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LESVOS BIRDS
written and compiled by Steve Dudley
Text © Steve Dudley | Lesvos Birding, 2013
Photos © photographers as credited, 2013
Cover photo: Glossy Ibis, Alykes Wetlands
© Erwin van Laar
Steve Dudley is author of A Birdwatching Guide to
Lesvos, runs Lesvos Birding and is a member of the
Lesvos Birds Records Committee
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CONTENTS
Introduction 4
Bird records used for this report 4
Birding coverage in 2012 4
Submitting your bird records 4
Key to status codes used in the List 4 Bird information when on the island 6
Driving on the main roads 6
Trespassing and disturbance to breeding birds 6 Notes on birding sites (featured in A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos) 7 Additional birding sites (not in A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos) 11
Maps of Lesvos 14
The 2012 birding year 14
Weather summary for 2012 18
Back home – the Lesvos Birders Facebook group 18 Lesvos bird names in different languages 18 The Lesvos Birding website – www.lesvosbirding.com 18
Acknowledgements 19
Introduction to the species accounts 21
Key to status codes used within the species accounts 21
Taxonomy and nomenclature 21
Place names used within the List 22
Notes on the List 22
The Lesvos Bird List 22
Species accounts 23 Gamebirds 23 Wildfowl 24 Black-‐throated Diver 30 Shearwaters 30 Grebes 30
Flamingo, storks, herons and allies 32
Pelicans 37
Cormorants 38
Raptors – Osprey 40
Raptors – Honey-‐buzzard 40
Raptors – kites 40
Raptors – White-‐tailed Eagle 41
Raptors – vultures 41
Raptors – Short-‐toed Eagle 42
Raptors – harriers 42
Raptors – accipiters (hawks) 44
Raptors – buzzards 45
Raptors – aquila eagles 47
Raptors – Bonelli’s and Booted Eagles 49
Raptors – falcons 50
Rails and crakes 53
Common Crane 55
Waders – Stone-‐curlew and Oystercatchers 56 Waders – Black-‐winged Stilt and Avocet 56 Waders – lapwings, plovers and Dotterel 57
Waders – snipes 60
Waders – godwits and curlews 61 Waders – shanks and Tringa sandpipers 62 Waders – Terek and Common Sandpipers 64
Waders – Calidris sandpipers 66 Waders – Broad-‐billed Sandpiper and Ruff 68
Waders – phalaropes 69
Waders – pratincoles 69
Gulls 70
Terns 73
Arctic Skua 76
Doves and pigeons 76
Cuckoos 78 Owls 79 Nightjar 80 Swifts 80 Roller 82 Kingfishers 82 Bee-‐eaters 83 Hoopoe 84
Wryneck and Middle Spotted Woodpecker 84
Shrikes 85 Golden Oriole 86 Crows 86 Waxwing 88 Tits 88 Larks 89
Swallows and martins 91
Cetti’s Warbler 92
Long-‐tailed Tit 92
Warblers – Phylloscopus leaf warblers 92 Warblers – Acrocephalus reed warblers 94 Warblers – Iduna and Hippolais tree warblers 95 Warblers – Locustella grass warblers 97 Warblers – Zitting Cisticola 98 Warblers – Sylvia scrub warblers 98
Crests 102 Wren 102 Nuthatches 102 Short-‐toed Treecreeper 104 Starlings 104 Thrushes 105
Chats – Robin and Bluethroat 106
Chats – nightingales 106
Chats – White-‐throated Robin 107 Chats – Rufous Bush-‐robin 107 Chats – starts and chats 108
Chats – wheatears 109 Rock-‐thrushes 111 Flycatchers 111 White-‐throated Dipper 113 Sparrows 113 Dunnock 114 Wagtails 115 Pipits 117 Finches 118 Buntings 121 Appendices
1 – Unproven records (recent decisions) 125
2 – Records pending 125
4 – Escapes 130 5 – Dates of summer and passage migrants 130 6 – Dates of winter migrants 133 7 – Other notable wildlife 134 8 – The Lesvos Bird List 135 9 – A list of Lesvos dragonflies 141 10 – A list of Lesvos butterflies 142 11 – A list of Lesvos reptiles and amphibians 144 12 – A list of Lesvos orchids 145
References 147
Citation
Dudley, S.P. 2013. Lesvos Birds 2012.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the fourth annual bird report for Lesvos – Lesvos Birds 2012. The report has been collated, written and edited by myself.
BIRD RECORDS USED FOR THIS REPORT
I remain very impressed by the response in recent years for more records. Following last years already impressive 22,000+ records, I received over 26,000 records for 2012.
As usual, Lesvos resident Terry Robinson’s records make up a considerable amount, but as a percentage this is slowly decreasing as more visiting birders submit records. From 48% of records submitted last year, Terry’s share reduced to 42% despite maintaining roughly the same number of individual records. Terry submits his records via the OrnithoTopos, the Greek online recording section of worldbirds.org operated by BirdLife International.
Observado (http://lesvos.observado.org) is another popular online submission website, especially for Dutch and Belgian birders, and this source again contributed a significant amount (20%) to the 2012 dataset. I’d like to again acknowledge Steven Wytema’s help in first setting up the Lesvos section of Observado and assisting with the management of the records submitted.
The remaining 38% records were collated by myself, from my own records, the Lesvos Birding log books at the Hotel Pasiphae and Taverna Dionysos (both in Skala Kallonis), records sent direct to me or gleaned from reports I have come across on the internet. I’m sure I have missed more than a few.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed one way or another. A list of all those I known appears under acknowledgements below (page 19).
BIRDING COVERAGE IN 2012
The main arrival of spring visitors began on 16 April and the first UK charter arrived on the 21 April. The coverage remained high through the main birding weeks up to 19 May. To give you some indication of the drop off in coverage after the main spring weeks, the period 16 April to 20 May takes up 100 pages of the A4 Lesvos Birding log in the Hotel Pasiphae. The period 21 May – October runs to only three pages!
Several birders visited in June and July with numbers picking up through August and visiting birders present into October.
There remain relatively few resident birders on the island. The most active is of course Terry Robinson who covers the Polichnitos Saltpans every day. The rest of the island is pretty neglected outside the weeks visiting birders are present, but recent arrival Jelle Delavez (a Belgian bee researcher based at the University of the Aegean in Mytilini) started to travel around the island in 2012. Late on in the year the now very active Lesvos Birders Facebook group (see below) started to see lots of images being posted by several resident bird photographers – Petros Tasmiakis, Pantelis Thomaidis and Ermis Psomos. Between them they contributed some interesting records, none more interesting than the potential first records of Steppe Buzzard and the first winter record of Rose-‐coloured Starling (from 2008!).
SUBMITTING YOUR BIRD RECORDS
I will continue to collate records (as detailed above) for future years. All records of rare and scarce species (see key to the Systematic List below) will be followed up and passed on to the Lesvos Birds Records Committee (LBRC) or for Greek national rarities, forwarded to the Hellenic Rarities Committee (HRC). Please remember that records are of little value if they do not provide the key information of species, number
of birds, date and location. Additional information on age/sex (particularly for raptors) and behaviour (especially for breeding records) is also very welcome.
You can submit your records as follows –
1. Direct to me – lists, including date and location of observations to myself via the Lesvos Birding website (www.lesvosbirding.com).
2. Trip reports posted on the web – please send me the URL for your report and I will link to it from the Lesvos Birding website (now over 100 reports listed to the end of 2012).
3. When on the island, by entering your records in the Lesvos Birding Bird Logs situated in the reception of the Hotel Pasihae on the outskirts of Skala Kallonis and the Taverna Dionysos by the harbour in Skala Kallonis iself.
Could I please urge all contributors to the bird log to write legibly (I’ve been unable to read several names from the 2012 log), give your full name (not just nickname or initials) and if possible, leave an email contact address for me to follow up any sightings with you.
4. There are also logs at the Pela and Kalloni Bay (formerly Kalloni II) hotels – but these receive much fewer records than the Lesvos Birding Pasiphae log. I also don’t always find time to visit these hotels to collate records before I leave the island, so these records don’t always reach me for the report. 5. Via OrnithoTopos at http://www.worldbirds.org/v3/greece.php.
6. Via Observado at http://lesvos.observado.org.
7. For Lesvos rarities, via the LBRC website (http://lesvosbirdrecords.blogspot.com/). 8. For Greek national rarities, via HRC (http://rarities.ornithologiki.gr/en/eaop/form.htm).
Achladeri Forest, the famous Kofinas picnic site and best-‐known site for Krüper’s Nuthatch plus other woodland
BIRD INFORMATION WHEN ON THE ISLAND
You can share your bird news and access news from others in one of several ways during your stay.
Bird logs
The Lesvos Birding Bird Log at the Hotel Pasiphae is the prime source of bird information. During the main spring and autumn weeks many birders contribute and when I am on the island I keep it up to date each evening adding records I’ve been informed of whilst in the field each day.
There is also a logbook at the Taverna Dionysos by the harbour in Skala Kallonis.
Online
For those staying in accommodation with internet access (and those at home viewing before coming out to the island), I aim to update the sightings for each day on the Lesvos Birding website by midnight (local time) at the latest (often earlier).
Why not ask your hotel to print out each evenings update before breakfast the following day – that way you get to see what was seen the day before over breakfast – the morning birding papers!
I will also post on the Lesvos Birders Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/groups/271104122899599/) and send out daily summary tweets each evening on Twitter @LesvosBirding.
In the field – Text / SMS messaging
If you see something of note, please pass on the news – tell other birders you see on the day, enter the record in the Lesvos Birding Bird Log at the Hotel Pasiphae. You can even text me your notable records each day on 00 44 7 767 787 287 and I will enter these in the log and on the website at the end of the day.
DRIVING OFF THE MAIN ROADS
The winter of 2012/13 was very wet and some rural tracks were washed away completely.
Care should be taken when leaving the main metalled/tarmac roads and driving along the dirt roads and tracks. Some car hire companies do not include these dirt roads and tracks in their insurance cover – check your car hire details. Even those that do cover this now have a disclaimer stating that you are liable to the full cost of repairing the underside of a hire vehicle because of previous problems with drivers driving across country.
If you do chose to drive along some of the minor dirt tracks, please take care. Even if a map, my book or someone indicates to you that it is safe to do so, tracks can quickly deteriorate, and can change considerably from year to year, so please take care.
TRESSPASSING AND DISTURBANCE OF BREEDING BIRDS
We continue to see unnecessary trespass and disturbance of breeding birds in some areas. The problems encountered in recent years (e.g. at the Potamia Olive-‐tree Warbler and Skala Eresou Penduline Tit sites) have led to the suppression of some records of rarer breeding species (such as other Penduline Tit nests found in 2011 and 2012). We will continue to suppress any record of rare breeding species which we feel are
vulnerable to disturbance, or of interesting birds whichper’ might be in sensitive areas, so that they cannot be disturbed, or property damaged, by the few wreckless individuals. If you find something that you are unsure about whom to tell, then feel free to contact me (00 44 7 767 787 287) for advice.
pressure from hunters who are being restricted more and more. A hunting ban has recently been placed on the areas around the Kalloni Saltpans, much to the anger of local hunters. For birders and photographers to then cause disturbance to these protected areas undermines the case to keep sites hunting free.
Birders and photographers are again respectively asked to avoid such incidents.
NOTES ON BIRDING SITES (featured in A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos)
In each report I will aim to provide any significant updates to the main birding sites – major changes in habitat, access restrictions, etc. As stated in A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos I try and follow the names used on the blue Road Editions map of the island (which I recommend you get to use on your visit). Page numbers refer to the site pages within A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos.
Skala Kallonis Pool (p. 98)
The pool remains a ghost of its former, glorious self. It is over-‐grown and with high water levels with little visible margins, and when the water does drop, many margins are not visible due to the tall vegetation. Despite this, it is still worth checking for waterfowl, herons and marsh terns and the surrounding area still attracts many migrant passerines.
Negotiations with the owners regarding the future and improvement of the site have reached an impasse and are very unlikely to yield any results in the near future.
Christou (Kamares) River (p. 98)
This river is named as Christou River on the Road Editions map, but is known locally as the Kamares River (and is called this on the information board by the road bridge). I will continue to use the above presentation on my website and in reports.
In 2011 Fan-‐tailed Warbler was again found breeding along the track down the west side of the marsh leading to the viewing screen (in the marsh to the right of the shepherd’s building before the screen) and in 2012 there were at least six singing males here.
Skala Kallonis Village Marsh (see p. 98)
With the increasing number of records being received from many areas, I think it is necessary to name the marshy area immediately east of Skala Kallonis village. All references to Skala Kalloni Village Marsh refers to this area (the Skala Kallonis Pool and Christou (Kamares) River mouth area are already distinct so there should hopefully be no confusion with this name).
Potamia Valley (p. 99)
The ‘mini’ reservoir is not marked in A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos. The map on p.101 shows three parking sites (P). The mini reservoir lies down a track on the left near the middle (P). There is limited parking and viewing is not that easy through the fence and bushes, but a walk down from the main track can be worth while.
Metochi Lake (p. 102)
Parking remains an issue here at times (usually early mornings). Please park sensibly leaving enough room for tractors and trucks to pass. The larger pull in at the north end of the lake should be kept as free as possible to allow people to use this as a turning point.
Don’t forget that the area around the lake is worth exploring, particularly the culvert running along the western side of the lake which often holds herons and crakes. Rock Nuthatch breeds to the north of the lake. Both areas can be viewed if you take the circular walk around the lake (see book for details)
Kalloni Saltpans area (p. 108)
View the saltpans only from the perimeter road (inc. the south hide just west of the saltworks entrance), the north-‐west corner hide, the east track and the Alykes Wetlands (see below) – all routes marked in A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos. Viewing from the main Kalloni–Mytilini road can be dangerous. There is no access to the fields around the saltpans other than the eastern (main) Alykes Wetlands (see below). In 2011 and 2012, the small pool to the north of the main Kalloni–Mytilini road (between the turn down the west side of the saltpans and the turn north to Agia Paraskevi and Napi Valley) proved excellent for waders (inc. Temminck’s Stint and Marsh Sandpiper) and also attracted Citrine Wagtail and Water Pipit. There is a large piece of rough ground immediately to the east of the pool where cars can pull in. Viewing is best done from vehicles as getting out will only disturb the feeding birds. If winter rains have pilled this pool to its maximum, then it overflows to the west of the main pool into a field immediately opposite the turn down the west side of the saltpans. This area can be viewed on foot via the gated track opposite the saltpans road. Those accessing the beach past the Pysos beach café (I’ve been informed that this café has been illegally erected on the Natura 2000 protected coastal strip) are reminded that ground-‐nesting species such as Stone-‐ curlew occur here and birders are asked to take caution. Rufous Bush-‐robin can often be found in the tamarisks along the beach here, and you are asked not to harass birds by pushing them from bush to bush. Stay at a sensible distance and the birds will usually come out and perform.
The track off the main Mytilini road down the east side of the pans (from the hide in the NE corner) should only be accessed on foot. Some birders continue to drive down this track with little regard for those birding on foot. If you do, then you will soon find the track unmanageable and turning round can be difficult – you have been warned.
If either of the hides are locked please let me know and I will endeavour to get them re-‐opened. SMS me on 00 44 7 767 787 287. Be sure to say which hide (north hide – next to the Mytilni road, and the south hide on the perimeter road near the saltworks entrance).
Please note that the saltworks (the metal gates at the end of the tarmac/metalled road on the south side of the pans) is strictly private. On no account must you enter this site even if you see others doing so or the gates are open. In 2012 someone had untied the metal fencing to one side of the gate and birders were found entering the site. DO NOT ENTER!
Alykes Wetlands (p. 112)
The seasonally flooded fields on the south side of Kalloni Saltpans, opposite the main saltworks entrance, form part of the Alykes Wetlands and were again a real magnet for birds and birders. At times it can get very busy, especially along the track beyond the saltworks entrance which is the most popular viewing area. Please take care when driving past groups of birders here, and those on foot please be aware of traffic!
Please park on one side of the road only (usually the pools side).
The Alykes Wetlands also include the fields and marshes east of the saltworks, beyond the racing track. These should be accessed on foot only. Park at the end of the racetrack by the concrete bridge – there is plenty of room for many cars. Care should be taken when approaching the saltpans perimeter fence as ground-‐nesting species including Stone-‐curlew and Kentish Plover both breed in this area. If in doubt, do not approach the fence line and view from or near to the main track. Please try to avoid disturbing the waders on the pools as those birders arriving after you have gone would like to enjoy these birds too.
Soumouria (Kalloni Mini Soccer Pitch / Scops Copse – p.115)
No further tree thinning has occurred here since 2009 and the site continues to be a prime site for Scops Owl. Since the thinning in 2009 the trees are much bushier with lots of young growth obscuring many previously known roosting spots.
Another plea for photographers not to get too close to roosting birds. Several individuals with only point and shoot cameras were seen getting far too close to the owls in 2011. If you witness any such behaviour ask those responsible politely to retreat. Once disturbed birds are rarely refound.
Platania (p. 120)
Note that the best way to access the Platania track from the Napi Valley end is to approach from the north (if travelling from the south drive past the turn to Platania and then turn round safely near the rubbish tip and return south to approach from the north).
Take care pulling off the main road on to the track as the immediate junction was again unstable in 2010. In 2012 the track was in very poor condition and was barely passable for most cars. So please take care if you decide to proceed beyond the initial 200+ meters of this track. You risk being charged by your hire company for the complete cost of any damage done to the underside of a hire vehicle!
You might think about parking off the main Napi Valley road (e.g. at the track running up to the masts at Mavria) and walking the Platania track to the cattle grid (2.5km). This is a fabulous walk with many of the Napi Valley specialties found along its length.
The distances given in A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos are incorrect. The cattle grid site is only c.2.5km from the road. Also, at around 2km there is a fork in the track. Ignore the turn to the left and proceed on the main track (to right).
Kavaki (p. 124)
This remains the main site for Rüppell’s Warbler. View only from the lay-‐by areas and the rough track up the hill on the south side. Please do not enter the scrub areas where the birds breed.
There are several lay-‐bys in this area. The first you reach from Petra is on the straight uphill section set in to the pavement opposite Tsaliki’s café bar (Rüppell’s Warbler and other species on both sides of the road). The main lay-‐by area at the top of the hill on the left (watch the seaward slope and cross the road and walk up the track for the inland hillside) and further on towards Molivos on the left (but this headland doesn’t usually hold Rüppell’s Warbler but is good for migrants).
Tsaliki’s café bar opposite the lower lay-‐by is excellent for homemade cakes, homemade icecreams, drinks and snacks. Try their club sandwiches. Free wi-‐fi and toilets (for customers).
Rüppell’s Warbler has declined markedly over the last 10 years, mirroring the national decline throughout Greece. Nine singing males were noted in the wider Kavaki area during 2012 (an increase from only t here known pairs found in 2011) and there is absolutely no need for anyone to leave the lay-‐bys and tracks in order to see or photograph the birds here.
Perasma (p. 125)
No change here during 2012.
Ipsilou (p. 147)
The old monastery path mentioned in A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos continues to be popular. This is not a problem but please take care when using this path as sheep droppings and trodden in vegetation makes the
pebbled surface slippery. Most people choose to walk down the path that is certainly easier for birding. Please do not venture off the roads or old monastery path. Apart from unnecessarily trampling the ground flora and disturbing nesting birds, the slopes are hazardous with loose rocks that could cause you injury or to others if they are dislodged and roll down the hillsides.
A reminder that photography is not permitted inside the chapel in the monastery. There were again incidents were people were ejected this year. Also, if you ask for the museum to be opened, or you visit it when it is, please be prepared to make a donation to the monastery.
Faneromeni (p. 151)
Annually I am still asked for directions to Faneromeni Lower Ford. It is arrowed on the map on p. 151 of A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos. Along the main Faneromeni track take the turn down towards the beach (signed) and then the right turn (signed chapel) and follow this to the ford.
Birders choosing to walk along the river continue to get a verbal bashing from other birders for flushing birds they were watching. Walking along the rivers just serves to push birds away from the main ford areas where most birders choose to view from. Unfortunately a new trend of birders and photographers driving up and down the river was noted in 2012. It is not only selfish flushing to drive or walk along the rivers as you flush everything for birders arriving after you, but it is unnecessary disturbance of breeding and hungry migrants birds.
Vergias (Chalandra) River (p. 162)
This is another river with two names, so in reports and on my website I will use the above presentation to avoid any doubt.
Achladeri Forest (p. 167)
Two pairs of Krüper’s Nuthatch bred at the traditional Kofinas picnic site (open area with white building). Whilst this remains the best site to see the species, it is by no means the only site with over 600 pairs in pinewoods in the central and south-‐eastern areas of the island. The forest track to the north of Kofinas is also worth exploring with birds seen frequently here (see p. 167 of A Birdwatchers Guide to Lesvos). Krüper’s Nuthatch can also be found at nearby Pessa Waterfalls (c.2.5km south of Achladeri on the west side of the road – look for notice boards and follow forest tracks to falls).
I didn’t hear of any incidents between photographers and birders at this site this year. I thank all those who have heeded my advise that photographers are requested to respect both the birds as well as those watching them and birders for not disturbing photographers who are sat quietly near the nest. If there is clear
behaviour from the birds suggesting disturbance then photographer(s) should be asked politely to move further away. A responsible photographer should have no problem retreating if requested.
Remember, when the military are in residence, do not attempt to enter the site.
ADDITIONAL BIRDNG SITES (not featured in A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos)
Here are some sites which have I have been visiting and researching in recent years which will make the next edition of A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos.
Agriosikos (no. 1 on map on next page)
The ridge above Filia (the one with the large red and white mast on it) is not only a wonderfully wooded area boasting many target breeding species, but also forms a natural barrier for birds moving north off the Kalloni plain. Migrant
passerines settle along the ridge whilst raptors and storks can be seen passing overhead, often very low. This is without doubt the best and most accessible site to see Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler on the island.
LOCATION AND ACCESS The site lies c.8km northwest of Kalloni. North of Kalloni, take the road west through the village of Dafia and up through the hills to the summit where you take a left turn on to a track (c.8km from the Kalloni road) which takes you up towards the large red and white mast tower overlooking Filia to the north. Park carefully on the wide verges after 200m where the track forks for the mast.
AREAS TO SEARCH You can walk both the track up to the mast and the main track. The latter goes on for many kilometers and eventually brings you out in the Potamia Valley (c.8km).
From the track fork and the first open section of the main track you can view north across Filia to surrounding hills. This is a particularly good area for raptors including Long-‐legged Buzzard and Short-‐ toed Eagle. Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler occurs from the mast area and along the main track for about 1.5km. The main track takes you through different habitats including open scrub, scattered oak woodlands to denser woods including some coniferous.
After 1.5km the track swings round and gives you great views of the plain and Gulf of Kalloni and you can easily pick out the saltpans, Metochi Lake and Tsiknias River mouth. Further on the track drops steeply and proceeds above Limonos Monastery and the view now includes the Christou (Kamares) River and mouth and Skala Kallonis. This area can also be very good for raptors, including Eleonora’s Falcon.
SPECIES Breeding Locally breeding raptors inc. Short-‐toed Eagle, Common and Long-‐legged Buzzards, Peregrine; Turtle Dove; Hoopoe; Middle Spotted Woodpecker; Wren (scarce on the island); Nightingale; Black-‐eared Wheatear; Blue Rock-‐thrush; Orphean Warbler; Subalpine Warbler; Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler; Sombre Tit; Rock Nuthatch; Woodchat and Masked Shrikes; Cirl Bunting. Passage Regular species inc. raptors (especially Eleonora’s Falcon hawking the ridge for insects in spring), swifts and hirundines over; warblers; flycatchers; shrikes; Golden Oriole.
Mt Ordimnos (no. 1 on map on next page)
The highland area between Andissa and Mesotopos is relatively inaccessible, but this route takes you south of Andissa under the northern slopes of the mountain with stunning views across to the east over the highlands around Hidira and Revma LOCATION AND ACCESS Mt Ordimnos lies due south of Andissa and is accessed off the main Andissa to Eresos and Sigri road. Drive west from Andissa for 1.5km and take the rough track to the left at a right hand bend. Parking – see below.
AREAS TO SEARCH The first 1km up to the open rubbish tip is very good for open country species especially Isabelline Wheatear. At the tip take the left track at the fork by the pools. The larger pool usually holds only gulls, but the smaller pool often attracts passerines and other species to drink. Just beyond the smaller pool there is an open area on the right where you can park and from here search the area on foot. The track beyond here has few passing places should you chance upon another vehicle. Walking for a further 1km along the track can be extremely rewarding for mountain hillside species including wheatears, buntings, Rock Nuthatch and Blue Rock-‐thrush. After 1km from the parking area the track forks again. The right fork takes you to a small monastery and this area is worth exploring, particularly the crags immediately above you.
Back at the tip, the track up to the wind turbines is rougher and will yield little that you will not see on the main track.
SPECIES Breeding Locally breeding raptors inc. Short-‐toed Eagle, Long-‐legged Buzzard, Peregrine; Hoopoe; Isabelline, Northern and Black-‐eared Wheatears; Blue Rock-‐thrush; Subalpine Warbler; Rock Nuthatch; Woodchat Shrike; Cirl, Cretzschmar’s and Black-‐headed Buntings. Passage Regular species inc. raptors (inc. Eleonora’s Falcon), swifts and hirundines.
Pandeleimonas Pools (no. 2 on map above left) These pools lie several km east of Eresos north of the main road to Mesotopos. The pools are maturing and more people are stopping on the roadside here and viewing from the car and being rewarded with some good wetland species including Little Crake and heron species. View only from the roadside – there is no access to the pools.
SPECIES Breeding Locally breeding raptors inc. Short-‐toed Eagle, Long-‐legged Buzzard, Peregrine; Black-‐eared Wheatear; Blue Rock-‐thrush; Subalpine Warbler; Woodchat Shrike; Cirl, Cretzschmar’s and Black-‐headed Buntings. Passage Herons, crakes and waders.
Petri (no. 1 on map left)
Petri can be reached from Petra or from just west of Stipsi (road not marked on map to left but it is there – I promise!).
Park at the entrance to the village by the Achilles Well taverna (highly recommended!).
AREAS TO SEARCH There are several good walks from here including the Valley of the Mills (access from parking area – see the sign), a walk down to Petra and a great walk north to Molivos via Perasma (see p. 125 of A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos).
All these walks are detailed in Brian and Eileen Anderson’s Lesvos car tours and walks (Sunflower Books 2007 – ISBN 978-‐1-‐85691-‐324-‐9).
SPECIES Locally breeding raptors inc. Short-‐toed Eagle, Long-‐legged Buzzard, Peregrine; Hoopoe; Black-‐ eared Wheatears; Blue Rock-‐thrush; Subalpine Warbler; Rock Nuthatch; Sombre Tit; Woodchat Shrike; Cirl and Cretzschmar’s Buntings. Good area for butterflies too (especially the Valley of the Mills walk).
Revma (no. 2 on map left)
The area immediately south of Vatousa is an excellent raptor area. There is a large parking area on the right immediately past the turn to Revma on the Pterounda road.
AREAS TO SEARCH The parking area gives excellent views of the valley and mountains to the east and south.
Its also worth exploring the road to and through Pterounda and also the minor road to the east of the Revma/Pterounda round junction.
SPECIES Breeding Locally breeding raptors inc. Short-‐toed Eagle, Long-‐legged Buzzard, Peregrine; Hoopoe; Isabelline, Northern and Black-‐eared Wheatears; Blue Rock-‐thrush; Subalpine Warbler; Rock Nuthatch; Woodchat Shrike; Cirl, Cretzschmar’s and Black-‐headed Buntings. Passage Regular species inc. raptors (especially Eleonora’s Falcon), swifts and hirundines.
MAPS OF LESVOS
There are now three excellent maps covering Lesvos.
Road Editions 212 1:70,000 (blue cover) ISBN 960-‐8481-‐92-‐9
This remains the most popular and many of the names I use in A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos are taken from it.
Freytag & Berndt 1:75,000 (green and red cover) ISBN 978-‐3-‐85084-‐584-‐7
On par with the Road Editions map providing different track coverage and details and some names I use are taken from it.
Freytag & Berndt 1:50,000 (green and red cover) ISBN 978-‐3-‐7079-‐1330-‐9
This new map (2012) provides much better detail to the other two, especially for the really minor tracks in remote areas you might wish to explore.
The only downside to this map is that it is double sided with the Gulf of Kalloni westwards on one side and the east of the island on the other. This makes it a little cumbersome to use and very large when spread out.
Online map of birding sites
I have produced an online map of the main birding sites and other places of interest (towns, petrol stations, tavernas, etc).
You can access the map via the Lesvos Birding website (www.lesvosbirding.com, link on right under Lesvos Birding).
THE 2012 BIRDING SPRING
The spring of 2012 will not be remembered as a classic. Unlike 2011 when we experienced one of the greatest passages of passerines ever. The settled weather from mid-‐April to mid-‐May produced little variance to help bring in migrants. It still had plenty of highlights and as ever the total birding experience remained high!
Here is a summary for the main spring birding weeks.
MARCH
Weather A relatively settled month with lots of blue sky days and no rainfall. Max. temperature 23oC, min.
temperature 3oC (average temperature 11oC). Rainfall for month = 0mm (Mytilini weather station).
1 – 31 March Before many of us visiting birders had arrived on the island, residents and a couple of early visitors were enjoying the first early spring migrants. Things started to stir mid-‐month with Hoopoe and Northern Wheatear on 13th and Tawny Pipit on 14th. On the 16th a flock of 27 Glossy Ibis were near the
Kalloni Saltpans and on the 18th the first Yellow Wagtails were noted. House Martin and a count of 1852
Yelkouan Shearwaters off Polichnitos Saltpans on the 19th were followed the following day by Scops Owl
and Barn Swallow, and Pallid Swift on the 21st. The 25th saw the first Woodchat Shrike and the first flocks
of Garganey. A Booted Eagle was seen on the 26th along with a Grasshopper Warbler and the first Wood
Sandpipers and Willow Warblers on 26th. Upland species arrived on the 27th in the form of Isabelline and
Black-‐eared Wheatears, and Cretzschmar’s Bunting, plus the first passage Ortolan Bunting. The 28th saw
Spoonbill arrive and the following day more herons in the form of Purple and Squacco along with both Rüppell’s and Subalpine Warblers on territory at Kavaki.
APRIL
Weather The early part of the month was cold and wet with plenty of rain days. The weather settled from around the 20th onwards with blue skies and increasing daily temperatures rising to the 28oC by the
month’s end. A light southerly wind dominated up to the 26th with a switch to westerlies for the 27th –
30th. Rainfall for month = 68mm (Mytilini weather station).
1 – 20 April The month started very quietly with the first Sand Martin on the 2nd, a Tawny Pipit on the 3rd,
Alpine Swift from the 9th and Red-‐rumped Swallow and Common Swift from the 12th. The 13th saw
Whinchat arrive and an early Citrine Wagatil at Polichnitos Saltpans. But it wasn’t until the start of the main arrival of birders for the spring from the 15th that things really started to hot up. On the 17th Booted
Eagle, Pallid Harrier and Red-‐footed Flacon were all seen along with Temminck’s Stint and Masked Shrike followed by Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler on the 18th. On the 20th a Cattle Egret stopped briefly at the Kalloni
Alykes Wetlands and a Wryneck was at Skala Kallonis Pool.
21 April With the first charter flights from the UK arriving things picked up again. The day saw the largest ever
count of Tawny Pipit and two Pygmy Cormorants found at Dipi Larisos which were to stay in to May but could prove very elusive. The first European Bee-‐eaters were seen, Little Crakes were at Metochi and Skala Kallonis and passage waders included Sanderling.
22 April The first big find of the spring was in the form of a Blue-‐cheeked Bee-‐eater at Faneromeni.
A Baillon’s Crake took up residence in a ditch in the south-‐west corner of Kalloni Saltpans and was enjoyed by many during its week-‐long stay. Penduline Tits were seen at Metochi and the Tsiknias River as were Little Bitterns and a Citrine Wagtail also on the Tsiknais River. The Kalloni Saltpans and Alykes Wetlands started to pull in the birds with Glossy Ibis, Marsh and Curlew Sandpipers and a Black-‐tailed Godwit. Collared Flycatchers started to pass through and both Eleonora’s Falcon and Gull-‐billed Tern were seen. A male Common Pochard took up residence at Perasma Reservoir.
23 April The second of the springs Common Pochards was found at the Alykes Wetlands (a female) and a Merlin was also seen there. Four Citrine Wagtails were seen on the Tsiknias River, the first marsh terns arrived and a female Pallid Harrier passed through Ipsilou and a Montagu’s Harrier was seen around the Alykes Wetlands. Passage passerines picked up with Golden Oriole, Red-‐backed Shrikes, Common Redstarts, Wood and Eastern Orphean Warblers, Whinchat and Yellow Wagtails. The first of six Spotted Crakes was found at the Christou (Kamares) River and the first Honey-‐buzzard was seen.
24 April Baillon’s Crake, Common Pochard and Merlin were all still present around the Kalloni Saltpans area and the Pygmy Cormorants still at Dipi Larisos. Two more Baillon’s Crakes were seen at Skala Kallonis Pool along with Night-‐heron. Black-‐headed Bunting and Great Reed Warbler both arrived, Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers were seen at several sites and feeding frenzy of 800 Yelkouan and 10 Scopoli’s Shearwaters was enjoyed off Molivos.
25 April The first Roller was seen nr Parakila and a Thrush Nightingale was at Skala Eresou. A Citrine Wagtail was on the Tsiknias River and a Black Kite at Aghias Ioannis. In addition to the usual birds at Soumouria, Scops Owls were also found in roadside trees at Papiana along with a breeding pair of Long-‐eared Owls. 26 April Today saw a Dalmatian Pelican at Kalloni Saltpans along with flocks of Gull-‐billed, Whiskered and
White-‐winged Terns. Golden and Lesser Spotted Eagles were seen and the nest of the Krüper’s Nuthatch was eventually tracked down at the Achladeri Forest Kofinas picnic site. Zitting Cisticolas were found in increased numbers at several sites and Great Crested and Black-‐necked Grebes remained off Kalloni Saltpans. A Spotted Crake took up a three-‐day residence at Skala Kallonis Pool and was enjoyed by many who went to listen to it in the evenings.
27 April A Booted Eagle was seen at Revma, a Lesser Spotted Eagle at Skala Kallonis and a male Ferruginous Duck off Skamnioudi. The Kalloni Saltpans Baillon’s Crake continued to please, and Common Pochards (at Alykes Wetlands and Perasma Reservoir) and Pygmy Cormorants (at Dipi Larisos) remained in situ.
