Limosa - Birdwatching and Wildlife Hoildays Worldwide

Day 1. Thursday 22nd April. Our group met at Heathrow during mid morning and the check-in and flight to Athens and then to Mytilini passed off smoothly and we arrived in Lesbos on time. We acquired our mini buses and after a tour of Mytilini and a 45-minute drive to Skala Kalloni we arrived at the Hotel.

Day 2. Friday 23rd April. We awoke to a cool but sunny morning and at 6.30 went for a pre-breakfast walk along the Kalloni Pool just outside our hotel. There was plenty to see in and around the pool with good numbers of Wood Sandpipers feeding in the muddy pools along the edges and Black-winged Stilts with their long legs able to wade in the deeper water. Squacco Herons were very much in evidence with at least 19 birds present, a male Little Bittern made a short flight over the reeds and a flock of 20 Glossy Ibis flew in and began feeding close to the track where we were standing and seemed unperturbed by our close presence. In the surrounding vegetation Cetti’s Warblers and Nightingales were often heard and occasionally seen, a couple of Great Reed Warblers were much easier to locate and in the surrounding meadows several Whinchats were perched on obvious vegetation stalks. A drive along East River was just as productive with good views of a couple of Pallid Harriers quartering over the meadows and a Long-legged Buzzard soaring overhead, whilst along the banks of the river technicolour Bee-eaters were perching on wires and hawking after bees and pale-looking Eastern Olivaceous Warblers were singing their scratchy songs in the flowering tamarisk bushes. Along the riverbed there were many waders that included Marsh Sandpiper, Temminck’s Stint, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and more of the ever-present Wood Sandpipers. It was an excellent day to look at Pallid Swifts as good numbers were moving through and much more obvious amongst them were a couple of Alpine Swifts. From East River we picked our way through the flowering Violet Limadores and enjoyed the activities of a pair of Krüper’s Nuthatches building a nest and a Short-toed Treecreeper creeping up and down the pine trunks. After lunch in Skala Kalloni, Subalpine Warbler, Woodchat Shrike and brief views of Cirl Bunting. We finished the day at the Salt Pans where large number s of Greater Flamingos were immediately obvious and when we scanned the pools our wader list was further boosted with Avocet, Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff and Kentish Plover. Sitting on a small island was a couple of Collared Pratincoles and as we looked further around the pools their numbers were boosted to ten. It had been an excellent first day and we returned to our hotel eager for more the next day.

Day 3. Saturday 24th April. A warm and sunny day that started with another pre-breakfast walk along the Kalloni Pool where we saw many of the species recorded yesterday and were frustrated by a River Warbler singing in nearby bushes that would not show itself. After breakfast we headed westwards across the centre of the. Our first stop was at the ‘Grand Canyon’ where we had our first good looks at Cretzschmar’s Bunting, a couple of Middle-spotted Woodpeckers, a Subalpine Warbler and excellent views of a Nightingale. On to ‘the triangle’ to look for Isabelline Wheatear. It did not take very long to find one and then another as they obligingly sat on the tops of the low bushes or on rocks – in total we saw half a dozen birds. There were also a few migrants in some nearby trees, notable amongst which was a Wood Warbler and a Pied Flycatcher; on the hill top above us a Lesser Kestrel drifted by. We moved on to Ipsilou, perched high on top of a rocky outcrop and after a brief look around the buildings went in search of migrants on the lee side. A Rock Sparrow was perched on the roof of one of the out buildings to add to a small flock seen by the second bus on the way up and after a short distance an obliging Little Owl was perched on a stony wall. Some of the other breeding species we saw included Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Western Rock Nuthatch and the much sought after Cinereous Bunting. The migrant species were dominated by flycatchers, with good numbers of Pied and Collared and one Spotted, but a good selection of warblers included Wood Warbler, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcap. It was the male Collared Flycatchers that we particularly enjoyed, mainly due to one very obliging bird that spent a lot of time sitting in the open in nearby trees. On the way to lunch we stopped to look at half a dozen Lesser Kestrels hanging in the wind and flying close enough overhead for us to view the distinguishing features, although we couldn’t quite see the pale claws. After a very good lunch we headed for Faneromeni making various stops on the way to look at some Golden Orioles, Red-backed Shrikes and a flock of flava wagtails that included the races feldegg (Black-headed), flava (Blue-headed) and thunbergi (Grey-headed). There were more flycatchers including a first winter Semi-collared Flycatcher that we were able to look at very carefully because of its confiding nature.

Day 4. Sunday 25th April. An overcast morning as we set out on a pre-breakfast jaunt, just a short drive from our hotel, for Black-crowned Night Herons. When we arrived we were pleased to see about a dozen birds sitting in the open along the opposite shore. It did not take us long to find a Little Crake feeding under the overhanging vegetation, a little difficult to see at first but eventually coming more into the open; before long we found several other birds that included one preening in full view. Off to Petra, stopping to look for Rüppell’s Warbler. Almost as soon as we got out of the minibuses one was heard singing and then soon located on the top of a bush and as we looked around the area we saw four birds in total. As we watched these birds two Chukars flew up from the vegetation and flying a short distance before dropping down out of sight again – they proved to be our only sightings of the tour. After a short walk to look at some orchids we moved to the next lay-by and then on to the harbour where we spent a while watching Yelkouan Shearwaters flying past. Making one stop on the way back for lunch, after a brief search, a pair of Scops Owls were located roosting in a Eucalyptus Tree trying their best to look like tree bark and almost succeeding – everyone enjoyed wonderful views of these delightful birds. After lunch we headed off to the Salt Pans where we saw many of the species seen on previous visits plus two new ones, a Stone-curlew and a couple of White-winged Black Terns. We moved on to the sheep field where we had a good opportunity to look at Short-toed Larks, a couple of Red-throated Pipits - one of which had a bright red throat - and a flock of Ruff that included a male with quite an advanced white ruff. As we drove back to our hotel we had one unexpected stop near East River when a male Black-headed Bunting was singing from a bush in the middle of a field – it was the first of many that we would see in the next few days.

Day 5. Monday 26th April. After breakfast we drove along East River on another overcast morning and it wasn’t too long before we were watching more Black-headed Buntings along the track, to add to the one seen on the previous evening, whilst along the river itself a lone Purple Heron was fishing in the river. Our main destination for the morning was Agiassos but we stopped along the way to look at six Red-footed Falcons sitting on wires not far from the road. As we watched them two Stone-curlews were spotted along the beach on the opposite side of the road. We carried on with our journey, stopping again to look at some orchids that Included Naked Man, Toothed and Lax-flowered. In the pine and sweet chestnut woods there were more orchids to enjoy such a Rheinhold’s Bee Orchid, Sword-leaved Helleborine, Green-winged Orchid and Tongue Orchids - there were also plenty of other flowers to enjoy such as anenomes and fritillaries. Amongst the birds we saw were Short-toed Treecreeper, Subalpine Warbler, Serin and Middle-spotted Woodpecker. We made our way back to Skala Kalloni for lunch and then spent the afternoon exploring the Napi Valley. Our first stop proved to be rewarding with excellent views of Sombre Tit, Western Rock Nuthatch, Black-eared Wheatear and Cretzschmar’s Bunting. Further on there were good views of Eastern Orphean Warblers, Masked Shrikes, Cirl Buntings and as we were returning we watched a Black Stork gliding effortlessly over the valley in the late afternoon sunshine. Another good day's birdwatching to reflect on as we returned to our hotel.

Day 6. Tuesday 27th April. A generally overcast day with an increasing number of sunny spells in the afternoon and a strong westerly wind that was no doubt responsible for a new influx of migrants. After a pre-breakfast stroll at Kalloni Pool, where the Glossy Ibis were ever present and the pair of Garganey were seen, we headed off to the west side of the island again. We stopped for two Lesser Grey Shrikes that had been reported and it wasn’t long before we had located them, although they were a little distant. The next bird we admired was much closer, a Roller on wires. Short-toed Eagles hovered in the wind and we found Sombre Tit, Blue Rock Thrush, Cretzschmar’s Bunting and Black-eared Wheatear as we strolled up to the Chapel. We continued our drive to Eressos, enjoying the wild and spectacular scenery and seeing a good selection of passerines that included Ortolan and Cretzschmar’s Buntings, Lesser Grey, Woodchat and Red-backed Shrikes, three Icterine Warblers and, at the ford, Great Reed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat. Raptors were also well represented with a pair of displaying Long-legged Buzzards, one light morph and one dark morph Eleonora’s Falcons (perched on rocks, after which they soared low just above us) and Lesser Kestrels and Red-footed Falcons were seen soaring over hill tops. After a very pleasant lunch in Sigri we drove to the beach and despite the strong wind spent a while sea watching where there were good numbers of Yelkouan Shearwaters over a very choppy sea and at least three Cory’s Shearwaters were seen dipping in and out of the wave troughs. Looking in the opposite direction, a first summer Citrine Wagtail was feeding around the edge of the reeds. Then we experienced one of the most impressive signs of migration when about 200 Black-headed Buntings were observed moving around in flocks of 30 or 40, well supported by Rollers, Golden Orioles, Lesser Grey Shrikes, a first summer Pallid Harrier and a Masked Shrike, that was building a nest. A little windswept but full of memories of many good birds we headed back to Skala Kalloni.

Day 7. Wednesday 28th April. A cloudy start to the morning as we went on a pre-breakfast foray - but it was not long before the sun was breaking though. As soon as we arrived we saw nine Night Herons sitting along the opposite bank and after a brief search a Little Crake was seen feeding along the muddy edges, although it was the only one we would see compared to five on our previous visit. A River Warbler was heard singing from some bushes but true to form refused to show itself unlike the hundreds of hirundines that were roosting on the bushes around the lake. After breakfast we headed up to an area inland from Kalloni. Our search for Rufous Bush-robin was unsuccessful but there was ample compensation when a first summer Lanner came drifting overhead, circled around for a while and then headed off east. There were other species to enjoy such as Sombre Tit, Blue Rock Thrush, Eastern Orphean Warbler and our one and only Hobby of the tour. From there we headed on down to the Salt Pans where there were still good numbers of waders that included some summer plumaged Spotted Redshanks, Curlew Sandpipers and a single Redshank, the latter being the only one of the tour. One of the most enjoyable sights was of some Red-footed Falcons perched on wires close to the road and as we watched they occasionally dropped to the meadow below them to catch their prey before returning to the wire. After a pleasant lunch we set off in the hope that maybe Olive-tree Warblers had arrived. Soon we began to enjoy Western Rock Nuthatch, Masked Shrike, Eastern Orphean Warbler,Short-toed Eagle and Black Stork, while a nest hole of Middle Spotted Woodpecker was discovered and some of us watched the parents bringing food for their young. We kept our ears open for the slow and lumbering song of Olive-tree Warbler but without success, until we were informed by other birdwatchers that there were two birds singing further down the road. We went to the spot and eagerly listened and, as is normal with this secretive species, were initially frustrated in our attempts to see the bird. Gradually, however, we began to get fleeting glimpses of one of two birds and were finally content when it sat in the open and preened itself for about fifteen seconds. We returned to the hotel for our final night in good spirits.

Day 8. Thursday 29th April. An early morning start for our drive to Mytilini and our flight to Athens. On arrival we said goodbye to lucky old Brian who was remaining on the island to lead our second group, arriving today. Our flight to Athens and then our connecting flight to London went smoothly with time to reflect on a very exciting week's birdwatching on a beautiful island in the Aegean.

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES

(Total no. of species 156)

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Two seen regularly on Kalloni Pool and up to four on Inland Lake.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Two in Kalloni Bay from the Sheep Field on 25th.

Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea

Three seen on 27th during a sea watch on a very choppy sea.

Yelkouan Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan

About 30 or so on 24th and good numbers on 25th and 27th.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

One seen on a couple of occasions at the mouth of East River, a couple at Sigri on 24th and a couple between Petra and Molivos on 25th.

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Seven on 25th and one on 27th. A single bird near Molivos on 26th.

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus

A total of 11 with one or two recorded each day at venues such as East River, Kalloni Pool and Faneromeni Ford.

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Recorded at the roost with 15 on 25th and nine on 27th.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides

Recorded in good numbers throughout the week mainly on the Kalloni Pool and along East River.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Recorded in quite good numbers on most days.

Great White Egret Ardea alba

A total of three birds on 24th and single birds recorded on each of the other days.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

A total of ten birds recorded throughout the week mainly from the East River and on the Kalloni Salt Pans.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

One along East River on 26th and one on the Kalloni Pool on the morning of 29th.

Black Stork Ciconia nigra

Single birds in the Napi Valley on 26th and 28th – the first was seen soaring effortlessly and majestically over the valley – these two sightings could relate to the same individual.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia

A total of 11 recorded during the week that included a pair around Skala Kalloni and a pair nesting on Eressos church.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

A flock of 20 was on Kalloni Pool on 22nd and subsequently fewer birds were seen there as the week progressed.

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus

Good numbers were ever present on the Kalloni Salt Pans with an estimated maximum of 630 birds on 25th.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Three birds in fields at Faneromeni on 24th. At Kalloni Salt Pans and the sheep field up to 25 birds were recorded.

Pintail Anas acuta

Recorded on Kalloni Salt Pans with three on 23rd and two on 25th.

Garganey Anas querquedula

A pair was seen on Kalloni Pool on 23rd and again on the morning of 29th.

Shoveler Anas clypeata

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

Seen daily in ones and twos with a weekly total of 18 birds.

Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus

One on 23rd, two on 27th and a combined total of five on 28th.

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni

Good numbers on 24th and at least 25 on 27th during a very good raptor day.

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Recorded in ones and twos on most days with a weekly total of 11 birds.

Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus

Very good sightings in the second half of the week with six in Derbyshire and seven on 26th, 15 on the west side of the island on 27th and on 28th 20 in the Napi Valley and 15 on wires alongside the road at Kalloni Salt Pans.

Hobby Falco subbuteo

A single bird in the Upper East River was the only record.

Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae

Four birds seen on 27th, two over distant hills and two, one light and one dark morph, that were seen perched on rocks and flying low over our heads.

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus

A 1st summer bird was seen flying overhead at upper East River on 28th.

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

One from East river on 23rd, one in the Napi Valley on 26th and three at the west side of the island on 28th.

Chukar Alectoris chukar

Two along the cliff tops on 25th.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Heard calling on three separate occasions from the Kalloni Pool but no sightings.

Little Crake Porzana parva

Seen very well, with five on 25th that included a young male preening in full view and one on 28th.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Recorded in quite good numbers at the Kalloni Pool and at Inland Lake.

Coot Fulica atra

A few birds seen on several days at the Kalloni Pool with many more at Inland Lake.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Numerous on Kalloni Pool and on Kalloni Salt Pans.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

A flock in excess of a 100 birds was ever present at the Kalloni Salt Pans.

Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

One on Kalloni Salt Pans on 25th, two at Derbyshire on 26th and one calling from East River on 28th.

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola

Only recorded at the Salt Pans with 10 on 23rd, two on 25th and 20 on 28th.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Recorded in quite good numbers on most days particularly along East River and at Salt Pans.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

One on meadows adjacent to Salt Pans on 26th and four at Faneromeni the following day.

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus

Small numbers recorded on Salt Pans and adjacent meadows, on the sheep field and on saltings at West River.

Sanderling Calidris alba

Four at the mouth of East River on 23rd.

Little Stint Calidris minuta

Good numbers along East River and on Salt Pans and one at Faneromeni on 27th.

Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii

Seen along East River throughout the week with a maximum of six birds recorded.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

Only recorded on Salt pans with a maximum daily total of 17 birds on 28th.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

Good numbers along East River throughout the week, with a marked increase on 28th when over a 100 birds were present. There were also sizeable flocks on salt Pans and on the sheep field where one flock contained a male with quite an advanced white ruff.

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

A single bird on the sheep field on 25th was the only record.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Seen on several visits to Salt Pans with a maximum of 20 on 25th – many of the birds were well into breeding plumage when they can look particularly stunning.

Redshank Tringa tetanus

A single bird was on Kalloni Salt Pans on 28th and was our only sighting.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis

A total of seven recorded during three visits to Salt Pans and a single bird along East River on 23rd.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Seen fairly regularly in small numbers along East River and on Kalloni Salt Pans.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

A few birds along East River with two on 23rd and singles on 26th and 28th.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Very common throughout the week; ever-present along the rivers and in all the pools and flooded meadows.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Recorded in ones and twos along East River, at Inland Lake, around Salt Pans and at Faneromeni Ford.

Mediterranean Gull Larus Melanocephalus

A single bird was present on 23rd.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

An adult on 23rd was the only record.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

A single bird in the gull roost at Faneromeni Beach on 27th was the only record.

Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans michahellis

Very common, recorded in good numbers every day.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Recorded daily in numbers up to about 20 along East River and on the salt Pans.

Little Tern Sterns albifrons

Several birds at the mouth of East River but good numbers at the Kalloni salt Pans.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus

Several recorded at Kalloni pool and along east River but the best sighting was a flock of 32 at Salt Pans on 25th.

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus

Two birds recorded at Salt Pans on 25th and again on 26th.

Rock Dove Columba livia

Noted daily but not in any significant numbers.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Very common, recorded in good numbers throughout the week.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

Recorded in small numbers daily with a maximum of 15 on 24th.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Two on 26th with one at Agiassos and one in Napi Valley, one at Faneromeni on 27th and one in Napi Valley on 28th.

Scops Owl Otus scops

Two birds seen well roosting in a Eucalyptus tree on 25th and whilst we were watching one was heard calling.

Little Owl Athene noctua

One at Ipsilou on 24th, two on 26th and one on 27th.

Alpine Swift Apus melba

Recorded on most days in varying numbers with peak passage on 24th and 27th when good numbers were seen.

Common Swift Apus apus

Only six on 23rd and then much more common for the rest of the week.

Pallid Swift Apus pallidus

A very big passage on 23rd and subsequently two on 24th and 26th, and five on 27th.

Bee-eater Merops apiaster

Recorded in numbers up to 30 every day, although on a couple of days they were only heard.

Roller Coracias garrulous

One along East River on 23rd, two at the west end of the island on 27th and one on wires on 27th and 28th.

Hoopoe Upupa epops

One at Ipsilou on 24th and one seen and others heard on 26th and 28th.

Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius

Two in the Grand Canyon on 24th; six on 26th and a pair at a nest hole on 28th.

Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla

Over 20 seen on each of our visits to the sheep field on 25th and 26th.

Crested Lark Galerida cristata

Very common, recorded in good numbers every day.

Woodlark Lullula arborea

One on the west side of the island on 27th.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Very good passage throughout the week with a large influx after the ‘big blow’ on 27th.

Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris

A total of 17 birds seen during the week with small numbers at Ipsilou, Grand Canyon and the Potamia Valley.

Swallow Hirundo rustica

Very common throughout the week.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica

Very common throughout the week.

House Martin Delichon urbica

Very common throughout the week with several hundred staying in the hotel with us!

Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris

Two on the Sheep Field on 25th.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

Recorded in ones and twos every day of the week except 25th when seven were seen and 27th with at least ten.

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus

One on Kalloni pool on 23rd, one heard calling on 24th and two plus one heard in the sheep field on 25th that included one with a very red throat.

Yellow Wagtail Motacillaflava

Recorded in good numbers throughout the week during which three races were identified with feldegg (Black-headed) the most common, flava (Blue-headed) and thunbergi (Grey-headed).

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola

A female on the edge of Kalloni Pool on 27th and a first summer male at Faneromeni later the same day.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba

One at Sigri on 24th, one heard on 25th, one at Faneromeni on 27th and one at Inland Lake on 28th.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

One heard in the Grand Canyon on 24th and three seen and others heard above Agiassos on 26th.

Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos

Very common every day and on several occasions we obtained good views of this species.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

Very common throughout the week with birds seen in all parts of the island.

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

Four birds seen on the west end of the island on both 24th and 27th.

Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina

About ten birds seen at the ‘triangle’ on 24th and one as we drove by on 27th.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Three at the west end of the island on 24th, a male on 26th and two on 27th.

Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica

Common in rocky areas, which is quite widespread on the island particularly on the west side.

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius

A healthy scatter of records.

Blackbird Turdus merula

Fairly common throughout the tour.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

One on 26th.

Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti

Its explosive song was often heard around the Kalloni Pool, at Inland Lake and along East River but only a few were seen daily, sometimes fleetingly.

River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis

Two birds heard singing, one on 24th and the other on 28th, but try as we did neither birds would show themselves.

Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides

One heard singing from the reeds but like the previous species it could not be located.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Common around wetland areas and along riverbanks.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

A total of 30 birds recorded throughout the week with 20 on 28th.

Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus

Recorded every day with a grand total of 18 birds.

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida

Seen daily with quite good numbers around locally.

Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum

An eleventh hour attempt to find them proved to be successful with three birds located. Its laborious song was heard and everyone eventually had brief views of one bird that was prepared to show itself.

Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina

Three on 27th.

Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantilans

Fairly widespread throughout the island in suitable habitat.

Rüppell’s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli

Four birds seen on 25th.

Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris

One on 24th, three on 26th, three on 27th and a total of four on 28th.

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

A total of 14 recorded throughout the week.

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

A total of ten birds seen during the week and some heard singing.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

Two birds recorded one on the 24th and the other on the 26th.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

A total of 13 recorded throughout the week.

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

At least six birds seen on the west end of the island on 24th, one on 26th and one on 27th.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

One on 26th and by at the ford.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Two at Ipsilou on 24th.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

At least 20 birds on the west end of the island on 24th and subsequently only four birds recorded on three separate days.

Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis

Over 20 birds at the west end of the island on 24th and subsequently four seen during the rest of the week.

Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata

A 1st summer male was scrutinised at Faneromeni on 24th and it proved to be the only record for the week.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Two on 23rd, over 50 birds at the west end of the island on 24th and in the west again two on 17th.

Sombre Tit Parus lugubris

Four on 26th, one on 27th and on 28th one heard at East River and one on 28th.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

Common, recorded in good numbers throughout the week.

Great Tit Parus major

Common, seen in good numbers every day of the week.

Krüper’s Nuthatch Sitta krueperi

A pair watched visiting a nest site on 23rd.

(Western) Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer

Two pairs at on 24th and subsequently several seen and others heard.

Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla

One on 23rd and one in pine woods on 26th.

Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus

A total of ten birds recorded throughout the week mainly at the west end of the island.

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio

Recorded in ones and twos daily until the last two days when there was a marked increase with 35 birds recorded.

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor

The first birds arrived in style on 27th when we recorded 15 birds at various locations. Four were seen the following day.

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator

About 50 birds were recorded throughout the week.

Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus

A total of 14 birds seen included one building a nest at Faneromeni.

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Single birds on each of 23rd, 24th and 25th, and six on 26th.

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Up to 50 recorded in the Sigri area during our two visits and three at Molivos.

Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

Very common throughout the week.

Raven Corvus corax

Four recorded.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Very common throughout the week.

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis

Very common throughout the week.

Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia

Five at Ipsilou on 24th and three elsewhere on 27th.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Common throughout the week.

Serin Serinus serinus

One seen and others heard on 23rd, two on 25th and common in the woods above Agiassos.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

Recorded every day of the week in varying numbers.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Very common throughout the week.

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

A total of 20 recorded throughout the week with the vast majority on the west side of the island.

Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus

Small numbers recorded nearly every day except for 28th when at least 20 were seen.

Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana

A young male on 26th and three on 27th.

Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea

Five on 24th and four on 27th.

Cretzschmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia

Common in rocky terrain.

Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala

One on 25th followed by six the next day, but the real influx came on 27th when a fall of at least 200 were seen at Faneromeni.

Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra

Very common throughout the week.

MAMMALS, REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS:

Persian Squirrel Balkan Green Lizard

Stone Marten Turkish Gecko

Spur-thighed Tortoise Bottle-nosed Dolphin

Striped-necked Terrapin

Marsh Frog

BUTTERFLIES

Swallowtail Papilio machaon

Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius

Eastern Festoon Zerynthia cerisyi

False Apollo Archon apollinus

Large White Pieris brassicae

Small White Artogeia rapae

Eastern Dappled White Euchloe ausonia

Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines

Clouded Yellow Colias crocea

Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta

Painted Lady Vanessa cardui

Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus

Maniola telmessia – confined to the E .Aegean islands and has no English name

Wall Brown Lasiommata megera

Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas

Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus

Scotch Argus Erebia aethiops

Persian Skipper Spialia phlomides