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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Mick Sway" data-source="post: 2245549" data-attributes="member: 15566">Final Entry:In view of the fact that the Travellingbirder link has gone down, I thought that I'd post this copy:Lesvos Birding - 5th to 19th May 2011 Participants : Tina & Mick SwayThe Greek Island of Lesvos:Located in the Eastern Aegean, Lesvos or Lesbos is famous for its Petrified Forest and is the third largest island of Greece. It has a history going back millennia  being the birth place of the poetess Sappho, while the philosopher Aristotle spent time there; studying and writing a treatise on the physiology of animals. With birders arriving on the island from Mid April onwards Lesvos  is one of Europe's premier birding/ migration locations. It  can be reached by flying via Athens or by direct flights and package holidays from early May. The latter is an option that is quickly diminishing as many Tour Companies are pulling out and switching to “all inclusive” packages on other islands. Most serious birders locate at the Skala Kalloni beach resort, due to its close proximity to the islands main wetlands.A number of Bird Tour Companies operate on the island and the <a href="http://www.fatbirder.com/links/trip_reports/" target="_blank">Fatbirder </a>web site is a great resource for anyone considering this option. The writer of the latest guide to birding on the Greek Island of Lesvos, Steve Dudley, maintains an excellent web site <a href="http://www.lesvosbirding.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.  Steve's book and PDF( printable ) updates for 2009 and 2010 are also available by accessing his web site.  Both contain many photographs of sites and endemic bird species, if you decide that this is the birding destination for you, the guide book is possibly the best twenty quid that you will spend.Itinerary:Booking on line in October 2010, we flew via First Choice from Manchester in the early hours of Thursday 5th May 2011 arriving at Mitilini, around 12.30 local time . Billy’s of Anaxos (our preferred car hire) had our vehicle promptly available on the airport car park as we set off for the Anaxos Hotel, located on the north west of the island. Main Sites Visited and target species :-    Achladeri – Krupper’s nuthatch, short toed treecreeper, shrikes, serin, buntings-    Alikoudi Pool - migrating wading birds, terns-    Ipsilou Monastery - migration point ;orioles,cuckoos,raptors,rock spar,cin bunting, isabeline wheat-    Kavaki - ruppell’s warbler Breeding site near Petra, crag martin, buntings, whetears-    Larda Valley – warblers, black stork, raptors, beeeater-    Metochi Inland Lake: Migrant trap, great for crakes, herons and warblers-    Napi Valley/Mantamados – migrant trap, breeding olive tree warbler-    Petra Reservoir – migration point-    Petri – resident rock nuthatch, masked shrike,cirl bunting, raven, raptors, butterflies-    Polichnictos Salt Pans - migrating wading birds-    Sigri/Meledia Valley/ Faneromeni  - important migration point s -    Skala Kalloni Salt Pans – main wetlands area : waders, terns, crakes, herons,raptors ,  s.w. plover-    Kalloni Town and raptor  watch point – resident scops owl, chance of other owls,scarce raptors-    Tiskanias River -  migrating waders,bee-eater, terns, crakes, herons, warblers, rose coloured starling-    Potamia Valley – m.s. woodpecker, sombre tit, masked shrike, raptors, hirundine, Please refer to the list below for where and what we saw.The weather:The weather  provides the conditions which can make for a successful birding trip.Unfortunately the rains normally expected in the early part of the year had not manifested on Lesvos until mid April, leaving the unsettled conditions; including a cold north easterly, to continue until early May.For the first few days from our arrival on the afternoon of 5th May, the weather was pretty cold and windy (from the north east), possibly affecting the chances of our spotting a few normally “easy” Lesvos species and a making few others more confiding.The birding:Disappointingly we dipped on a few major Lesvos birds this year.Having avoided the Achladeri, Krupper’s site during the first week of our holiday, on account of the sheer numbers of birders parked there, later visits (at known breeding locations), unfortunately failed to garner any views of the species at all, during the many hours we were there.We also dipped on Spur-winged Plover, Gull-billed Tern, Spoonbill, Collared Flycatcher, Pipits, Short-toed Lark, Citrine Wagtail, crakes (8 visits to Metochi at different times by us  failed to turn up anything much at all) and Chukar, all of which have been relatively easy birds for us in the past.Good numbers of common Lesvos waders were showing well at the Salt Pans including; Wood and Curlew Sandpipers, Little and Temminck’s Stint, along with Ruff and a few plover,  were easy ticks and all good value to the photographers.We found warblers in general to be confiding, unlike other years when we have also had excellent views of singing Subalpine and Orphean warbler. The Ruppell’s Warbler also proved quite elusive for us. Having spent a total of 5 hours in and around Kavaki, the male then briefly appeared near the cliffs on our last visit on May 16. The  exception was the Great Reed, which showed well at a number of sites. Having tried known Olive Tree Warbler sites at Cremasti and Platania, we managed to get this species on our last visit to Faneromeni on 17 May, thanks mainly to Tina spotting two (singing) birds flitting between the olives.One of the two Lesvos rarities we turned up was a  Griffon Vulture on 13th May, about 4klm south of Mandamados, on the Mitilene road as it skirted the hillsides, only to be mobbed by a raven and some hooded crows, back across the sea to Turkey. The second was a Cattle Egret at Kalloni Salt Pans wetland, on 6th May. Fortunately after several disappointing drives around the Salt Pans on the preceding two days, we were able to add Rose-coloured Starling to our tally, thanks to our friend Steve Gibson spotting them near Mitilene Airport, and putting us on them when he arrived on the transfer coach.Another late arrival in the second week of May this year was a pair of Rufous Bush Robins, behind the silos at the” goat farm”, near the upper Tiskanias River. Golden Orioles were singing well during the first week and with a little bit of luck could be seen feeding on the oak tree caterpillars. Bee-eaters started showing in numbers as we arrived and a few roller sightings around Skala Kalloni, kept the birding community happy. Squacco Herons were showing extremely well along the Salt Pans Channels. As were Little Bitterns along both the Tiskanias River and at Faneromeni Ford. A pair of Red-footed Falcons was long staying at Kalloni Salt Pans and a number of female marsh harrier quartered the surrounding fields. There was a good passage of Eleonora’s Falcon at Ipsilou on 8th May, where a hobby was also present. Long-legged and Common Buzzard were also an easy tick on the west of the island.Off the beaten track:Referencing the  Dudley book, we explored three locations new to us: the track near the Skalaochori solar array, the wetland adjacent the Mesa/Kalloni crossroads (where by the 5th May the remnants of Glossy Ibis had re-located, along with a “rare” Mallard and Garganey ) and a track near the upper Napi valley, leading to the beautiful “waterfall” gorge. The “Mesa” small wetland area is viewable from the old concrete bridge and a farm track. This area is likely to be under watched and may at the right season hold the more confiding (crake and heron?) species. The track at Skalaochori also deserves more attention, being apparently a breeding site for Middle Spotted Woodpecker and Hoopoe. Good views of Butterflies were scarce, however the beautiful wildflowers which lingered well into mid May, were a bonus.Reptiles: A ring headed dwarf snake was spotted by Tina at the Anaxos Hotel, which was no bigger than a large Worm.Agama and Snake-eyed Lizard are quite common.Roller in a box:Finally I would like to relate the sad tale of the owner of Nekilis studios in Petra finding a Roller injured on the side of the road. Having seen photos of this beautiful bird in a box as it was taken to the Kalloni Animal Hospital, I am left wondering about the poor things fate.Species ListsRuddy Shelduck; Common at Skala Kalloni, Sigri AreaShelduck; Polichnictos Salt Pans - 2 seen on 10 MayMallard; Mesa crossroads, the adjacent wetland - 1 seen 6 MayGarganey; Mesa crossroads, the adjacent wetland - 2 seen 6 MayLittle Grebe; Metochi -2 with young, also seen at other freshwater poolsMed Shearwater; Faneromeni – app20 small movement off Faneromeni Beach 07 MayCormorant; Faneromeni - 1 off Faneromeni Beach 07 May, also North East CoastShag; Polichnictos Salt Pans - 22 seen on 10 May roosting on rotting causewayLittle Bittern; Common at rivers, pools and irrigation channelsNight-heron; Metochi - 1 seen on 06 MaySquacco Heron; Common at salt pans, rivers, pools and irrigation channelsLittle Egret; Common at salt pans, rivers and wetlandsCattle Egret; Skala Kalloni Salt Pans - rare at Lesvos seen wetland opp. Salt works - 1 seen 06 MayGreat white egret;Skala Kalloni Salt Pans - wetland opp. Salt works/Mesa - odd birds seen throughout fortnightGrey Heron; Skala Kalloni Salt Pans+ wetland opp+Polichnictos - odd birds seen throughout Purple Heron;Meledia Ford 07/05, Ipsilou Xrd+Fan Ford 08/05, Tisk.River 12/05, Achladeri 1 seen at eachBlack Stork; Tiskanias River - odd birds seen at every visit + 1 at Potamia Valley 06/05White Stork; Tiskanias River - odd birds seen at every visitGlossy Ibis; Mesa crossroads, the adjacent wetland - 15 seen 6 MayGreater Flamingo Skala Kalloni Salt Pans - large numbers, also seen at Alikoudi and PolichnictosLong Leggedbuzzard;Commonly seen, one or two birds on every visit to the west of the islandShort-toed Eagle;Platania (Napi) Valley - 3 together on 13 May, Common - one or two birds Marsh Harrier;Skala Kalloni Salt Pans fields - odd female bird seen throughout fortnight+ Meledia 08 MayMontegu's Harrier; Skala Kalloni Salt Pans fields - female bird seen 06 MaySparrow hawk; Petri - 1 seen 05 MayCommon Buzzard; Common around Anaxos/Petra, also seen most days at other hilly locationsHoney buzzard; Cremasti Valley (near bridge) - one seen 18 MayLesser Kestrel; Meledia Valley - Up to 15 seen hovering on coastal road 07 & 08 MayCommon Kestrel; Gavathas - I seen in fields 07 MayEleonora’s Falcon; Ipsilou - 20 + seen heading north on 08 MayPeregrine Kavaki;, Skalochri - 1 seen on 13 and 17 May respectivelyHobby; Ipsilou & Polichnicto - 1 seen on 08 May and 10 May respectivelyGriffon Vulture;rare for Lesvos one seen near Mandamados , approx 4km south on coastal rd (photo)Moorhen; Odd pairs at pools around KalloniCoot; Kalloni Pool - only one seen this year on 15 MayBlack-winged Stilt; Common at both Salt Pans and Alikoudi poolAvocet Common at both Salt PansStone-curlew;Skala Kalloni Salt Pans, Alykes Wetland, Polichnictos-single birds 09/05,12respectivelyCollared Pratincole;Skala Kalloni- wetland opp. Salt works & Polochnicto Salt Pans - seen 06 May (respectively)Ringed Plover; Common at Tiskanias RiverLittle Ringed; Plover Common at Tiskanias River & wetlandsKentish Plover; Common at Salt PansGrey Plover;Skala Kalloni- wetland opp. Salt works & Polochnicto Salt Pans - seen 06 May (respectively)Little Stint; Common at Salt PansTemminck’s Stint; Tiskanias River, Kalloni & Polochnicto Salt Pans - singles seen regularlyCurlew Sandpiper;Skala Kalloni & Polochnicto Salt Pans - small flock seen from 06 May & 1 on (respectively)Ruff; Common at Salt PansRedshank; Polochnicto Salt Pans - 2 each on 10 & 15 MayGreenshank; Polochnicto Salt Pans - 1 on 10 MayCommon Sandpiper; Tiskanias River & shorelines of gulf - seen regularlyWood Sandpiper;commonest wader seen at Tiskanias River,Alykes Wetlands & Kalloni Salt Pans - Yellow-legged;Gull Common near coastal areasBlack headed gull; Tiskanias River Mouth - 2 first year on 06/05Little Tern; Skala Kalloni & Polochnicto Salt Pans - common thoughout two weeksWhiskered Tern; Skala Kalloni Salt Pans& Wetlands opp.salt works + Mesa - common thoughout Black White-winged Black Tern; common at Skala Kalloni Salt Pans& Wetlands opp.salt works + Mesa - common thoughout Common Tern;Skala Kalloni Salt Pans& Wetlands opp.salt works + Mesa - common throughout two weeksSandwich Tern; scarce though at Polochnicto Salt Pans - 1 juv. seen on 10 MayRock Dove; Faneromeni/ Sigri - small flocks seen flying over hillsides on 07/05 & 080)Feral Pigeon Common in villagesCollared Dove; Common in villagesTurtle Dove; Common in woodlands and olive grovesLittle Owl; Common at rural areas with farm buildings.Scops Owl; Confiding at Kalloni Town, a pair present through the two weeksCommon Swift; - Common daily during the two weeksAlpine Swift; Anaxos, Skala Kalloni Salt Pans,Metochi, Ipsilou - migrating birds seen frequently weeksPallid Swift; Potamia Valley - small number hawking over the dam on 06 MayBee-eater Seen almost everywhere over the two weeksMiddle Spotted Woodpecker; seen at nest near Petra Hoopoe; Platania (Napi) Valley - 4 , also seen at Skalachori and Faneromeni on other occasionsCrested Lark Seen almost everywhere over the two weeksSand Martin;Tiskanias, Metochi, Potamia - large numberrs migrating, at least 200 at Tiskanias MayCrag Martin; Kavaki, Larda Valley - breeding on cliffs and rocksBarn Swallow; CommonHouse Martin; CommonRed-rumped Swallow; Anaxos - common, also Larda Valley, Potamia, MetochiYellow Wagtail; more difficult this year seen at Tiskanias, Salt Pans , Alykes, Faneromeni - Black Headed Yellow Wagtail ; Feldegg common, only one flava Faneromeni 17/05Pied Wagtail; Kalloni/Polochnicto Salt Pans - one bird seen on each visitRufous Bush Chat;difficult this year seen at Kaloni Salt Pans "Silo"/goat farm area - 2 on 18/05Nightingale; Common but confiding, near streams and riversWhinchat; Common at rural areas with open fields during the two weeksStonechat; Common near rocky areasWheatear Isabelline; - Ipsilou, Petrified Forest - Common but, by us found to be more confiding than Black-earedBlack-eared Wheatear; Common near rocky areasNorthern wheatear Ipsilou, Petrified Forest - Common but, by us found to be more confiding than other yearsBlue Rock Thrush Kavaki, Ipsilou, Larda Valley - common breeder on cliffs and rocksBlackbird; Common but more confiding than UKCetti’s Warbler; Common near streams and riversSedge Warbler; Common near streams and riversReed Warbler; Tiskanias River, Metochi - seen flitting on reeds regularly over two weeksGreat Reed Warbler; nearTiskanias - 2 singing birds were seen regularly , Metochi - seen in open regularly on 06/05Eastern Olivaceous Warbler; Common in scrub, particularly near water often in openOlive-tree; scarce seen late at Faneromeni - a pair seen flitting and singing between olives 17/05Warbler Icterine Warbler; Sigri sanetorium, Ipsilou - 1 each seen on 07/05 and 08/05 respectivelyBlackcap ; Tiskanias River,Anaxos, Faneromeni, Ipsilou - quite common, both male & female over two weeksGarden Warbler; Ipsilou - 4 seen feeding on oaks 08/05Orphean Warbler Kavaki, Platania Valley - common, several seenWhitethroat; Ipsilou - 2 on 08/05Rüppell’s Warbler; Kavaki - 1 male seen on 16/05Subalpine;Warbler Common at most elevated woodland areas, found more confiding by us this year Wood Warbler; Faneromeni, Ipsilou - at 7 birds seen on 07/05 and 6 on 08/05Spotted Flycatcher; Common throughout two weeksPied Flycatcher; Faneromeni,Ipsilou - 1 each on 07/05 & 08/05 (male)Blue Tit; Common at most wooded areasSombre Tit;Platania (Napi) Valley - 1 together on 13 May,(more confiding than normal year)Great Tit; Common at most wooded areasRock Nuthatch; Common at rocky outcropsShort toed treecreeper; Common at Achladeri pine forest, 2 adults feeding 4 young on 10/05Golden Oriole; Fairly common in west (Ipsilou/Faneromeni) 5 seen on 07/05, 6 seen on 08/hear singingRed-backed Shrike;Petrified Forest,Ipsilou, Faneromeni, Meledia Valley, Polichnicto - seen regularly in numbers as other yearsLesser Grey Shrike; scarce one at Kalloni Salt Pans,seen near track near (sheep farm)from Tiskanias on 12/05Woodchat Shrike; Fairly common in most wooded areas and near some meadowsMasked Shrike; Petri,Faneromeni, Achladeri,Potamia - at least 1 seen on every visitRoller; Mesa, Tiskanias River, Petra - birds seen on 05/05, 06/05 and 12/05Rose Coloured Starling; Mitilene Airport - approx 20 near airport road 19/05Jay; Common at woodland areasJackdaw; Anaxos - seen everyday, commutes from Rabbit IslandHooded Crow; CommonRaven; Common at cragy areasHouse Sparrow; CommonSpanish Sparrow; Common at both Salt PansRock Sparrow; Ipsilou - breeds on rocks near monasteryChaffinch; Common at woodland areasGreenfinch; Common at woodland areasGoldfinch; Common near farmlandLinnet; Common near rocky areasCirl Bunting; Common at woodland areasCretzschmar’s Bunting; Common near rocky areasCinereous Bunting; Ipsilou & Petrified Forest - common breeder, found more confiding by us this year Black-headed Bunting; Common near farmlandCorn Bunting; Common near farmlandWren; (heard at Achladeri)</blockquote>

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