tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66217078091640544942024-02-06T22:01:12.248-08:00LESVOS | BIRDING | ΛEΣBOΣStevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-7011725644679127872013-03-23T08:39:00.002-07:002013-05-28T09:31:55.995-07:00A Lesvos Birding Holiday<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">Northern Greece</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;"><b><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">– Lake Kerkini and </span></b></span><b style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">Dadia Forest</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">10 – 17 May 2014<br />
A week-long guided bird and wildlife holiday with Steve Dudley<br />Min. group size 3, max. group size 6<br />
Price c.£1300-1400 per person (to be confirmed, excludes flights).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 10pt;">Northern Greece is a large area with a fabulous variety of landscapes from mountains to lowland wetlands. And it is packed with birds! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_x8C0bwenUclUXmEUGNuSfGD3kUN9s0fbg5pK_Yl-3pl5FREXSwc7W86I1Rl_XYCXmdUJHl_jgzU-tfHCmokRn0VefHA-Awh92tkwATb_-kz072p5WV_CtXfM7smXAxgqwKDh2tYo3aq/s1600/Blog_060511_Black+Vulture+IMG_5105.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609938317222007250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_x8C0bwenUclUXmEUGNuSfGD3kUN9s0fbg5pK_Yl-3pl5FREXSwc7W86I1Rl_XYCXmdUJHl_jgzU-tfHCmokRn0VefHA-Awh92tkwATb_-kz072p5WV_CtXfM7smXAxgqwKDh2tYo3aq/s400/Blog_060511_Black+Vulture+IMG_5105.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 322px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><i style="text-align: center;"><i>Black Vultures look you right in the eye in Northern Greece!</i></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Day 1 – meeting up</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">We will meet up at Theassaloniki airport at 1430h. <br />
<br />Based on 2013 flights, I recommend the following flights to Thessaloniki:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">From Lesvos (for those combining Lesvos with this trip) - Aegean Airlines - dep. Mytilini c.10.30, arr. Thessaloniki c.11.30h.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">From Gatwick - BA – dep. Gatwick c. 08.30, arr. Thessaloniki c.13.45h.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">Those wishing to use other routes/carriers must be at the meeting point at Thessaloniki airport at 1500h.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">Other routes/carriers: Gatwick (EasyJet), Heathrow (Aegean) and Stansted (Ryanair).<br />
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We will transfer from Thessaloniki to our hotel</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 13px;"> overlooking Lake Kerkini. After freshening up we will spend the late evening watching part of Lake Kerkini.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 10pt;">Day 2 – 4 – Lake Kerkini and surrounding areas</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">The first half of our week will be spent birding in and around the utterly fabulous Lake Kerkini. Our hotel sits on a hillside overlooking the lake providing breathtaking bedroom views.<br /><br />Lake Kerkini is a vast reservoir made by the building of a dam in 1932 and flooding an area over 100km2. At its two widest points it is 17km long and 5km wide – it’s big!<br /><br />The lake is home to vast numbers of wetland species including breeding Dalmatian and White Pelicans, Pygmy and Great Cormorants, Night-herons, egrets, herons, wildfowl and waders. Wherever you stand around the lake you’ll have masses to see. But no area is as good as the north-west corner – the home of the drowned forest where most of the tree-nesting species breed. The north-west corner is also the point at which the River Strimonas flows in to the lake and this provides a natural river highway for arriving and departing flocks of Great Cormorants and pelicans.<br /><br />The woodland and field areas bordering the lake is not to be ignored either. Grey-headed, Lesser Spotted, Syrian, Middle Spotted and Great Spotted Woodpeckers all breed here, along with many warblers (including Moustached and Great Reed), shrikes and Hawfinch.<br /><br />Further afield, time, weather and snow line permitting, we’ll search the foothills of the adjacent Kerkini mountains for the extremely elusive White-backed and Black Woodpeckers. The wooded mountain slopes also contain many other species including Common Treecreeper, Marsh Tit and Semi-collared and Collared Flycatchers. Eagle Owl is also a possibility. We'll also spend some time searching in the wider Kerkini area for Roller, Western Rock Nuthatch, woodpeckers and other species.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Day 5 – Mount Paggeo and/or Nestos Riverine Forest</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">We move east today breaking up our 300km journey to Dadia Forest with some birding at Mount Paggeo and/or Nestos Riverine Forest (depending on weather). </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">The beech-clad slopes of Mount Paggeo are home to woodpeckers including the extremely elusive, crow-sized Black Woodpecker. It’s a secretive species which we are more likely to hear than see – but you never know! Rock Bunting occurs higher up as the beech woods begin to thin and give may to montane forest. Above the tree line, weather and snow permitting, we’ll search for mountain species including Rock Partridge, Water Pipit, Black Redstart, Alpine Accentor, Common Rock-thrush, Horned Lark and Alpine Chough.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">Nestos Riverine Forest is at thin strip of remaining forest along the banks of the Nestos River. The woodland holds several woodpecker (inc. Black) species, shrikes and other woodland and woodland edge species.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Days 6 – 7 – Dadia Forest and Evros Delta</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">We’ll spend our final two full days exploring the Dadia Forest and foothills running down to the coast and the Evros Delta. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">Hotel Thrassa is ideally situated for exploring the nearby Dadia Forest and the Evros Delta, and is situated on the shores of a private lake where you can watch birds during breakfast!</span></span></span></div>
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The forest mountains are our main focus and raptors are our main quarry. Dadia Forest boasts the largest raptor list of anywhere in Europe – 36 species! We hope to see 20+ species at this time of year including Black, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures, but the area also boast resident Golden and Eastern Imperial Eagles, Levant Sparrowhawk and migrants species such as Red-footed Falcon. The forest and hills are also excellent for many migrant species such as shrikes, Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers and Ortolan Bunting, and we will also look for Syrian and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers.<br />
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The Evros Delta is a large coastal wetland bordering the Turkish border. We’ll spend most of our second day searching the wetlands for waders, egrets and herons, marsh terns and migrants. <br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 10pt;">Day 8 – return to Thessaloniki and home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We make an early start to cover our 340km journey back to Thessaloniki for midday (timed to coincide with the BA flight back to Gatwick).</span>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">Read about my first spring visit to the area - <a href="http://lesvosbirding.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/northern-greece-5-12-may-2011.html">click here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 13px;">This week makes a great two-week holiday combined with either Lesvos (direct flights between Mytilini and Thessaloniki) or even a stay in Athens (direct flights between Athens and Thessaloniki) to take in the fabulous Greek archeology and ancient culture. Or you can just fly out from the UK.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;">I’m also planning long-weekend late winter trips for max. four people (including myself as we need a 4x4 in winter) for winter eagles, cranes, pelicans, woodpeckers, etc, so let me know if this tickles your fancy too - <a href="http://toadsnatcher.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/northern-greece-february-2012.html">click here for a trip report</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Get in touch if you want to join me on any trips.</span></span></span></span><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-88045684835840902252013-03-22T12:10:00.000-07:002013-03-23T08:35:53.029-07:00Northern Greece - 5 - 12 May 2011<!--StartFragment--> <br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">NorthERN Greece – </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">Dadia Mountains to Lake Kerkini<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5 – 12 May 2011<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Steve Dudley, Steve Chalmers, Dave & Jackie Nurney<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Report by Steve Dudley (SPD). All photos <o:p></o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">© Steve Dudley</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This was an extension to our now usual Lesvos spring week(s). SPD was on Lesvos from 14 April to 5 May with the others there from 28 April. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://toadsnatcher.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/northern-greece-february-2012.html">See here</a> for a short report on a long winter weekend around Lake Kerkini.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">BOOKS AND REPORTS</span></span></span></b></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Birdwatching Guide in Northern Greece</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> – 2</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">nd</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Edition (Steve Mills) – this was used but with mixed results. Site information for the main areas of Dadia, Evros Delta and Lake Kerkini were by and large good (but these areas are very easy to do without the book anyway), but we found information on specific sites for key target species (e.g. the rarer woodpeckers) and site info away from these three main sites very disappointing. There are frequent mentions of target species listed at the end of many site sections, but nothing specific about where in the various hills or mountains to search. If you dedicate enough time you can overcome this, but I think many birders wanting to see species such as Black and White-backed Woodpeckers will find it frustrating – you have to find your own sites. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The guide also lacks information on local tavernas, hotels, petrol stations, etc. – all key to planning a days birding.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We used several trip reports, in particular Ian Kinley’s report (his third visit) (</span><a href="http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/Greece/ne-greece-4/greece-may-2010.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/Greece/ne-greece-4/greece-may-2010.htm</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We of course had the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Collins Bird Guide</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> on hand for reference.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">Day 1 – 5th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We travelled up from Lesvos arriving at Thessaloniki airport mid-afternoon to grey skies and rain. We collected the hire car and drove east to Tichero (4.5 hrs with a stop for food near Xanthi). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">Day 2 – 6th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We spent the morning at the Dadia Forest Centre (sadly on the demise with the hostel closing down in April, no taverna/café, toilets closed, staff spoke little English). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the drive to Dadia village and on to the centre we saw several Black Vultures, Griffon Vulture, 1 Egyptian Vulture, 1 Booted Eagle, 1 Lesser Spotted Eagle, and 5 Red-footed Falcons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">From the centre car park we saw Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture and Booted Eagle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We walked up to the feeding station hide. They say 60 minutes in the literature but it took us 1.5 hours at birding pace and seeing plenty on the way up inc. excellent views of Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture and Levant Sparrowhawk. Woodland birds were disappointing but included Long-tailed Tit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At the very comfortable hide we looked across to the feeding station (c.600m) which held 6 Black Vultures, 2 Griffon Vultures, 1 Egyptian Vulture and 2 White-tailed Eagles during our stay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The walk back to the centre took 70 minutes (advertised as 45 mins) and we obtained further views of Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, European Sparrowhawk, Short-toed Treecreeper and Firecrest.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHvfbtPQmGfbruxwK_iD4OMQq7jq-PrEGdArdaGcqWUC9d2cVRfwF8py1SUVudaQBw4fEmbEopi6tGZjURNAm_JP47Nm_KngRVT5B7vkDpOiL-Jhf4dtqX0CBLHgISKW-JLAv9vhxB2-o/s1600/Blog_060511_Dadia+feeding+station+IMG_4907.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609938314013490354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHvfbtPQmGfbruxwK_iD4OMQq7jq-PrEGdArdaGcqWUC9d2cVRfwF8py1SUVudaQBw4fEmbEopi6tGZjURNAm_JP47Nm_KngRVT5B7vkDpOiL-Jhf4dtqX0CBLHgISKW-JLAv9vhxB2-o/s400/Blog_060511_Dadia+feeding+station+IMG_4907.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">View of the vulture feeding station from the hide taken with 400mm lens. Two Black Vultures can be seen in the centre of the photo (there are Griffons and White-tailed Eagles in there too!).</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adult Egyptian Vulture, Dadia Forest Centre</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We lunched in central Soufli.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The afternoon was spent in the Kapsalo area raptor watching, in particular watching Black and Griffon Vultures coming in to roost on the crags here. On returning back towards Lefkimi in the evening we chanced upon a Wild Cat in the edge of the forest.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_x8C0bwenUclUXmEUGNuSfGD3kUN9s0fbg5pK_Yl-3pl5FREXSwc7W86I1Rl_XYCXmdUJHl_jgzU-tfHCmokRn0VefHA-Awh92tkwATb_-kz072p5WV_CtXfM7smXAxgqwKDh2tYo3aq/s1600/Blog_060511_Black+Vulture+IMG_5105.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609938317222007250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_x8C0bwenUclUXmEUGNuSfGD3kUN9s0fbg5pK_Yl-3pl5FREXSwc7W86I1Rl_XYCXmdUJHl_jgzU-tfHCmokRn0VefHA-Awh92tkwATb_-kz072p5WV_CtXfM7smXAxgqwKDh2tYo3aq/s400/Blog_060511_Black+Vulture+IMG_5105.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 322px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black Vulture, Kapsalo </span></i></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Key species seen today</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> – Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, White-tailed Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Red-footed Falcon; Wild Cat.</span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">Day 3 – 7th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We returned to Kapsalo in the morning to watch the vultures leave their roost. Once the raptor action had died down we birded some of the tracks and river crossings lower down towards Lefkimi where we saw more raptors including Golden Eagle and Honey-buzzard, as well as Ortolan Bunting and Syrian Woodpecker. Returning towards Lifkimi we chanced upon three raptors circling together, two Common Buzards and a sub-adult Imperial Eagle!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHB7aC3qjiao2W_fAwlV8KqV6hj7YkFDkrl6_I1nCVg1oCUAGogzzGRKSMNBqMIdfTLpkrmmrcYaAWUxy7_Y0CGNFPTkRnpt7RMD-xPWttoP6e5cEsee4OU_eGIluCfXy-zcy_Hc-Dwbq/s1600/Blog_070511_Kapsalo+L1020644.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937988477702130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHB7aC3qjiao2W_fAwlV8KqV6hj7YkFDkrl6_I1nCVg1oCUAGogzzGRKSMNBqMIdfTLpkrmmrcYaAWUxy7_Y0CGNFPTkRnpt7RMD-xPWttoP6e5cEsee4OU_eGIluCfXy-zcy_Hc-Dwbq/s400/Blog_070511_Kapsalo+L1020644.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Raptor watching from below the Kapsalo mast</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hz7TAubuydG46X4TZnmXbArPrNUkAIx1rUHh3WwIvin3r51ZkiEe2g1va_zGjBxy0IgWaiekZT-jaZsaqEf2b_kfqgKrvbXYefm_8zRBdpeORoj62ADVZHdfSw_E9WdPIp7BvI2BFPWL/s1600/Blog_070511_Kapsalo+L1020653.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937984679604642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hz7TAubuydG46X4TZnmXbArPrNUkAIx1rUHh3WwIvin3r51ZkiEe2g1va_zGjBxy0IgWaiekZT-jaZsaqEf2b_kfqgKrvbXYefm_8zRBdpeORoj62ADVZHdfSw_E9WdPIp7BvI2BFPWL/s400/Blog_070511_Kapsalo+L1020653.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kapsalo - the vulture roost cliffs in the centre</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYaeGT37fyX7w7WWdVBaUS0B_dmwqzAIQYF1YbiN9r2pEIgPrVyd3n8MUsWnHtFp2em5nzh6OOiTmtfuES1ONZIAA8GAARQHanVjEUXDEWyz6g7rFLAN0dFUbwa1VjJvUhiMaKQciAluB/s1600/Blog_070511_Ortolan+IMG_5267.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937976239831618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYaeGT37fyX7w7WWdVBaUS0B_dmwqzAIQYF1YbiN9r2pEIgPrVyd3n8MUsWnHtFp2em5nzh6OOiTmtfuES1ONZIAA8GAARQHanVjEUXDEWyz6g7rFLAN0dFUbwa1VjJvUhiMaKQciAluB/s400/Blog_070511_Ortolan+IMG_5267.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 366px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></u></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Imperial Eagle near Lifkimi</span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We lunched in central Tichero (and coffeed at Alter Ego).</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After lunch we went in to the Evros Hills. Our targets were woodpeckers, but the sites in the Mills guide lacked any specific site info for any species so we simply stopped and searched as we saw suitable habitat. We found only Syrian and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, but during the course of the afternoon also saw a Lesser Spotted Eagle, 6+ Levant Sparrowhawks, 1 Roller, several Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers, Sombre Tit and a flock of 140+ White Pelicans over.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White Storks nr Kapsalo</span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the evening we ate at a kebab café in central Ferez.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Key species seen today</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> – Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Honey-buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Hobby, Syrian Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Roller, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Ortolan Bunting; Hermann’s Tortoise.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">Day 4 – 8th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We spent the morning in the Evros Hills again, again looking for woodpecker sites. Lowland fields near Itea delivered Roller and Calandra Lark. A forest walk nr Melia brought Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler and a single Eleonora’s Falcon. But again, without any specific gen we failed to find woodpeckers (other than Syrian and Great Spotted).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJVp0Vm04Zt2tbFC8IPnwT3iQ-v4uJxWNfMLs4QWddgIcmHVEG-4_XQrCG3eaHrMelwVRwT9uC8IScZwqqjy3YW4HuFe_2wnnNv-5youIxBU_PMr-3ODVTTgt5TS41GUK83RgGI6Q-pXs/s1600/Blog_070511_White+Pelicans+IMG_5421.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937703002551938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJVp0Vm04Zt2tbFC8IPnwT3iQ-v4uJxWNfMLs4QWddgIcmHVEG-4_XQrCG3eaHrMelwVRwT9uC8IScZwqqjy3YW4HuFe_2wnnNv-5youIxBU_PMr-3ODVTTgt5TS41GUK83RgGI6Q-pXs/s400/Blog_070511_White+Pelicans+IMG_5421.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 357px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White Pelicans over Monastriaki</span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We lunched in lowland fields near Monastriraki approaching the Evros Delta and had a fabulous hour with Lesser Spotted and Booted Eagles, Honey-buzzard, Levant and European Sparrowhawks, White Pelicans over, two calling Quail and a Wood Warbler feeding in the only tree in sight!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEJyHYQqcshJgLT3-4O_NxqA1YI2ycVsWVrlIK5e1RvzBlrMY-Qz0IEBHypIHVnaqnX-ANfkNCd7tyUu-1ExAuEM5TqPi1pW5C7-FRwrpN7ePZjX-yPGVr8s1gLOhLZXyXxgZmI6U7o-G/s1600/Blog_080511_Hoopoe+IMG_5578.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937263778316242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEJyHYQqcshJgLT3-4O_NxqA1YI2ycVsWVrlIK5e1RvzBlrMY-Qz0IEBHypIHVnaqnX-ANfkNCd7tyUu-1ExAuEM5TqPi1pW5C7-FRwrpN7ePZjX-yPGVr8s1gLOhLZXyXxgZmI6U7o-G/s400/Blog_080511_Hoopoe+IMG_5578.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hoopoe nr Melia - wrong shutter speed or art?</span></i></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kSflW_lFcJdUC1LTUiVXBm6ZNoMzeF8X2KfhOPZhqepv8EdCw0dxPDJm3FcWG9ERXFflO-yA8qVDuKz1kKcpmXqkpCFywOl_zKiWoLVBixPkY8aIk3Pl46L-YQ79_w9wzf6sEH-XsyN0/s1600/Blog_080511_Roller+IMG_5565.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937249932775058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kSflW_lFcJdUC1LTUiVXBm6ZNoMzeF8X2KfhOPZhqepv8EdCw0dxPDJm3FcWG9ERXFflO-yA8qVDuKz1kKcpmXqkpCFywOl_zKiWoLVBixPkY8aIk3Pl46L-YQ79_w9wzf6sEH-XsyN0/s400/Blog_080511_Roller+IMG_5565.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 297px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Roller nr Melia </span></i></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdKbloyZCrvvuvd1ssKxyEy-61qEoa15xH8TRPSHtK0JeZiuodmFsOOlZo7eFOvYyEPTvPKWOntw7NnlJcb0kufOXFj84V67mAVf5J_qwPkptfnB_3MW4WsscCm-wC4Pqn3WE3O5nmvIF/s1600/Blog_080511_Calandra+Lark+IMG_5600.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937679693175330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdKbloyZCrvvuvd1ssKxyEy-61qEoa15xH8TRPSHtK0JeZiuodmFsOOlZo7eFOvYyEPTvPKWOntw7NnlJcb0kufOXFj84V67mAVf5J_qwPkptfnB_3MW4WsscCm-wC4Pqn3WE3O5nmvIF/s400/Blog_080511_Calandra+Lark+IMG_5600.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 305px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Calandra Lark nr Monastriaki</span></i></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After lunch we birded the western section of the Evros Delta. We had ordered permits for the eastern section, but we had already decided our time was to be spent ’pecker hunting in the hills, so this was our only time in the delta and we would concentrate on the western side only. As it turned out it was a good move as we all found the delta very disappointing! I’m sure the eastern site would have been better, but others confirmed they found the delta equally disappointing. The best area by far was the Anthia marshes where we encountered good numbers of marsh terns and waders.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3OD9DBy3wmpr1Sf80CpKvBg2mc6Nv9rb82U14_a-6DaOuTWdk4sPqnWyuXl5spE7AxqvEIGDXJRHwb9iUH2WHV8U8UJJz3n-_UzSYvQhJzNTTTIscN3a2vWIzhyphenhyphenGPfb5n5ue2XVTGN2w/s1600/Blog_080511_Spoonbills+IMG_5686.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937244603297922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3OD9DBy3wmpr1Sf80CpKvBg2mc6Nv9rb82U14_a-6DaOuTWdk4sPqnWyuXl5spE7AxqvEIGDXJRHwb9iUH2WHV8U8UJJz3n-_UzSYvQhJzNTTTIscN3a2vWIzhyphenhyphenGPfb5n5ue2XVTGN2w/s400/Blog_080511_Spoonbills+IMG_5686.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 142px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spoonbill, Evros Delta </span></i></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On the way back to Tichero we saw up to 6 Rollers on wires and a Hobby south of Ferez. On the recommendation of the hotel we ate in the taverna on the main toad between the hotel and Tichero but wouldn’t recommend it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">22 species of raptors seen in three days. Not bad!</span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Key species seen today</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> – Quail, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle, Honey-buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Eleonora’s Falcon, Peregrine, Hobby, Collared Pratincole, Black Tern, White-winged Black Tern, Whiskered Tern, Roller, Calandra Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">Day 5 – 9th May 2011</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our travel day west to Kerkini. We decided to make only one birding stop, Mount Paggeo, for alpine species and woodpeckers. The Citroën Jumpy was great, easily getting us up to the summit despite the section from the ski area to the summit being treacherous at times. We drove straight up to the top and birded our way down. At the summit, between bouts of low cloud we got great views of Horned Lark and Alpine Chough. On the drive up/down from the ski centre we had a pair of Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush. At the ski centre we saw Water Pipit, Black Redstart and Cretzschmar’s Bunting. We then birded slowly down through the wooded sections. We frustratingly heard Black Woodpecker but failed to see it, but did manage Honey-buzzard and Rock Bunting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Summit of Mt Paggeo</span></i></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpobjM4_MizIUkH9kaKRBGBdnwIZ3hxx02RxMNEA9qWsSw0HNN1e43PQsNuhnseO6HjIRABnV3JeT1t4ZDvaFYYoIXjzf46WAcGMeBMrPzdI0lbyo-XllohWf80A7XX4nVmx6Oh2ehvQK/s1600/Blog_090511_Horned+Lark+IMG_5734.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937231942864226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpobjM4_MizIUkH9kaKRBGBdnwIZ3hxx02RxMNEA9qWsSw0HNN1e43PQsNuhnseO6HjIRABnV3JeT1t4ZDvaFYYoIXjzf46WAcGMeBMrPzdI0lbyo-XllohWf80A7XX4nVmx6Oh2ehvQK/s400/Blog_090511_Horned+Lark+IMG_5734.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 280px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhBPo0DwoCAA95zPw4B-ChnIf8klXLsCMxqFAA0ABbIIoB7Gp2ak-yb-UQW9QJCJkKF3tYL7ZM9oZj8PyDpHA0jcKfu4XYg0wz4Br4SKr7OeH_pO6J_6Ut1er9aYgdzaZ4kb-lC4aHWyE/s1600/Blog_090511_Horned+Lark+IMG_5737.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937226190510258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhBPo0DwoCAA95zPw4B-ChnIf8klXLsCMxqFAA0ABbIIoB7Gp2ak-yb-UQW9QJCJkKF3tYL7ZM9oZj8PyDpHA0jcKfu4XYg0wz4Br4SKr7OeH_pO6J_6Ut1er9aYgdzaZ4kb-lC4aHWyE/s400/Blog_090511_Horned+Lark+IMG_5737.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 316px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Horned Lark, Mt Paggeo</span></i></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bE3RUvUTc9dHIBsduToiLLaCqxWm3ArO20Xir8KcpyVvIiOnWfpobEvm3SpStYkAdaSMR-7tRXg0mLdqc1joGhT3blQeIsLmBRisfmeRustMtC0yFgQPfrApvfXm_wTFdStFMjeypTCV/s1600/Blog_090511_RockThrush+IMG_5700.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936979456465138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bE3RUvUTc9dHIBsduToiLLaCqxWm3ArO20Xir8KcpyVvIiOnWfpobEvm3SpStYkAdaSMR-7tRXg0mLdqc1joGhT3blQeIsLmBRisfmeRustMtC0yFgQPfrApvfXm_wTFdStFMjeypTCV/s400/Blog_090511_RockThrush+IMG_5700.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 332px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush, Mt Paggeo </span></i></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We snacked whilst up the mountain and then had an extended mid-afternoon coffee and cake stop at the fabulous Dolcetto café (with free wi-fi) on the north edge of Eleftheroupoli – definitely recommended!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Key species seen today</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> – Honey-buzzard, Black Woodpecker (heard), Horned Lark, Water Pipit, Black Redstart, Alpine Chough, Rock Bunting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We arrived at Kerkini and checked in to the Morfi Hotel (actually the Oikoperiigitis Hotel) and ate in the hotel taverna (grilled meats only on offer). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">Day 6 – 10th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After breakfast we birded the hotel area down to the lake. The poplar copses were alive with the sound of Golden Oriole and Common Nightingale and we also heard Grey-headed Woodpecker. We spent the rest of the morning birding the north and east areas of the lake. A truly fabulous area with constant streams of wetland species to-ing and fro-ing from the lake. In the Veronia fields we recorded Great Spotted and Syrian Woodpckers, Honey-buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk and Less Spotted Eagle. Along the north shore of the Strimonas River the highlight was a Griffon Vulture heading high to the east. The eastern embankment was simply hoochin’ with birds. Both species of pelicans, thousands of Great Cormorants in seemingly endless streams heading to and from the lake, Pygmy Cormorants, Night-herons, Spoonbills, Squacco, Grey and Purple Herons, Black-necked Grebe, Black Terns, etc, etc. It was simply breathtaking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTckm13hHzl81y1NsUE1I1szAwxXitcv7RjJ_i9hEVBSV3bj12oPlEZTxSbnQeId6ytOrc5kjLnRF9ytBAi32s9KAbJlRkMHX6vAcT_kWwzPFHuxpScUR59qeycVS4yhmyF1jkmXX3wma/s1600/Blog_090511_Vironia+tracks_L1020690.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936968480362434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTckm13hHzl81y1NsUE1I1szAwxXitcv7RjJ_i9hEVBSV3bj12oPlEZTxSbnQeId6ytOrc5kjLnRF9ytBAi32s9KAbJlRkMHX6vAcT_kWwzPFHuxpScUR59qeycVS4yhmyF1jkmXX3wma/s400/Blog_090511_Vironia+tracks_L1020690.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Vironia Fields, Lake Kerkini, looking north-west towards Kerkini Mountains</span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4HAQddegFRPc2JclV2YEEb4E_1p6VZtZwAIKvvu6mjdZ-62vBeI1cjzoKoTGNkkBkq-QDMxTSTOVvJEpsyfNUUz7ZiJVnu9G4yaDDwC649qB02ioGe0rhdVsu7Pp8foXjEL4qYIAu0kf/s1600/Blog_100511_Lake+Kerkini_L1020690.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609935282077268178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4HAQddegFRPc2JclV2YEEb4E_1p6VZtZwAIKvvu6mjdZ-62vBeI1cjzoKoTGNkkBkq-QDMxTSTOVvJEpsyfNUUz7ZiJVnu9G4yaDDwC649qB02ioGe0rhdVsu7Pp8foXjEL4qYIAu0kf/s400/Blog_100511_Lake+Kerkini_L1020690.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 159px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></u></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">North-east corner of Lake Kerkini looking towards the 'ibis strip'</span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLAWIwegeqEaT510sznDKxGQMyrauBY8d-VO67ZqO7rDxiAhHOgWh9jtULOHCQxgSLiuivU-7rZtR7UFBQd3-MTrTPgyaUV6wiZEBlq4Kc-XCvAlawO_d9OdlQtN5thjUgo9Vv3Q_LD7-/s1600/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelican+IMG_6078.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936960414255442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLAWIwegeqEaT510sznDKxGQMyrauBY8d-VO67ZqO7rDxiAhHOgWh9jtULOHCQxgSLiuivU-7rZtR7UFBQd3-MTrTPgyaUV6wiZEBlq4Kc-XCvAlawO_d9OdlQtN5thjUgo9Vv3Q_LD7-/s400/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelican+IMG_6078.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 114px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNRpE5ps914zhYt2wTKK-RUNt6DhdIjSWO2RrSXXodSlk9_BY1tJJUYN_sC69yvnGaBBh-rS08Fl8z32qYIY0mIY2wFPui7GOUGOsdgdpz6q7PHQP8vbAgMa1z1g_c61ryA3GMghyfHK6/s1600/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelican+IMG_6090.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936957165914514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNRpE5ps914zhYt2wTKK-RUNt6DhdIjSWO2RrSXXodSlk9_BY1tJJUYN_sC69yvnGaBBh-rS08Fl8z32qYIY0mIY2wFPui7GOUGOsdgdpz6q7PHQP8vbAgMa1z1g_c61ryA3GMghyfHK6/s400/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelican+IMG_6090.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 176px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX-ugeK96wowUOyy18UDBVUXiM9EMJ3gd_I7I47TnQbJ9eheWp_B3isYXl2prVodnpF7OJzOtBDjLAep9tfyEjsvbUl3RAL-HZ0wBDz-WL29I_wL4I8NHhzPPdmojvUbiJNDJ556yi5kB/s1600/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelicans+IMG_6584.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936741850049362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX-ugeK96wowUOyy18UDBVUXiM9EMJ3gd_I7I47TnQbJ9eheWp_B3isYXl2prVodnpF7OJzOtBDjLAep9tfyEjsvbUl3RAL-HZ0wBDz-WL29I_wL4I8NHhzPPdmojvUbiJNDJ556yi5kB/s400/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelicans+IMG_6584.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 295px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dalmatian Pelicans, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"></span></span></span></u></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<i><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbPNG0YqaT6cGbUA30nhrNj7rCb9rWX0e02L_s70paH4Mg9bA3FcNQkW5RVrG02KBAT36RiCNZ9B5YwZ2cI2wgdMY6LoF72lrlcRCYe4BX0CWWEueuP0hwvAVXTLumPfbV8J1j5aifYo3/s1600/Blog_100511_Grt+Cormorant+IMG_6042.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936695492459874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbPNG0YqaT6cGbUA30nhrNj7rCb9rWX0e02L_s70paH4Mg9bA3FcNQkW5RVrG02KBAT36RiCNZ9B5YwZ2cI2wgdMY6LoF72lrlcRCYe4BX0CWWEueuP0hwvAVXTLumPfbV8J1j5aifYo3/s400/Blog_100511_Grt+Cormorant+IMG_6042.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 142px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></u></span></i></span></i></span></u></i></i></div>
<i><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaE9pXOQ8WHeMZAMuEsvLLLMrBw4vJ0za0LuaxZr5tDeNRmMYcw2wH-7ETn7EIYf85TC4IJCMgrCCm4Io6CuXSw0iagVJ0XieoT0MaoVd-BJ6oEOq4Wnk2VgtnZlbtm6meSLitWQUhDB3/s1600/Blog_100511_Grt+Cormorant+IMG_6156.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936686772680322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaE9pXOQ8WHeMZAMuEsvLLLMrBw4vJ0za0LuaxZr5tDeNRmMYcw2wH-7ETn7EIYf85TC4IJCMgrCCm4Io6CuXSw0iagVJ0XieoT0MaoVd-BJ6oEOq4Wnk2VgtnZlbtm6meSLitWQUhDB3/s400/Blog_100511_Grt+Cormorant+IMG_6156.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 142px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></u></i><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great Cormorants, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyz4sz6XfvQzc77EfrKCQxdht43-NS1c2vHO1TL0TSqq-Y7aFvWfO2ILOdd1htpzPFDIurI6ARygoAKwDM6hDttVWUFkH2hpKQa7u9sWpvHWINbgoYV89vXneS3I6kaUqUJdQ72KiIsEf/s1600/Blog_100511_Kerkini+Dam_L1020704.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609935291225481090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyz4sz6XfvQzc77EfrKCQxdht43-NS1c2vHO1TL0TSqq-Y7aFvWfO2ILOdd1htpzPFDIurI6ARygoAKwDM6hDttVWUFkH2hpKQa7u9sWpvHWINbgoYV89vXneS3I6kaUqUJdQ72KiIsEf/s400/Blog_100511_Kerkini+Dam_L1020704.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></u></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Below Kerkini dam at Lithotopos</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHSHCPzh1pNsLZ7TmG4sY-0t37YctLTG3jL5VkCOAwmYNpoU_VsV6IayM9qRGxZ6EKuhmE6rtuujjKb3ot33wvuswERBbFeuuzC1s7Fv-NESKGeakRbM6yiz5976tCNjLbWcf_imRrjQk/s1600/Blog_100511_Spoonbill+IMG_6358.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934697519041698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHSHCPzh1pNsLZ7TmG4sY-0t37YctLTG3jL5VkCOAwmYNpoU_VsV6IayM9qRGxZ6EKuhmE6rtuujjKb3ot33wvuswERBbFeuuzC1s7Fv-NESKGeakRbM6yiz5976tCNjLbWcf_imRrjQk/s400/Blog_100511_Spoonbill+IMG_6358.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 327px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></u></span></u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adult Spoonbill, below Kerkini dam at Lithotopos</span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We eventually dragged ourselves away and had a late lunch in Irakila (only one of two tavernas we found during the week offering traditional Greek meze dishes rather than grills or schnitzels).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HX9iTxQdviZf_d37gj8vqGchYfzg-mTCiAR-z3-gOoG5Xf88qOKRgOl9jKaaW4BLAkn02OBrt1aHo1Mm1FF8ufwbo_W8x1rylmkYBR1Ft79hETn74IECpbdH9jhX2OUZdbsRAl8k7e-L/s1600/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_5974.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609935273828750562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HX9iTxQdviZf_d37gj8vqGchYfzg-mTCiAR-z3-gOoG5Xf88qOKRgOl9jKaaW4BLAkn02OBrt1aHo1Mm1FF8ufwbo_W8x1rylmkYBR1Ft79hETn74IECpbdH9jhX2OUZdbsRAl8k7e-L/s400/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_5974.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 146px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sub-adult Night-heron, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKSiO6TvZ4Hs3rXDXopEb0g-fp6FCJOadEMlnBdxZ7IaLQkCnL82MpVvjA6OOBeG5gHmjHHK7lLflXs8a0Ervzwr47ipZ6rgm__74gN9QPNDFagJw2bK4quCvqRjsiKJQLgpxWj7_MaLK/s1600/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6163.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609935264981885410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKSiO6TvZ4Hs3rXDXopEb0g-fp6FCJOadEMlnBdxZ7IaLQkCnL82MpVvjA6OOBeG5gHmjHHK7lLflXs8a0Ervzwr47ipZ6rgm__74gN9QPNDFagJw2bK4quCvqRjsiKJQLgpxWj7_MaLK/s400/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6163.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 203px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adult Night-heron, Lake Kerkini with the drowned forest in the background</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After lunch we continued around the eastern side of the lake stopping at the dam area, Himarros, the Mavrovouni Hills, Korifoudi Marshes and back to Kerkini. After the morning on the east embankment the afternoon was a little disappointing apart from the dam area where we watched several feeding frenzies – the noise is amazing! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT3q5knDa6uFKdVcHuUDtdkYoFsoWtwM3AEb27UwnwJrkkZiZYTu_bVcA-Z6l76wAyKAvfRgc4RXRd13p0GaSum6HZK_V6c8WObbHe4p7JFxA1u0vYP-85N3WacgHzeZ31_ZGZcuREvBv/s1600/Blog_100511_Feeding+Frenzy+IMG_6444.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936717023852178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT3q5knDa6uFKdVcHuUDtdkYoFsoWtwM3AEb27UwnwJrkkZiZYTu_bVcA-Z6l76wAyKAvfRgc4RXRd13p0GaSum6HZK_V6c8WObbHe4p7JFxA1u0vYP-85N3WacgHzeZ31_ZGZcuREvBv/s400/Blog_100511_Feeding+Frenzy+IMG_6444.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 244px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Feeding frenzy, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE773zIS8qEDatQ-X9HtLDnZ5SLqW_U3KNt2AM2foCB3ZIoUqNYGFsyZSqdn0FKILba9fvAJ118O-kfU2xjRgveUPAe5be7jgYdNjSluzdkASMqGU4wQRVMrOOqyLlsk0cdBvzBj8FiNYI/s1600/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6190.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609935255908357362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE773zIS8qEDatQ-X9HtLDnZ5SLqW_U3KNt2AM2foCB3ZIoUqNYGFsyZSqdn0FKILba9fvAJ118O-kfU2xjRgveUPAe5be7jgYdNjSluzdkASMqGU4wQRVMrOOqyLlsk0cdBvzBj8FiNYI/s400/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6190.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 271px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adult Night-heron, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkF2Dj0t55r1yEIKITHC80wzwSjC4Opwn5AcGCyVKyHhXQ20Xw2JuHfRUob3_hvYpAEZoGszYCB9xC6ab08Q9T1JFLSV0e_L4f5SS_F9b7o-ZbQEHdpXm68adZJZkZYa1VRHc6a3WFGVk/s1600/Blog_100511_White+Pelicans+IMG_6225.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934712856834082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkF2Dj0t55r1yEIKITHC80wzwSjC4Opwn5AcGCyVKyHhXQ20Xw2JuHfRUob3_hvYpAEZoGszYCB9xC6ab08Q9T1JFLSV0e_L4f5SS_F9b7o-ZbQEHdpXm68adZJZkZYa1VRHc6a3WFGVk/s400/Blog_100511_White+Pelicans+IMG_6225.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></u></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White Pelicans, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzS-98cAeoZIh7An6P51lkkt33wVZGHDkKW-cbcrwh4HA6ZJrJoKalLasMk8skPMe89pTMw36OKjyWFxJvHBBAQk9geFhX-KBfBWre22BRFfd0fgxL_cKuae7QdN26KMYs-czh1T-dRF7_/s1600/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6203.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934693075408002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzS-98cAeoZIh7An6P51lkkt33wVZGHDkKW-cbcrwh4HA6ZJrJoKalLasMk8skPMe89pTMw36OKjyWFxJvHBBAQk9geFhX-KBfBWre22BRFfd0fgxL_cKuae7QdN26KMYs-czh1T-dRF7_/s400/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6203.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 274px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></u></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adult Night-heron, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE773zIS8qEDatQ-X9HtLDnZ5SLqW_U3KNt2AM2foCB3ZIoUqNYGFsyZSqdn0FKILba9fvAJ118O-kfU2xjRgveUPAe5be7jgYdNjSluzdkASMqGU4wQRVMrOOqyLlsk0cdBvzBj8FiNYI/s1600/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6190.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu2r-sWw394ReT46t3VBG_Rcf65uZJ2gLS5Ic9m8DS0PCBRCylbtjHpwbFFDPpoAbk-ideQ4mgo5Dia8F-_qDtpyFO7AYlvGmVLbCxPVo4p495pwUGBVdi0i4dmBHlGpS2eKbQVH0sfmz/s1600/Blog_100511_Great+Reed+Warbler+IMG_6657.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936701777605922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu2r-sWw394ReT46t3VBG_Rcf65uZJ2gLS5Ic9m8DS0PCBRCylbtjHpwbFFDPpoAbk-ideQ4mgo5Dia8F-_qDtpyFO7AYlvGmVLbCxPVo4p495pwUGBVdi0i4dmBHlGpS2eKbQVH0sfmz/s400/Blog_100511_Great+Reed+Warbler+IMG_6657.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 290px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great Reed Warbler, Korifoudi Marshes, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfCOJaPJBRcaz1-YDMCXT3sRl0C-_ZolsSAL5esd1Co6kKHh3Gji9HmprM0QXqxWfeqb2Q1pn5YyH97qpRjL8IWesj9zi07hu3edgTTyxTAAmT_Y1Sdp9WlHxgIssiJpf6C79hDUQZ1f_/s1600/Blog_100511_White+Admiral+IMG_6404.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934701545884482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfCOJaPJBRcaz1-YDMCXT3sRl0C-_ZolsSAL5esd1Co6kKHh3Gji9HmprM0QXqxWfeqb2Q1pn5YyH97qpRjL8IWesj9zi07hu3edgTTyxTAAmT_Y1Sdp9WlHxgIssiJpf6C79hDUQZ1f_/s400/Blog_100511_White+Admiral+IMG_6404.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 307px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Southern White Admiral, Himarros, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mavrovouni Hills, Lake Kerkini </span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria; font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Key species seen today</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> – Goosander, Black-necked Grebe, White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Spoonbill, herons, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Honey-buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Syrian Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail Masked Shrike; Southern White Admiral, Beautiful Demoiselle, Green-eyed Hawker, Southern Darter.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">Day 7 – 11th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We were out at 6am back along the east embankment of Lake Kerkini. Although still a fabulous time, it wasn’t the same spectacle as the previous late morning. We got the feeling it takes the lake a few hours to ‘warm up’ and the bird activity to really get going.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpx_yXqM7ko3A_LdOzQ42rDixblrnykcKlB_HuWf0z8CmHciAnsxwHCkWrJ_BvvTAup6XneyLq4PkILZwOOz_Qk1BAtSnbsWB9NjISahqpN3riW1si-Ht2DlH7Sb-cLjabsRJG5CuKfw8/s1600/Blog_110511_Lake+Kerkini+L1020742.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934412821746322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpx_yXqM7ko3A_LdOzQ42rDixblrnykcKlB_HuWf0z8CmHciAnsxwHCkWrJ_BvvTAup6XneyLq4PkILZwOOz_Qk1BAtSnbsWB9NjISahqpN3riW1si-Ht2DlH7Sb-cLjabsRJG5CuKfw8/s400/Blog_110511_Lake+Kerkini+L1020742.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 153px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">View of Lake Kerkini, the drowned forest centre left, from mountainside above Ano Poroia </span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After breakfast we decided to dedicate the whole day to woodpeckers by birding a single area of the Kerkini Mountains hard. We chose the deciduous-coniferous forest area above Ano Poroia. Again the Citroën Jumpy allowed us to reach areas that a normal car would never have got us to. After several hours we nailed White-backed Woodpecker. It was just as we arrived back at the car to head back to the village for lunch when Steve saw a bird fly near the van – a female White-backed pecker. In a flash it was gone, but we did hear it call several times and this confirmed to Dave and myself that the odd Blackbird-like ‘pock’ call that we had been hearing on and off was indeed this species.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIKJs9_nyinp0-YXESF_fID4t-5ULqlkk11kjjyZvUPjlaEK2cuEHy8A3YyN0EE3N1Y9fZ-qFbrj25-xKHzJZrLfyCqDBKrdAhLibCmSe3ZahQbHlnahPmL7qcXUw_cLJduK1nqo9yAXD/s1600/Blog_110511_Kerkini+Mnts+L1020743.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934325389502546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIKJs9_nyinp0-YXESF_fID4t-5ULqlkk11kjjyZvUPjlaEK2cuEHy8A3YyN0EE3N1Y9fZ-qFbrj25-xKHzJZrLfyCqDBKrdAhLibCmSe3ZahQbHlnahPmL7qcXUw_cLJduK1nqo9yAXD/s400/Blog_110511_Kerkini+Mnts+L1020743.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 187px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wooded mountainside above Ano Poroia</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">With the site sorted, we went for lunch at the fabulous taverna in the centre of the old square in Ano Poroia where we watched Nuthatches and Tree Sparrows flitting around the tables. We had a good coffee in the (trendy-looking) café on the corner opposite the taverna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After lunch we went straight back up to our White-backed Woodpecker site. Within minutes of leaving the car I saw a woodpecker in flight and soon started hearing the deep ‘pock’ calls. It didn’t take us long to track down a pair actively feeding in one section of the coniferous wood. Both birds were feeding on decaying stumps at ground level, hacking out the rotting wood and digging out some large, pale grub. We were able to watch the female on one occasion for at least five minutes as it dug away at the base of a stump. We were ecstatic! Whilst watching the White-backs we could hear a Black Woodpecker nearby, and once the female had made a beeline for her nest we headed off in search of the king of European woodpeckers. And it didn’t take us long! Within 100m along the track we soon found the calling bird and had good views as it moved around us, but never surrendering to the camera as the White-backed did. Job done! We’d birded the area really hard and were delighted with our rewards. This forest area also held a male Semi-collared Flycatcher, good numbers of Willow Tit, several Common Treecreepers, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Blackcap.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEzhlQh9FndPBf2TaseIWoXfX8rRDSxiSFWFTPnSpb0jgo_bOVbh0Wa2DVjLsAQv0QGQM8E6B1ttYYgMlZwXyUxrpd_I-ihCYYZagBqfSU39fd3RrW0818UntuF_-90m78a9omcD13Y54/s1600/Blog_110511_Kerkini+Mnts+L1020767.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934329594842786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEzhlQh9FndPBf2TaseIWoXfX8rRDSxiSFWFTPnSpb0jgo_bOVbh0Wa2DVjLsAQv0QGQM8E6B1ttYYgMlZwXyUxrpd_I-ihCYYZagBqfSU39fd3RrW0818UntuF_-90m78a9omcD13Y54/s400/Blog_110511_Kerkini+Mnts+L1020767.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Woodland above Ano Poroia - site of White-backed and Black Woodpeckers</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Og3uMosmwnDYyjrDEP6n7G48lEZ2c7VB7rDHskwDFHe5DVRGLlvnDf3uVCMKFllgfMq5JGb4EaW_w9UQAJW8K4Uny7adXElwX43wG3m9Llf7daGG8qwkkndq-gayNtNLniZfm8jpH8NG/s1600/Blog_110511_White-backed+Wpckr+L1020763.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934315876041250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Og3uMosmwnDYyjrDEP6n7G48lEZ2c7VB7rDHskwDFHe5DVRGLlvnDf3uVCMKFllgfMq5JGb4EaW_w9UQAJW8K4Uny7adXElwX43wG3m9Llf7daGG8qwkkndq-gayNtNLniZfm8jpH8NG/s400/Blog_110511_White-backed+Wpckr+L1020763.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 345px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Female White-backed Woodpecker collecting grubs from base of decaying fir stump, in w</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">oodland above Ano Poroia</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We birded on the way back down to Ano Poroia finding loads of Green Woodpeckers but no Grey-headed (too high for most of the time).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Key species seen today</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> – Black-necked Grebe, White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Spoonbill, herons, Black Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Willow Tit, Common Treecreeper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">Day 8 – 12th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After breakfast we loaded the car and headed straight back to Thessaloniki for our flight to Athens and then on home to the UK.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900;">SPECIES LISTS</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Birds (<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">175 species)</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Little Grebe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great Crested Grebe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black-necked Grebe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great Cormorant<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pygmy Cormorant<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White Pelican<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dalmatian Pelican<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Little Bittern<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Night-heron<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Squacco Heron<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Little Egret<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great White Egret<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Grey Heron<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Purple Heron<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black Stork<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White Stork<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spoonbill<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great Flamingo<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mute Swan<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Greylag Goose<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ruddy Shelduck<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Shelduck<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wigeon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gadwall<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mallard<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Shoveler<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Garganey<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tufted Duck<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Pochard<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Goosander<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Honey-buzzard<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black Kite<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White-tailed Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Egyptian Vulture<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black Vulture<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Griffon Vulture<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Short-toed Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Marsh Harrier<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Goshawk<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Levant Sparrowhawk<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">European Sparrowhawk<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Buzzard<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Long-legged Buzzard<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lesser Spotted Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Golden Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Imperial Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Booted Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Kestrel<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lesser Kestrel<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Red-footed Falcon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Peregrine<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eleonora’s Falcon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hobby<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quail<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Moorhen<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Coot<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Oystercatcher<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black-winged Stilt<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Collared Pratincole<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Grey Plover<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lapwing<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Little Stint<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Curlew Sandpiper<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dunlin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ruff<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Redshank<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Greenshank<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wood Sandpiper<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Sandpiper<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black-headed Gull<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yellow-legged Gull<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gull-billed Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Little Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whiskered Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White-winged Black Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Feral Pigeon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Collared Dove<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Turtle Dove<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Woodpigeon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Cuckoo<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Little Owl<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tawny Owl<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Alpine Swift<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Swift<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pallid Swift<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Kingfisher<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">European Bee-eater<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Roller<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hoopoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Grey-headed Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Green Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great Spotted Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Syrian Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White-backed Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Horned Lark<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Calandra Lark<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Short-toed Lark<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Woodlark<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sand Martin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Crag Martin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">House Martin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Red-rumped Swallow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Barn Swallow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tree Pipit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Water Pipit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yellow Wagtail<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Grey Wagtail<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White Wagtail<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Wren<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">European Robin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Nightingale<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black Redstart<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whinchat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Stonechat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Isabelline Wheatear<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Northern Wheatear<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black-eared Wheatear<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Blue Rock-thrush<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Blackbird<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mistle Thrush<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cetti’s Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sedge Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eurasian Reed Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great Reed Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eastern Olivaceous Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Subalpine Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eastern Orphean Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lesser Whitethroat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Whitethroat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Blackcap<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Chiffchaff<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Willow Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Goldcrest<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Firecrest<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spotted Flycatcher<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pied Flycatcher<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Semi-collared Flycatcher<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Long-tailed Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Willow Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sombre Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Coal Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Blue Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wood Nuthatch<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Treecreeper<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Short-toed Treecreeper<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Golden Oriole<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Woodchat Shrike<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Masked Shrike<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jay<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Magpie<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Alpine Chough<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hooded Crow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rook<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jackdaw<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Raven<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Common Starling<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">House Sparrow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spanish Sparrow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tree Sparrow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Chaffinch<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Greenfinch<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Goldfinch<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yellowhammer<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cirl Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rock Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cretzschmar’s Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ortolan Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Black-headed Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Corn Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">With more focus on the Evros Delta 180+ is easily achievable in a week if you want a big list. We were surprised just how well we did without going hard after a list and with so much of our time taken up with looking specifically for woodpeckers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Insects</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (selected)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Southern White Admiral<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Large Tortoiseshell<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beautiful Demoiselle<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Green-eyed Hawker<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Southern Darter<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mammals</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (selected)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wild Cat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Reptiles and amphibians</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (selected)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Glass Lizard<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hermann’s Tortoise<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-25476595525726621242011-05-31T02:56:00.000-07:002011-05-31T03:19:22.680-07:00Local school visits Environmental Centre<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWKq2qYP3VEKpCCwXHzJ6Ha9rx9gAjV-ZHuh5cz4LVyXVZv9goKCpLgygWNdmiA_uy5Xup0NJDBc1SjUxXOPc1ga_i3RsoIfT3ertJV_MpGh-qZ3Lvhhf2fYTQk2iqf10WQP9-K0H6vVp/s1600/Kall+Env+Cen+Schl+Trip+May+11+DSCN2642.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWKq2qYP3VEKpCCwXHzJ6Ha9rx9gAjV-ZHuh5cz4LVyXVZv9goKCpLgygWNdmiA_uy5Xup0NJDBc1SjUxXOPc1ga_i3RsoIfT3ertJV_MpGh-qZ3Lvhhf2fYTQk2iqf10WQP9-K0H6vVp/s400/Kall+Env+Cen+Schl+Trip+May+11+DSCN2642.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612822139785673906" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On 17 May, 5th and 6th graders from Daphia School (near Skala Kallonis) were taken on a field trip birdwatching with local birder and environmentalist Eleni Galinou along the Christou/Kamares River, followed by a visit to the new Kalloni Environmental Centre in Skala Kallonis. The children also took part in a beach cleanup (applauded by several birders who witnessed it!) along the Skala Kallonis beach which was followed by a free lunch at the Kalloni Bay Hotel.</span></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIV9Zh0pVvQk5sgBSqpVmh0uJflAFu-7Odk3z_2z7oajM2wqahyphenhyphenrC6XLPXIFqqOYtxBHtH1IXEiP1f5Stfo-3_7s3xR_HQSifGLAWex157jVsJF5HXAZ4lc76fMlmrfMUBT-ss7TbAmUwf/s1600/Kall+Env+Cen+Schl+Trip+May+11+DSCN2635.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIV9Zh0pVvQk5sgBSqpVmh0uJflAFu-7Odk3z_2z7oajM2wqahyphenhyphenrC6XLPXIFqqOYtxBHtH1IXEiP1f5Stfo-3_7s3xR_HQSifGLAWex157jVsJF5HXAZ4lc76fMlmrfMUBT-ss7TbAmUwf/s400/Kall+Env+Cen+Schl+Trip+May+11+DSCN2635.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612821705456716322" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; ">The organisers hope that this will attract visits to the centre from other schools on the island and that these projects will increase the appreciation of the local people of their local natural environment and will increase the willingness of local people to support local environmental issues such as the restoration of the Skala Kallonis Pool.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuXkILRTYIGeSL20ouFC8nLIU1DA_c6kkCyna3k1iFdZQBE5elfXMOTQa236wqpDx623BSRuMwQ2xaobzSDKmTXxDzO2UrIo4CBkdwYLAr4b17elKr3dE89K3tHXORNMI8XD-RbJ21P2R/s1600/Kall+Env+Cen+Schl+Trip+May+11+DSCN2686.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 362px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuXkILRTYIGeSL20ouFC8nLIU1DA_c6kkCyna3k1iFdZQBE5elfXMOTQa236wqpDx623BSRuMwQ2xaobzSDKmTXxDzO2UrIo4CBkdwYLAr4b17elKr3dE89K3tHXORNMI8XD-RbJ21P2R/s400/Kall+Env+Cen+Schl+Trip+May+11+DSCN2686.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612821704797206978" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l9nHD5W25hGk495hjLCPyBCXsKkNfZo1NtCIUy-Y0-fRpkNeyeuOqfeuaYwx35crysilS0y1KiUei51-BBBnyBJ_rOjIC5uPpvk_Wexq2F1Aj7vstUb-FBY-15jrK10iPEJrMjRThEFC/s1600/Kall+Env+Cen+Schl+Trip+May+11+DSCN2674.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l9nHD5W25hGk495hjLCPyBCXsKkNfZo1NtCIUy-Y0-fRpkNeyeuOqfeuaYwx35crysilS0y1KiUei51-BBBnyBJ_rOjIC5uPpvk_Wexq2F1Aj7vstUb-FBY-15jrK10iPEJrMjRThEFC/s400/Kall+Env+Cen+Schl+Trip+May+11+DSCN2674.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612821702283750450" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHF24I9iwYORNEHQZNNSW3Cijel5brxAmQsu9d-L2Ui5GVL6oSkmZe_Cr2gj_MBOKfNuOGCtO74Bk8B7rGISZt7XVVOHowbV7JzFGB3mMrpwXRhlTwPQgbQaVvoCVKffzGcXVQfX6Kk6Hp/s1600/Kall+Env+Cen+Schl+Trip+May+11+DSCN2706.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHF24I9iwYORNEHQZNNSW3Cijel5brxAmQsu9d-L2Ui5GVL6oSkmZe_Cr2gj_MBOKfNuOGCtO74Bk8B7rGISZt7XVVOHowbV7JzFGB3mMrpwXRhlTwPQgbQaVvoCVKffzGcXVQfX6Kk6Hp/s400/Kall+Env+Cen+Schl+Trip+May+11+DSCN2706.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612821697682998594" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; ">Photos </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: 13px; ">© </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; ">Georgios Sakalis</span></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-44015139006073260042011-05-23T08:28:00.001-07:002011-05-24T04:19:54.324-07:00Lesvos Birding in Northern Greece<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style=" text-transform: uppercase; font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">NorthERN Greece – </span></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style=" text-transform: uppercase; font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Dadia Mountains to Lake Kerkini<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">5 – 12 May 2011<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Steve Dudley, Steve Chalmers, Dave & Jackie Nurney<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Report by Steve Dudley (SPD). All photos <o:p></o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">© Steve Dudley</span></span></p><!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This was an extension to our now usual Lesvos spring week(s). SPD was on Lesvos from 14 April to 5 May with the others there from 28 April. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">FLIGHTS</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lesvos to Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki-Athens-Heathrow all with Aegean.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">CARE HIRE</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Economy car rentals (www.economycarrentals.com). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We booked a small mini-bus-type vehicle (Fiat Diablo type) for €395, but we were given a Citroën Jumpy. We were more than happy with this as we had more room and SPD was used to driving these things off road (used on Lesvos for last 10+ years) and with the extra ground clearance it certainly got to places the smaller vehicle (or normal car) wouldn’t have done and only a 4x4 would otherwise have reached.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0TWw9mtdvJcCIV0sehQSwKQ7hypUvAvbvCcmuGSRU_22AadA5FsNkV1Y6w2p-fyvHSDKe-siOTOi83v-gapMMlqPBChhYwCkwK_P5bHvBDunLovwp0OEUPrp9IKi-4Ace9c_LtsbEmZG/s1600/Blog_110511_Jumpy+L1020737.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0TWw9mtdvJcCIV0sehQSwKQ7hypUvAvbvCcmuGSRU_22AadA5FsNkV1Y6w2p-fyvHSDKe-siOTOi83v-gapMMlqPBChhYwCkwK_P5bHvBDunLovwp0OEUPrp9IKi-4Ace9c_LtsbEmZG/s400/Blog_110511_Jumpy+L1020737.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934726229111298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The quite amazing, go anywhere, Citroen Jumpy - bags of space for four and the ability to get to places only a 4x4 has the right to get to!</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">HOTELS</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dadia/Evros area – Hotel Thrassa, Tichero (</span><a href="http://www.thrassa.gr/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">www.thrassa.gr</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> | </span><u><span style="color:blue;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/thrassa@gmail.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">thrassa@gmail.com</span></a></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">) - a very comfortable hotel providing B&B (inc. breakfast) for €45 per room per night. Free wi-fi throughout the building. The hotel overlooks a small lake which held Little Bittern, Night-heron, Squacco Heron, Great Reed Warbler. Located c.10km from Dadia and c.25km from Evros Delta.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lake Kerkini – Morfi Hotel, Kerkini (</span><a href="http://www.hotelmorfi.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">www.hotelmorfi.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">| </span></span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:";"><a href="mailto:info@morfihotel.gr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">info@morfihotel.gr</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">)</span></span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> - another comfortable hotel costing €60 per room per night (inc breakfast). Free wi-fi throughout the building. The hotel is a short walk from the west side of Lake Kerkini and great birds! If you use this hotel note that it actually isn’t the Morfi! The Morfi burnt down some year ago and you stay at the Oikoperiigitis Hotel next door! I tried to find out the relationship, but it was too much hard work! The Taverna Morfi is still there and runs separate to the hotel and its own taverna. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">FOOD</span></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We struggled to find truly good tavernas serving traditional Greek fayre (certainly nothing comparable to those we are used to on Lesvos).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dadia area - Tichero has several tavernas and bars. Avoid the one on the main road to the village (between the hotel and the village - it was recommended by the hotel but was very poor). The bar Alter Ego in central Tichero serves excellent (real) coffee (none of your Nescafe crap here). We also found the food OK in central Soufli.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Kerkini area - after a couple of nights of a choice of grilled meat only (hotel taverna and Morfi tarverna) we chanced upon a great taverna in central Ano Poroia (north west of Kerkini village) - situated in the old village square, it is shaded by plain trees and Nuthatches and Tree Sparrows bouncing around the tables. The food was excellent too. We ate here twice on our final day.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">PETROL STATIONS</span></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dadia area - Soufli, Tichero and on the main road </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">between Tichero and the highway (E90).</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Evros area – along the main Ferez – Monastriraki road.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Kerkini area – easily found in villages around the lake inc. Kerkini, Iraklia and nr Ano Poroia. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Petrol is very expensive in Greece – even more so than in the UK – unleaded was c.€1.65 - 1.75 per litre. We travelled around 1200km during our week and spent around €300.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;color:#FFFCF3;"><u><br /></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">MAPS</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Road Editions no. 1 Thrace 1:250,000 – fine for eastern areas<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Freytag & Berndt Greece 1:500,000 – OK, but lacking some finer detail.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We couldn’t find the Road Editions no.2 Macedonia map wither in the UK or locally in Greece.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">BOOKS AND REPORTS</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Birdwatching Guide in Northern Greece</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – 2</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nd</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Edition (Steve Mills) – this was used but with mixed results. Site information for the main areas of Dadia, Evros Delta and Lake Kerkini were by and large good (but these areas are very easy to do without the book anyway), but we found information on specific sites for key target species (e.g. the rarer woodpeckers) and site info away from these three main sites very disappointing. There are frequent mentions of target species listed at the end of many site sections, but nothing specific about where in the various hills or mountains to search. If you dedicate enough time you can overcome this, but I think many birders wanting to see species such as Black and White-backed Woodpeckers will find it frustrating – you have to find your own sites. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The guide also lacks information on local tavernas, hotels, petrol stations, etc. – all key to planning a days birding. We had a GPS unit and a Nokia handset with Nokia local maps loaded and this helped us find petrol stations when necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We used several trip reports, in particular Ian Kinley’s report (his third visit) (</span><a href="http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/Greece/ne-greece-4/greece-may-2010.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/Greece/ne-greece-4/greece-may-2010.htm</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We of course had the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Collins Bird Guide</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> on hand for reference.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Day 1 – 5th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We travelled up from Lesvos arriving at Thessaloniki airport mid-afternoon to grey skies and rain. We collected the hire car and drove east to Tichero (4.5 hrs with a stop for food near Xanthi). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Day 2 – 6th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We spent the morning at the Dadia Forest Centre (sadly on the demise with the hostel closing down in April, no taverna/café, toilets closed, staff spoke little English). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On the drive to Dadia village and on to the centre we saw several Black Vultures, Griffon Vulture, 1 Egyptian Vulture, 1 Booted Eagle, 1 Lesser Spotted Eagle, and 5 Red-footed Falcons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">From the centre car park we saw Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture and Booted Eagle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We walked up to the feeding station hide. They say 60 minutes in the literature but it took us 1.5 hours at birding pace and seeing plenty on the way up inc. excellent views of Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture and Levant Sparrowhawk. Woodland birds were disappointing but included Long-tailed Tit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At the very comfortable hide we looked across to the feeding station (c.600m) which held 6 Black Vultures, 2 Griffon Vultures, 1 Egyptian Vulture and 2 White-tailed Eagles during our stay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The walk back to the centre took 70 minutes (advertised as 45 mins) and we obtained further views of Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, European Sparrowhawk, Short-toed Treecreeper and Firecrest.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHvfbtPQmGfbruxwK_iD4OMQq7jq-PrEGdArdaGcqWUC9d2cVRfwF8py1SUVudaQBw4fEmbEopi6tGZjURNAm_JP47Nm_KngRVT5B7vkDpOiL-Jhf4dtqX0CBLHgISKW-JLAv9vhxB2-o/s1600/Blog_060511_Dadia+feeding+station+IMG_4907.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHvfbtPQmGfbruxwK_iD4OMQq7jq-PrEGdArdaGcqWUC9d2cVRfwF8py1SUVudaQBw4fEmbEopi6tGZjURNAm_JP47Nm_KngRVT5B7vkDpOiL-Jhf4dtqX0CBLHgISKW-JLAv9vhxB2-o/s400/Blog_060511_Dadia+feeding+station+IMG_4907.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609938314013490354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">View of the vulture feeding station from the hide taken with 400mm lens. Two Black Vultures can be seen in the centre of the photo (there are Griffons and White-tailed Eagles in there too!).</span></i></span></p></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmnc0N0KVo7qOTfd-0eT1Gh4hxA3pLFbhqHt_lhkKi6T0vyhQLzZDJXIMCjZAcY_rl1bQ0wuzUZaNCAo4mVGXqlGTlWD32Cl2yDn4Gpt7_VLX6rTF-yvrJ_gObdYtk_NK2AjD3Q4oxz4p/s1600/Blog_060511_Egyptian+Vulture+IMG_5152.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmnc0N0KVo7qOTfd-0eT1Gh4hxA3pLFbhqHt_lhkKi6T0vyhQLzZDJXIMCjZAcY_rl1bQ0wuzUZaNCAo4mVGXqlGTlWD32Cl2yDn4Gpt7_VLX6rTF-yvrJ_gObdYtk_NK2AjD3Q4oxz4p/s400/Blog_060511_Egyptian+Vulture+IMG_5152.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609938320210379986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px; " /></a></span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Adult Egyptian Vulture, Dadia Forest Centre</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We lunched in central Soufli.</span></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The afternoon was spent in the Kapsalo area raptor watching, in particular watching Black and Griffon Vultures coming in to roost on the crags here. On returning back towards Lefkimi in the evening we chanced upon a Wild Cat in the edge of the forest.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_x8C0bwenUclUXmEUGNuSfGD3kUN9s0fbg5pK_Yl-3pl5FREXSwc7W86I1Rl_XYCXmdUJHl_jgzU-tfHCmokRn0VefHA-Awh92tkwATb_-kz072p5WV_CtXfM7smXAxgqwKDh2tYo3aq/s1600/Blog_060511_Black+Vulture+IMG_5105.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_x8C0bwenUclUXmEUGNuSfGD3kUN9s0fbg5pK_Yl-3pl5FREXSwc7W86I1Rl_XYCXmdUJHl_jgzU-tfHCmokRn0VefHA-Awh92tkwATb_-kz072p5WV_CtXfM7smXAxgqwKDh2tYo3aq/s400/Blog_060511_Black+Vulture+IMG_5105.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609938317222007250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_x8C0bwenUclUXmEUGNuSfGD3kUN9s0fbg5pK_Yl-3pl5FREXSwc7W86I1Rl_XYCXmdUJHl_jgzU-tfHCmokRn0VefHA-Awh92tkwATb_-kz072p5WV_CtXfM7smXAxgqwKDh2tYo3aq/s1600/Blog_060511_Black+Vulture+IMG_5105.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black Vulture, Kapsalo </span></i></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Key species seen today</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, White-tailed Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Red-footed Falcon; Wild Cat.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Day 3 – 7th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We returned to Kapsalo in the morning to watch the vultures leave their roost. Once the raptor action had died down we birded some of the tracks and river crossings lower down towards Lefkimi where we saw more raptors including Golden Eagle and Honey-buzzard, as well as Ortolan Bunting and Syrian Woodpecker. Returning towards Lifkimi we chanced upon three raptors circling together, two Common Buzards and a sub-adult Imperial Eagle!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><!--StartFragment--></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHB7aC3qjiao2W_fAwlV8KqV6hj7YkFDkrl6_I1nCVg1oCUAGogzzGRKSMNBqMIdfTLpkrmmrcYaAWUxy7_Y0CGNFPTkRnpt7RMD-xPWttoP6e5cEsee4OU_eGIluCfXy-zcy_Hc-Dwbq/s1600/Blog_070511_Kapsalo+L1020644.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHB7aC3qjiao2W_fAwlV8KqV6hj7YkFDkrl6_I1nCVg1oCUAGogzzGRKSMNBqMIdfTLpkrmmrcYaAWUxy7_Y0CGNFPTkRnpt7RMD-xPWttoP6e5cEsee4OU_eGIluCfXy-zcy_Hc-Dwbq/s400/Blog_070511_Kapsalo+L1020644.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937988477702130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Raptor watching from below the Kapsalo mast</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hz7TAubuydG46X4TZnmXbArPrNUkAIx1rUHh3WwIvin3r51ZkiEe2g1va_zGjBxy0IgWaiekZT-jaZsaqEf2b_kfqgKrvbXYefm_8zRBdpeORoj62ADVZHdfSw_E9WdPIp7BvI2BFPWL/s1600/Blog_070511_Kapsalo+L1020653.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hz7TAubuydG46X4TZnmXbArPrNUkAIx1rUHh3WwIvin3r51ZkiEe2g1va_zGjBxy0IgWaiekZT-jaZsaqEf2b_kfqgKrvbXYefm_8zRBdpeORoj62ADVZHdfSw_E9WdPIp7BvI2BFPWL/s400/Blog_070511_Kapsalo+L1020653.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937984679604642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Kapsalo - the vulture roost cliffs in the centre</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Calibri;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000FF;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYaeGT37fyX7w7WWdVBaUS0B_dmwqzAIQYF1YbiN9r2pEIgPrVyd3n8MUsWnHtFp2em5nzh6OOiTmtfuES1ONZIAA8GAARQHanVjEUXDEWyz6g7rFLAN0dFUbwa1VjJvUhiMaKQciAluB/s1600/Blog_070511_Ortolan+IMG_5267.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYaeGT37fyX7w7WWdVBaUS0B_dmwqzAIQYF1YbiN9r2pEIgPrVyd3n8MUsWnHtFp2em5nzh6OOiTmtfuES1ONZIAA8GAARQHanVjEUXDEWyz6g7rFLAN0dFUbwa1VjJvUhiMaKQciAluB/s400/Blog_070511_Ortolan+IMG_5267.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937976239831618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 366px; " /></a></span></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ortolan Bunting below Kapsalo </span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div></span><p></p></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2XBkmdWFK3dJKM8SrOBAu3cWiHm_fMJ-HRXgxnJVrrSCmszI7ZmkqycrUOS5ahCJwDJjHcITV2ijRQmyZ11amaGB_mweRU7pRjlGFhzVpkb2KgSHGbzPpC0Rh_7AF0YS1Wx-UFR09YSl/s1600/Blog_070511_Imperial+Eagle+IMG_5296.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2XBkmdWFK3dJKM8SrOBAu3cWiHm_fMJ-HRXgxnJVrrSCmszI7ZmkqycrUOS5ahCJwDJjHcITV2ijRQmyZ11amaGB_mweRU7pRjlGFhzVpkb2KgSHGbzPpC0Rh_7AF0YS1Wx-UFR09YSl/s400/Blog_070511_Imperial+Eagle+IMG_5296.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609938312963744754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px; " /></a></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Imperial Eagle near Lifkimi</span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2XBkmdWFK3dJKM8SrOBAu3cWiHm_fMJ-HRXgxnJVrrSCmszI7ZmkqycrUOS5ahCJwDJjHcITV2ijRQmyZ11amaGB_mweRU7pRjlGFhzVpkb2KgSHGbzPpC0Rh_7AF0YS1Wx-UFR09YSl/s1600/Blog_070511_Imperial+Eagle+IMG_5296.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We lunched in central Tichero (and coffeed at Alter Ego).</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7LNt7YIpCSUYCRMljL2fso2XAWP7LrZPNbwCxFmbDws9Uon-y_SuKKSjoK7Tiia1lOJFr6KXfS2pyFdm9zUl2fmdBEg6Am4j5mDhDr8Bls1ufqgOLiF_3lRBlTHBV-Eyh1H9wJRWc9_A/s1600/Blog_070511_Pallid+Swift+IMG_5268.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7LNt7YIpCSUYCRMljL2fso2XAWP7LrZPNbwCxFmbDws9Uon-y_SuKKSjoK7Tiia1lOJFr6KXfS2pyFdm9zUl2fmdBEg6Am4j5mDhDr8Bls1ufqgOLiF_3lRBlTHBV-Eyh1H9wJRWc9_A/s400/Blog_070511_Pallid+Swift+IMG_5268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937968485626002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pallid Swift, Tichero </span></i></span></i></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After lunch we went in to the Evros Hills. Our targets were woodpeckers, but the sites in the Mills guide lacked any specific site info for any species so we simply stopped and searched as we saw suitable habitat. We found only Syrian and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, but during the course of the afternoon also saw a Lesser Spotted Eagle, 6+ Levant Sparrowhawks, 1 Roller, several Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers, Sombre Tit and a flock of 140+ White Pelicans over.</span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></div><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtslXj-bGOQ-vBf90qcer8a8cUTQvMHQoHwgkwcnQmpto8U0zxet5DhIWgZtQg0l-v9lV-JZzG5luitgKT7qZ8f1kuO_fDT2oXDlxZnxpyvvoqv7GcXhTcTHAXlbtf_NUKF0_7ZuBYGIlm/s1600/Blog_070511_White+Storks+IMG_5206.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtslXj-bGOQ-vBf90qcer8a8cUTQvMHQoHwgkwcnQmpto8U0zxet5DhIWgZtQg0l-v9lV-JZzG5luitgKT7qZ8f1kuO_fDT2oXDlxZnxpyvvoqv7GcXhTcTHAXlbtf_NUKF0_7ZuBYGIlm/s400/Blog_070511_White+Storks+IMG_5206.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937680569703330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px; " /></a></span></o:p></span></p><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White Storks nr Kapsalo</span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In the evening we ate at a kebab café in central Ferez.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span></p><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Key species seen today</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Honey-buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Hobby, Syrian Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Roller, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler, Ortolan Bunting; Hermann’s Tortoise.</span></span></p></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Day 4 – 8th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We spent the morning in the Evros Hills again, again looking for woodpecker sites. Lowland fields near Itea delivered Roller and Calandra Lark. A forest walk nr Melia brought Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler and a single Eleonora’s Falcon. But again, without any specific gen we failed to find woodpeckers (other than Syrian and Great Spotted).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJVp0Vm04Zt2tbFC8IPnwT3iQ-v4uJxWNfMLs4QWddgIcmHVEG-4_XQrCG3eaHrMelwVRwT9uC8IScZwqqjy3YW4HuFe_2wnnNv-5youIxBU_PMr-3ODVTTgt5TS41GUK83RgGI6Q-pXs/s1600/Blog_070511_White+Pelicans+IMG_5421.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJVp0Vm04Zt2tbFC8IPnwT3iQ-v4uJxWNfMLs4QWddgIcmHVEG-4_XQrCG3eaHrMelwVRwT9uC8IScZwqqjy3YW4HuFe_2wnnNv-5youIxBU_PMr-3ODVTTgt5TS41GUK83RgGI6Q-pXs/s400/Blog_070511_White+Pelicans+IMG_5421.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937703002551938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 357px; " /></a></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White Pelicans over Monastriaki</span></i></span></i></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We lunched in lowland fields near Monastriraki approaching the Evros Delta and had a fabulous hour with Lesser Spotted and Booted Eagles, Honey-buzzard, Levant and European Sparrowhawks, White Pelicans over, two calling Quail and a Wood Warbler feeding in the only tree in sight!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEJyHYQqcshJgLT3-4O_NxqA1YI2ycVsWVrlIK5e1RvzBlrMY-Qz0IEBHypIHVnaqnX-ANfkNCd7tyUu-1ExAuEM5TqPi1pW5C7-FRwrpN7ePZjX-yPGVr8s1gLOhLZXyXxgZmI6U7o-G/s1600/Blog_080511_Hoopoe+IMG_5578.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEJyHYQqcshJgLT3-4O_NxqA1YI2ycVsWVrlIK5e1RvzBlrMY-Qz0IEBHypIHVnaqnX-ANfkNCd7tyUu-1ExAuEM5TqPi1pW5C7-FRwrpN7ePZjX-yPGVr8s1gLOhLZXyXxgZmI6U7o-G/s400/Blog_080511_Hoopoe+IMG_5578.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937263778316242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hoopoe nr Melia - wrong shutter speed or art?</span></i></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kSflW_lFcJdUC1LTUiVXBm6ZNoMzeF8X2KfhOPZhqepv8EdCw0dxPDJm3FcWG9ERXFflO-yA8qVDuKz1kKcpmXqkpCFywOl_zKiWoLVBixPkY8aIk3Pl46L-YQ79_w9wzf6sEH-XsyN0/s1600/Blog_080511_Roller+IMG_5565.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kSflW_lFcJdUC1LTUiVXBm6ZNoMzeF8X2KfhOPZhqepv8EdCw0dxPDJm3FcWG9ERXFflO-yA8qVDuKz1kKcpmXqkpCFywOl_zKiWoLVBixPkY8aIk3Pl46L-YQ79_w9wzf6sEH-XsyN0/s400/Blog_080511_Roller+IMG_5565.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937249932775058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px; " /></a></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roller nr Melia </span></i></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdKbloyZCrvvuvd1ssKxyEy-61qEoa15xH8TRPSHtK0JeZiuodmFsOOlZo7eFOvYyEPTvPKWOntw7NnlJcb0kufOXFj84V67mAVf5J_qwPkptfnB_3MW4WsscCm-wC4Pqn3WE3O5nmvIF/s1600/Blog_080511_Calandra+Lark+IMG_5600.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdKbloyZCrvvuvd1ssKxyEy-61qEoa15xH8TRPSHtK0JeZiuodmFsOOlZo7eFOvYyEPTvPKWOntw7NnlJcb0kufOXFj84V67mAVf5J_qwPkptfnB_3MW4WsscCm-wC4Pqn3WE3O5nmvIF/s400/Blog_080511_Calandra+Lark+IMG_5600.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937679693175330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Calandra Lark nr Monastriaki</span></i></span></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After lunch we birded the western section of the Evros Delta. We had ordered permits for the eastern section, but we had already decided our time was to be spent ’pecker hunting in the hills, so this was our only time in the delta and we would concentrate on the western side only. As it turned out it was a good move as we all found the delta very disappointing! I’m sure the eastern site would have been better, but others confirmed they found the delta equally disappointing. The best area by far was the Anthia marshes where we encountered good numbers of marsh terns and waders.</span></span></div><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3OD9DBy3wmpr1Sf80CpKvBg2mc6Nv9rb82U14_a-6DaOuTWdk4sPqnWyuXl5spE7AxqvEIGDXJRHwb9iUH2WHV8U8UJJz3n-_UzSYvQhJzNTTTIscN3a2vWIzhyphenhyphenGPfb5n5ue2XVTGN2w/s1600/Blog_080511_Spoonbills+IMG_5686.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3OD9DBy3wmpr1Sf80CpKvBg2mc6Nv9rb82U14_a-6DaOuTWdk4sPqnWyuXl5spE7AxqvEIGDXJRHwb9iUH2WHV8U8UJJz3n-_UzSYvQhJzNTTTIscN3a2vWIzhyphenhyphenGPfb5n5ue2XVTGN2w/s400/Blog_080511_Spoonbills+IMG_5686.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937244603297922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 142px; " /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Spoonbill, Evros Delta </span></i></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On the way back to Tichero we saw up to 6 Rollers on wires and a Hobby south of Ferez. On the recommendation of the hotel we ate in the taverna on the main toad between the hotel and Tichero but wouldn’t recommend it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">22 species of raptors seen in three days. Not bad!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Key species seen today</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – Quail, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle, Honey-buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Eleonora’s Falcon, Peregrine, Hobby, Collared Pratincole, Black Tern, White-winged Black Tern, Whiskered Tern, Roller, Calandra Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Day 5 – 9th May 2011</span></span></span></b></span></p> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our travel day west to Kerkini. We decided to make only one birding stop, Mount Paggeo, for alpine species and woodpeckers. The Citroën Jumpy was great, easily getting us up to the summit despite the section from the ski area to the summit being treacherous at times. We drove straight up to the top and birded our way down. At the summit, between bouts of low cloud we got great views of Horned Lark and Alpine Chough. On the drive up/down from the ski centre we had a pair of Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush. At the ski centre we saw Water Pipit, Black Redstart and Cretzschmar’s Bunting. We then birded slowly down through the wooded sections. We frustratingly heard Black Woodpecker but failed to see it, but did manage Honey-buzzard and Rock Bunting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcy3Eknh7KGEloIMysFsfn1G7slOR7rGtQ7CMPXs9P0S81_yfslhImGMONEORpGRTjariiiashJBMylEcnTWSSL43n94ZSPpr673jOKluR9r1bNkDi2UKoTDqkGEFXzDCcsrPRdnlKrqVE/s1600/Blog_090511_Mnt+Paggeo_L1020673.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcy3Eknh7KGEloIMysFsfn1G7slOR7rGtQ7CMPXs9P0S81_yfslhImGMONEORpGRTjariiiashJBMylEcnTWSSL43n94ZSPpr673jOKluR9r1bNkDi2UKoTDqkGEFXzDCcsrPRdnlKrqVE/s400/Blog_090511_Mnt+Paggeo_L1020673.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937001157700594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px; " /></a></span></span></p><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Summit of Mt Paggeo</span></i></span></i></span></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpobjM4_MizIUkH9kaKRBGBdnwIZ3hxx02RxMNEA9qWsSw0HNN1e43PQsNuhnseO6HjIRABnV3JeT1t4ZDvaFYYoIXjzf46WAcGMeBMrPzdI0lbyo-XllohWf80A7XX4nVmx6Oh2ehvQK/s1600/Blog_090511_Horned+Lark+IMG_5734.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpobjM4_MizIUkH9kaKRBGBdnwIZ3hxx02RxMNEA9qWsSw0HNN1e43PQsNuhnseO6HjIRABnV3JeT1t4ZDvaFYYoIXjzf46WAcGMeBMrPzdI0lbyo-XllohWf80A7XX4nVmx6Oh2ehvQK/s400/Blog_090511_Horned+Lark+IMG_5734.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937231942864226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhBPo0DwoCAA95zPw4B-ChnIf8klXLsCMxqFAA0ABbIIoB7Gp2ak-yb-UQW9QJCJkKF3tYL7ZM9oZj8PyDpHA0jcKfu4XYg0wz4Br4SKr7OeH_pO6J_6Ut1er9aYgdzaZ4kb-lC4aHWyE/s1600/Blog_090511_Horned+Lark+IMG_5737.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhBPo0DwoCAA95zPw4B-ChnIf8klXLsCMxqFAA0ABbIIoB7Gp2ak-yb-UQW9QJCJkKF3tYL7ZM9oZj8PyDpHA0jcKfu4XYg0wz4Br4SKr7OeH_pO6J_6Ut1er9aYgdzaZ4kb-lC4aHWyE/s400/Blog_090511_Horned+Lark+IMG_5737.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609937226190510258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Horned Lark, Mt Paggeo</span></i></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000FF;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></u></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bE3RUvUTc9dHIBsduToiLLaCqxWm3ArO20Xir8KcpyVvIiOnWfpobEvm3SpStYkAdaSMR-7tRXg0mLdqc1joGhT3blQeIsLmBRisfmeRustMtC0yFgQPfrApvfXm_wTFdStFMjeypTCV/s1600/Blog_090511_RockThrush+IMG_5700.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bE3RUvUTc9dHIBsduToiLLaCqxWm3ArO20Xir8KcpyVvIiOnWfpobEvm3SpStYkAdaSMR-7tRXg0mLdqc1joGhT3blQeIsLmBRisfmeRustMtC0yFgQPfrApvfXm_wTFdStFMjeypTCV/s400/Blog_090511_RockThrush+IMG_5700.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936979456465138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px; " /></a></span><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush, Mt Paggeo </span></i></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We snacked whilst up the mountain and then had an extended mid-afternoon coffee and cake stop at the fabulous Dolcetto café (with free wi-fi) on the north edge of Eleftheroupoli – definitely recommended!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Key species seen today</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – Honey-buzzard, Black Woodpecker (heard), Horned Lark, Water Pipit, Black Redstart, Alpine Chough, Rock Bunting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We arrived at Kerkini and checked in to the Morfi Hotel (actually the Oikoperiigitis Hotel) and ate in the hotel taverna (grilled meats only on offer). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Day 6 – 10th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After breakfast we birded the hotel area down to the lake. The poplar copses were alive with the sound of Golden Oriole and Common Nightingale and we also heard Grey-headed Woodpecker. We spent the rest of the morning birding the north and east areas of the lake. A truly fabulous area with constant streams of wetland species to-ing and fro-ing from the lake. In the Veronia fields we recorded Great Spotted and Syrian Woodpckers, Honey-buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk and Less Spotted Eagle. Along the north shore of the Strimonas River the highlight was a Griffon Vulture heading high to the east. The eastern embankment was simply hoochin’ with birds. Both species of pelicans, thousands of Great Cormorants in seemingly endless streams heading to and from the lake, Pygmy Cormorants, Night-herons, Spoonbills, Squacco, Grey and Purple Herons, Black-necked Grebe, Black Terns, etc, etc. It was simply breathtaking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTckm13hHzl81y1NsUE1I1szAwxXitcv7RjJ_i9hEVBSV3bj12oPlEZTxSbnQeId6ytOrc5kjLnRF9ytBAi32s9KAbJlRkMHX6vAcT_kWwzPFHuxpScUR59qeycVS4yhmyF1jkmXX3wma/s1600/Blog_090511_Vironia+tracks_L1020690.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTckm13hHzl81y1NsUE1I1szAwxXitcv7RjJ_i9hEVBSV3bj12oPlEZTxSbnQeId6ytOrc5kjLnRF9ytBAi32s9KAbJlRkMHX6vAcT_kWwzPFHuxpScUR59qeycVS4yhmyF1jkmXX3wma/s400/Blog_090511_Vironia+tracks_L1020690.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936968480362434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Vironia Fields, Lake Kerkini, looking north-west towards Kerkini Mountains</span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4HAQddegFRPc2JclV2YEEb4E_1p6VZtZwAIKvvu6mjdZ-62vBeI1cjzoKoTGNkkBkq-QDMxTSTOVvJEpsyfNUUz7ZiJVnu9G4yaDDwC649qB02ioGe0rhdVsu7Pp8foXjEL4qYIAu0kf/s1600/Blog_100511_Lake+Kerkini_L1020690.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4HAQddegFRPc2JclV2YEEb4E_1p6VZtZwAIKvvu6mjdZ-62vBeI1cjzoKoTGNkkBkq-QDMxTSTOVvJEpsyfNUUz7ZiJVnu9G4yaDDwC649qB02ioGe0rhdVsu7Pp8foXjEL4qYIAu0kf/s400/Blog_100511_Lake+Kerkini_L1020690.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609935282077268178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 159px; " /></a></span></u></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">North-east corner of Lake Kerkini looking towards the 'ibis strip'</span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLAWIwegeqEaT510sznDKxGQMyrauBY8d-VO67ZqO7rDxiAhHOgWh9jtULOHCQxgSLiuivU-7rZtR7UFBQd3-MTrTPgyaUV6wiZEBlq4Kc-XCvAlawO_d9OdlQtN5thjUgo9Vv3Q_LD7-/s1600/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelican+IMG_6078.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLAWIwegeqEaT510sznDKxGQMyrauBY8d-VO67ZqO7rDxiAhHOgWh9jtULOHCQxgSLiuivU-7rZtR7UFBQd3-MTrTPgyaUV6wiZEBlq4Kc-XCvAlawO_d9OdlQtN5thjUgo9Vv3Q_LD7-/s400/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelican+IMG_6078.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936960414255442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 114px; " /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNRpE5ps914zhYt2wTKK-RUNt6DhdIjSWO2RrSXXodSlk9_BY1tJJUYN_sC69yvnGaBBh-rS08Fl8z32qYIY0mIY2wFPui7GOUGOsdgdpz6q7PHQP8vbAgMa1z1g_c61ryA3GMghyfHK6/s1600/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelican+IMG_6090.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNRpE5ps914zhYt2wTKK-RUNt6DhdIjSWO2RrSXXodSlk9_BY1tJJUYN_sC69yvnGaBBh-rS08Fl8z32qYIY0mIY2wFPui7GOUGOsdgdpz6q7PHQP8vbAgMa1z1g_c61ryA3GMghyfHK6/s400/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelican+IMG_6090.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936957165914514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 176px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX-ugeK96wowUOyy18UDBVUXiM9EMJ3gd_I7I47TnQbJ9eheWp_B3isYXl2prVodnpF7OJzOtBDjLAep9tfyEjsvbUl3RAL-HZ0wBDz-WL29I_wL4I8NHhzPPdmojvUbiJNDJ556yi5kB/s1600/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelicans+IMG_6584.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX-ugeK96wowUOyy18UDBVUXiM9EMJ3gd_I7I47TnQbJ9eheWp_B3isYXl2prVodnpF7OJzOtBDjLAep9tfyEjsvbUl3RAL-HZ0wBDz-WL29I_wL4I8NHhzPPdmojvUbiJNDJ556yi5kB/s400/Blog_100511_Dal+Pelicans+IMG_6584.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936741850049362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px; " /></a></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dalmatian Pelicans, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></span></span></u></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><i><i><u><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbPNG0YqaT6cGbUA30nhrNj7rCb9rWX0e02L_s70paH4Mg9bA3FcNQkW5RVrG02KBAT36RiCNZ9B5YwZ2cI2wgdMY6LoF72lrlcRCYe4BX0CWWEueuP0hwvAVXTLumPfbV8J1j5aifYo3/s1600/Blog_100511_Grt+Cormorant+IMG_6042.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbPNG0YqaT6cGbUA30nhrNj7rCb9rWX0e02L_s70paH4Mg9bA3FcNQkW5RVrG02KBAT36RiCNZ9B5YwZ2cI2wgdMY6LoF72lrlcRCYe4BX0CWWEueuP0hwvAVXTLumPfbV8J1j5aifYo3/s400/Blog_100511_Grt+Cormorant+IMG_6042.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936695492459874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 142px; " /></a></span></u></span></i></span></i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaE9pXOQ8WHeMZAMuEsvLLLMrBw4vJ0za0LuaxZr5tDeNRmMYcw2wH-7ETn7EIYf85TC4IJCMgrCCm4Io6CuXSw0iagVJ0XieoT0MaoVd-BJ6oEOq4Wnk2VgtnZlbtm6meSLitWQUhDB3/s1600/Blog_100511_Grt+Cormorant+IMG_6156.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaE9pXOQ8WHeMZAMuEsvLLLMrBw4vJ0za0LuaxZr5tDeNRmMYcw2wH-7ETn7EIYf85TC4IJCMgrCCm4Io6CuXSw0iagVJ0XieoT0MaoVd-BJ6oEOq4Wnk2VgtnZlbtm6meSLitWQUhDB3/s400/Blog_100511_Grt+Cormorant+IMG_6156.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936686772680322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 142px; " /></a></u></i></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great Cormorants, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyz4sz6XfvQzc77EfrKCQxdht43-NS1c2vHO1TL0TSqq-Y7aFvWfO2ILOdd1htpzPFDIurI6ARygoAKwDM6hDttVWUFkH2hpKQa7u9sWpvHWINbgoYV89vXneS3I6kaUqUJdQ72KiIsEf/s1600/Blog_100511_Kerkini+Dam_L1020704.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyz4sz6XfvQzc77EfrKCQxdht43-NS1c2vHO1TL0TSqq-Y7aFvWfO2ILOdd1htpzPFDIurI6ARygoAKwDM6hDttVWUFkH2hpKQa7u9sWpvHWINbgoYV89vXneS3I6kaUqUJdQ72KiIsEf/s400/Blog_100511_Kerkini+Dam_L1020704.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609935291225481090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px; " /></a></span></u></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Below Kerkini dam at Lithotopos</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></p><p></p><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000FF;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHSHCPzh1pNsLZ7TmG4sY-0t37YctLTG3jL5VkCOAwmYNpoU_VsV6IayM9qRGxZ6EKuhmE6rtuujjKb3ot33wvuswERBbFeuuzC1s7Fv-NESKGeakRbM6yiz5976tCNjLbWcf_imRrjQk/s1600/Blog_100511_Spoonbill+IMG_6358.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHSHCPzh1pNsLZ7TmG4sY-0t37YctLTG3jL5VkCOAwmYNpoU_VsV6IayM9qRGxZ6EKuhmE6rtuujjKb3ot33wvuswERBbFeuuzC1s7Fv-NESKGeakRbM6yiz5976tCNjLbWcf_imRrjQk/s400/Blog_100511_Spoonbill+IMG_6358.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934697519041698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 327px; " /></a></span></u></span></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Adult Spoonbill, below Kerkini dam at Lithotopos</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We eventually dragged ourselves away and had a late lunch in Irakila (only one of two tavernas we found during the week offering traditional Greek meze dishes rather than grills or schnitzels).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HX9iTxQdviZf_d37gj8vqGchYfzg-mTCiAR-z3-gOoG5Xf88qOKRgOl9jKaaW4BLAkn02OBrt1aHo1Mm1FF8ufwbo_W8x1rylmkYBR1Ft79hETn74IECpbdH9jhX2OUZdbsRAl8k7e-L/s1600/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_5974.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HX9iTxQdviZf_d37gj8vqGchYfzg-mTCiAR-z3-gOoG5Xf88qOKRgOl9jKaaW4BLAkn02OBrt1aHo1Mm1FF8ufwbo_W8x1rylmkYBR1Ft79hETn74IECpbdH9jhX2OUZdbsRAl8k7e-L/s400/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_5974.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609935273828750562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 146px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sub-adult Night-heron, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></o:p></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKSiO6TvZ4Hs3rXDXopEb0g-fp6FCJOadEMlnBdxZ7IaLQkCnL82MpVvjA6OOBeG5gHmjHHK7lLflXs8a0Ervzwr47ipZ6rgm__74gN9QPNDFagJw2bK4quCvqRjsiKJQLgpxWj7_MaLK/s1600/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6163.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKSiO6TvZ4Hs3rXDXopEb0g-fp6FCJOadEMlnBdxZ7IaLQkCnL82MpVvjA6OOBeG5gHmjHHK7lLflXs8a0Ervzwr47ipZ6rgm__74gN9QPNDFagJw2bK4quCvqRjsiKJQLgpxWj7_MaLK/s400/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6163.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609935264981885410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 203px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Adult Night-heron, Lake Kerkini with the drowned forest in the background</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></i></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After lunch we continued around the eastern side of the lake stopping at the dam area, Himarros, the Mavrovouni Hills, Korifoudi Marshes and back to Kerkini. After the morning on the east embankment the afternoon was a little disappointing apart from the dam area where we watched several feeding frenzies – the noise is amazing! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT3q5knDa6uFKdVcHuUDtdkYoFsoWtwM3AEb27UwnwJrkkZiZYTu_bVcA-Z6l76wAyKAvfRgc4RXRd13p0GaSum6HZK_V6c8WObbHe4p7JFxA1u0vYP-85N3WacgHzeZ31_ZGZcuREvBv/s1600/Blog_100511_Feeding+Frenzy+IMG_6444.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT3q5knDa6uFKdVcHuUDtdkYoFsoWtwM3AEb27UwnwJrkkZiZYTu_bVcA-Z6l76wAyKAvfRgc4RXRd13p0GaSum6HZK_V6c8WObbHe4p7JFxA1u0vYP-85N3WacgHzeZ31_ZGZcuREvBv/s400/Blog_100511_Feeding+Frenzy+IMG_6444.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936717023852178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Feeding frenzy, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE773zIS8qEDatQ-X9HtLDnZ5SLqW_U3KNt2AM2foCB3ZIoUqNYGFsyZSqdn0FKILba9fvAJ118O-kfU2xjRgveUPAe5be7jgYdNjSluzdkASMqGU4wQRVMrOOqyLlsk0cdBvzBj8FiNYI/s1600/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6190.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE773zIS8qEDatQ-X9HtLDnZ5SLqW_U3KNt2AM2foCB3ZIoUqNYGFsyZSqdn0FKILba9fvAJ118O-kfU2xjRgveUPAe5be7jgYdNjSluzdkASMqGU4wQRVMrOOqyLlsk0cdBvzBj8FiNYI/s400/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6190.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609935255908357362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px; " /></a></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Adult Night-heron, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkF2Dj0t55r1yEIKITHC80wzwSjC4Opwn5AcGCyVKyHhXQ20Xw2JuHfRUob3_hvYpAEZoGszYCB9xC6ab08Q9T1JFLSV0e_L4f5SS_F9b7o-ZbQEHdpXm68adZJZkZYa1VRHc6a3WFGVk/s1600/Blog_100511_White+Pelicans+IMG_6225.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkF2Dj0t55r1yEIKITHC80wzwSjC4Opwn5AcGCyVKyHhXQ20Xw2JuHfRUob3_hvYpAEZoGszYCB9xC6ab08Q9T1JFLSV0e_L4f5SS_F9b7o-ZbQEHdpXm68adZJZkZYa1VRHc6a3WFGVk/s400/Blog_100511_White+Pelicans+IMG_6225.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934712856834082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 214px; " /></a></span></u></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White Pelicans, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzS-98cAeoZIh7An6P51lkkt33wVZGHDkKW-cbcrwh4HA6ZJrJoKalLasMk8skPMe89pTMw36OKjyWFxJvHBBAQk9geFhX-KBfBWre22BRFfd0fgxL_cKuae7QdN26KMYs-czh1T-dRF7_/s1600/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6203.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzS-98cAeoZIh7An6P51lkkt33wVZGHDkKW-cbcrwh4HA6ZJrJoKalLasMk8skPMe89pTMw36OKjyWFxJvHBBAQk9geFhX-KBfBWre22BRFfd0fgxL_cKuae7QdN26KMYs-czh1T-dRF7_/s400/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6203.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934693075408002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px; " /></a></span></u></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Adult Night-heron, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000FF;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;color:#000000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000FF;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></u></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE773zIS8qEDatQ-X9HtLDnZ5SLqW_U3KNt2AM2foCB3ZIoUqNYGFsyZSqdn0FKILba9fvAJ118O-kfU2xjRgveUPAe5be7jgYdNjSluzdkASMqGU4wQRVMrOOqyLlsk0cdBvzBj8FiNYI/s1600/Blog_100511_NightHeron+IMG_6190.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu2r-sWw394ReT46t3VBG_Rcf65uZJ2gLS5Ic9m8DS0PCBRCylbtjHpwbFFDPpoAbk-ideQ4mgo5Dia8F-_qDtpyFO7AYlvGmVLbCxPVo4p495pwUGBVdi0i4dmBHlGpS2eKbQVH0sfmz/s1600/Blog_100511_Great+Reed+Warbler+IMG_6657.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu2r-sWw394ReT46t3VBG_Rcf65uZJ2gLS5Ic9m8DS0PCBRCylbtjHpwbFFDPpoAbk-ideQ4mgo5Dia8F-_qDtpyFO7AYlvGmVLbCxPVo4p495pwUGBVdi0i4dmBHlGpS2eKbQVH0sfmz/s400/Blog_100511_Great+Reed+Warbler+IMG_6657.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609936701777605922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great Reed Warbler, Korifoudi Marshes, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfCOJaPJBRcaz1-YDMCXT3sRl0C-_ZolsSAL5esd1Co6kKHh3Gji9HmprM0QXqxWfeqb2Q1pn5YyH97qpRjL8IWesj9zi07hu3edgTTyxTAAmT_Y1Sdp9WlHxgIssiJpf6C79hDUQZ1f_/s1600/Blog_100511_White+Admiral+IMG_6404.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfCOJaPJBRcaz1-YDMCXT3sRl0C-_ZolsSAL5esd1Co6kKHh3Gji9HmprM0QXqxWfeqb2Q1pn5YyH97qpRjL8IWesj9zi07hu3edgTTyxTAAmT_Y1Sdp9WlHxgIssiJpf6C79hDUQZ1f_/s400/Blog_100511_White+Admiral+IMG_6404.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934701545884482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Southern White Admiral, Himarros, Lake Kerkini</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></div><div><i><i><i><i><i><i><i><i><i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHSHCPzh1pNsLZ7TmG4sY-0t37YctLTG3jL5VkCOAwmYNpoU_VsV6IayM9qRGxZ6EKuhmE6rtuujjKb3ot33wvuswERBbFeuuzC1s7Fv-NESKGeakRbM6yiz5976tCNjLbWcf_imRrjQk/s1600/Blog_100511_Spoonbill+IMG_6358.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uVS-cT7qeOydq3N9ALa8lMyWGerSE-N-nUY27pyeR0L7uX-YUzp8nHPpqCuRn8dP3Bxwg9gYqMlC-U0BkmsUn2akV9wyqIHEbtRFScmv-pKkYEMWJTizqhEBxrnM3WJRQy74R-Ef-v6R/s1600/Blog_110511_Kerkini+Hills+L1020710.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uVS-cT7qeOydq3N9ALa8lMyWGerSE-N-nUY27pyeR0L7uX-YUzp8nHPpqCuRn8dP3Bxwg9gYqMlC-U0BkmsUn2akV9wyqIHEbtRFScmv-pKkYEMWJTizqhEBxrnM3WJRQy74R-Ef-v6R/s400/Blog_110511_Kerkini+Hills+L1020710.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934423014384658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mavrovouni Hills, Lake Kerkini </span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></span></i></div><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Key species seen today</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – Goosander, Black-necked Grebe, White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Spoonbill, herons, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Honey-buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Syrian Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail Masked Shrike; Southern White Admiral, Beautiful Demoiselle, Green-eyed Hawker, Southern Darter.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><!--StartFragment--></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Day 7 – 11th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We were out at 6am back along the east embankment of Lake Kerkini. Although still a fabulous time, it wasn’t the same spectacle as the previous late morning. We got the feeling it takes the lake a few hours to ‘warm up’ and the bird activity to really get going.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpx_yXqM7ko3A_LdOzQ42rDixblrnykcKlB_HuWf0z8CmHciAnsxwHCkWrJ_BvvTAup6XneyLq4PkILZwOOz_Qk1BAtSnbsWB9NjISahqpN3riW1si-Ht2DlH7Sb-cLjabsRJG5CuKfw8/s1600/Blog_110511_Lake+Kerkini+L1020742.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpx_yXqM7ko3A_LdOzQ42rDixblrnykcKlB_HuWf0z8CmHciAnsxwHCkWrJ_BvvTAup6XneyLq4PkILZwOOz_Qk1BAtSnbsWB9NjISahqpN3riW1si-Ht2DlH7Sb-cLjabsRJG5CuKfw8/s400/Blog_110511_Lake+Kerkini+L1020742.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934412821746322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 153px; " /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">View of Lake Kerkini, the drowned forest centre left, from mountainside above Ano Poroia </span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After breakfast we decided to dedicate the whole day to woodpeckers by birding a single area of the Kerkini Mountains hard. We chose the deciduous-coniferous forest area above Ano Poroia. Again the Citroën Jumpy allowed us to reach areas that a normal car would never have got us to. After several hours we nailed White-backed Woodpecker. It was just as we arrived back at the car to head back to the village for lunch when Steve saw a bird fly near the van – a female White-backed pecker. In a flash it was gone, but we did hear it call several times and this confirmed to Dave and myself that the odd Blackbird-like ‘pock’ call that we had been hearing on and off was indeed this species.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIKJs9_nyinp0-YXESF_fID4t-5ULqlkk11kjjyZvUPjlaEK2cuEHy8A3YyN0EE3N1Y9fZ-qFbrj25-xKHzJZrLfyCqDBKrdAhLibCmSe3ZahQbHlnahPmL7qcXUw_cLJduK1nqo9yAXD/s1600/Blog_110511_Kerkini+Mnts+L1020743.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIKJs9_nyinp0-YXESF_fID4t-5ULqlkk11kjjyZvUPjlaEK2cuEHy8A3YyN0EE3N1Y9fZ-qFbrj25-xKHzJZrLfyCqDBKrdAhLibCmSe3ZahQbHlnahPmL7qcXUw_cLJduK1nqo9yAXD/s400/Blog_110511_Kerkini+Mnts+L1020743.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934325389502546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 187px; " /></a></span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wooded mountainside above Ano Poroia</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i></i></span></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">With the site sorted, we went for lunch at the fabulous taverna in the centre of the old square in Ano Poroia where we watched Nuthatches and Tree Sparrows flitting around the tables. We had a good coffee in the (trendy-looking) café on the corner opposite the taverna.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After lunch we went straight back up to our White-backed Woodpecker site. Within minutes of leaving the car I saw a woodpecker in flight and soon started hearing the deep ‘pock’ calls. It didn’t take us long to track down a pair actively feeding in one section of the coniferous wood. Both birds were feeding on decaying stumps at ground level, hacking out the rotting wood and digging out some large, pale grub. We were able to watch the female on one occasion for at least five minutes as it dug away at the base of a stump. We were ecstatic! Whilst watching the White-backs we could hear a Black Woodpecker nearby, and once the female had made a beeline for her nest we headed off in search of the king of European woodpeckers. And it didn’t take us long! Within 100m along the track we soon found the calling bird and had good views as it moved around us, but never surrendering to the camera as the White-backed did. Job done! We’d birded the area really hard and were delighted with our rewards. This forest area also held a male Semi-collared Flycatcher, good numbers of Willow Tit, several Common Treecreepers, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Blackcap.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEzhlQh9FndPBf2TaseIWoXfX8rRDSxiSFWFTPnSpb0jgo_bOVbh0Wa2DVjLsAQv0QGQM8E6B1ttYYgMlZwXyUxrpd_I-ihCYYZagBqfSU39fd3RrW0818UntuF_-90m78a9omcD13Y54/s1600/Blog_110511_Kerkini+Mnts+L1020767.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEzhlQh9FndPBf2TaseIWoXfX8rRDSxiSFWFTPnSpb0jgo_bOVbh0Wa2DVjLsAQv0QGQM8E6B1ttYYgMlZwXyUxrpd_I-ihCYYZagBqfSU39fd3RrW0818UntuF_-90m78a9omcD13Y54/s400/Blog_110511_Kerkini+Mnts+L1020767.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934329594842786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px; " /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Woodland above Ano Poroia - site of White-backed and Black Woodpeckers</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Og3uMosmwnDYyjrDEP6n7G48lEZ2c7VB7rDHskwDFHe5DVRGLlvnDf3uVCMKFllgfMq5JGb4EaW_w9UQAJW8K4Uny7adXElwX43wG3m9Llf7daGG8qwkkndq-gayNtNLniZfm8jpH8NG/s1600/Blog_110511_White-backed+Wpckr+L1020763.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Og3uMosmwnDYyjrDEP6n7G48lEZ2c7VB7rDHskwDFHe5DVRGLlvnDf3uVCMKFllgfMq5JGb4EaW_w9UQAJW8K4Uny7adXElwX43wG3m9Llf7daGG8qwkkndq-gayNtNLniZfm8jpH8NG/s400/Blog_110511_White-backed+Wpckr+L1020763.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609934315876041250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 345px; " /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Female White-backed Woodpecker collecting grubs from base of decaying fir stump, in w</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">oodland above Ano Poroia</span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We birded on the way back down to Ano Poroia finding loads of Green Woodpeckers but no Grey-headed (too high for most of the time).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Key species seen today</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – Black-necked Grebe, White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Spoonbill, herons, Black Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Willow Tit, Common Treecreeper.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><!--StartFragment--></span></p><div class="Section1"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">Day 8 – 12th May 2011</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After breakfast we loaded the car and headed straight back to Thessaloniki for our flight to Athens and then on home to the UK.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">SPECIES LISTS</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></b></p> </div> <b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Birds (<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Calibri;">175 species)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Grebe<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great Crested Grebe<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black-necked Grebe<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great Cormorant<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pygmy Cormorant<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White Pelican<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dalmatian Pelican<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Bittern<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Night-heron<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Squacco Heron<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Egret<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great White Egret<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Grey Heron<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Purple Heron<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black Stork<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White Stork<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Spoonbill<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great Flamingo<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mute Swan<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Greylag Goose<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ruddy Shelduck<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Shelduck<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wigeon<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gadwall<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mallard<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Shoveler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Garganey<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tufted Duck<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Pochard<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Goosander<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Honey-buzzard<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black Kite<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White-tailed Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Egyptian Vulture<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black Vulture<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Griffon Vulture<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Short-toed Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Marsh Harrier<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Goshawk<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Levant Sparrowhawk<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">European Sparrowhawk<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Buzzard<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Long-legged Buzzard<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lesser Spotted Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Golden Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Imperial Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Booted Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Kestrel<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lesser Kestrel<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Red-footed Falcon<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Peregrine<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Eleonora’s Falcon<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hobby<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Quail<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Moorhen<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Coot<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oystercatcher<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black-winged Stilt<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Collared Pratincole<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Grey Plover<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lapwing<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Stint<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Curlew Sandpiper<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dunlin<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ruff<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Redshank<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Greenshank<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wood Sandpiper<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Sandpiper<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black-headed Gull<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yellow-legged Gull<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gull-billed Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Whiskered Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White-winged Black Tern<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Feral Pigeon<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Collared Dove<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Turtle Dove<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Woodpigeon<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Cuckoo<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Owl<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tawny Owl<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Alpine Swift<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Swift<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pallid Swift<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Kingfisher<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">European Bee-eater<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roller<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hoopoe<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Grey-headed Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Green Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great Spotted Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Syrian Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White-backed Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Horned Lark<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Calandra Lark<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Short-toed Lark<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Woodlark<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sand Martin<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Crag Martin<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">House Martin<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Red-rumped Swallow<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Barn Swallow<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tree Pipit<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Water Pipit<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yellow Wagtail<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Grey Wagtail<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White Wagtail<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Wren<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">European Robin<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Nightingale<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black Redstart<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Whinchat<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Stonechat<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Isabelline Wheatear<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Northern Wheatear<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black-eared Wheatear<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blue Rock-thrush<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Blackbird<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mistle Thrush<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cetti’s Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sedge Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Eurasian Reed Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great Reed Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Eastern Olivaceous Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Subalpine Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Eastern Orphean Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lesser Whitethroat<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Whitethroat<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blackcap<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Chiffchaff<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Willow Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Goldcrest<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Firecrest<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Spotted Flycatcher<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pied Flycatcher<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Semi-collared Flycatcher<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Long-tailed Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Willow Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sombre Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Coal Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blue Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great Tit<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wood Nuthatch<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Treecreeper<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Short-toed Treecreeper<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Golden Oriole<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Woodchat Shrike<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Masked Shrike<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jay<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Magpie<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Alpine Chough<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hooded Crow<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rook<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jackdaw<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Raven<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Starling<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">House Sparrow<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Spanish Sparrow<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tree Sparrow<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Chaffinch<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Greenfinch<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Goldfinch<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yellowhammer<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cirl Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rock Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cretzschmar’s Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ortolan Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black-headed Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Corn Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;">With more focus on the Evros Delta 180+ is easily achievable in a week if you want a big list. We were surprised just how well we did without going hard after a list and with so much of our time taken up with looking specifically for woodpeckers.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Insects</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (selected)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Southern White Admiral<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Large Tortoiseshell<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Beautiful Demoiselle<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Green-eyed Hawker<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Southern Darter<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mammals</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (selected)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wild Cat<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Reptiles and amphibians</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (selected)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Glass Lizard<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hermann’s Tortoise<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p></p></div></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-6008850564380961922010-05-26T09:14:00.000-07:002010-05-26T09:46:09.769-07:00Lesvos 6 - 13 May 2010<div><br /></div>This was a private holiday week with my wife, Liz, after two weeks of tour leading groups on the island. It was a slow, hot week (hottest spring week I've ever known on Lesvos), so, just short notes for each day with highlights of birds seen.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Thursday, 6 May 2010</span></div><div>A day off! I bid farewell to my second group at the hotel and didn't have anything else on so spent the day relaxing, catching up on some birdlog items inc. a pleasant drink with Killian Mullarney at the Kalloni Bay hotel whilst catching up with reports from their log, and with Thekla and Pela, daughters of the owners of the <a href="http://www.pelahotel.gr/english.htm">Pela Hotel</a> whilst checking out their hotel bird log.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Off airport beach</span> - Scopoli's Shearwater - 23+ following fishing boats into Mytilini</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Skala Kallonis</span> - Night-heron 7, Purple Heron 1 and Squacco Heron 8 - all over Skala Kallonis at dusk.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Friday, 7 May 2010</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Kalloni Saltpans flood</span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Broad-billed Sandpiper</span> (a long overdue Lesvos tick for me!), Collared Pratincole, Mediterranean Gull (11), Marsh Sandpiper, Little Stint (110), Bee-eaters.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Kalloni Raptor Watchpoint</span> - Hen Harrier r/t, Eleonora's Falcon, Red-footed Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, Long-legged Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Vafios</span> - Eleonora's Falcon, Red-backed Shrike and loads of Subalpine Warblers on cross country track from south of Vafios towards Stypsi.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Saturday, 8 May 2010</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Metochi Lake</span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Spotted Crake</span>, Little Crake 2, Little Bittern 3, Red-footed Falcon, Bee-eaters.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Kalami Marsh</span> - Whiskered Tern 1, Squacco Heron 2, Little Egret 35, Ruddy Shelduck 2.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Mesa</span> - Ruddy Shelduck 18, Great White Egret 6, Black Stork 1, Grey Heron 4.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Achladeri</span> - Kruper's Nuthatch (2 active nests), Masked Shrike (inc. nest building), Short-toed Treecreeper; dragonflies inc. Odalisque and Blue (Scarce) Chaser.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Parakila Marsh</span> - Eleonora's Falcon, Curlew Sandpiper 1.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Krakala harbour and marsh</span> - Black Stork 1, Little Egret 2, Shag 9 offshore.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Kalloni Saltpans flood and fields</span> - Rufous-bush Robin 2+, Red-footed Falcon 1, Collared Pratincole 1, Little Egret 24, Glossy Ibis.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Sunday, 9 May 2010</span></div><div>Day out west aborted due to brake problem with vehicle. Top marks to Tsalis who collected the car, took it back to their workshop and got the brakes fixed and the car returned to me by mid-afternoon - all on Sunday! I'd like to see many other car hire companies manage that!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, the day spent with friends around Skala Kallonis inc. lunch with Thekla at Pela Hotel (thank you Thekla!).</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Platania</span> - Olive-tree Warbler 4+ at cattle grid site, Masked Shrike 5+, Golden Oriole 3+, Sombre Tit, Orphean Warbler, Long-legged Buzzard 6+, Short-toed Eagle, Common Buzzard.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Monday, 10 May 2010</span></div><div>A day spent day-guiding a couple of Skala Kallonis-based birders to the west of the island.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Lardia Valley</span> - Crag Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Blue Rock-thrush, Cretzchmar's Bunting.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Vigla</span> (nr Ipsilou) - Isabelline Wheatear, Eleonora's Falcon.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Ipsilou</span> - Eleonora's Falcon 3, Rock Sparrow, Cinereous Bunting, Isabelline Wheatear, Rock Nuthatch, Wood Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Buzzard.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Petrified Forest road</span> - Northern Wheatear, Cinereous Bunting, Black-headed Bunting.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Faneromeni</span> - Litlte Bittern 6, Night-heron 1, Squacco Heron 1, Common Snipe 1, Bee-eaters.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Meladia Valley</span> - Rufous Bush Robin, Purple Heron 1, Little Bittern 6, Peregrine.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Tuesday, 11 May 2010</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Alikoudi Pool</span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Broad-billed Sandpiper</span> 6 (!), Curlew Sandpiper 10, Kentish Plover 18, Grey Plover 3, Ringed Plover 3, Ruff 3, Little Stint 31, Wood Sandpiper 6.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIi6-B-NVNKaqkkEpdT0PgTasyHscSyLIK2OnHHctH7YhIuSKL300_W-ILdzI0SBEHM-KTpYjbmFg9vCOaYTLjQKrQ3XrFOyfDqR59zae3749z6z7UAMrUkSstkbg-vpk3REwOklqU34m/s1600/Blog_20100511_BroadbilledSand_L1020476.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIi6-B-NVNKaqkkEpdT0PgTasyHscSyLIK2OnHHctH7YhIuSKL300_W-ILdzI0SBEHM-KTpYjbmFg9vCOaYTLjQKrQ3XrFOyfDqR59zae3749z6z7UAMrUkSstkbg-vpk3REwOklqU34m/s400/Blog_20100511_BroadbilledSand_L1020476.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475620511099928770" /></a><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Two of the six Broad-billed Sands, Alikoudi Pool, 11 May 2010 </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">© </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Steve Dudley</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Wednesday, 12 May 2010</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC66;">Skala Eresou</span> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Penduline Tit</span> - male still visiting nest on and off; Night-heron 1.</div></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-9881798737223482152010-05-26T09:02:00.000-07:002010-05-31T09:08:41.146-07:00Lesvos trip report : 29 April - 6 May 2010<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">An <a href="http://www.olivaramatours.com/">Oliva Rama Tours</a> holiday run by Steve Dudley / Lesvos Birding</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Leaders</i>: Steve Dudley (Lesvos Birding) & Richard Palmer</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Particpants</i>: Wendy & Michael, Chris, Jeanette, Jane, Dee, Graham, Agi and Susanne.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 1, Thursday 29</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"> April 2010</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">We all met up, with each other and Steve, at Mytilini airport. It had been a long day (some of us travelling halfway around the world!) and we were pleased to be greeted by late afternoon sunshine.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Steve ushered us a little south down the coast to where a returning fishing boat was attracting a cloud of Yellow-legged Gulls<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> </b>and over 100 Scopoli’s Shearwaters<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> </b>– a superb first bird for the trip.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">There were sightings of Black Storks and Black-winged Stilts as we drove across the island to our base at the Hotel Pasiphae at Skala Kallonis. Over a fine dinner (the first of many!) at the nearby Taverna Dionysos we all introduced ourselves and ate and drank well before retiring.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 2, Friday 30</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"> April 2010</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">We rose to a beautiful morning before heading down to the pinewoods at Achladeri for our first real Lesvos birding. A short walk took us to a Kr<span style="font-family:Calibri;">ü</span>per’s Nuthatch nest site in a pine stump. After a welcome from a fine Masked Shrike, the nuthatches appeared to order and we had great views of both male and female and, later, a second pair. Further into the wood we saw Short-toed Treecreeper, Cirl Bunting and two hunting Long-legged Buzzards.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Driving on to Dimitrios and a site Steve had found for breeding Middle-spotted Woodpecker. The nesting birds regularly appeared with food brought to a hole high in a dead poplar. Agi found a Grey Wagtail and we notched new site records for Wren and a rare European dragonfly, the Odalisque.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Lunch was enjoyed in a beachside taverna looking over the Gulf of Kalloni before mogving on to Mesa wetlands and Kalami Marsh. Notable sightings here included 20 Ruddy Shelduck, 50+ Whiskered Terns, several Black Storks, at least nine Squacco Herons, two Purple Herons and a superb male Black-eared Wheatear.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">A short drive to vast Kalloni Saltpans and, again, heaps of birds!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>– including our first Flamingos, Avocets, Kentish Plovers, Ruff and Wood Sandpipers. Chris found a bunting sitting in an isolated patch of juncus and, surprisingly, it turned out to be a male Ortolan! Not exactly typical habitat. At the flood opposite the Saltworks entrance we were rewarded with close views of Glossy Ibis, Garganey, Gull-billed Terns and an incoming migrant flock of 65 magnificent White-winged Black Terns.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">At the Alykes Wetlands we walked over dried out seasonal flooded fields which gave us the photo-opportunity of the day as a Black Stork circled low right above us. Around the grasslands we found at least three fine Red-throated Pipits, 20+ Short-toed Larks, Black-headed (Yellow) Wagtails and a Lesser Grey Shrike.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Our short return journey to the hotel featured a Lesser Kestrel, a Red-footed Falcon and a perched Long-legged Buzzard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">What a superb days birding!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 3, Saturday 1</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"> May 2010</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">After breakfast, we set off for the rugged, barren west side of the island and, after a brief stop for a Chukar, we reached the Lardia Valley with Crag Martins and Rock Sparrows and our first Cretzschmar’s Bunting – a new bird for most of the group.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">On the mountain road at Vigla we stopped for brilliant views of nine Red-footed Falcons on power lines. Wheatear species then came thick and fast with Black-eareds, Northerns and, best of all, the very pale (and localised breeder) Isabelline. As we approached the renowned Ipsilou Monastery, in superb warm sunshine, reptiles were much in evidence - Balkan Green Lizard, the charismatic Agama Lizard and a delightful baby Spur-thighed Tortoise found by Jane at the roadside. Back to birds and we glimpsed Rock Nuthatch and Woodchat Shrike before Steve found our main target, a singing male Cinereous Bunting – a bird restricted in Europe to only three Greek islands, and Lesvos holding around 95% of them! Nearer the monastery Black-headed Bunting and Sombre Tit were added to the list together with plentiful migrants – Red-rumped Swallow, Wood Warbler, Hoopoe and Pied and Spotted Flycatchers. Near the summit, Chris spotted two Golden Orioles and we also added Little Owl.</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFCWstDYKDwODHQyGjP_cVNasLBhI-GLqinkBB9wkoeL3pbvMI73kxaGAgLcJW-RdvElDC6uA-M_iDa2r7lzbAec_Hm-WmlSV__SC2luLoJy7hlZYArnZsD7uQUTTt8I76uO7AK8SPm8D/s1600/Report+22+Apr+BHB+L1020397.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFCWstDYKDwODHQyGjP_cVNasLBhI-GLqinkBB9wkoeL3pbvMI73kxaGAgLcJW-RdvElDC6uA-M_iDa2r7lzbAec_Hm-WmlSV__SC2luLoJy7hlZYArnZsD7uQUTTt8I76uO7AK8SPm8D/s400/Report+22+Apr+BHB+L1020397.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475611206593168002" /></a>Lunch was taken in the popular resort of Skala Eresou accompanied by (very distant!) Yelkouan Shearwaters and fishing Shags. At the nearby Vergias River a Penduline Tit eventually appeared from its incredible hanging nest – this species is still a vagrant on Lesvos and this is only the second time the species has nested. We also added Stripe-necked Terrapins to the reptile list.<br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">We returned to the monastery for a late afternoon watch and, amongst more migrants, tantalisingly brief views of a female Collared Flycatcher.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">We returned to base weary, suntanned but very satisfied and ready for yet more hearty Greek fayre at the Taverna Dionysos!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 4, Sunday 2 May 2010</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Off at 6.30am for a pre-breakfast visit to Metochi Lake. We were not the first there and the bank of the lake looked like a scene from the Isles of Scilly in October! Positioning ourselves with a good view of the opposite reedbeds we quickly notched up Little Bitterns (first of at least eight). Pulses started to race as Steve found first a female, and then a male, Little Crake, both feeding quite unperturbed at the edge of the reeds. Then a cry of “Baillon’s Crake!” and a fine adult was watched well for about ten minutes. Great Reed, Reed, Sedge and Cettis Warblers, Whisked Terns and Squacco Herons made up the supporting cast. What a place! Most of the group had enjoyed at least a couple of life ticks before breakfast!</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiintwuJCz7TMRpi-_vDlnvgjz7ZycJT-_RwjjCDF69Ib-9COX9TkFCPUpWHe0C8r37aXxvt3y825EZnuFfQklQczqXJIeZrVn5ZNump31GtjTk6jTE9oemJB-fXQHT7HijM80ykma5w186/s1600/Blog_20100502_Little+Crake_L1020416.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiintwuJCz7TMRpi-_vDlnvgjz7ZycJT-_RwjjCDF69Ib-9COX9TkFCPUpWHe0C8r37aXxvt3y825EZnuFfQklQczqXJIeZrVn5ZNump31GtjTk6jTE9oemJB-fXQHT7HijM80ykma5w186/s400/Blog_20100502_Little+Crake_L1020416.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475610771143457378" /></a><div class="Section1"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">After breakfest we headed off to the Kalloni Saltpans and, after a little wait at a stake-out, we got</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">nice views of a Rufous Bush Robin of the paler eastern race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">At to the Kalloni Raptor Watchpoint, we saw Long-legged Buzzard, Red-footed Falcon, a single Eleonora’s Falcon and a surprise ‘fly-by’ –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>a flock of 11 Spoonbills!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Steve then had a surprise in store for us . We stopped by a mini football pitch and some shit-down tavernas where ‘scoping a poplar tree and – hey presto! – a superb roosting Scops Owl enjoyed (and of course photographed!) by everybody.</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sryFJpHsyZQMnXGAlxrGxRgcXI2xT6Nkx8JX2ORmvX2SwV8u5jUqlwwDTAD25yH_eoabBh2X5OfKRhHux7PEEAV41-2mkG7ZwVvAkBDo3LxAT0UmHO1G9q20QSZkKiEU0fN1rjFCPn8R/s1600/Report+22+Apr+Scops+Owl+L1020389.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sryFJpHsyZQMnXGAlxrGxRgcXI2xT6Nkx8JX2ORmvX2SwV8u5jUqlwwDTAD25yH_eoabBh2X5OfKRhHux7PEEAV41-2mkG7ZwVvAkBDo3LxAT0UmHO1G9q20QSZkKiEU0fN1rjFCPn8R/s400/Report+22+Apr+Scops+Owl+L1020389.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475611554119630850" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">A leisurely drive through the scenic Potamia Valley followed lunch with views of Black-headed Bunting, Long-legged Buzzard (good spot Michael!), Blue Rock-thrush and a pair of Sombre Tits.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">A slightly earlier return to the hotel was much appreciated and there was even time for a swim and the odd glass of beer in the warm evening sunshine before heading down to the village for dinner.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 5, Monday 3</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"> May 2010</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Starting off once again in brilliant warm sunny weather, we took the short journey to Kalloni Saltpans. The usual waders (Ruffs and Wood Sands) had been supplemented with both Temminck’s and Little Stints. We had more fantastic views of Red-footed Falcons, again perched on power lines and amazingly close views of Glossy Ibises to delight the photographers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">A mountain drive through to Kavaki in the north of the island and we arrived in beautiful coastal habitat to begin our warblervigil. Blue Rock-thrushes were quite easy, singing Black-headed Buntings showed well and, after a while, we had fine views of Subalpine Warblers. Our main target, R<span style="font-family:Calibri;">ü</span>ppell’s Warbler, kept us waiting until a male and then a pair suddenly popped up on the bushes; another great bird!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">We called in at a small reservoir at nearby Perasma and were surprised to find a White-winged Black Tern. A few Alpine Swifts, a Raven and a Short-toed Eagle appeared overhead and a nesting Subalpine Warbler allowed close views. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">After a good lunch in the very picturesque harbour town of Molivos, we enjoyed a ‘rally-driving’ experience across the beautiful north coastal track before briefly stopping at Mandamados to view an occupied White Stork nest on the chimney of a disused olive mill.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Back at the saltpans for the evening watch and we added a breeding plumage Curlew Sandpiper and Sanderling to the list. As we returned to Skala Kallonis, Wendy spotted a male Little Bittern in the ford-side reeds – a fine end to yet another fine day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 6, Tuesday 4</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"> May 2010</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Westwards again, this time to the migrant hotspot of Sigri on the far west coast. Arriving at a large coastal bay we found a Purple Heron and two Greenshanks. A nearby riverbed and yet another skulking Little Bittern – there certainly seemed to have been a significant influx of these long-distance migrants. In recent days We walked up lane between the olive groves, when there was suddenly a rush of overhead migrants – a Collared Pratincole, a Bee-eater and an Alpine Swift. At a garden puddle, our photographers feasted on bathing Red-rumped Swallows and House Martins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Having received a ‘hot-tip’ of a Spur-winged Plover, Agi found the bird feeding in a field by some manure heaps – another excellent ‘first’ for most of the party.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Lunch in Sigri was followed by an interesting trip to the fabulous Petrified Forest Museum with exhibits from the nearby petrified forest and other geological artefacts from around the island and from other petrified forest parks from around the world.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">In the afternoon we progressed through the beautiful Maladia Valley finding at least four Collared and one Pied Flycatchers, Wood Warblers, more Little Bitterns and a Sombre Tit. Our lengthy return journey included a stop for a soaring Black Stork interacting with a couple of local breeding Long-legged Buzzards. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 7, Wednesday 5</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"> May</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><o:p> 2010</o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Our final full day again dawned with unbroken bright sunshine – what a week of weather! We got down to the saltpans area before breakfast and were rewarded with great views of the Rufous Bush Robin singing from a lamp-post and two chasing each other right around us! Again, there were lots of birds (and birders!) at the flooded fields – Glossy Ibis, Ruddy Shelduck, Garganey, Little Stints, Curlew Sandpiper with new additions of Black-tailed Godwit and Ringed Plover.</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4T6d__s09fzDFZVNPE1uMk_adyEX1lrm1hsAQaDVt89BnGm8OWNaauKasPzuNkaKMHNdmA9tZZ36XVGoNyii0EXtuHTT6mO3gU9J8ZN1x8b6kmVQW3qpZ-tei66YUwnFolTm_Cg6jVo2/s1600/Blog_20100509_BushRobin_L1020428.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4T6d__s09fzDFZVNPE1uMk_adyEX1lrm1hsAQaDVt89BnGm8OWNaauKasPzuNkaKMHNdmA9tZZ36XVGoNyii0EXtuHTT6mO3gU9J8ZN1x8b6kmVQW3qpZ-tei66YUwnFolTm_Cg6jVo2/s400/Blog_20100509_BushRobin_L1020428.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475612030709954738" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">A return to Metochi Lake after breakfast and good views of a couple of female Little Crakes, Little Bittern, Hoopoe and lots of terrapins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">A return to check the Scops Owl (gone!) and then we bumped and rocked our way down the Platania track. Here the attractive mix of olive groves and gnarled old oaks produces perfect breeding habitat for the highly localised Olive-tree Warbler. Steve soon got on to the strange croaking song (at least three birds singing) and eventually we got brief sightings of flying and singing birds. During our wait we notched up Red-footed Falcon, Short-toed Eagle, Middle-spotted Woodpecker and Masked Shrike. Further down the valley some of us secured the trip’s only Eastern Orphean Warbler.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">A very pleasant last lunch at Skala Kallonis and then we were back on duty at the Kalloni Raptor Watchpoint in time for a Hobby, Lesser Kestrel and two Short-toed Eagles. A pair of Rock Nuthatches showed well on boulders above us and were well received as most had missed them earlier in the week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Finally returning via the Tsiknias River, we were fortunate to get point-blank views of a party of ‘peeps’ and to pick out the identification points on Temminck’s and Little Stint and Sanderling. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 8, Thursday 6</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"> May</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><o:p> 2010</o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Most of us took a pre-breakfast walk at Skala Kallonis and the final hour of birding was very enjoyable with Great Egret, Little Bittern, ‘fly-by’ Flamingos and a large Spanish Sparrow colony in a village palm tree. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">We bid our goodbyes to Dee, Jeanette and Susanne (fondly known as the ‘Alabama Gals’) and Agi and Graham, and of course Steve, all of who were all staying longer in Lesvos (lucky them!) and the rest of us endured a rather tortuous drive to the airport due to the main road being blocked due to protests against the Greek government!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <i><span style="font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-font-weight:boldfont-family:Arial;font-size:11.0pt;"><div><br /></div> </span></i> <div class="Section2"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><i><span style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;font-family:Arial;">Birds<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Little Grebe<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;tab-stops:307.2pt"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Yelkouan Shearwater<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;tab-stops:307.2pt"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Scopoli’s Shearwater<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Shag<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Little Bittern<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Squacco Heron<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Little Egret<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Great White Egret<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Grey Heron<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Purple Heron<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Black Stork<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">White Stork<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Glossy Ibis<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Spoonbill<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Greater Flamingo<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Ruddy Shelduck<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Shelduck<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Garganey<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Mallard<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Honey-buzzard<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Short-toed Eagle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Marsh Harrier<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Buzzard<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Long-legged Buzzard<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Kestrel<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Lesser Kestrel <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Red-footed Falcon<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Hobby<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Eleonora’s Falcon<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Peregrine<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Chukar<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Little Crake<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Baillon’s Crake<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Moorhen<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Coot<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Black-winged Stilt<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Avocet<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Collared Pratincole<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Little Ringed Plover<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Ringed Plover<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Kentish Plover<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Grey Plover<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Spur-winged Plover<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Little Stint<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Temminck’s Stint<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Curlew Sandpiper<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Sanderling<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Ruff<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Black-tailed Godwit<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Redshank<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Greenshank<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Wood Sandpiper <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Sandpiper<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Little Gull<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Mediterranean Gull<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Yellow-legged Gull <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Gull-billed Tern<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Tern<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Little Tern<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Whiskered Tern <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">White-winged Black Tern <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Rock Dove<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Collared Dove<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Turtle Dove<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Cuckoo<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Scops Owl <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Little Owl<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Swift<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Alpine Swift<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Bee-eater<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Hoopoe<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Middle Spotted Woodpecker<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Short-toed Lark<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Crested Lark<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Woodlark<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Sand Martin<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Crag Martin<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Barn (Common) Swallow <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Red-rumped Swallow<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">House Martin<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Red-throated Pipit<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">‘Blue-headed’ Yellow Wagtail<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">‘Black-headed’ Yellow Wagtail<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Citrine Wagtail<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">White Wagtail<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Grey Wagtail<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Nightingale<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Rufous Bush Robin<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Whinchat <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Stonechat<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Northern Wheatear<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Isabelline Wheatear<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Black-eared Wheatear<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Blue Rock-thrush<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Blackbird <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Cetti’s Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Sedge Warbler <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Reed Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Great Reed Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Olivaceous Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Olive-tree Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span lang="DE" style="mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:DE;font-family:Arial;">Subalpine Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span lang="DE" style="mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:DE;font-family:Arial;">Rüppell’s Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span lang="DE" style="mso-bidi-mso-ansi-language:DE;font-family:Arial;">Orphean Warbler <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Lesser Whitethroat<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Whitethroat <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Blackcap <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Wood Warbler<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Spotted Flycatcher<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Collared Flycatcher<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Pied Flycatcher<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Sombre Tit <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Blue Tit<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Great Tit<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Penduline Tit<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Krüper’s Nuthatch<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Western Rock Nuthatch<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Golden Oriole<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Red-backed Shrike<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Lesser Grey Shrike<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Woodchat Shrike<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Masked Shrike<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Jay<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Jackdaw<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Hooded Crow <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Raven<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">House Sparrow<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Spanish Sparrow<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Rock Sparrow<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Chaffinch<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Serin<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Greenfinch<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Goldfinch<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Linnet <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Cirl Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Cinereous Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Ortolan Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Cretzschmar’s Bunting <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Black-headed Bunting <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Corn Bunting<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Amphibians and reptiles<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Tree Frog<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Marsh Frog<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Balkan Green Lizard<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Balkan Wall Lizard<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Agama Lizard<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Turkish Gecko<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Glass Snake (RIP)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Whip Snake sp.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Stripe-necked Terrapin<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">European Pond Terrapin<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Spur-thighed Tortoise<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Mammals<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Persian Squirrel<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Beech Marten (deceased)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Insects<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Egyptian Grasshopper<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Dung Beetle<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Emperor Dragonfly<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Lesser Emperor Dragonfly<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Red-veined Darter<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Scarlet Darter<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Black-tailed Skimmer<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Keeled Skimmer<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Small Skimmer<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Odalisque<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Scarce Swallowtail<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Swallowtail<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Small White<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Large White<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Wall Brown<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Small Heath<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Orange Tip<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Clouded Yellow<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Painted Lady<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">False Apollo<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Red Admiral<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Small Copper<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Painted Lady<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Southern Gatekeeper <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Turkish Meadow Brown<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Southern Speckled Wood <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Brown Argus<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Common Blue<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Orbed Red-underwing Skipper<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:Arial;">Hummingbird Hawk-moth</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">Scorpion Spider</p> </div> <span style="font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-USfont-family:";font-size:11.0pt;"> </span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-90044003889009990602010-05-20T10:47:00.000-07:002010-05-31T09:07:29.901-07:00Lesvos trip report : 22 - 29 April 2010<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A Lesvos Birding Holiday with Steve Dudley: 22 – 29 April 2010</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Participants</span></span></i><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">: Emily & Peter, Jayne & Mike and Andy.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 1, Thursday 22 April</span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Steve flies out on the same flight as Emily and Peter, and arriving several hours earlier than the others they go birding down to Harmida enjoying several Glossy Ibis, Sqaucco Herons, Sardinian Warbler, Crag Martin and the agricultural song of the Great Reed Warbler! Just after 1800h we arrive back at the airport to meet up with Andy, Jayne and Mike and we drive across the island to Skala Kallonis, our base for the week.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Over dinner Steve explains a little about the week ahead and what we can look forward too.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 2, Friday 23 April</span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Weather: fine and sunny. Hot. Light NW wind.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After breakfast we head out to the Christou River. The place is pretty quiet with only a few waders to enjoy – Greenshank, Ruff and Wood Sandpiper. We drive slowly through the fields to Metochi Lake without the need to stop. Metochi Lake soon makes up for it! No sooner are we out of the minibus when et great scope views. Steve spies an adult Purple Heron sat at the far end of the pool. The light is brilliant and Jayne finds the first of two Great Reed Warblers bouncing around the tamarisk bushes. Then Steve spots a female Little Bittern in the reed edge and scopes and soon trained on to her. As we watch, a male Little Crake walks through our </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">view! We end seeing one more crake and up to six Little Bitterns! Common Swifts, Barn Swallows and House Martins fly overhead as we pick through the stacks of Stripe-necked Terrapins for more crakes. Sedge and Reed Warblers are seen in the reeds, Little Grebe and Moorhen on the lake itself and a Jay, the eastern ‘black-capped’ form, shows very well in a nearby olive tree. A second Purple Heron flies over before we head off around the back of the lake.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Round the rocky area behind the lake we stop and are soon watching an Agama Lizard basking and a singing male Black-eared Wheatear sat atop a high rock. Steve then spots a Rock Nuthatch. No sooner has he seen it than its heading don the slope and lands by a rock right by us. It’s carrying a caterpillar. It sits and watches us intently. Steve then spots its mud nest dome under the rock. Given the great views we have had we move on and allow the nuthatch to resume feeding its mate of young.</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We drive on towards Kalloni stopping to watch two close Woodchat Shrikes and a fabulously close Little Bittern Jayne spots stood out in the open in the roadside ditch. We get stunning views and we’re all amazed at just how small this bird is – its tiny!</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We stop briefly at the north-east corner of the saltpans to take our first look at the flamingos and see a White Stork circling nearby and a Common Buzzard sat on a telegraph post. We move on to Mesa and find 28 Ruddy Shelduck, 4 Common Shelduck and half a dozen Great White Egrets but no sign of yesterdays Spur-winged Plover.</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At Achladeri the pine forest is very quiet. Chaffinches seem to be the only bird in evidence before Steve finds a Short-toed Treecreeper. A few minutes later we’re watching our target species, a fine male Kr</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Cambria;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ü</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">per’s Nuthatch as it feeds picks away at a large pine cone. We enjoy a couple of oddly named Odalisque dragonflies on by the stream and get another brief view of another Krüper’s as it comes in to the nest hole to bring the sitting female a tit-bit.</span></span></p> <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 389px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5vkR0S8MIZoMvmazFNuu0JkA8_wFd4C-ioudddmawpfIGUIALlsrOaCCfJ6OkgOQArLSk6rxAY-3cjlnnvwksFNzpgFEooBv_B15-QkNhiC27r1NxVgx8vfoMj82eGD9l1bdBEhZD-u8/s400/Report+22+Apr+Krups+L1020401.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474145453923751186" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Leaving the forest for lunch we find a stunning male Masked Shrike by the side of the road which duly obliges us with closes views and some snaps.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After lunching at the delightful seaside taverna at Ancient Pyrrha, we head back towards the saltpans. Near the Vouvaris River we stop for great views of a pair of Red-rumped Swallows which treat us to perched views as they preened on wires and some great fly-by views showing off their distinctive shape and their pale pinking rump colour. At Mesa we find several Squacco Herons in the marsh, plus Little Egret and Ruddy Shelduck. A little further on we stop and find a distant hovering Short-toed Eagle, a soaring Common Kestrel and a two Black Storks coming back south from the hills, clearly deciding better of a late afternoon attempt at navigating the island north.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We arrive at the saltpans to meet the two Black Storks arriving. There are Avocets everywhere and we can hear Stone-curlew calling. Jayne picks up a flying bird and she follows it as it lands on one of the central bunds. It’s a Stonie and a self-found lifer for Jayne! We move on a littler further and get much closer views of a second bird and Jayne feels she has really seen it now. Over one of the middle pans three White-winged Black Terns bounce along occasionally dipping down to picks something off the water surface. Swimming in the middle of the pan are seven winter plumaged Spotted Redshank. On the nearby pan there is a Little Tern sat side by side with a Common Tern – what an amazing size difference!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Moving on a find seven Glossy Ibis in the moat giving stunning views showing off their green and bronzed sheens in the late afternoon sun. Steve then picks up a Collared Pratincole sat in one of the sheep fields. The nearby flooded field is heaving with ibis, herons, egrets and stilts. A Corn Bunting provides the now familiar backing track.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We venture further round the back of the pans and go for a wander through the Alykes Wetlands. We immediately find the first of 11+ Kentish Plovers, the males looking all dapper with their orange caps and little black epaulettes. Walking through the grassland we chance upon a Red-throated Pipit, not a very red bird, which decides to relocate to a new grass patch which holds a couple of Short-toed Larks. Bonus! We spend the next 15 minutes or so watching up to four of each feeding actively in grass, including a couple of stunning brick-red pipits. A Marsh Harrier goes over and a single Northern Wheatear is found.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Heading back out past the flooded fields Steve spots a couple of Whiskered Terns feeding over the marsh before we make our last stop of the day to view the pans and pick up a feeding Spoonbill! Fantastic!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So its back to the hotel for a freshen up before dinner and our first night’s log which sees us scratch up 72 species on our first full day. Not a bad start!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 3, Saturday 24 April</span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Weather: fine and sunny. Hot. Light NW wind.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After breakfast we headed straight up to Madaros north of Kalloni. We weaved our way along the rough bumpy track to be greeted by a couple of male Orphean Warblers who were clearly upset at something below them in the bush. They showed really well in full view on the top of the bush and fence for several minutes. A Rock Nuthatch appeared briefly on a rock along the track and we got excellent views of a purring Turtle Dove sat on a large rock among the scrubby hillside. Jayne then spotted a female Marsh Harrier coming low up the valley. From the top bend we view the upper section of the Tsiknias River which held a lot of Wood Sandpipers. Hirundines and Common Swifts started to move northwards overhead. With a cloudy sky the temperature was lower but it was a lot closer and too cool for raptors to start moving so we headed off. We hadn’t got far down the track when we spotted a fine male Black-headed Bunting on a trackside bush. ‘Banana Split bird’ exclaimed Steve as we got great views of it with the sun perfectly lighting it.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We drove on up to Petra and arrived at Kavaki. In the low coastal scrub below us we found a couple of pairs of Sardinian Warblers and a female Orphean Warbler. Several Shags fed on the sea below and a couple of Crag Martin gave superb views. A pair of Blue Rock-thrushes were seen on and off, including at one point a fabulous view of a male carrying food sat up against the sea. A pair of Linnets were next up, the male showing off his brilliant red waistcoat as flock after flock of Spanish Sparrows bounced through to the north. A female R</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Cambria;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ü</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ppell’s Warbler appeared briefly but gave good views and we eventually got good views of a male sat up on top of a bush with the brilliant blue backdrop of the sea behind him. His little white moustache gleamed in his back face. Several saw a male Red-backed Shrike briefly and a couple of male Subalpine Warblers put on a real show for us by the main lay-by – simply stunning!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We moved up to Perasma to view the reservoir. Arriving Jayne spotted three raptors in the sky which turned out to be Long-legged Buzzards which gave excellent views as they came over us. On the reservoir there were the expected melee of Yellow-legged Gulls as well as a couple of Common Sandpipers, Ruddy Shelduck and a Squacco Heron. The scrub area was very quiet apart from a male Subalpine Warbler bouncing around and visiting his nest site with food, and a bit of luck in a female Red-backed Shrike.. Butterflies included excellent views of Scarce Swallowtail, Painted Lady and Gatekeeper, whilst we also saw lots of ovipositing Red-veined Darters.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We headed in to Molivos for our leisurely lunch before heading off along the north coast. Here Turkey is only a stone throw away and ever present as we moved slowly along the coast. We stopped a couple of times but found only common birds. A bale out for a Cretzschmar’s Bunting produced a nice male Spanish Sparrow and a small movement of Little Gulls. We had 80+ in total plus a couple of Mediterranean Gulls.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At Mandamados we stopped by the army camp to view the White Stork on its nest on top of the tall chimney. It seemed to be sitting tight and attention soon turned the many hirundines and swifts overhead. Steve then spotted two smallish raptors. A male Goshawk circling with a female Sparrowhawk – wow! What a comparison. Viewing side by side we were able to see all the key differences and watched them for several minutes as they continued to circle higher and higher above us.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We arrived at the Kalloni Saltpans to be greeted by an adult Black Stork in the moat by the junction. We pulled up and got fabulous views as it feed busily, seeming oblivious to the growing interest it was causing. We also got very good views of Wood Sandpiper and could see both Black-winged Stilt and Avocet seemingly sitting on nest on the little island. A little further along the track we came across a group of eight White Storks. Clearly migrants and the largest flock Steve had ever seen on the island. Driving through the sheepfields we found plenty of yellow wagtails including stunning male Black-headed and Blue-headed birds. We were then told of a Citrine Wagtail at the corner of the Saltpans, so we about turned and made out way back for Steve to soon relocate the first-summer male on a channel feeding the main saltpan moat. We eventually got very good views as it fed close on a small pool.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And that was that! Our second day drew to a close with a bang and we a returned to the hotel very happy, if a little tired and looking forward to our dinner!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 4, 25 April 2010</span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Weather: fine and sunny, some cloud cover later in the day. Hot. Strengthening NW wind.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After a leisurely breakfast we head west. We arrive at Vigla near Ipsilou to be greeted by a stunning female Red-footed Falcon sat on the overhead wires. We get brilliant views from the bus, right down to its claws! What a start. We park up a little further on and are immediately watching displaying Isabelline Wheatears. They parachute through the sky singing their amazing mix of whirrs, whistles and clicks which pass for a song. Steve says he calls them the Star Wars Wheatear! We get good views of a Short-toed Eagle and also see Persian Squirrels distantly hopping around an old ruin.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As we disembark the bus at the bottom of Ipsilou Steve spots a Fox running across the hillside. Our second in two days. There are more Isabelline Wheatears here and a Long-legged Buzzard appears below us in the valley. We start our walk up the mount taking in a Rock Nuthatch nest (complete with chick looking out of the nest hole) before we get stuck in to some serious Cinereous Bunting hunting. Birds are singing from above and below us and it doesn’t take Steve long to find a male sat on a rock on the slope below us. We get terrific views of this and other males, all showing off their fine lemon-yellow heads and neat little eye ring. Our second Red-footed Falcon, this time a male, flashes by as we watch the buntings and a Woodlark briefly song flights overhead. A couple of male Black-eared Wheatears do aerial combat and we see a couple of Willow Warblers and hear plenty of trilling Wood Warblers. We jam in on a troop of Golden Orioles as they move across a valley and some sit out for us to enjoy. There are butterflies too including False Apollo, Brown Argus and Wall Brown.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A couple of Sombre Tits put in an all too brief an appearance and a male Masked Shrike sits out on top of some dead branches at the top of a tree nearby. We arrive at the first army installation and stop to scan the skies and find a Long-legged Buzzard. Steve then finds a couple of Chukar by the large rocky outcrop below us. They both sit out in full view for us to enjoy. We head on up to the top managing to see out first Wood Warblers at long last. At the monastery itself we nip in to look at the chapel and museum and find more Wood Warblers and a cracking male Collared Flycatcher. We walk on down back towards the bus. Its fairly quiet. Steve finds a couple of Rock Sparrows high up on the cliff above us but no sooner we locate them again they’ve winged it out of sight. We continue down the road when Steve relocates the Rock Sparrows feeding by the shepherd’s building by the bus.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We drive to Skala Eresou and have a fabulous lunch at Steve’s favourite taverna, Soulatsou. Towards the end of lunch some of see a small passage of Yelkouan Shearwaters, unfortunately many of them are distant. Separately we manage to see an amazing flock of herons arrive off the sea – 39 Night-herons and 2 Purple Herons! They fly around for some time clearly sizing up the terrain below for a safe place to pitch down. But we’re on a mission. Steve has been given info of a pair of Penduline Tits building a nest on the river. We arrive at the described location and within seconds of getting out of the bus Steve has seen both birds and located the nest! Wow! A Lesvos tick for Steve and only the second ever confirmed breeding attempt for Lesvos. We spend quite some time watching them as they bomb around and busily visit the nest to keep adding bits to the entrance hole. Fantastic!</span></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPepY4A_u7jYDK2lFyeIT81n1T8-lfQxlBZeum6jw9Gva0YuDkUznkD5JdoepIKGBt8cDBAAGUUgC9H55IcGXScj3anWIVjMPEEu2Lr7LWRAHx0k6A_cbPyVNvXj-ADoADayvoBCgA1sxi/s1600/Report+22+Apr+Penduline+Tit+nest+L1020374.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPepY4A_u7jYDK2lFyeIT81n1T8-lfQxlBZeum6jw9Gva0YuDkUznkD5JdoepIKGBt8cDBAAGUUgC9H55IcGXScj3anWIVjMPEEu2Lr7LWRAHx0k6A_cbPyVNvXj-ADoADayvoBCgA1sxi/s400/Report+22+Apr+Penduline+Tit+nest+L1020374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474147017169090866" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We drive north to Pithariou Reservoir. On arrival the water is deep and the usual muddy margins aren’t visible. Four Little Grebe bob on the surface an there is a huge flock of Yellow-legged Gulls out on the middle. Searching for migrants Steve spots a large raptor overhead. ‘Eagle’ he exclaims. Its clearly not the expect Short-toed (two of which are seen from here too) but an all dark eagle with quite a squarish appearance. Over the next 10-15 minutes we see it two more times, once being mobbed by a Lesser Kestrel. With improved views and better light we are able to confidently ID it as a near-adult Imperial Eagle. What a great bird!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Time’s getting on so we head back east making a brief stop at a blowy Agra with little to add for our efforts. So its back in the bus and an early return to the hotel to rest up and freshen up before dinner. What a day!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 5, Monday, 26 April</span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Weather: overcast with light rain to mid-afternoon; cool. Brightened up from mid-afternoon, sunny with scattered cloud, warmer, but with strong NW wind throughout day.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We head out to Metochi Lake straight after breakfast seeing four Squaaco Herons before an overly loud Dutch group force us to abandon things! We nip across to the Kalloni Mini Soccer pitch at Soumouria where we soon locate the roosting Scops Owl. Fabulous!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We drive along the Tsiknias River which is crawling with Wood Sandpipers and Ruff. After some diligent searching we manage to find not only a Curlew Sandpiper but some Temminck’s Stints. Nearby 13 Squacco Herons is a great sight and several Black-headed Buntings and a Hoopoe are also seen in the surrounding fields. As we cut across the ford we are surrounded by ultra-close Wood and Common Sandpipers, a fine breeding plumaged Greenshank and several Little Ringed Plovers.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The flooded fields opposite the Saltworks entrance are teeming with birds. Around 40 Glossy Ibis feed avidly in the deeper water whilst Whiskered and White-winged Black Terns bounced around above them. Steve then spotted a Gull-billed Tern which even lands briefly for us to check out its short, stubby ‘gull’ bill. The marsh terns too are alighting on a small grassy island giving great views. Over the back around a dozen Ruddy Shelduck loaf around on the short grassland and Little and Great White Egrets and Grey Herons are also present. </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A Marsh Harrier floats around in the distance, occasionally wandering close enough to flush everything from the marsh.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We head in to the Alykes Wetlands and find Red-throated Pipits and Short-toed Larks. But our search for Tawny Pipit draws a blank when the overcast sky decided to turn darker and rain forces a retreat to the bus.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After lunch we are back down the saltpans checking the coastal tamarisks for Rufous Bush Robin. Despite a brief glimpse by Steve, the bird isn’t playing ball and we had to settle for a Hoopoe instead.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Driving back past the flooded fields there are now seven Garganey, six fine males and a female.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We head up Napi Valley, where, just above the village of Napi we stop to watch a hovering Short-toed Eagle. We get great views as it hovers and wheels around close to us, taking in all the fine underwing barring, when a falcon flies past the eagle. Following the falcon Steve locates a group of Red-footed Falcons toing and froing from the top of a dead tree – 10 in all. Even thought a little distant the females in particular are like baubles lighting up the tree.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We move a little further up the valley and our next stop soon produces several sightings of Cirl Bunting, a Rock Nuthatch in the stream bed, Subalpine Warbler, Common Whitethroat and brief, but good, view of a single Sombre Tit. Frustratingly we hear a Middle Spotted Woodpecker but fail to see the little blighter!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We drive along the Kremastes Valley track picking up another three male Red-footed Falcons. We stop to watch them hunting over a hay meadow. The light isn’t great but it’s great to see how they hunt with short hovers and drops between long sweeping glides to and fro over the field. A little further on a Hobby slices through a flock of hirundines. We arrive at the Kremastes Bridge, built in the 16</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century. A couple of Olivaceous Warblers are singing from deep within nearby bushes frustrating us again. Back in the bus a shout from Mike stops us dead in our tracks for a near, trackside Hoopoe. It’s really close and gives great views when Peter finds a male Red-backed Shrike on a nearby fence. What a belter!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We end the day back at Soumouria and a second look at the delightful Scops Owl who had barely moved since we saw him mid-morning. Happy we return to the hotel a little earlier than usual for a rest and freshen up before heading off in to the village for another delightful dinner at the Dionysos.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 6, Tuesday 27 April</span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Weather: fine and sunny. Hot. Light NW wind.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We wake to another dull, overcast and rain-threatening day with a moderate NE wind. After breakfast we head east. We stop at Lardia Valley and see a Long-legged Buzzard and Perivoli Monastery and find a couple of Serins. There are hundreds of hirundines here over the river, some perching on riverside vegetation. The frog chorus is almost deafening and nearly drowning out the babble of the water.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As we descend in to Sigri Steve spots a couple of Lesser Kestrels hovering over a nearby hillside. We get good binocular views from the bus in really good light. The birds are fighting hard to keep their hover in this strong wind.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As we enter Sigri we find both Red-backed and Masked Shrikes sharing a fence. Just a precursor of things to come! We see a handful of Jackdaws as drive in to Sigri fields. We pull up. Its ever so windy and at first glance the fields and groves lok bare. But within minutes we’re watching several Red-backed Shrikes and a handful of Golden Orioles. The first of many Black-headed Bunting appears in a fig tree and gives us a few blasts of his repetitive and rather monotonous song. The Golden Orioles now total 12 and several of the males sit out in the open on the sheltered side of the a line of trees. Red-backed Shrikes are everywhere! A single White-winged Black Tern battles through in to the wind soon followed by two Collared Pratincoles. A male Collared Flycatcher is next up when a Purple Heron almost gets blown out of the air and decides to alight in the olive grove for shelter. The birds just keep on coming with a stunning Lesser Grey Shrike feeding from a fence. A Common Whitethroat appears and then our fourth shrike if the morning, Woodchat, in the same field as the Lesser Grey and a Red-backed! We continue along the fields and see a Spotted Flycatcher and a mating pair of Woodchat Shrike. A Little Bittern adorns the little Faneromeni trackside pool and at Faneromeni Upper Ford we find three Little Bitterns, a Squacco Heron and loads of Wood Sandpipers. We head up to the Faneromeni fields. More Red-backed Shrikes are dotted along the fences. We park and walk in to the fields when ‘whoosh’ a flock of well over 100 Turtle Dives lift from within one of the olive groves. Wow! What a sight. In the same grove we find a Wood Warbler and walking back to the bus Steve spies a female Goshawk overhead getting some attention from a Hooded Crow.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We arrive at the Faneromeni Lower Ford where Peter immediately finds a male Citrine Wagtail (no two for the week!). It gives us the run around though, but we all at least get decent scope views. There are Ruff, Wood Sandpiper and Temminck’s Stints on the river and we see a single Little Bittern in flight and a Ruddy Shelduck honks as it flies over. Just as we are boarding the bus, Steve spots a Roller flying into the river. We are soon back out and looking for the bird. No sign. Some minutes later Jayne yells as it flies round us and up a shallow valley and out of sight. Oh hum. You can’t win them all.</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After lunch at Australia we head in to the Petrifeid Forest Museum. Whilst the group enjoy the fabulous exhibition, Steve’s, having seen it all before countless times, opts for sitting in the museum garden and enjoys the company of a male Collared Flycatcher, several Orphean Warblers and a Common Cuckoo.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We drive down to the old sanatorium. As we approach there are 10 White-winged Black Terns flitting over the coastal marsh. We reach the dry river bed where we immediately find a Lesser Grey Shrike and several Red-backed Shrikes. Further scans soon reveals a Roller and some Golden Orioles. We are enjoying the Roller when Jayne finds a second bird! There are brilliantly lit and one sits on top of a small bush with two Golden Orioles in the bottom. Another male Golden Oriole is sitting right out on top of a rock on the hillside. Steve then spots several male Black-headed Buntings sat in the same small tree. As we watch, more and more reveal themselves until we have 12!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We continue into the Meladia Valley picking up more shrikes, Whinchat and Black-headed Buntings. Peter spots a Little Owl sat on a thin metal post looking like a lollipop. Before we reach the chapel we find a single fig tree holding four Rollers! Wow! We find a further two (making nine for the day) at the chapel plus more Golden Orioles and a couple of Wood Warblers, Whilst scanning the fig grove we spy a female Montagu’s Harrier over the marsh and can see hundreds of Yelkouan Shearwaters shooting west offshore.</span></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43mQoTLFPjOZsc4TGZn2tjs-qMGBk06pWYjSyRnJNnX3awCjbuoAASy2JPKW8FfskOFihv1BfRR5WPZo2O29Q9XKnwZCBm9iyijM-RDvlf9iacUywGLUeOk3uvT4KsIUD_fcLyW9boaYY/s1600/Report+22+Apr+Roller+L1020400.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43mQoTLFPjOZsc4TGZn2tjs-qMGBk06pWYjSyRnJNnX3awCjbuoAASy2JPKW8FfskOFihv1BfRR5WPZo2O29Q9XKnwZCBm9iyijM-RDvlf9iacUywGLUeOk3uvT4KsIUD_fcLyW9boaYY/s400/Report+22+Apr+Roller+L1020400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474146382420283346" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At the pool we find a Squacco Heron, two Little Bitterns and Little Grebe. Walking along the track we flush a Night-heron from the poolside and it flies off across the valley. A Purple Heron then comes down the valley from towards Ipsilou and drops on to the fig grove. In the fig grove we have at least two Collared Flycatchers, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers and Wood Warblers. Time has run out so we make a mad dash across the Skala Kallonis in time to freshen up before dinner.</span></div><div class="Section1"><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 7, Wednesday 28 April 2010</span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Weather: fine and sunny. Hot. Light NE wind.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We wake to a sunny morning with light NE breeze. It’s a pre-breakfast trip for some of us to Metochi Lake where we find we are not alone! There are hundreds of hirundines bombing around over the lake and many sat up in reeds and on bushes around the lake. Three Little Crakes perform well, as do up to four Little Bitterms. We also see Squacco and Purple Herons. With the number of birders increasing we head in to Potaimia Valley where we find a group of birders watching for an Olive-tree Warbler. We join them and withn about 20 minutes we get decent views of this over-sized Olivaceous Warbler. A Crag Martin is hawking over the river and we see a Common buzzard.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Its back to the hotel for breakfast and back out at 9am and over to the saltpans. We pull into the gateway of the electricity /pumping station in the corner of the pans when Steve spots a Rufous Bush Robin fly up form the gateway and in to a broom bush. We get good views through bins from the bus s the birds hops around the ground under the bushes, flicking and fanning his tail as he hops around. It eventually moves away so we get out of the bus and are soon again watching it with scopes. Fantastic!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We move up Napi Valley and enjoy a walk along a track just below Napi village where we fail to see our target of Middle Spotted Woodpecker (but hear it again) but do manage some Long-legged Buzzards, Short-toed Eagle and a single Honey-buzzard which zipped through far too fast!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We drop back down to Metochi Lake as we have a tip-off that a Baillon’s Crake has been seen. No sooner have we arrived and Steve sees the crake on the far side and we are all soon enjoying good scope views of this rare crake. Its feeding along the same reed-fringe we were enjoying Little Crakes this morning!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We head back to the saltpans and this time try our luck from the hide in the north-east corner. And wish some success as we find a stunning summer-plumage Bar-tailed Godwit feeding in the first pan and White-winged Black and Whiskered Terns feeding in distant pans. After a failed Tawny Pipit hunt we head off east, stopping off at Kalami Marsh to enjoy close views of White-winged Black and Whiskered Terns and a handful of Squacco Herons. We head off for lunch bumping in to a roadside Roller at Achladeri.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After lunch at Ancient Pyrra we take a stroll down to Pessa Waterfall. The forest is dead but we see a Grey Wagtail at the falls and Jayne spies a Krüper’s Nuthatch on the walk back. We also see a couple of orchids – Tongue-leaved Serapia and Violet Limadore.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A brief stop at Mikri Limni yields a Woodchat Shrike and a wonderful flower meadow.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our next stop is Dimitrios. We check for Grey Wagtail on the river, but no joy, so walk over to the chapel from where we check some tall poplars for signs of nesting Middle Spotted Woodpecker. We haven’t been waiting long before Jayne spies a pecker at the top a poplar. It’s visiting a nest hole – bingo! We get good views of it perched and great views of it in flight as it makes several trips to and from the nest. Great stuff!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We end up back at the flood opposite the saltworks entrance where we enjoy round 80 Whiskered Terns and 20 White-winged Black Terns floating around the marsh. The whole scene is fabulous with terns, Glossy Ibis, egrets, herons and waders in the brilliant sunlight. A male Montagu’s Harrier then drifts by – wow!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We drive across Lotzaria and find a couple of male Red-footed Falcons on overhead wires. We stop to enjoy them in the scopes and also find three Red-backed Shrikes in the field edge.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We end the day with a fabulous male Citrine Wagtail on the Tsiknias River – our third of the week! </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And what a week! We’ve seen some great birds and other wildlife and enjoyed some of the finest food on the island. Over our last dinner at the Dionysos we each chose a holiday highlight. For Peter, the view of Temminck’s Stint, Wood and Curlew Sandpipers and Ruff on the Tsiknias River was a rare chance to see waders close to and alongside one another for good comparison (although he did say it came second to the Ipsilou monastery museum!); Emily was bowled over by the pair of Red-rumped Swallows we watched perched on wires near the Vouvaris river mouth, another rare chance to see a scarce species up close and get to study it; Mike really enjoyed the short time at Sigri Old Sanatorium – a tiny spot packed with shrikes, Rollers and our ‘lemon tree’ of Black-headed Buntings; Jayne got no further than the fantastic views of the female Red-footed Falcon near Ipsilou – it showed brilliantly sat on the roadside wires in great light; and Andy and Steve went for the same thing – the olive grove full of Turtle Doves at Faneromeni when the floor moved upwards as over 100 birds rose from under the olive trees. And they were just a few of the highlights from a packed week.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Day 8, Thursday 29 April 2010</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Andy, Mike and Jayne take an early taxi to the airport, leaving long before Emily, Peter and Steve are even up! The three of us spend the morning at Achladeri getting great views of the nesting Krüper’s Nuthatch before heading off to the airport where Steve bids Emily and Peter a fond farewell.</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Birds</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Grebe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yelkouan Shearwater</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cormorant</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Shag</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Bittern</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Squacco Heron</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Egret</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great White Egret</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Grey Heron</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Purple Heron</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black Stork</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White Stork</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Glossy Ibis</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Spoonbill</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Greater Flamingo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ruddy Shelduck</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Shelduck</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Garganey</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mallard</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Honey-buzzard</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Short-toed Eagle</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Imperial Eagle</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hen Harrier</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Marsh Harrier</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Montagu’s Harrier</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Goshawk</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sparrowhawk</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Buzzard</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Long-legged Buzzard</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Kestrel</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lesser Kestrel </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Red-footed Falcon</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hobby</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Chukar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Crake</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Baillon’s Crake</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Moorhen</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Coot</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black-winged Stilt</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Avocet</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Stone-curlew</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Collared Pratincole</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Ringed Plover</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Kentish Plover</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Stint</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Temminck’s Stint</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Curlew Sandpiper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ruff</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bar-tailed Godwit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Spotted Redshank</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Redshank</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Greenshank</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wood Sandpiper </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Sandpiper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Snipe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Gull</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mediterranean Gull</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yellow-legged Gull </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gull-billed Tern</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Tern</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Tern</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Whiskered Tern </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White-winged Black Tern </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rock Dove</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Collared Dove</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Turtle Dove</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Cuckoo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Scops Owl </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Little Owl</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Swift</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Alpine Swift</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roller</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hoopoe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Middle Spotted Woodpecker</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Short-toed Lark</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Crested Lark</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Woodlark</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sand Martin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Crag Martin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Barn (Common) Swallow </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Red-rumped Swallow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">House Martin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Red-throated Pipit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">‘Blue-headed’ Yellow Wagtail</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">‘Black-headed’ Yellow Wagtail</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Citrine Wagtail</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">White Wagtail</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Grey Wagtail</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Nightingale</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Redstart</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Whinchat </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Stonechat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Northern Wheatear</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Isabelline Wheatear</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black-eared Wheatear</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blue Rock-thrush</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blackbird </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cetti’s Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sedge Warbler </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Reed Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great Reed Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Olivaceous Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Olive-tree Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="DE" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Subalpine Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="DE" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rüppell’s Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="DE" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Orphean Warbler </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sardinian Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Whitethroat </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blackcap </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wood Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Willow Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Spotted Flycatcher</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Collared Flycatcher</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pied Flycatcher</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sombre Tit </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Blue Tit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Great Tit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Penduline Tit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Krüper’s Nuthatch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Western Rock Nuthatch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Golden Oriole</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Red-backed Shrike</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lesser Grey Shrike</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Woodchat Shrike</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Masked Shrike</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jay</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jackdaw</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hooded Crow </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Raven</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">House Sparrow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Spanish Sparrow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rock Sparrow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Chaffinch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Serin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Greenfinch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Goldfinch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Linnet </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cirl Bunting</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cinereous Bunting</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cretzschmar’s Bunting </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black-headed Bunting </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Corn Bunting</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Amphibians and reptiles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Marsh Frog</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Balkan Green Lizard</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Balkan Wall Lizard</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Agama Lizard</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Turkish Gecko</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Stripe-necked Terrapin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mammals</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Persian Squirrel</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Beech Marten (deceased)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lesser Mole Rat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Red Fox </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Insects</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Egyptian Grasshopper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dung Beetle</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Red-veined Darter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Black-tailed Skimmer</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Odalisque</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Scarce Swallowtail</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Swallowtail</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Small White</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Large White</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wall Brown</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Small Heath</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Orange Tip</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Clouded Yellow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Painted Lady</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">False Apollo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Red Admiral</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Small Copper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Painted Lady</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Southern Gatekeeper </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Turkish Meadow Brown</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Southern Speckled Wood </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Brown Argus</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Common Blue</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Orbed Red-underwing Skipper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hummingbird Hawk-moth</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-84827736639015463482009-09-25T03:36:00.000-07:002009-09-25T03:57:11.372-07:00Lesvos 17 - 24 September 2009<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">A Speyside Wildlife holiday with Lesvos Birding's Steve Dudley</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Guests: Daphne & David, Joan and June.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">A week of fine weather but relatively active migration meant it was hard work searching out the pockets of migrants. Very few raptors moving but a couple of White Pelicans really added that special something.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK-L69e6mE0T0UsVR6EKA3StCbZ7adfFhFb2WidxfGnkcVqK3H5ZXd-w0p0WYkUT0lftPwHimKGG51zI7GZ4r74fP0WvmpvN1SLHUv9Lnrzf3k2plrjLsFrZeq10a4WBE08i9X2bmrc9U/s400/Lesvos0909_P1160036_Pithariou.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385353560298516962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Pithariou</span></b></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">, September 2009 </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">© Steve Dudley</span></i></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Day 1, Thursday, 17 September</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We meet up at Gatwick early in the morning and after the usual airport procedures, we are jetting off Lesvos! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We arrive an hour late at Mytilini but are soon on our way and some of us getting our first views of Lesvos and immediately see just how close Turkey is! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">On route to the hotel we cut by the Kalloni Saltpans which are covered in Flamingos which look stunning in the bright sunlight.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We soon check in to the hotel and walk in to Skala Kallonis and have a delightful late light lunch to tide us over to the evening. Walking back to the hotel we see a Red-backed Shrike and 11 Bee-eaters ‘prüp’ overhead. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We collect our things and head off to Metochi Lake. We spy a couple more Red-backed Shrikes along the field edges, and a Whinchat, before arriving at the lake itself. And its full to the brim, not the usual autumn puddle Steve expected to find. Striped-necked Terrapins slide off the banks in to the water before resurfacing with just their snouts sticking out of the water. Several Spotted Flycatchers make sorties from various trees and reeds when David spots a bird flitting around the bottom of some tamarisks on a small island just in front of us. It’s a Cetti’s Warbler and we get great view as it hops around on the ground before flying off. A European Pond Terrapin is hauled up on a log on the far shore. There are several Moorhens in the tamarisks on the far side, and a couple of Little Grebes stick close to the far edge cover. June and Steve spot a Little Bittern as it lands in the tamarisks but completely disappears. We check the far end of the late and find more terrapins, some Marsh Frogs and a male Lesser Emperor dragonfly hawking along the stagnant channel. Daphne than spots a Snipe which crouches down to avoid detection by the marauding dog which is following us!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">A gentle start to the holiday ends with dinner back in the village and a graceful retreat to our beds. It’s been a long day and the holiday will begin in earnest in the morning!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Day 2, Friday, 18 September</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We wake to a bright, cloudless sky and meet up for a 0730 breakfast. Its already warming up quick, and after breakfast we are keen to make our way over to the Tsiknias River Mouth and get stuck in to some birds. We pull up and are greeted by already familiar call of Crested Larks. A party of Linnets fly over as we begin to scan the river mouth. Yellow-legged Gulls occupy the best roosting spots whilst a Grey Heron preens sat on a submerged branch and a Cormorant perches on a post. Steve spots a Curlew on the mud spit. We begin to head up river when a field full of Linnets and Goldfinches stops us. We grill the field but can find nothing else. As we drive slowly along the river a Black Stork flies past and lands briefly in front of us. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We take a quick look around the ford where there are several Little Ringed Plovers, White and Yellow Wagtails, House Sparrows and Corn Buntings around the puddles in the riverbed. We park the minibus and walk out towards the river mouth. A juvenile Red-backed Shrike pops up on the fence ahead of us and there are Northern Wheatears on the track and in the adjacent fields. The Lesser Grey Shrike from earlier is seen again, this time much closer giving better view. An Isabelline Wheatear is seen briefly on the track and swallows and martins buzz overhead as they eagerly push southwards.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We drop off the riverbank in to an open area with scattered tamerisks. Northern Wheatears and Crested Larks are everywhere. Steve picks up three Hoopoes feeding at the back of the sheep field and we get reasonable views through the scopes. Just around the corner we have brief views of a young male Lesser Kestrel before the sky above us fills with hirundines and the first of about 80 Alpine Swifts, including some incredibly low birds – low enough to see the white throat!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We move on to the eastern side of the saltpans. Over the hill behind us Daphne spies tow birds circling which turn out to be a Raven being mobbed by a Sparrowhawk. Across the pans there is a dense flock of feeding Avocets and group of Common Shelduck. The flamingos are distant from here, but their striking pink is still visible even at a distance.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We wander down the track and find more Crested Larks, Corn Buntings, a Red-backed Shrike and a Whinchat. Viewing the pans again we can now see at least three Greenshank, four Curlew and both Little and Great White Egrets.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It/s getting warm now so move off in to the shade of Achladeri Forest. No sooner are we in the trees when Steve spots our first Krüper’s Nuthatch. There are plenty of birds flitting around and maybe up to four nuthatches feeding low down on tree trunks, flitting from trunk to trunk treecreeper-style. Woodlark puts in a brief appearance, as does a Short-toed Treecreeper and a Cirl Bunting sings its rattle song from the pine tops. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We have lunch at the sea-side Ancient Pyrra taverna. Its lovely here in the shade with the cool breeze coming off the sea. So lovely in fact e make sure we have a nice, slow lunch before heading back in to the heat of the day!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We make back in to the forest, this time walking slowly along a forest track. It’s deathly quiet. Rock and Woodland Graylings flit around us, but the place is largely bird free. We spend some time enjoying a powder-blue Small Skimmer resting on the track before heading back to he minibus when Steve spots a couple of Krüper’s Nuthatches in the tree right above us. We get wonderful views of this diminutive nuthatch, the male is particularly showy making up for the poor views earlier. Arriving back at the minibus two birds appear in the cloudless blue sky above the tree-covered hillside to our left. A Raven is being mobbed by another bird – Eleonora’s Falcon exclaims Steve pointing out the salient features. But the sighting is too brief as the falcon disappears over the ridge of the hill.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We move on around the corner to the Vouvaris River Mouth. A couple of Grey Herons are disturbed from the pines by the bridge and a couple of Kingfishers chase each other before a female Sparrowhawk flies over. At the river mouth there are several Cormorants and up to four Grey Herons, but little else.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We make our way around to Kalloni Saltpans. All the flamingos are in the northwest corner and the late afternoon light is fabulous lighting up the whole scene. A quick count estimates there are over 800 flamingos! There is constant changing within the flamingos. Some are feeding with their up-side-down head busy in the water. Others walk around serenely. Occasionally one flashes its underwings showing its vivid red armpits. Four Black Storks flap lazily behind the flamingos before alighting on a distance pan. Daphne spies distant Short-toed Eagle before Steve points another falcon coming over the pans which turns out to be our second Eleonora’s of the afternoon! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Its been a hot yet thoroughly rewarding day as we head off back across the fields, funding our second Lesser Grey Shrike of the day, on our way back to the hotel. After a rest and freshen up we walk in to the village for another enjoyable evening.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL_Vtda_swFTeGPFeeS3V21w3d129Hajt0S8Zps_W9hyphenhyphenxh9UMHbZ7Si6mXrKEdOZkS2FgWEjuZmxJxr4X_gfQXVUqPB63HIPuqcaMZw8BKw0hrI27W4zbCUR2Iqqj51Yq1oE969gifv74/s400/Lesvos0909_P1150929_LsrGreyShrike.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385353735118800370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 371px; " /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Lesser Grey Shrike</span></b></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">, nr Kalloni Saltpans, September 2009 </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">© Steve Dudley</span></i></p><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i></i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Day 3, Friday, 19 September</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We wake to the now familiar sounds of sheep bells, cockerels and braying donkeys! After breakfast we head out into an overcast morning which is bliss, and head towards Metochi lake. We stop to view a couple of Whinchats on the fence when Steve spots a two Turtle Doves alight on an overhead wire. The scope is soon trained on them and we get excellent views before they fly off followed by three more. A huge flock of Goldfinches swarm the dead thistles in a dry field and a single Red-backed Shrike is sat in a nearby tree.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">At the lake we see the usual Little Grebe and Moorhens and the Common Snipe from Thursday is still happily probing the mud fringe. We walk along the track through the fields and soon find a couple of Jays and get excellent views of their black caps which mark them as a different race to the Jays back home. We can here Middle Spotted Woodpeckers mocking us from within the olive groves which hold only sparrows and the occasional Willow Warbler for us to actually see. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We take a turn which takes us along the bottom of a rocky hillside. Steve points out the constant calling of Rock Nuthatches. We stop in the shade of a tree to scan the rocks. The nuthatches calls are joined by the dry rattle song of a Cirl Bunting – we can’t see either of these either! We do find our first Agama lizard sitting typically atop a rock when Steve eventually spots a Rock Nuthatch on the topper most rock above us. Although not close the light is behind us and perfect for viewing the Rocky Nut and we can see clearly his bandit mask and buffy flanks. It bounces round the rocks a little with a second bird before disappearing. We move on only a few yards before finding a Common Whitethroat and a close Red-backed Shrike which has caught a grasshopper. The shrike sits still in a little bush before eventually starting to tear at the grasshopper. We view from the shade of a sweet-smelling fig tree before again taking to the open and the increasingly fierce sun. We pass through an open area with few birds and turn along another track by a new allotment building, its fresh paint gleaming in the strong sunlight. At the little bridge we see a second Common Whitethroat and another Red-backed Shrike before following the track down the back of the lake. Two Lesser Whitethroats appear and then disappear as suddenly as they had appeared and our walk is accompanied with by the constant plopping of terrapins dropping into the channel unseen. Arriving back by the southern end of the lake, Daphne spots a raptor in the sky. Steve gets on to the higher bird and proclaims it as a male Montagu’s Harrier whilst the other is a Common Buzzard. A Purple Heron then flies past – too fast for all our likings! Alas the group miss the Green Sandpiper Steve flushes from the end of the lake.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We move off north to the Kalloni Raptor Watch Point. The overcast morning has given way to the expected clear blue skies and increasingly hot sun. The watch point is at blessed with a covered picnic table for some to enjoy the shade. David and Steve stick it out in the sun and in between Rock Nuthatch appearances distant Red-footed and Eleonora’s Falcons are seen. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We arrive at Molivos and head up to the castle to enjoy the views over to Turkey and west across the bay to Ipsilou and the western end of the island. We move on down to the harbour where we enjoy a lovely relaxing lunch by the harbourside, with some of even trying a few new Greek seafood specialties for the first (and last!) time. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">After an equally relaxing coffee we head off to Perasma. The reservoir holds 16 Little Grebes as wells as many drinking crows and lots of bathing Yellow-legged Gulls. A White Wagtail flies around noisily. Our walk finds only sparrows before Daphne spots another raptor. Steve gets his scope on to it and it’s now one, but two male Marsh Harriers that quickly head off south in tight circles. With no other birds obvious and only a few Red-veined Darters to occupy, we return to the minibus and head off east following the road below Mount Lepetimnos. The views are stunning as we drive below the highest montain on the island with each twist and turn of the winding road giving us breathtaking view after breathtaking view. Turkey to our left remains ever present and a hope that there are raptors winging there way across the narrow straight towards us.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Just before Lepetimnos village we pull over to enjoy the view across the north of the island and across to Turkey, which is just a stones throw away. Daphne asks if this is just a gull hovering nearby. Gulls don’t hover thought Steve and swinging round sees a Short-toed Eagle only a couple of hundred yards away and almost at our eye level, wind hovering in the increasing northerly breeze. We watch intently for several minutes as the bird hangs in the sky without flapping a single wing beat! It turns, glides and resumes its hover. After a short time it drops, hovers again, then drops further and out of sight clearly after prey. Wow! What a show. We head on along the road and after a couple of bends we come across the eagle again above us. We manage to find a safe place to pull over and we’re back out the bus and watching an equally absorbing spectacle, but this time from below and able to enjoy all the birds underside markings. We’re still watching the eagle when Steve spots a smaller raptor coming in from the right. ‘Goshawk!’ he shouts and we all get good views as it wheels past us and out of sight. Another Wow!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VHYCfh7qCGjZI3iJqlgOxASElW_mlmb2j_xvR_lHKPognyhH8VahefhCLREXC4YiN0BNlXAW970y5tTk5qwnPxKWQygjzRWCXolUGUdPD8bbfYFiKiIa_EUQOEjs8uEKYt3lty5EHjCL/s400/Lesvos0909_P1150934_STEagle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385353730293754482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 323px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Short-toed Eagle</span></b></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">, nr Lepetimnos, September 2009 </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">© Steve Dudley</span></i></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It’s getting late as we pull into the Napi valley and there’s only time for a couple of short stops. The first is at the north end and as we get out of the bus Steve spots a small eagle coming straight at us. ‘Booted Eagle!’ he exclaims as it banks right and flaps of rapidly south down the valley. Damn! That was far too brief a view! Several Cirl Buntings are singing but can we find one – no! Frustrated we head off south and are stopped in our tracks just north of Napi village when a Blue Rock Thrush flies across the road in front of us. We quickly turn off the road and are soon watching a male sat atop a rock occasionally singing. Times pressing so we board the bus as Steve spots a Sombre Tit but by the time the others are out its gone but both Daphne and Steve get brief views of a Black-eared Wheatear before we have to head move off.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We arrive back at the hotel to freshen up before dinner. The dining room has been transformed for a wedding party. After dinner we arrive back to find the guests just beginning to arrive for a 10pm start. It’s going to be a long, noisy night in the hotel! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Day 4, Sunday, 20 September</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We wake and breakfast to the sound of the local church bells calling the locals to prayer. This morning we head south long the eastern side of the Gulf of Kalloni taking the beach track from Achladeri to Skala Vasilikon. There are few birds other than Crested Larks in the fields and along track. Arriving at the small harbour of Skala Vasilikon we find four Mediterranean Gulls on the harbour wall – two adults and two first winter birds. Continuing south to Skaminioudi we come across several fields that have just been cut and are teeming with birds. The first is extraordinary as its crawling with Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Great Tits – all feeding on the ground along the cut rows in the open field! The second field is more typical being full of Yellow Wagtails bobbing between the rows of cut crop. Continuing on we get excellent views of an adult Woodchat Shrike feeding by the roadside form wires and a dead tree.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnQTQid_2zXDmcjLcukwoREqoa4zl9PoO0VmO0Ny57R8Xy5L1si3Gn5GWUH0rtbdyrBzabfbTMT9_Og28DNWW7CXWY9CGsffvGX2jF9RZrBZbELW5kbaig2J-sZYXFfOMkQjCQt_JH33K/s400/Lesvos0909_P1150947_MedGulls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385353583798556498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 163px; " /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Mediterranean Gulls</span></b></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">, Skala Vasilikon, September 2009 </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">© Steve Dudley</span></i></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We arrive at the Polichnitos Saltpans and are immediately in to the birds. The wind is picking up considerably and hampering viewing, especially with the scope, but there is plenty to look at. Kentish and Ringed Plovers feed in the drier pans along the roadside whilst Redshank, Greenshank, Ruff, Avocet, Ruff, Little Stint and Dunlin are all wading around the water areas of several pans. Over the fields opposite the pans we see a Lesser Kestrel all too briefly before it makes off! Back on the pans two ducks take flight and once resettled back on the pans turn out to a Pintail and a Shoveler. Two Black-winged Stilts are seen and then a juvenile Whiskered tern appears amongst the hawking Black-headed Gulls. The bunds are full of roosting gulls and dotted among them are Little and Great White Egrets, Grey Heron and Black Storks. The storks appear to be working their way along the pan and a couple of birds even wing their way off over the nearby hillside to try and find a thermal to lift them on their way south. Some chance in this string wind, and the two birds disappear low over the hills. In total we see at least 17 Black Storks, including several juvenile birds. Steve then manages to pick out a Slender-billed Gull feeding among the Black-headed. It’s a juvenile bird and we soon locate a second. We soon have them scopes and everyone can soon see the subtle difference between the Slender-billed and the Black-headed. Scoping the rest of the gulls Steve then spots a gleaming adult bird in the nearest group of feeding birds. This adult is feeding very actively and totally different to all the Black-headed. It stands tall dashing around, neck outstretched constantly picking at the water surface. Its clean white head and neck and gleaming, long blood-red bill stands out a mile. Searching some more Steve eventually picks out two more adults, this time both in winter plumage with the grey ear smudge. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We move off south through the town of Polichnitos and down towards the south coast. We brief stop at a river bridge sees no birds but plenty of Red-veined Darters and Small Skimmers. We arrive at Vatera and have a lovely lunch by the beach at the Hotel Vatera Beach. Here we have on eye on the sea and manage to pick out the occasional Scopoli’s Shearwater as they break the horizon in a steep arch as they wheel westwards.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We head on out to Agios Fokas. The river is very quiet but the headland holds a few Red-backed Shrikes, Spotted Flycatchers, Whinchat and Northern Wheatear. We get our first view of a Persian Squirrel in an olive tree and we spend some more time enjoying a couple of Red-veined Darters, this time seeing the red veins very clearly and Steve pointing out the blue lower half of the eyes which are diagnostic of the species. Arriving back at the minibus Steve spots a juvenile sat on the ground in an olive grove when we hear the diagnostic sound of Bee-eaters. We eventually see one bird sweeping across the sky nearby and unfortunately for us, out of view over the trees. Damn!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The wind is till strong and we drive the length of the Ambeliko Valley without seeing a single migrant. We arrive at the Panaghia Chapel under the eye of Mount Olympus were we stake out a leaking pipe for Krüper’s Nuthatch and Serin without success. A bonus though is brilliant views of our second Persian Squirrel which comes down the tree by the pipe to drink.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The wind and sun gets the better of us and we return early for a rest and freshen up before heading down in to the village for dinner.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Day 5, Monday, 21 September</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">After breakfast we head out west for the first time. Approaching Ipsilou we stop to watch a wind-hovering Short-toed Eagle before coming across a flock of Ravens circling the road over a dead dog! We arrive at Ipsilou. There is some cloud passing over but mount is still in full sun but the wind is strong. The Ravens are now over the mount having a dog fight with a male Peregrine.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We begin our accent and are soon watching a Rock Nuthatch feeding near its springtime nest site – a conical mud structure under a overhang on a rock face. Nearby a Sombre Tit feeds in a bush but it proves frustrating as it flits around and doesn’t real show itself properly.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We continue up the road and have good views of a Sparrowhawk and brief view of two Eleonora’s Falcons before arriving at the monastery. We take a quick look around the top seeing another Sombre Tit a little better than the last one and a female Cirl Bunting. The views from the top, like much of the island, are breathtaking. Perched on top of this conical mount we can see all round us and across the barren west of the island. After looking inside the monastery we head down the other side but see very little on our descent. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">After failing to find any Chukar along the Petrified Forest road we head on in to Sigri for lunch and a visit the excellent Petrified Forest Museum – a bargain at only €5. We then head back eastwards through the Meladia Valley. We stop briefly for three Lesser Kestrels before reaching the river ford area. Here we have too little time to enjoy the loads of birds present – if only we had got here earlier! After good views of a Tawny Pipit by the track we enter the fig grove area to find lots of Red-back Shrikes, Spotted Flycatchers, Common Whitethroat, a couple of Blackcaps and the star for many, around a dozen Lesser Whitethroats. We get great views of all these, particularly the Lesser Whitethroats. The occasion is dampened slightly when the Wryneck Steve sees flying into the fig grove is lost deep in to the trees and with little time or chance of locating it we leave.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It’s a long drive back but Steve does one of those guide things and manages to spot a couple of Red-rumped Swallows miles away whilst driving! We stop and get great views as they feed over the valley.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We arrive back at the hotel, freshen up and are soon down in the village for another fulsome dinner before eagerly making for our beds looking forward to tomorrow!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Day 6, Tuesday, 22 September</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We breakfasted at our usual time of 0730 and then made out at 0830. We had had a tip off that there was a Red-necked Grebe on the nearby sea and sure enough, within a few minutes Joan had spotted it and we were enjoying excellent views! A great start to the day.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We bumped along the track by the Tsiknias River, across the ford and across the fields towards the saltpans. Daphne spotted a hovering falcon so we stopped to find three splendid Red-foot Falcons, one in the air the other two sat up on nearby wires. We had our fill and continued to be stopped by more falcons, this time three Lesser Kestrels and a single Red-foot.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We arrived on the pans and views from the south road. All the flamingos were up but we couldn’t see what was disturbing them. Steve could see some birders intently watching something on the west side so we shot round to find they had a juvenile White Pelican! Now that would scare the living daylights out of the Flamingos! We watched the dark bird distantly when it took to the air. Up got most of the Flamingos as it headed east and began to circle. After a few minutes it changed course and drifted over westwards right past us and then continued to climb whilst drifting off southwest all the time and was lost to view. Wow! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We’d heard there had been another pelican at Polichnitos pans the previous day so we headed south. Our only highlight on our journey was a Hobby dog fighting with a group of Mediterranean Gulls off Skala Vasilikon, so it was pretty much straight to the pans and within minutes of arrival xxx had spotted the pelican in the middle of the pans. We watched as it seemed to catch fish after fish, swishing its enormous bill through the water and then tossing its neck back to move the fish form its sack. It was much paler than the Kalloni bird and the flesh around the eye was decidedly grey, not pink. It was looking suspiciously like a Dalmatian Pelican when it decided to take flight briefly showing the dark flight feathers contrasting with the underwing coverts. Our second White Pelican of the day! The bird settled next to one of the bunds and we continued to watch it off and on as we worked our way through what else was present – much as the other day with egrets, Grey Heron, Black Storks, plovers, Avocet, Redshank, Greenshank, Little Stint and Ruff. We moved on spotting four Mediterranean Gulls before picking up a moulting adult Little Gull feeding in the corner of one of the pans. Another highlight was a Weasel found by June working its way along the saltpans perimeter fence. We get great views when it runs out on to the track, stops briefly before bolting back in for cover!</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmDVDADcxw3E98Ux-B7zMPokjW5S4pIPFtDfSnnY9jHastazO4l8zRE6q5wFgwPOEftWSSY8L5p1HE25b_KsyNfCCsj0RlJ7AKylFXfU9IJuK4_MOZ5x_NuXh_m1iq9Nx1YeQ2vw7q7ka/s400/Lesvos0909_P1160008_WhitePelican.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385353577596388610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px; " /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM36MaoJv5xJclRs0t8A6RrO2Cxw__m7pJ5WN_Akgbt-vJZ_FINe8OPZX3RpUiR6IbWyi0UAWy-cLWu7k_Qaz-VPQoqCpUZgxEEEmZplm25BQbK6OsxLimSz1bKyEn7j9ntiQZpYHKJQx6/s1600-h/Lesvos0909_P1160018_TawnyPipit.jpg"></a></span><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Juvenile </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">White Pelican</span></b></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">, Polichnitos Saltpans, September 2009 </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">© Steve Dudley</span></i></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We move away from the pans heading north. Near Skamnioudi we find a recently bailed field that is covered with Yellow Wagtails and Northern Wheatears amongst which we find four Tawny Pipits including one obliging bird close to the minibus. Our last stop before lunch is in olive groves near Skala Vasilikon to look for Middle Spotted Woodpecker. Within a few minutes we can hear at least one bird chattering away. As we walk through the groves Steve spots a woodpecker flying in to an open olive tree but it vanishes. Typical. Walking back we hear another woodpecker laughing at us and see a Balkan Wall Lizard on the track before finding a dead fox under one of the olive (our noses spotted it first!).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM36MaoJv5xJclRs0t8A6RrO2Cxw__m7pJ5WN_Akgbt-vJZ_FINe8OPZX3RpUiR6IbWyi0UAWy-cLWu7k_Qaz-VPQoqCpUZgxEEEmZplm25BQbK6OsxLimSz1bKyEn7j9ntiQZpYHKJQx6/s1600-h/Lesvos0909_P1160018_TawnyPipit.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM36MaoJv5xJclRs0t8A6RrO2Cxw__m7pJ5WN_Akgbt-vJZ_FINe8OPZX3RpUiR6IbWyi0UAWy-cLWu7k_Qaz-VPQoqCpUZgxEEEmZplm25BQbK6OsxLimSz1bKyEn7j9ntiQZpYHKJQx6/s400/Lesvos0909_P1160018_TawnyPipit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385353572343751970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Tawny Pipit</span></b></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">, nr Skamnioudi, September 2009 </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">© Steve Dudley</span></i></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">After lunch at the Ancient Pyrra Taverna we head up through Napi Valley and down Platania. We stop when Steve sees a Sombre Tit fly across the track, but we can relocate the bird but do get good views of Rock Nuthatch. We stop again a little further along the track for another Sombre Tit, but again fail to see it but get great views of a feeding Woodlark. We park up in order to take a walk to look for Sombre Tit when Steve immediately spots one on the nearby fence. We see it on off and on as it feeds around the oaks here. We also enjoy a couple of Spotted Flycatchers flitting around the bottom of the trees, hunting for insects for the dead branches under most of the oaks. Driving back along the track we see a fabulous Cardinal butterfly basking at the base of a wall.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We drive back down Napi Valley and stop at some large rocks by the roadside. Within seconds Steve has found our quarry – Blue Rock-thrush. A male is perched atop a large rock peering down at us. We move up the road a little and scope the bird in better light and find a second closer male on a wall. With the better light we can see they are both clearly blue! We enjoy them for a few minutes and also get brief views of another Sombre Tit. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We head off in to the Potamia Valley where we find 34 Little Grebes on the reservoir and standing by the river bridge we witness a flock after flock of House Sparrows whizzing up the valley past us and in to the olive grove to roost. A Spotted Flycatcher sallies from the top of a nearby tree, a male Cirl Bunting and a couple of females come down to a puddle in the otherwise dry riverbed and our second Hobby of the day streaks through the sky. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">With time getting on we head back to the hotel, still managing to squeeze in a male Peregrine dashing over the Christou River Mouth before arriving back at the hotel and heading in to the village for dinner.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Day 7, Wednesday, 23 September</span></b></span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">For our last full day we head west after breakfast. Our first stop is by the Ioannis Chapel just west of Parakila. Pulling up we immediately find a Sombre Tit drinking from the water fountain by pull-in! Its only a few metres away and we get great views. We continue west and then head south past Apothika to Makara. This area is open and desolate. Crested Larks bound and there is the odd Rock Nuthatch here and there as we drive slowly in our search for Chukar. Nothing. Daphne then spots a bird on a fence below us. It’s a fabulous male Black-eared Wheatear and it performs brilliantly for us as it feeds along the fence line. A Red-backed Shrike and Common Whitethroat also put in an appearance whilst we enjoy the wheatear. A little further along the track Steve spies a shrike with white wing patches flying up the slope’ ‘Lesser Grey Shrike’ he shouts as it lands on a fence post and poses for us to watch it! Further along the track we come across a pair of Stonechats and more Rock Nuthatches (there’s so many on this island!). We arrive near the southward end of the headland overlooking the narrow mouth of the Gulf of Kalloni. We walk out to the headland itself to view across to the eastern headland and the island of Garbias. There’s a flock of Jackdaws noisily wheeling around the sky, but apart from a few more Red-backed Shrikes there are no migrants. Arriving back at the minibus we hear a Middle Spotted Woodpecker mocking us from a nearby fig grove. Are we ever going to see them?!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmQnpOJUdzImv-Teq0Rn56-rziKYePGMYiL5f-voEgsMGNHq_50I3ek04IrKondn5Zzk-xhRdvZet5xl5isf_-_ftGfobBygR2nUWgp3afEHV_mOLPUQJX_P4n7Iq7HQBu_Kvz-cfnv-2/s400/Lesvos0909_P1160029_RockNuthatch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385353568894416818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 354px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Rock Nuthatch</span></b></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">, Makara, September 2009 </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">© Steve Dudley</span></i></p><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></i><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We drive back up to the main road and continue west towards Pithariou Reservoir near Eresos. Short of the reservoir Steve yells ‘woodpeckers!’, screeches to a halt and points at an olive tree just metres from the minibus. There in full view are two Middle Spotted Woodpeckers! They hop around for about 30 seconds before flying off. Hooray! We’ve nailed them at last! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Driving up Pithariou Reservoir besides the dry riverbed there are a few Willow Warblers flitting from bush to bush. We see another Stonechat and more Red-backed Shrikes before we arrive below the dam. There are Red-veined Darters everywhere. After a little while we spy two raptors high over one of the peaks – Short-toed Eagle and Long-legged Buzzard – but they are too far away for decent views. We park by the ford and get great views of a pair of Cirl Buntings coming down to drink. The submerged frogs in the ford occasionally leap up trying to catch one of the many pairs of ovipositing Red-veined Darters. We head up to the top of the damn to view the reservoir. ‘Wow! its deep’ exclaims Steve. Its too deep to reveal the muddy bar at the foot of the dam and there is little exposed mud around the edges. Joan spots a couple of Little Grebe and White Wagtail below before we make our way up the east side to the monastery. We park to view the monastery. The water surface is empty. Steve sees something on the shoreline. What is it? He discerns it’s a falcon of some sort having a drink. It turns to reveal a white face and distinct moustache. Hobby he thinks as it takes to the air its large size and all dark underwings revealing it as an Eleonora’s Falcon! It wheels around right in front of us and be great fabulous views for a couple of minutes before it heads off up the valley. Wow! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We head into Skala Eresou and have lunch at the delightful Soulatso Fish Taverna. It was all nice and quiet, views over the calm sea when the whole place suddenly filled up with enough Greeks to fill three of the local tavernas! The noise levels quadrupled! The taverna owner was straight on the phone to call for reinforcements to help cope with the sudden rush. We ate our lunch leisurely and enjoyed the chatter of the Greeks around us. Daphne observed that each table had only been given a single menu each, ‘to slow them down when ordering’ she quipped. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We said our farewell to the taverna owners and relocated to Bar Agua, the main lesbian bar, for coffee and ice cream. After a little more relaxation we resumed our birding at the nearby River Vergias. From the road bridge we viewed the water which was teeming with Striped- necked Terrapins and fish. There were Several Moorhens and a Kingfisher briefly appeared. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We headed further west in to the Meladia Valley. This is a desolate, yet stunning, landscape. A wide valley plain surrounded by hills with little in the way of bushes – just bare ground, rocks and the ubiquitous ‘chicken-wire bush’. We drove slowly in search of Chukar – again nothing – but saw plenty of Red-backed Shrikes, Stonechat and Spotted Flycatchers. Stopping for one wheatear which was clearly mobbing a snake with a Crested Lark, Steve found himself looking at an juvenile Isabelline! We got great views as the bird kept standing taller and opening its wings and calling whilst standing on a boulder. The snake was out of view but the wheatear was having making its own threat clear. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Still with no Chukar we headed up the Meladia River track and, lo and behold, we soon flushed a covey of 18+ Chukar from the roadside and got excellent views as some sat up and looked down at us from the ridge above. This was the largest flock Steve had ever seen on Lesvos beating the previous 11 which was only a few hundred metres from here!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We turn around at a farm which was full of Corn Buntings and House Sparrows and headed back down to the fig grove. Within a minute of parking up Steve had found a Tree Pipit feeding in the shadow of one of the fig trees. We all eventually great views, including with the scope, as the pipit crept around slowly picking at the leaf litter.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The trees, as two days ago, were busy with warblers, Red-backed Shrikes and Spotted Flycatchers. New was a single Olivaceous seen briefly when a flock of 17 Rock Doves swept past us. We enjoyed the birds here for a further 45 minutes before bidding farewell to one of our favourite sites of the week and began the drive back home.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Over dinner we each voted for our favourite place and favourite bird and shared our holiday magic moment. The Meladia Valley got more votes (David and Steve) pipping the Kalloni Saltpans (Daphne – for the Flamingos), Polichnitos Saltpans (Joan) and Ancient Pyrra (June – the seaside taverna we used twice). The flamingo being flushed by the White Pelican yesterday, with them wheeling around against the dark hillside showing off their shape and colour brilliantly was a clear favourite with three of us sharing it as our magic moment (June, Joan and Steve) with David picking today’s brilliant views of the Eleonora’s Falcon and Daphne going for the amazing Short-toed Eagle she found on our second day only after she had first identified it as a gull! No single bird got the accolade of bird of the week. David plumped for the ever-present Rock Nuthatches; Daphne for today’s Eleonora’s Falcon; Joan for the wind-hovering Short-toed Eagle from day two; June for yesterday’s Polichnitos White Pelican; whilst Steve felt today’s Tree Pipit in Meladia summed up Lesvos brilliantly – it was full of little surprises.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Day 8, Thursday, 24 September</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We’re heading home today so we have a late breakfast and after farewells to the hotel staff we head over to the Tsiknias River for a last look. Near the river mouth we find a Grey Heron feeding in the shade of the Tamarisk bushes and across the fields a second heron is perched atop a thin pine! We head in to the fields and find a cut field teeming with Yellow Wagtails. We stop for a scan and find a Common Kestrel and there, perched in top of a fig tree, an adult Long-legged Buzzard. Even without the scopes (which are packed for the flight) we can see its pale head and tail. We decide to wait to see if it flies and continue watching the field in the meantime. In addition to the wagtails we find some Corn Buntings, a Northern Wheatear and a Lesser Grey Shrike hunting from overhead wires and a nearby fig. All the wagtails suddenly take to the air calling in panic when a male Peregrine sweeps past us just low over the ground and close enough for us to here the ‘swoosh’ as it passes! It fails to catch anything and pulls up and regains height before stooping again at something in a nearby field. Wow! The buzzard meanwhile hasn’t moved. A Little Owl is calling from nearby buildings and we get fabulous views of a flyby Black Stork. Steve then notices that the Long-legged Buzzard has gone! He spots it flying along the field and we all get on to it as it rises to perch on top of a telegraph pole. It takes flight again and we can now see its very long wings giving it a very un-Common Buzzard-like shape. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Times passing and we head off to the saltpans to bid farewell to the Flamingos. They are in one of the middle pans and their numbers are greatly reduced.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We drive across the island to Mytilini and are soon checking in at the airport. A couple of hours later we are on our way and in what seems like next to no time we are bidding each a fond farewell and go our separate ways with the memories of a fabulous holiday swimming around in our heads.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">BIRDS</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Little Grebe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Red-necked Grebe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Scopoli’s Shearwater</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Cormorant</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">White Pelican</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Little Egret</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Great White Egret</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Grey Heron</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Purple Heron</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Black Stork</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Greater Flamingo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Common Shelduck</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Shoveler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Pintail</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Short-toed Eagle</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Booted Eagle</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Marsh Harrier</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Montagu’s Harrier</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Goshawk</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Eurasian Sparrowhawk</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Common Buzzard</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Long-legged Buzzard</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Lesser Kestrel</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Common Kestrel</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Red-footed Falcon</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Hobby</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Eleonora’s Falcon</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Peregrine</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Chukar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Moorhen</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Black-winged Stilt</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Avocet</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Little Ringed Plover</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Kentish Plover</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Ringed Plover</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Little Stint</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Dunlin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Ruff</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Common Snipe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Curlew</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Common Redshank</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Greenshank</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Green Sandpiper</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Common Sandpiper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Mediterranean Gull</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Black-headed Gull</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Slender-billed Gull</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Yellow-legged Gull</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Whiskered Tern</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Rock Dove</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Woodpigeon</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Collared Dove</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Turtle Dove</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Little Owl</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Alpine Swift</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Kingfisher</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">European Bee-eater</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Hoopoe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Wryneck</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Middle Spotted Woodpecker</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Crested Lark</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Woodlark</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Sand Martin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Barn Swallow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Red-rumped Swallow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">House Martin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Tawny Pipit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Tree Pipit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Yellow Wagtail</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">White Wagtail</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Whinchat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Stonechat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Isabelline Wheatear</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Northern Wheatear</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Black-eared Wheatear</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Blue Rock-thrush</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Blackbird</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Cetti’s Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Olivaceous Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Lesser Whitethroat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Common Whitethroat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Blackcap</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Chiffchaff</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Willow Warbler</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Spotted Flycatcher</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Long-tailed Tit</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Sombre Tit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Blue Tit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Great Tit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Krüper’s Nutchatch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Western Rock Nuthatch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Short-toed Treecreeper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Red-backed Shrike</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Woodchat Shrike</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Lesser Grey Shrike</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Jay</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Jackdaw</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Hooded Crow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Raven</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">House Sparrow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Chaffinch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Greenfinch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Goldfinch</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Linnet</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Cirl Bunting</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Corn Bunting</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">BUTTERFLIES</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Swallowtail</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Large White</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Southern Small White</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Clouded Yellow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Southern White Admiral</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Red Admiral</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Painted Lady</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Cardinal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Woodland Grayling</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Eastern Rock Grayling</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Common Meadow Brown</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Small Copper</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Holly Blue</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Common Blue</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">DRAGONFLIES</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Blue Emperor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Lesser Emperor</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Small Skimmer</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Red-veined Darter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">OTHER WILDLIFE</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Lesvos Cicada (heard)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Red Fox (RIP)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Weasel</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Persian Squirrel</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Marsh Frog</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Balkan Wall Lizard</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Glass Lizard (RIP)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Stripe-necked Terrapin</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">European Pond Terrapin</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-66716746152178759432009-08-12T05:23:00.000-07:002009-08-12T05:24:45.528-07:00Lesvos Birding Holidays - 2010 weeks<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358006052277056162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0Z6txVYlLtYaU6yIeUPm8YFn8v9GwgYCzsdVB13urQSCyejeXTPeGb_3hCYPF5S6icl1IgF5qD2di2AC-DUb92Bcj-brannoFw5s7kvzTANL4ess2r-wmjpKPeofN0kFqZZInJqUBrT9/s400/Lesvos+group+spr+05.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div><div>I will be leading bird and wildlife holidays on Lesvos on the following dates -</div><div><br /></div><div>22 - 29 April 2010 - max 6 guests - see <a href="http://athene-birdinglesvos.blogspot.com/2009/08/lesvos-birding-holiday-22-29-april-2010.html">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>29 April - 6 May 2010 - max 10 guests - see <a href="http://athene-birdinglesvos.blogspot.com/2009/08/lesvos-birding-holiday-29-april-6-may.html">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>11 - 18 September 2010 - max 6 guests - see <a href="http://athene-birdinglesvos.blogspot.com/2009/08/lesvos-birding-holiday-11-18-september.html">here</a>.</div></div></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-40436216623027275392009-07-30T04:29:00.001-07:002009-07-30T04:29:40.125-07:00It's here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOGb9QLH2NvXLOvGi0iffL54TYnRhNd2v0h4bp8GnTlr0A0fDXaq3wz-PDSUvLGnPEFZbcQqH3cWm8GX2gfImKr2YC_qTK8SazIFKc68MKSKogHqsImJAFSXL3DlQBoJHi-Hbcdhb6IqG/s1600-h/Lesvos+cover+for+web+2009+05+22.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338632589225131298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOGb9QLH2NvXLOvGi0iffL54TYnRhNd2v0h4bp8GnTlr0A0fDXaq3wz-PDSUvLGnPEFZbcQqH3cWm8GX2gfImKr2YC_qTK8SazIFKc68MKSKogHqsImJAFSXL3DlQBoJHi-Hbcdhb6IqG/s320/Lesvos+cover+for+web+2009+05+22.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">A </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">BIRDWATCHING </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">GUIDE </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">TO </span></strong><br /></span><span style="color:#33ccff;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>LESVOS</strong><br /></span></span>by Steve Dudley<br /><br />Now available! See it at the Birdfair 21-23 Aug.<br /><br /><em><strong>A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos</strong></em> is a completely new site guide to the hugely popular Aegean island of Lesvos.<br /><br />Lesvos offers some of the best birding in the Mediterranean basin. For four weeks each spring birders from across Europe converge on this outpost of Europe which lies just 5 miles off Turkey and Asia Minor. The birds are a blend of Mediterranean breeding species, migrants moving through to breed in eastern Europe and Asia Minor species such as Krüper’s Nuthatch (and probably the easiest place to see this species in the Western Palearctic).<br /><br />The guide has been written by Steve Dudley, one of the island's most experienced bird and wildlife guides who has probably taken more groups around, and spent more time on the island than any other bird guide. Steve is also the man behind LESVOSBIRDING.COM - the only dedicated birding website to the island - which continues to provide visiting birders with up to date information including 'what's been seen today' daily summaries during the main spring birding weeks. Steve is also a founding member of the <a href="http://lesvosbirdrecords.blogspot.com/">Lesvos Bird Records Committee</a>.<br /><br />Steve now shares his vast knowledge of the island with this new birding guide to Lesvos which includes -<br /><div><div><div><div><ul><li>272 pages</li><li>a 47 page introduction includes details of when to go, where to stay, recommended places to eat, the birding year, etc.</li><li>a detailed guide to over 60 of the best birding areas/sites across the island including over 45 specially commissioned maps by renowned magazine illustrator <a href="http://slashdotdashdot.com/stevenhall/contact.php">Steven Hall</a>.</li><li>32 pages (over 90 images) of colour photos of sites, habitats and species</li><li>a 39 page checklist to the birds of Lesvos - completely up to date (up to and inc. spring 2009) detailing the status of every species officially recorded on the island</li><li>separate tick lists for birds, butterflies, dragonflies and orchids</li><li>plus appendices detailing island place names and pronunciations, bird lists in Greek and Dutch </li><li>cover and numerous black-and-white line illustrations by renowned bird illustrator Dave Nurney (artist for <em><a href="http://www.wildlifebooks.com/product_details.php?area_id=1&nav_id=23&prd_id=4017">A Pocket guide to the birds of Britain and NW Europe</a></em>, <a href="http://www.wildlifebooks.com/product_details.php?area_id=1&nav_id=29&prd_id=4156"><em>Nightjars of the World</em> </a>and <em><a href="http://www.wildlifebooks.com/product_details.php?area_id=1&prd_id=401">Woodpeckers of the World</a></em>)</li></ul><p><em><strong>A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos</strong></em> is to be published by Arlequin Press and is the first of the revamped 'birdwatching guide' series to be published since CJ Wildbird Foods acquired Arlequin Press.</p><p>Price - only £19.99!</p><p>ISBN 978-1-905268-06-1</p><p>Order your copy now from <a href="http://www.wildlifebooks.com/product_details.php?area_id=1&nav_id=3&prd_id=8466">Subbuteo Books</a>. Signed copies will be available at the Birdfair (Rutland Water, 21-23 Aug - see <a href="http://athene-birdinglesvos.blogspot.com/2009/07/lesvos-birding-at-birdfair-2009.html">Lesvos Birding at the Birdfair</a>) and by mail order after the Birdfair.</p><p>Sample pages below.</p><p><em>Area page for the Kalloni area</em></p><p></p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347238390340697506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbjkoMDxga2Th1uIor8gAXVUll0CDodbKvHqE-B-jdxjE4NbkswDLBSRvMNNZhI3AQARSLO8VYPeetPQ17vqP7Gf8ijaceVUN9E3lRnGfpPUGEjKiRDabT1dcXT-CtFs9x-5uj4JevLb5/s400/Lesvos+book+website+1+2009+06+14.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div></div></div><br /><p><em>Individual site map page for the North Coast between Efthalou and Skala Sikaminias</em></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347240445410040466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10l5wzXuPef0wC4aJf1MDoq-KruBA8Dx9UXt5sm048tnwBPDqLDteaIEJzLaZFSO_QgX5tPsVmo7GWrRxtg2H_ypl7OdgmZfH43IgMdEMIVueLz_7JXvXJnb-53jhowxD-_Nr1N96ClLZ/s400/Lesvos+book+website+2+2009+06+14.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><em>Individual site page for Korakas Headland</em></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347240445435558306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjasqtLvWEBVXfhGRk942txPtglkp-i6PVBNOgRsMJEreg-ALGcAJss2cWyPV8YGbIEYt9MN3zXdyAItAa3RS33swcvD2NtXIXQE3Vd3VtJHpMZWmexMUTreEYFiuU_GpYYb4IUhVs6kbk/s400/Lesvos+book+website+3+2009+06+14.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p><em>Individual site page for Sideras nr Agra </em></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347240446809947986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6LvavFbN9dcGxdQgkhRXTCpEsJaCBp4MeXw6OZo1Mpru_ITDetSz4EGJtlq45Z6mbng0mwvlsyx2c8B5IT6ajVceFJMogfOL4N_7uW2hoY7drTmERhM2x8qWcOn-tGiFh8W_zPZl8AwS/s400/Lesvos+book+website+4+2009+06+14.jpg" border="0" /></p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-1040170405230128882009-07-30T04:28:00.001-07:002009-07-30T04:28:43.834-07:00Lesvos Birding holidays in 2010<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358006052277056162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0Z6txVYlLtYaU6yIeUPm8YFn8v9GwgYCzsdVB13urQSCyejeXTPeGb_3hCYPF5S6icl1IgF5qD2di2AC-DUb92Bcj-brannoFw5s7kvzTANL4ess2r-wmjpKPeofN0kFqZZInJqUBrT9/s400/Lesvos+group+spr+05.jpg" border="0" /> <div><div><div>The best way to see Lesvos is on a guided holiday with an experienced bird and wildlife guide. And who better than the man who has written the book - <em>A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos</em>!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ffcc33;">Holidays with Steve Dudley/</span><a href="http://athene-birdinglesvos.blogspot.com/">Lesvosbirding.com</a> </strong><br />Join me and see just why so many people rave about Lesvos - many of them returning time and time again!<br /><br />If your interested in joining me on Lesvos, <a href="mailto:lesvosbirding@toadsnatcher.com">email me </a>to register your interest. I've visted the island annually since 2000 and have led over 20 bird trips on the island. Find reports, photos and lists of species seen from many of my presvious trips <a href="http://athene-birdinglesvos.blogspot.com/2007/05/lesvos-birding-trip-reports.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Max group size 7 participants. B&B at Hotel Pasiphae in Skala Kallonis. Lunches - all at tavernas across the island. Evening dinner at a Skala Kalloni taverna. <br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358006057391351346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyBg50Ij3Pjli3hCDDLlu64mI2r2hdJaICNq7XBptccf5Rw8nHuY2_KkEBCU8MaxI9aj7G9h6VrihDM7j8ojvGxh2tazPvmwpHjMKcSytjUuqNA8VcOfKD77JYOwiXUKuKjz7NLBJwDX-/s400/Hotel+Pasiphae+May+09..jpg" border="0" /><em>The delightful Hotel Pasiphae in Skala Kallonis.</em></div><div><br />What does your holiday with Lesvos Birding/Steve Dudley entail? <a href="http://athene-birdinglesvos.blogspot.com/2007/10/lesvos-9.html">Click here </a>to find out!<br /><br /><strong>2010 weeks</strong><br />Dates and prices will be confirmed in August 2009.<br /><br />I'm also available for private groups, spring and autumn, if you need someone to arrange your itinerary and guide/drive you around the island.<br /><br />For previous trips see <a href="http://athene-birdinglesvos.blogspot.com/2007/05/lesvos-birding-trip-reports.html">reports</a>.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358006058176350722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaIiOFzyrA5H1HRbIroTaIw7bVVctJPvSTj3pKmpjcQlhDKw59ZA8VzFPjI0jmFnurEY71Zrxy7Lj5ogKjs7NbYvBQQprHJ6r0MmGwoi6graHFfFsPnQiVFINmkTuU10Lx9XQQp0d4asb/s400/Lesvos+taverna+group+aut+05.jpg" border="0" /></div><em>We enjoy our food on our Lesvos Birding holidays! We eat out every day for lunch and dinner using local taverans, occasionally the hotel, but always fresh, local produce including sardines, seafood, fabulous Greek salads - you won't go hungry!</em>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-74943717228627905902009-07-30T04:27:00.001-07:002009-07-30T04:27:50.789-07:00Lesvos Birding at Birdfair 2009I don't have a stand but I will be at the Birdfair (21-23 Aug) all three days. My fixed events are as follows -<br /><br />Friday, 21 Aug <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkbH-Pg4YeyokvKELJtAG9OIghVjXsf5fzE4RXmNsN4JPOKJVpFtT1Sd7dwhTdcfudlJKsOPg7LmOTjjt_ErlSfMOhi2j-rGo9LLRqG8nz_oBm0DAUc-MOFoGTfF5DxkrIotwOmTYWEd0/s1600-h/Lesvos+book+OFC+2009+06+15.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358009964700697346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkbH-Pg4YeyokvKELJtAG9OIghVjXsf5fzE4RXmNsN4JPOKJVpFtT1Sd7dwhTdcfudlJKsOPg7LmOTjjt_ErlSfMOhi2j-rGo9LLRqG8nz_oBm0DAUc-MOFoGTfF5DxkrIotwOmTYWEd0/s320/Lesvos+book+OFC+2009+06+15.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />1100-1200 - book launch and signing, <em>A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos</em>, Subbuteo Books stand (Marquee 3, stands 10-13).<br /><br />Saturday, 22 Aug<br />0930-0950 - Lecture - <em>Lesvos - the jewel in the Aegean</em>, Lecture Marquee 1<br />1100-1200 - book signing, <em>A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos</em>, Subbuteo Books stand (Marquee 3, stands 10-13).<br /><br />Sunday, 23 Aug<br />1100-1200 - book signing, <em>A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos</em>, Subbuteo Books stand (Marquee 3, stands 10-13).<br /><br />If you miss me and are interested in coming on one of my trips then feel free to call me on +44 (0) 7 767 787 287 (leave a message if I dont answer) to arrange a meeting at the Birdfair.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#00cccc;">WIN!</span> </strong>A free week at Hotel Pasiphae (B&B) in Sept 2010!! Visit the Subbuteo Books stand for details!Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-48472325422525709482009-07-03T15:19:00.001-07:002009-07-03T15:20:10.137-07:00Lesvos in autumn - join me this SeptemberFrom 17-24 September I'm leading a trip for Speyside Wildlife to Lesvos. The max group size is only six and there are still a couple of places remaining.<br /><br />Autumn on the island is warm and pleasant, the birding is relaxing and it is a fabulous way of seeing the island and an introduction to Lesvos and eastern Med basin birds and birding.<br /><br />Why not join me? For more info see <a href="http://athene-birdinglesvos.blogspot.com/2007/05/birdwatching-holidays-on-lesvos.html">here</a>. For trip reports, inc. some of my previous autumn trips, see <a href="http://athene-birdinglesvos.blogspot.com/2007/05/lesvos-birding-trip-reports.html">here</a>.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-91027296771220820282009-06-03T10:13:00.000-07:002009-06-03T10:14:07.138-07:00White-throated RobinWell, those of us on Lesvos during May scoured the island for one of the most sought after of Lesvos rarities, but its not been until yesterday (2 Jun) that the only 2009 record of <strong>White-throated Robin</strong> been seen at Ipsilou by a visiting German birder. See, good birds do still turn up outside the main spring weeks!<br /><br />I've heard very little of what has been seen since I left the island on 15 May. Here are just a few of the more notable sightings -<br /><br /><strong>21 May</strong><br /><strong>Kalloni Saltpans flooded fields</strong> - Spoonbill 3, Glossy Ibis 9, Mediterranean Gull (2nd winter), Whiskered Tern 2, Mallard 4 (all male), Garganey 1, Citrine Wagtail 1 (female).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343149462455047794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1YUzE1n1HRCwj4yG3nC9vT3RnQGZxEl49qW059tkleMLCj9kE9AjPOJ8m9ecPLJHwFnZgVjXr4bLpt0OwB81Ispq2d_kJ7ognTeq67sMrPX0oQz2zzkTsyaBB3XX6s-L0jH9Y6mLwowD/s400/Humphreys+Spoons+21+05+09+051.JPG" border="0" /> <em>Spoonbills, flooded fields by Kalloni Saltpans © Anne Humphreys</em><br /><br /><strong>Kavaki</strong> - Rose-coloured Starling 6 nr the Ruppell's Warbler site.<br /><br />If you have anything else of note since 15 May - please let me know!Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-34346084667682434792009-05-16T07:54:00.000-07:002009-07-30T04:12:46.867-07:00It's Here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOGb9QLH2NvXLOvGi0iffL54TYnRhNd2v0h4bp8GnTlr0A0fDXaq3wz-PDSUvLGnPEFZbcQqH3cWm8GX2gfImKr2YC_qTK8SazIFKc68MKSKogHqsImJAFSXL3DlQBoJHi-Hbcdhb6IqG/s1600-h/Lesvos+cover+for+web+2009+05+22.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338632589225131298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOGb9QLH2NvXLOvGi0iffL54TYnRhNd2v0h4bp8GnTlr0A0fDXaq3wz-PDSUvLGnPEFZbcQqH3cWm8GX2gfImKr2YC_qTK8SazIFKc68MKSKogHqsImJAFSXL3DlQBoJHi-Hbcdhb6IqG/s320/Lesvos+cover+for+web+2009+05+22.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">A </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">BIRDWATCHING </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">GUIDE </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">TO </span></strong><br /></span><span style="color:#33ccff;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>LESVOS</strong><br /></span></span>by Steve Dudley<br /><br />Due August 2009. See it a the Birdfair 21-23 August!<br /><br />Announcing a completely new site guide to the hugely popular Aegean island of Lesvos.<br /><br />Lesvos offers some of the best birding in the Mediterranean basin. For four weeks each spring birders from across Europe converge on this outpost of Europe which lies just 5 miles off Turkey and Asia Minor. The birds are a blend of Mediterranean breeding species, migrants moving through to breed in eastern Europe and Asia Minor species such as Krüper’s Nuthatch (and probably the easiest place to see this species in the Western Palearctic).<br /><br />The guide has been written by Steve Dudley, one of the island's most experienced bird and wildlife guides who has probably taken more groups around, and spent more time on the island than any other bird guide. Steve is also the man behind LESVOSBIRDING.COM - the only dedicated birding website to the island - which continues to provide visiting birders with up to date information including 'what's been seen today' daily summaries during the main spring birding weeks. Steve is also a founding member of the <a href="http://lesvosbirdrecords.blogspot.com/">Lesvos Bird Records Committee</a>.<br /><br />Steve now shares his vast knowledge of the island with this new birding guide to Lesvos which includes -<br /><div><div><ul><li>a 47 page introduction includes details of when to go, where to stay, recommended places to eat, etc</li><br /><li>a detailed guide to over 60 of the best birding areas/sites across the island including over 45 specially commissioned maps by renowned magazine illustrator <a href="http://slashdotdashdot.com/stevenhall/contact.php">Steven Hall</a>.</li><br /><li>32 pages (over 90 images) of colour photos of sites, habitats and species</li><br /><li>a 39 page checklist to the birds of Lesvos - completely up to date (up to and inc. spring 2009) detailing the status of every species officially recorded on the island</li><br /><li>separate tick lists for birds, butterflies, dragonflies and orchids</li><br /><li>plus appendices detailing island place names and pronunciations, bird lists in Greek and Dutch </li><br /><li>cover and numerous black-and-white line illustrations by renowned bird illustrator Dave Nurney (artist for <em><a href="http://www.wildlifebooks.com/product_details.php?area_id=1&nav_id=23&prd_id=4017">A Pocket guide to the birds of Britain and NW Europe</a></em>, <a href="http://www.wildlifebooks.com/product_details.php?area_id=1&nav_id=29&prd_id=4156"><em>Nightjars of the World</em> </a>and <em><a href="http://www.wildlifebooks.com/product_details.php?area_id=1&prd_id=401">Woodpeckers of the World</a></em>)</li></ul><p><em><strong>A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos</strong></em> is to be published by Arlequin Press and is the first of the revamped 'birdwatching guide' series to be published since CJ Wildbird Foods acquired Arlequin Press.</p><p>Order enquiries to <a href="mailto:info@wildlifebooks.com">Subbuteo Natural History Books</a>.</p></div></div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-41447685152578537442009-05-14T22:00:00.000-07:002009-05-29T16:48:48.342-07:0015 May - goodbye and thanksWell, those of us unable to leave yesterday will do so later today as I wing my way home with Aegean Airlines.<br /><br />I'd just like to thank those birders who have provided info during my three week stay, in particular Bob Buckler (Wingspan Bird Tours), Terry & Sue Robinson, Ian Pitts, Dave Bradnum, Paul Manning, Precill & Neil Preston, Donald & Jennifer Rhodes, Pete & Jan Deans (and their holiday-mates Fiona & Geoff) and Ian Lewington, and all those who passed on info to me in the field or wrote things up in the Lesvos Birding log at the Hotel Pasiphae. Thanks alot everyone - news only spreads if people are willing to share.<br /><br />Lastly, I would like to thank all the staff at the <a href="http://www.pasiphae.gr/english.htm">Hotel Pasiphae</a> for their usual care and attention not only of me over the last three weeks, but of all the birders staying with them this season. The Pasiphae again proved to be the premier of the Skala Kallonis hotels and has an increasing birding buzz in the evenings as birders staying elsewhere come in to use the Lesvos Birding hotel and share news at the bar.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Kalloni Saltpans </strong>- Slender-billed Gull 3 in NW corner early morning.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-8619994968856761152009-05-14T06:25:00.000-07:002009-05-29T16:48:48.373-07:0014 May - Spur-winged Plover and stranded holiday makers!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsh-3rkR_ba0FHBxAe3EQnwaaSsqS4qGYcIBnZVzQOelSHGFxeY0tiElaTqTe8jZpvNlcV87xjJjckNvGecKLtdi7G_V9dpyp7FdsaBzYptA5bvF2p8AZcfqmMwk4UOsqzKMS_0RqPFp7/s1600-h/Blog_2009+05+14_Squacco+Heron_L1010713.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335679444938977314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 348px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsh-3rkR_ba0FHBxAe3EQnwaaSsqS4qGYcIBnZVzQOelSHGFxeY0tiElaTqTe8jZpvNlcV87xjJjckNvGecKLtdi7G_V9dpyp7FdsaBzYptA5bvF2p8AZcfqmMwk4UOsqzKMS_0RqPFp7/s400/Blog_2009+05+14_Squacco+Heron_L1010713.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>Squacco Heron, Kalloni Saltpans Flood © Steve Dudley</em><br /><br /><div>Well, the Greek civil servants are at it again and a nationwide 24hr lightning strike meant that airports were closed and all those many holiday makers due off the island today couldn’t leave and get an extra days holiday and all those coming out lose a day. </div><div> </div><div></div><div><strong>Scops Copse </strong>- work continues on pollarding the trees - do not visit!<br /><br /><strong>SPUR-WINGED PLOVER </strong>– an adult found this morning on the <strong>flood opposite the saltworks entrance</strong> and present until mid-afternoon at least.<br /><br />Also on the flood, Whiskered Tern 22, Black Stork 10, Squacco Heron 9, White Stork 1, Ruddy Shelduck 4, Garganey 2.<br /><br />Also a <strong>RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN </strong>around the <strong>water pumping station </strong>in the south-west corner of the saltpan complex.<br /><br /><strong>Tsiknias River Ford </strong>– CITRINE WAGTAIL female.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Potamia Valley </strong>- up to 5 Olive-tree Warblers and 2 Icterine Warblers between the main road and the river bridge.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Petra Reservoir </strong>- Ruddy Shelduck pr with 2 young.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Kavaki </strong>- Ruppell's Warbler showing well this evening plus usual Blue Rock Thrush.</div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-24353733071252761282009-05-13T05:27:00.000-07:002009-05-29T16:48:48.384-07:0013 May - Terek Sandpiper<strong>TEREK SANDPIPER</strong> - a winter plumage bird was found first thing this morning at <strong>Polichnitos Saltpans</strong> and was present until 1145h at least. This is only the fourth record for the island. The bird is keeping to the central pans area around the village end of end of chainlink fence wich runs along the main track.<br /><br />A big increase in waders at this site as more water is being pumped on to the pans over the last few days and birds include up to 8 Curlew Sandpiper, 30+ Ringed Plover, 30+ Ruff, 1 Turnstone.<br /><br /><strong>Kalloni Mini Soccer Pitch </strong>- there is lots of tree pollarding going on at present. They are not remving the eucalyptus trrees, simply reducing the height of many of them. The place is however dangerous during the day and it is pointless looking for the Scops Owls at this site whilst the work is in progress - they will have certainly moved!<br /><br /><strong>Finsch's Wheatear update </strong>- I have now seen the photos of the bird claimed to be Finsch's Wheatear on 10 May, and as somewhat expected it was a black-and-white male <em>melanoleuca</em> Black-eared Wheatear. There remains only one accepted record of Finsch's Wheatear for the island: a male at Megalochori Jun 93.<br /><br /><strong>Faneromeni </strong>- RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN 1, Tawny Pipit 1.<br /><br /><strong>Meladia Valley </strong>- Rose-coloured Starling 1 adult, Ortolan Bunting 1.<br /><br /><strong>Ipsilou </strong>- LANNER FALCON 1 adult, Eleonora's Falcon 2.<br /><br /><strong>Kalloni Saltpans area </strong>- flood opposite saltworks entrance: Black Stork 10, Squacco Heron 9, Glossy Ibis 1, Great White Egret 3, Ruddy Shelduck 30, Collared Pratincole 1, Garganey 1, Mallard 1, Grey Plover 1. Fewer waders around today.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-56566317337454288392009-05-12T12:22:00.000-07:002009-05-29T16:48:48.362-07:0012 May - Olive-trees arrive at last!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtgJsZx9zzoquHPvL5ib9LV2DBRJmrr2p8Op3JNSeC-nzftk0ah8ICWjyoV4DsPSSD6l7dapXCmK3Es6BQOxZSGyd7iPoywV1QISavu76-_9Ty9osOxIN9Dm7K-cTb-pQJ711KmiaEzB1/s1600-h/Blog_2009+05+14_Cretzsch+Bunt_L1010742.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335680543205961410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 336px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtgJsZx9zzoquHPvL5ib9LV2DBRJmrr2p8Op3JNSeC-nzftk0ah8ICWjyoV4DsPSSD6l7dapXCmK3Es6BQOxZSGyd7iPoywV1QISavu76-_9Ty9osOxIN9Dm7K-cTb-pQJ711KmiaEzB1/s400/Blog_2009+05+14_Cretzsch+Bunt_L1010742.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>Cretzschmar's Bunting, Ipsilou © Steve Dudley</em><br /><br /><div><strong>Potamia Valley</strong> - Olive-tree Warbler 2 singing and showing well c.1.4km from the main road turn. Also Icterine Warbler 1.<br /><br /><strong>Ipsilou </strong>- Olive-tree Warbler 1 singing from oaks by top of first section of old monastery path from road. Wood Warbler 2, Lesser Whitethroat, Red-backed Shrike 2, Spotted Flyactcher sev.<br /><br /><strong>Aghias Taxiarchis </strong>(nr Skalachori) - Olive-tree Warbler 2 singing east of chapel. Eleonora's Falcon 1 dark phase feeding over road west of chapel for 10-15 mins c.0915h.<br /><br /><strong>Platania </strong>- Olive-tree Warbler, at least 2 in at the cattlegrid site.<br /><br /><strong>Nr Parakila </strong>- ROLLER 1 c.3 km south.<br /><br /><strong>Skala Eresou </strong>- Little Bittern 2, Alpine Swift 2.<br /><br /><strong>Tsiknias River </strong>- at ford - CITRINE WAGTAIL male & female (male also on flood area), Little Bittern 1, Great Reed Warbler 1. River mouth - Sandwich Tern 1.<br /><br /><strong>Kalloni Saltpans area </strong>- <em>Alykes Wetlands</em> - no sign of yesterday's Broad-billed Sandpiper. Temminck's Stint 2, Ringed Plover 12, Red-throated Pipit 4. <em>Flood opp. saltworks entrance</em> - Whiskered Terns 2, White-winged Black Tern 2, Collared Pratincole 2, Black Stork 6, Great White Egret 3, Squacco Heron 8+, Curlew Sandpiper 6, Ruff 110+, Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard 3. Saltpans Little Stint 30+.<br /><br /><strong>Agiasos </strong>- Chiffchaff 1.<br /><br /><strong>RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN </strong>- birds reported from Madaros, Chrousos beach and Polichnitos Saltpans in recent days.</div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-52964954317508637162009-05-11T12:29:00.000-07:002009-05-29T16:48:48.411-07:0011 May - Broad-billed SandpiperNo news on yesterday's reported Finsch's Wheatear.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Nr Petra </strong>- GOLDEN EAGLE 1.<br /><br /><strong>Kalloni Saltpans area</strong> - Alykes Wetlands: BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER 1, Little Stint 40+, Kentish Plover 16+, Little Ringed Plover 4, Ringed Plover 8, Marsh Harrier 2, Red-throated Pipit 10+, Short-toed Lark 2, Lesser Grey Shrike 1. Flood opp. saltworks entrance: Red-footed Falcon male, Whiskered Tern 2, Black Stork 13, White Stork 1, Great White Egret 3, Squacco Heron 11, Glossy Ibis 3, Ruff 70+, Ruddy Shelduck 4, Garganey 1, Mallard 5. Saltpans: Sanderling, Curlew Sandpiper 2, Little Stint 110+. On Sea: Great Crested Grebe 1, Cormorant.<br /><br /><strong>Petra </strong>- ROLLER 1.<br /><br /><strong>Christou River </strong>- Slender-billed Gull 1, Lesser Grey Shrike 4.<br /><br /><strong>Metochi Lake </strong>- Little Bittern 5+, Little Grebe 2 on nests and pr with 3 young.<br /><br /><strong>Tsiknias River </strong>- Little Bittern 3, Little Egret 37.<br /><br /><strong>Faneromeni </strong>- Little Bittern 5.<br /><br /><strong>Lardia Valley </strong>- Eleonora's Falcon 3, Rock Sparrow.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-86669752221614227642009-05-10T12:23:00.000-07:002009-05-29T16:48:48.352-07:0010 May - Broad-billed Sandpiper dayFine weather, blue skies and light winds and more photographers than birders!<br /><br /><strong>Napi Valley</strong> - FINSCH'S WHEATEAR 1 reported at the north end of the valley. No further details. Note - only one accepted record and ALL those followed up in recent years have turned out to be black and white <em>melanoleuca</em> Black-eared Wheatears. LANNER FALCON 1.<br /><br /><strong>Kalloni Saltpans area </strong>- reports of a 'large' pratincole movement this morning c.0730h inc. reported Black-winged Pratincole. Flood opposite saltworks entrance - BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER 1 reported, Black Stork 5, Great White Egret 3, Squacco Heron 9, Glossy Ibis 3, Garganey 2, Ruddy Shelduck 2, Mallard 3, Red-backed Shrike 2. Alykes Wetlands - BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER 2 reported with Little Stints late evening, Collared Pratincole 5, Black Stork 3, White Stork 1, Ruddy Shelduck 6, Grey Plover 1, Ringed Plover 1. Pans - Stone-curlew 5, Little Stint 60+, Ruff 20+. Beach - RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN still in tamerisks west of beach cafe. SW Corner - CITRINE WAGTAIL female.<br /><br /><strong>Mesa </strong>- Black Stork 10, Ruddy Shelduck 26.<br /><br /><strong>Skala Vasilikon </strong>- Little Bittern 1.<br /><br /><strong>Tsiknias River </strong>- Little Bittern 1, Squacco Heron 2, Green Sandpiper 1.Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-83797122819932437662009-05-09T11:47:00.000-07:002009-05-29T16:48:48.424-07:009 May - slowing down under the sunWe've got high pressure with light winds and increasing temperatures. Birds are shipping out rather than shipping in, and many birders are flagging in the heat. The number of birders is also down and news is beginning to slow.<br /><br /><em>Late news from recent days first -</em><br /><br />7-8 May - Great Spotted Cuckoo along the Petra Reservoir Road with two singing River Warblers there on the 7th.<br /><br /><em>Todays news -</em><br /><br /><strong>Madaros</strong> (north of Kalloni) - RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN 1, Honey-buzzard 2, Black Stork 3, Chukar, Orphean Warbler.<br /><br /><strong>Tsiknias River </strong>(Upper) - Ortolan Bunting 1 (only record this spring?).<br /><br /><strong>Kalloni Raptor Watchpoint</strong> 1100-1215h - Short-toed Eagle 5+, Goshawk 4, Long-legged Buzzard 1, Hobby 1, Black Stork 1.<br /><br /><strong>Faneromeni fords</strong> - Little Bittern 7, Bee-eater 40+.<br /><br /><strong>Kalloni Saltpans </strong>- Glossy Ibis 2, Ruddy Shelduck 2, Squacco Heron 9 on floods opposite sltworks entrance. Ruff 110+, Little Stont 70+ on pans and moat. RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN 1 still in tamerisks west of beach cafe.<br /><br /><strong>Ipsilou/Sigri area </strong>- migrant numbers greatly reduced. Expected breeding birds present.<br /><br /><strong>Tsiknias River </strong>- Little Bittern 1, Sandwich Tern 9.<br /><br /><strong>Scops Owl </strong>- not seen at the Kalloni Mini Soccer Pitch since being flushed by a photographer who got his wife to use a stick to move branches out of his field of view!Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-38252171552537970352009-05-08T13:31:00.000-07:002009-05-29T16:48:48.396-07:008 May - slow as migrant numbers decline<strong>Ipsilou</strong> – Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler 1, reduced numbers of migrants.<br /><br /><strong>Skoutaros </strong>– Eleonora’s Falcon 10.<br /><br /><strong>Meladia Valley </strong>– far fewer migrants than in recent days, Spotted Flycatcher numbers now heavily reduced but lots of female Red-backed Shrikes and female Black-headed Buntings arriving. RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN male in scrub north-east of ford, Collared Flycatcher fem by wet flash c.300m west of ford, Thrush Nightingale singing from small building north of fig grove, Sardinian Warbler fem, Icterine Warbler 5+, Orphean Warbler 4, Lesser Grey Shrike 2, Great Reed Warbler 3+, Pied Flycatcher 4+, Little Bittern 3, Lesser Kestrel 2, Alpine Swift 2, Bee-eater 5. Family party of Sombre Tits at the chapel, 15+ Woodlarks dust-bathing on track east of ford late evening. Several parties of Rock Nuthatch.<br /><br /><strong>Sigri Old Sanatorium </strong>- RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN 1, Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Kestrels.<br /><br /><strong>Faneromeni area </strong>– ROLLER 2, Night-heron 2 (imm at lower ford, adult at upper ford), Little Bittern 6+ (both fords), Squacco Heron 1 (lower ford), Little Egret 11 (north of upper ford), Lesser Grey Shrike, Golden Oriole, Orphean Warbler 2, Lesser Kestrel 20+, Pied Flycatcher 2+.<br /><br /><strong>Liminos Monastery </strong>– Short-toed Eagle 4, Red-backed Shrike.<br /><br /><strong>Kalloni Saltpans </strong>– Collared Pratincole 1 over flood opposite saltworks entrance, Whiskered Tern 1+. Usual herons, storks etc on flood.<br /><br /><strong>Tsiknias River </strong>– Great Bittern 1, Sandwich Tern.<br /><br /><strong>Metochi Lake</strong> - Great Bittern 1 (likely same as Tsiknias).Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-66793717815609546622009-05-07T07:57:00.000-07:002009-05-29T16:48:48.436-07:007 May - big eagles and a big snipe<p><strong>Kalloni Raptor Watchpoint</strong> (bandstand) – IMPERIAL EAGLE sub adult in from north at 1420h and again over at 1510h. Possibly same as last weeks bird seen coming in off the sea from the north on the north coast east of Efthalou. Last year we had a sub adult bird hang around the island for two weeks (see <a href="http://athene-birdinglesvos.blogspot.com/2008/07/imperial-eagle.html">here</a>). Eleonora’s Falcon 6.<br /><br /><strong>Ioannou Valley </strong>(south of Mandamados) – GOLDEN EAGLE sub adult north at 1505h. Ruppell’s Warbler male, Pallid Swift 8, Alpine Swift 2, Golden Oriole 2.<br /><br /><strong>Haramida Marsh </strong>– GREAT SNIPE 1, Pallid Swift 30+, Alpine Swift 8, Sardinian Warbler, Green Sandpiper 1.</p><p><strong>Meladia Valley </strong>- Collared Flycatcher female, Icterine Warbler 7, Orphean Warbler 3, Pied Flycatcher 5, Sardinian Warbler 1, Bee-eater 40+, loads of Spotted Flycatchers.</p><p><strong>Polichnitos Saltpans </strong>- Collared Pratincole 1, Temminck's Stint 1.</p><p><strong>Kalloni Saltpans </strong>- Marsh Sandpiper 1, Gull-billed Tern 1, Collared Pratincole 3, Little Crake 1, Mallard 2.</p><p><strong>Kalloni Mini Soccer Pitch </strong>(Scops Copse) - no sign of any Scops Owl today.</p>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621707809164054494.post-37121906101155399522009-05-06T13:29:00.000-07:002009-05-29T16:48:48.460-07:006 May - Booted Eagle and migrants galore part II<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbHhEZbU3_VX_LDC8XjvewpkjKsrNYMbdgQjVsUzlCMdSTa6aS-hjlGnplq2RvcSrfDSlTNIKqjUOe9vZJto7xU_QONoWAHCwvdNN9S06YuwKubvHfzNNJiWJdzZ1PfwX8KiWnHkJ6PSp/s1600-h/Blog_2009+05+06_Barred+Warblerr_L1010670.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333099978530721266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbHhEZbU3_VX_LDC8XjvewpkjKsrNYMbdgQjVsUzlCMdSTa6aS-hjlGnplq2RvcSrfDSlTNIKqjUOe9vZJto7xU_QONoWAHCwvdNN9S06YuwKubvHfzNNJiWJdzZ1PfwX8KiWnHkJ6PSp/s400/Blog_2009+05+06_Barred+Warblerr_L1010670.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em>Barred Warbler, Meladia Valley © Steve Dudley</em><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Olive-tree Warbler update</strong><br />Birds still showing at the barrier site in upper Napi valley (west side of the Napi valley road below the mast at top of valley) and above here from the main road about half way up to the track to the masts. Birds are however very difficult. At least one bird reported from 'near' the Platania cattle grid site (c.5km east of the Napi valley road at top end of valley).<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Kalloni Saltpans </strong>– CITRINE WAGTAIL male along east pans track. Marsh Sandpiper 1, Black Tern 18, Grey Plover 10+, Turnstone 2. RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN male still in tamarisks west of beach café (please do not harass the bird!). Quail 2 birds calling in fields c.1 km east of Kalloni pans. Usual herons etc.<br /><br /><strong>Kalloni Raptor Watchpoint </strong>– BOOTED EAGLE 1 over at c.1430h. Eleonora’s Falcon 3+, Hobby 2, Peregrine, Goshawk male, Short-toed Eagle 5+, Long-legged Buzzard, Black Stork 4.<br /><br /><strong>Mesa </strong>- BOOTED EAGLE 1 (see above). Ruddy Shelduck 26, Black Stork 4.<br /><br /><strong>Metochi Lake </strong>- BAILLON'S CRAKE 2 birds reported. Moustached Warbler reported again in bushes alongside the main eastern track along the lake. BEWARE! Sedge Warblers can be very dark crowned and care needed to ID 'eastern' Moustached Warbler here.<br /><br /><strong>Achladeri </strong>– Kruper’s Nuthatch 2 (along track between Vouvaris River and main Kruper’s site. Eleonora's Falcon 1 over the main Kruper's site.<br /><br /><strong>Vouvaris river track </strong>– Tree Pipit.<br /><br /><strong>Potamia </strong>– Lesser Grey Shrike 1, Short-toed Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Crag Martin, Red-backed Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Coal Tit.<br /><br /><strong>Meladia Valley </strong>– ROLLER 2, COLLARED FLYCATCHER fem, RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN male singing, Honey-buzzard 1, River Warbler 1, Barred Warbler 1, Icterine Warbler 15, Red-backed Shrike 20+, Lesser Grey Shrike 10+, Great Reed Warbler 15+, Spotted Flycatcher 200+, Golden Oriole 6, plus other common migrants. No sign of the Rose-coloured Starling.<br /><br /><strong>Sigri </strong>– Red-footed Falcon 12.<br /><br /><strong>Sigri Old Sanatorium </strong>- RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN male singing and showing well late evening, Chukar.<br /><br /><strong>Skala Eresou </strong>– Purple Heron 3, Little Bittern 1, Great Reed Warbler 2.<br /><br /><strong>Tsiknias River </strong>– Temminck’s Stint 1, Marsh Harrier.<br /><br /><strong>Nr Eresos </strong>(along Sigri track) - Collared Flycatcher female, Golden Oriole.<br /><br /><strong>Polichnitos Saltpans </strong>- CITRINE WAGTAIL female in field (was flooded) with Red-throated Pipits. Lesser Grey Shrike, Curlew Sandpipers (lots), Sanderling 5, Ruff, Ringed Plover 3.</div>Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00760882228804363193noreply@blogger.com0