[Sleeper]

I know it's took a while but if anybody has the stomach for another Lesvos trip report please click the link below.

Lesvos 2008 Trip Report

I have done 3/4 of the info so far so any feedback is greatly received, even negative. Thanks

[deborah4]

Surprised no one has picked up on this Steve. It's visually one of the best presented trip reports I've seen with class photography to boot. More to the point, as a potential trip planner for someone considering Lesvos, it's informative, clear and easy to follow. I hope you fill in the rest of the diary!

[Hils at Birdwing]

Yes Steve,
As Deborah4 says your report is beautifully presented with some fantastic photos!
Brilliant!
Hils

[Sleeper]

Ooaahhh thanks very much I appreciate your kind comments.
It has taken more time to put together than I hoped but I am pleased with it so far, and like you say I will have to finish the text.

Thanks again for comments.

[Sandra (Taylor)]

Really enjoyed your Lesvos report Stephen. Tried to print it but it's missing some text from the r/h side. I've tried to minimise it before printing but it won't do that.

Next year will be approx our 9th time to the island.

The Kalloni pool really is not like it used to be. My husband remembers seeing 40 species over and on the pool in half an hour. It used to be open water with some muddy pools and reedy edges. . We forsook the Kalloni II 3 years ago for the Aegeon Hotel just up the 'promenade' when the scrub/sandy land in front of that hotel was full of water with loads of birds - and we can watch that area from the breakfast terrace. We will be there in May 2009.

I've never heard the Inland Lake called the Metochi pool. We were told that the word 'matochi' that appears on signs as you approach the pool means 'chapel' and that is where the road eventually leads to - a beautiful chapel and quiet wooded area where we usually see cirl buntings. Well worth the drive right to the end.

Sandra
(Not a million miles from you - in Walsden)

[Steve Dudley]

Nice report and great photo Stephen. I'll list it and link it on lesvosbirding.com.

Sandra, those of us who prefer to use Greek names, rather than the rather silly British birder-centric names that have developed, adopted Metochi Lake some years ago. Your right that the name Metochi relates specifically to the chapel, but the locals know this area as Metochi because of the chapel. If you visit lesvosbirding.com you'll also find local names of rivers etc.

[Sandra (Taylor)]

Thanks for that explanation Steve. I've never heard it called 'Metochi lake' until this year so I'm afraid it will always be the Inland Lake to me - old habits die hard.

Sandra

[Mick Sway]

It is easy to get blase about Lesvos trips, because many Spring species are easy to see on the island, but difficult elswhere.
Anything can turn up.
Makes us want to go back even though we felt 2008 would be the last time.
Well framed report and pics.
Mick & Tina Sway

[Sleeper]

Thanks again for the comments and feedback.

Sandra, I have no preference for Greek or English names it's just what has stuck in my head for a particular place, although it is probably good practice to use Greek names if nothing else but map reading ie river names etc.

Re the Kalloni pool, the amount of people that told me the same as you about species seen here although I was happy with Ferruginous duck I got on there. We also noted the Aegeon and as you say a good spot near to the west river.

Steve: Yes please do link it to your great site. I used your info a great deal and found it to be very accurate and helpful.

Mick: Having now been to Lesvos and experienced what you mention I think it most likely we will return ourselves although I was gob smacked about how many on the island had been going to the island 10 years or so straight! This must be a good measure of how good the birding is.

As said thanks for the feedback really nice of you all.

[Hils at Birdwing]

Hi,
Can I just put in a little plug to say there are other wonderful places in Greece to see birds...

Why not go for bit of variety and go somewhere different? Get out of your comfort zones & do a bit of that old fashioned birding where you find things for yourself too!

.. wouldn't you like Black and Griffon Vultures and Imperial Eagles on your list?

Hils

[Steve Dudley]

Stephen, I've now done 17 trips there since 2000. I go spring and autumn (back out there next month for a week). I used to holiday in the UK each spring (various places) and autumn (Scilly) but the birding on Lesvos is simply so good and now forms a major part of my birding year. Not to mention better value for money than holidaying in the UK!

Every spring is different. Spring 2008 was by far the best I've had out there. My best ever fall of migrants (anywhere), best ever raptor list I've had in nine years and not too bad for rares either - why, I even got four Lesvos ticks! Autumn is much slower but just a great way to spend a week with relaxed birding.

[Blakeney Resident]

Originally Posted by Hils at Birdwing

Hi,
Can I just put in a little plug to say there are other wonderful places in Greece to see birds...

Why not go for bit of variety and go somewhere different? Get out of your comfort zones & do a bit of that old fashioned birding where you find things for yourself too!

.. wouldn't you like Black and Griffon Vultures and Imperial Eagles on your list?

Hils

went to Chios last may which is the island just South of Lesvos, although i've never been to Lesvos, all the time we were there we got the impression this is what Lesvos is like with no birders. Because its hardly ever been birded we recorded firsts for the island such as Orphean Warbler, Thrush Nightingale, Marsh Warbler, Lesser Grey Shrike, and self found numerous breeding Masked Shrike, Ruppells, Cretzschmar's Bunting, Rufous Bush Chat etc and experienced a 100+ fall of Red-backed Shrikes. There was one resident naturist who was incredibly helpful - theres no saltpans or Kruper's Nuthatch - (but who knows!) but was absolutely awesome,

anyone interested in more info pm me.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by Steve Dudley

...........back out there next month for a week...................

Lucky you! I just finished my diary (I know, it took ages) and have yet to modify it for the internet but I promise it will be done before you go back!

[Steve Dudley]

About time Andrew!

Let me know when and where you have posted it and I'll get it listed on lesvosbirding.com. Sorry I havent done anything with the pics you sent but short on time and unable to host others photos just now.

[Steve Dudley]

Hils - you're right. Not only in Greece either - the whole world is out there!

I for one like to get under the skin of a place. I cant stand visiting somewhere just the once (unless I dont like it of course). After 17 trips I still feel that I'm still only scratching the surface on Lesvos and each year I continue to find new sites for many species, etc.

But then I dont go to Lesvos just for my hols. First and foremost its somewhere I love and I'm lucky to get to work there each year. And if I'm really lucky I fit in a couple of weeks hols to enjoy the island and recce for new sites and to help improve our knowledge of the island by recording what I see. The problem with the latter is finding the time to submit all the records via OrnithoTopos.

[Penny Clarke]

Originally Posted by Sleeper

I know it's took a while but if anybody has the stomach for another Lesvos trip report please click the link below.

Lesvos 2008 Trip Report

I have done 3/4 of the info so far so any feedback is greatly received, even negative. Thanks

Hi Stephen

Sorry, only just noticed this thread!!!!!

Beautifully laid out report with fantastic pictures

I can't wait until next year - maybe see you and your wife there again.

Best Wishes Penny

[Sleeper]

Hi Penny
Thanks for the comments. It feels a long time since we were there cannot believe it was only May.

Sadly we wont be visiting next year as a trip to Goa has been planned but I would imagine we shall return before to long as it really was a fantastic place. Where did you manage to book in at this time as if I remember you were op North last time?

Betcha can't wait already! Thanks again

PS Saw you a few times at the Bird Fair and you looked on each occasion like a woman possessed...in the nicest possible sense.

[Penny Clarke]

Originally Posted by Sleeper

Hi Penny
Thanks for the comments. It feels a long time since we were there cannot believe it was only May.

Sadly we wont be visiting next year as a trip to Goa has been planned but I would imagine we shall return before to long as it really was a fantastic place. Where did you manage to book in at this time as if I remember you were op North last time?

Betcha can't wait already! Thanks again

PS Saw you a few times at the Bird Fair and you looked on each occasion like a woman possessed...in the nicest possible sense.

Hi Stephen

Goa sounds good though!!! I have booked in Skala Kalloni this time and for 2 weeks!

Re: Bird fair - you should have said hello! Woman possessed... hmmmmm.... oh dear!

Best Wishes Penny

P.S. See my bird fair thread on
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=120994

[Sleeper]

Penny
Had a good read of your thread earlier today...very enjoyable. It sounds like you enjoyed yourself and I thought the time spent taking photos of the stands was a nice touch.

Be interesting to see how you like Skala Kalloni as a base. I wish I was back in the Ambrosia restaurant counting the White Storks flying over at sunset...Ah maybe squeeze in a Autumn break!

[Penny Clarke]

Originally Posted by Sleeper

Penny
Had a good read of your thread earlier today...very enjoyable. It sounds like you enjoyed yourself and I thought the time spent taking photos of the stands was a nice touch.

Be interesting to see how you like Skala Kalloni as a base. I wish I was back in the Ambrosia restaurant counting the White Storks flying over at sunset...Ah maybe squeeze in a Autumn break!

Thanks Where is the Ambrosia restaurant - must pay that a visit - in Skala Kalloni?

[Sleeper]

If you can remember when you go it is at the left hand corner of the square across from the church. It was a pleasure to dine outdoors in Ambrosia with a pr of Swallows roosting right above us as they chattered away.

BEWARE The owner has a secret weapon to make you return night after night...his daughter Katalina who is about 4 years old and is gorgeous.

The house wine is great along with country lamb (sounds English but it's far from it)

[Penny Clarke]

Originally Posted by Sleeper

If you can remember when you go it is at the left hand corner of the square across from the church. It was a pleasure to dine outdoors in Ambrosia with a pr of Swallows roosting right above us as they chattered away.

BEWARE The owner has a secret weapon to make you return night after night...his daughter Katalina who is about 4 years old and is gorgeous.

The house wine is great along with country lamb (sounds English but it's far from it)

All sounds good apart from the 'country lamb' - I am vegetarian!

[hummerman]

If i wasn't trying to organise an april trip to Texas,you can bet i'd be there,i absolutely loved it,the birding and general social ambience was superb,and "Ruppells rules"

[Sleeper]

Penny....Let me rephrase the vine leaves are to die for!

Hummerman Yes agree the social ambience was excellent. I could not believe how many natives slowed down and gave a wide birth so as not to upset you as you walked up the river banks. They often went out their way so as not to cause you any problems.

One large omission from my list (but not the only one) was Ruppells but I did get things like Mallard with young, Greenshank, Tawny Owl and Long Tailed Tit. Great time it was. Texas will be a dream I would imagine.

[Sandra (Taylor)]

Hummerman Yes agree the social ambience was excellent. I could not believe how many natives slowed down and gave a wide birth so as not to upset you as you walked up the river banks. They often went out their way so as not to cause you any problems.

......... and I couldn't believe how many of the locals speeded up along the banks of the East & West Rivers to cause as much dust cloud as possible , Stephen....... It was the birders who took it steady!

Sandra