SueO
Saturday 7th October 2006, 12:28
I’ve had another good few days in the Marmaris N.P. One day, I was joined by an exuberant companion. He joined me soon after I entered the park. I enjoyed his company but he was noisy beyond belief. He charged ahead on the dirt roads in the park flushing everything in front of him. Blackbirds chucked and flew from the ground to distant safe tree tops. Two lesser spotted woodies disappeared into the dense cover away from the path. I saw all kinds of birds and shadows of birds fleeing before my charging companion. Alarm calls sounded all around me. I headed for the reeds, but I knew I wasn’t going to see any shy residents there with this guy bouncing all over the place. We walked along the creek and he suddenly jumped in to get a closer view of three domestic ducks; then had the bad manners to spray me, my camera and my binoculars when he shook off. He finally got bored with my sedate approach to bird watching and went his own way. He was actually a good partner, because after he left, the birds filled back in to the area where I was standing and gave me some excellent views. I got a new lifer when I saw both male and female Blackcaps.
This week, I was able to positively id a Middle Spotted Woodpecker. I was sent some detailed info on European Woodies, and I am sure that the green back I saw flying away last week was a Green Woodpecker, because the range for Grey-headed is not this far south. I have studied the looks of the Green and I will know it if I am lucky enough to get a good sighting. My Turkish list is at 39 positively id birds, 46 total. It’s not a long list considering how long I’ve been here, but there really didn’t seem to be much until fairly recently, and I didn’t discover the park until I been here for months.
Another thing I noticed after the rains were tracks of something. I found them in different areas. I tried to follow them, but they always disappeared in the dry or dense areas. I’m wondering what is out here with me. I googled tracks but couldn’t find a match. I thought it could be a feral pig, but the tracks I found on the internet had lateral marks behind the pointy front toes. Anyone have any ideas? Oh--My husband just told me he saw deer crossing signs on the road. I guess it might be a deer track. It seemed too large--about 4 inches across.
I’ve posted photos of my noisy birding companion, unknown tracks, and pirates hiding in the reeds.
This week, I was able to positively id a Middle Spotted Woodpecker. I was sent some detailed info on European Woodies, and I am sure that the green back I saw flying away last week was a Green Woodpecker, because the range for Grey-headed is not this far south. I have studied the looks of the Green and I will know it if I am lucky enough to get a good sighting. My Turkish list is at 39 positively id birds, 46 total. It’s not a long list considering how long I’ve been here, but there really didn’t seem to be much until fairly recently, and I didn’t discover the park until I been here for months.
Another thing I noticed after the rains were tracks of something. I found them in different areas. I tried to follow them, but they always disappeared in the dry or dense areas. I’m wondering what is out here with me. I googled tracks but couldn’t find a match. I thought it could be a feral pig, but the tracks I found on the internet had lateral marks behind the pointy front toes. Anyone have any ideas? Oh--My husband just told me he saw deer crossing signs on the road. I guess it might be a deer track. It seemed too large--about 4 inches across.
I’ve posted photos of my noisy birding companion, unknown tracks, and pirates hiding in the reeds.