladeri on 2/5 and the Melaidia ford near Sigri on 3/5. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Two seen and one heard at the Christou river on 1/5. Savi s Warbler Locustella luscinioides One heard in song at Metochi lake on 29/4 and by the Christou river on 1/5. Cetti s Warbler Cettia cetti Numerous at most wetland areas visited, although the distinctive song was heard more frequently than birds were seen. There were, however, several showy individuals, particularly at Metochi lake, which gave prolonged views in the open. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Heard daily at most wetlands visited and several individuals were seen well. Most numerous at wetlands near Kalloni including Metochi lake, Kalloni pool, and the Christou and Tsiknias rivers. In the west several seen at Faneromeni fields on 30/4. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Common and recorded daily at wetland sites with dense cover and reedbeds, with Metochi lake and Kalloni pool being particularly favoured. Daily maxima included 10+ on 29/4 and 12+ on 2/5. Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Status as Sedge Warbler but numbers smaller, with maxima of 6+ on 29/4. Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Iduna pallida Common throughout and recorded daily. Particularly favours tamarisks bordering wetlands. More frequently heard than seen, its cyclical song, once learned, being distinctive. Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina One in song showed very well in the fig orchard at Melaidia ford on 3/5. Another silent bird appeared briefly in the Potamia Valley on 4/5. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus One in song at Kavaki on 1/5. Eastern Bonelli s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli A male in song showed well at Ipsilou monastery on 30/4. Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix A rather dull bird showed well at Andisa on 30/4, while more typical and brighter individuals were noted at the Napi valley on 1/5 and Parakila on 3/5. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Widespread in small numbers at most suitable sites, with two on 29/4, eight on 30/4, four on 1/5 and one on 4/5. Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria A female at Andisa on 30/4 and a male at Kavaki on 1/5. 10 Limosa Holidays

11 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Two at Ipsilou monastery on 30/4, two at Kavaki on 1/5 and one at Melaidia ford on the track from Eresos to Sigri on 3/5. Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris Two singing males and a female at Ipsilou monastery on 30/4, a female at Kavaki on 1/5 and a male at our lunch stop on the north coast road between Molyvos and Sykaminias, also on 1/5. Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Small numbers seen most days at widespread locations, including one on 28/4, three on 29/4, four on 30/4, two on 1/5 and one on 2/5. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans A male at Ipsilou monastery on 30/4, at least six singing males at Kavaki on 1/5 followed by a pair in the Napi valley later the same day, a pair at Achladeri on 2/5 and one on 3/5. These eastern birds of the form S.c.albistriata have deeper vinaceous (less orange) throats but whiter bellies than western birds, and their song and call is subtly different to that of cantillans and very different to that of moltonii. Rüppell s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli A singing males at Kavaki sea cliff-tops on 1/5. Krüper s Nuthatch Sitta krueperi After failing to find these delightful nuthatches at the regular site at Achladeri, we were fortunate to find a pair by the roadside near Vasilika on 4/5, which were taking food into a nesthole. Western Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer A pair at the raptor watchpoint on 29/4 and 1/5, a pair and nest at Ipsilou monastery on 30/4, and several between Eresos and Sigri on 3/5. Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla A singing male showed extremely well at Achladeri 29/4, and two here on 2/5, plus others also heard at this site. Starling Sturnus vulgaris One at the hotel at Skala Kalloni on 30/4. Blackbird Turdus merula Recorded daily throughout the island. Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos As always, this superlative songster started and ended each day throughout the week at the hotel, and could often be heard during the hours of darkness. Seen and heard at many localities. Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Singles near Andissa and at Ipsilou monastery on 30/4. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Extremely common throughout the week and seen at most sites visited. Typically 100+ birds seen most days. Stonechat Saxicola rubicola A pair at the raptor watchpoint on 29/4 and 1/5, then a pair at Andisa and another pair at Faneromeni fields on 30/4, at least four between Eresos and Sigri on 3/5 and four at Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina Six at Andisa on 3/5, despite the howling gale blowing at the time. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe A pair at Ipsilou monastery on 30/4 and a female at Faneromeni fields later the same day, a female at the raptor watchpoint on 1/5 and one between Eresos and Sigri on 3/5. (Eastern) Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe (hispanica) melanoleuca Common throughout and recorded daily but most numerous on dry, rocky hillsides with scattered scrub, with up to 20 seen daily. All birds of the eastern form O. h. melanoleuca 11 Limosa Holidays

12 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius A male on roadside rocks just beyond Dafia on 30/4, another at Ipsilou monastery later the same day, and a third male between Sigri and Ipsilou also on 30/4, two males Kavaki on 1/5 and one between Eresos and Sigri on 3/5. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Common and widespread throughout the week, becoming particularly numerous on 3/5 and 4/5 with 30+ birds seen daily. Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Two or three at Achladeri on 29/4, 10+ at various sites in the west including Ipsilou monastery and Fanaromeni fields on 30/4, two between Molyvos to Sykaminias on 1/5 and a female at Melaidia ford on 3/5. Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis A male at Achladeri on 29/4 followed by single females at Andisa and Ipsilou monastery on 30/4, and a male and female at Faneromeni fields later the same day. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Very common and widespread. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis Widespread and seen daily but not as numerous as House Sparrow. Several around the hotel at Skala Kalloni where one pair usurped a recently built House Martin nest and evicted the owners. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Black-headed race M. f. feldegg: the most numerous and widespread race and a common breeding bird in the lowlands, particularly around the saltpans at Kalloni, and the saltmarshes at the Christou and Tsiknias rivers. Blue-headed race M. f. flava: a common migrant recorded daily with maxima of 50+ on 29/4 and 1/5. Good numbers appeared during the rainstorm on the north coast on 1/5, with many feeding in grass beneath trees. In addition a bird of the intergrade form dombrowskii was seen at Mesa pool on 29/4. Grey-headed race M. f. thunbergi: A male at mesa pool on 29/4, at least six males where we ate lunch on 1/5 between Molyvos and Sykaminias, and six at Faneromeni on 3/5. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola A first-summer male showed well at the Tsiknias River on 2/5. White Wagtail Motacilla alba Singles at Faneromeni lower ford on 30/4, Tsiknias River on 2/5 and Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis One at Andisa on 30/4 and 12+ in trees where we ate lunch between Molyvos and Sykaminias on 1/5. Others occasionally heard calling in flight elsewhere but not seen. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus One showed well at the Christou river on 29/4 and another flew over the cliffs at Kavaki on 1/5. Others occasionally heard calling in flight but not seen. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Common and widespread, recorded throughout the week. Serin Serinus serinus 6+ seen in conifers en route to Polichnitos saltpans on 4/5. Others occasionally heard in song at widely separated locations while driving. Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Small numbers seen or heard daily. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Common and widespread throughout the island and seen daily. 12 Limosa Holidays

13 Linnet Carduelis cannabina Noted on five dates with up to 20 birds noted at various locations. A bird sporting a blue colour ring was at Skala Kalloni on 5/5, suggesting some birds on the island are of a captive origin. Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Abundant throughout the island. Its song is a characteristic sound of Lesvos. Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea Four at Ipsilou monastery on 30/4 and one heard between Eresos and Sigri on 3/5. Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana A male by the roadside above Melaidia ford on 3/5. Cretzschmar s Bunting Emberiza caesia A pair at the raptor watchpoint on 29/4 and 1/5, at least six males in the north and in the Napi valley on 1/5, and 20+ seen on the west side of island, principally between Eresos and Sigri, on 3/5. Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus A singing male on the north coast road near Sykaminias on 1/5. Another in song in the Napi valley also on 1/5 plus a female and at least one recently fledged chick. Also a male and female in the Potamia Valley on 4/5. Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala Common and widespread throughout. A small arrival occurred on 4/5 when flocks of 10+ males seen and in excess of 30 birds noted on this day. MAMMALS Persian Squirrel Sciurus anomalus Three seen during the week. Beech Marten Martes foina Two road casualties recorded during the week. Stoat Mustela erminea One at the Christou river and another at the raptor watchpoint, both on 1/5. Monk Seal Monachus monachus One at Skala Eresos on 3/5. REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS Glass Lizard Pseudopus apodus Balkan Wall Lizard Podarcis tauricus Balkan Green Lizard Lacerta trilineata Agama Laudakia stellio Striped-necked Terrapin Mauremys caspica Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca Balkan Marsh Frog Rana bedriagae BUTTERFLIES Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius Swallowtail Papilo hospiton Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Clouded Yellow Colias crocea Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Large White Pieris brassicae Red Admiral Vanessa atlanta Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines False Apollo Archon apollinus 13 Limosa Holidays