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Bird Species List:
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Seen every day around the Kalloni wetlands. A roosting flock of 31 birds at ‘Derbyshire’ on the 8th was eclipsed by 42 over the salt-pans on the 16th. A pair with two unfledged young was present at Petra reservoir on the 5th and the 9th. Also seen in pairs or small groups at Faneromeni and around Kalloni west river.
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
Regularly seen around the Kalloni wetlands with more than thirty around the salt-pans on the 6th May.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Three (two drakes) in the swampy grasslands south of the Kalloni salt-pans on the 5th and present on most dates thereafter, peaking at 5 (four drakes) on the 11th.
Garganey Anas querquedula
Two drakes present in the swampy grasslands south of the Kalloni salt-pans from the 5th May, with numbers peaking there at four (all drakes) on the 6th.
Chukar Alectoris chukar
The first was seen below the ‘dead goat pit’ at Madaros on the 3rd May, with a pair seen there on the 8th. One was seen with seven recently-hatched young on the road between Ipsilou and Sigri on the 12th.
Great-crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Just one bird, seen diving in Kalloni bay on the morning of 16th May.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis |
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Up to three pairs seen at Metochi ‘inland’ lake from 3rd May. One pair observed with three recently-hatched young on 10th May.
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Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedia
Up to four individuals observed between Lesvos and the Turkish coast from Skala Sikimnea on the 5th May.
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Levantine Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan
A flock of ca. 20 seen from Faneromeni beach on 4th May. 30+ seen offshore from Skala Sikimnea on 5th and similar numbers seen from Agias Fokas on 13th. The largest flock containing at least 150 birds was seen from Makara beach on 10th May.
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Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
Regularly seen offshore in several places, including Faneromeni, Skala Sikimnea, Kalloni bay, Makara and Agias Fokas.
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Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
A first-year bird regularly seen roosting in a dead tree near the coast of Kalloni bay, south of the salt-pans.
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Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Commonly encountered, especially around the Kalloni salt-pans where the largest count was 50 on the 5th of May. Smaller groups seen around other wetlands.
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Great White Egret Ardea alba
Up to three individuals regularly present in the flooded grassland immediately south of the Kalloni salt-pans. One of the birds stood out as gaining breeding-condition with a dark bill.
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Great White Egret, non-breeding plumage |
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Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Four along Kalloni east river on the afternoon of the 2nd May were the first recorded. Two further birds seen in the flooded grassland immediately south of the Kalloni salt-pans on the same date. Regular gatherings were seen every day thereafter in this apparently favoured location, peaking at 10 individuals there on the 5th and the 12th. Also recorded singly or in smaller groups at Faneromeni and Metochi ‘inland’ lake.
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Squacco Heron at Kalloni Wetlands |
Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
The first, an adult, seen downstream from Faneromeni lower ford on 4th May, with a first-summer bird seen from the upper ford on the 12th. A final adult bird was seen flying into a tree bordering the Kalloni east river ford on the 15th.
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Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
Seen in most wetland environments throughout. Small groups present at Metochi ‘inland’ lake and around many of the river fords. The largest gathering being five at Faneromeni on 14th May.
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Female Little Bittern at Meladia Ford |
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Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Common in and around the Kalloni salt pans with 25+ individuals present.
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Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Generally quite scarce, especially towards the end of the visit when several visiting groups of birders complained that they had failed to connect. Three of these shy herons were present around the Kalloni salt-pans in the afternoon / evening of the 2nd May with one or two lingering until the 5th. One was flushed from a hay field near Faneromeni on the 4th May with another seen in flight between Faneromeni and Sigri on the 12th. Another was seen south of Sigri, not far from Meladia ford, on the 7th.
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Black Stork Ciconia nigra
By far the commoner of the two Stork species. Regular flocks gathered in the evenings in the flooded grasslands adjacent to Kalloni salt-pans. Most were full adults but three first-summer birds were present amongst a group totalling 14 individuals on the 13th May. This had increased to 16 the next day (including 2 first-summer) but was eclipsed on the 15th May when 23 had amassed in the same location. Also recorded from nearby ‘Derbyshire, the Kalloni east river, Madaros ‘dead goat pit’, the Napi valley and the Kalloni ‘bandstand’ raptor watchpoint, where 4 were soaring on the afternoon of the 6th May.
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Black Stork at Kalloni Wetlands |
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White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Regular around Kalloni with groups of up to three birds congregating around the salt-pans and surrounding wetlands. Also observed on a well-established roadside chimney nest in Polichnitos on 13th May.
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White Stork at Kalloni Wetlands |
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Seen most days with six present in the swampy grasslands south of Kalloni salt-pans on the 2nd May, peaking at seven birds on the 5th and 6th May and then reducing to two or three by the 16th.
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Glossy Ibises at Kalloni Wetlands |
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Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
250+ regularly present, feeding and roosting in the Kalloni salt-pans. A magnificent sight when seen flying en-masse against the backdrop of the surrounding hills.
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Greater Flamingo at Kalloni salt-pans |
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Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
A ringtail (1st summer) present around the Kalloni salt-pans / east river areas on several dates from the 4th May. The bird was last seen on the 10th.
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Glorious floral displays provide an attractive backdrop | |
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Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Regularly seen quartering the grasslands surrounding the Kalloni salt-pans, with two females present on several dates from the 2nd. A female was hunting along Kalloni west river on the 11th and another female at Faneromeni on the 12th.
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Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
The first was seen from the ‘Scops copse’ mini-football pitch on the Kalloni – Petra road on the 6th May. Subsequently seen from the Kalloni ‘bandstand’ raptor watchpoint, the Potamia valley, Madaros ‘ dead goat pit’ and near Anemotia.
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Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
A male was seen displaying from the Kalloni ‘bandstand’ watchpoint on 6th May. A pair was soaring over the woodlands above Agiossos on the 8th and another pair at the top of the Napi valley on the 9th. Finally, a male was seen in the Napi valley on the 15th.
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Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
First observed above Agiossos, with a single bird soaring over the sweet-chestnut woodlands on the 8th May. Three over the Napi valley on the 9th and at least four seen from the Kalloni ‘bandstand’ raptor watchpoint on the 10th. Singles encountered from the Potamia valley on the 10th, near Anemotia on the 11th and a final bird near Polichnitos on the 13th.
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Buzzard Buteo buteo
The first was seen flying over the ‘Scops copse’ mini-football pitch on the Kalloni – Petra road on the 6th May. Regularly seen in various locations on subsequent dates. A loose flock of five birds flying up the Napi valley on the 15th appeared to be ‘on migration’.
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Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
One seen perched on a telegraph pole between Kalloni east river and the salt-pans on the 3rd May. Regularly seen in various locations thereafter, especially the Potamia and Napi valleys. Also seen from the Kalloni ‘bandstand’ raptor watchpoint, around Petra reservoir, near Polichnitos and around the north-west of the island.
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Long-legged Buzzard at Potamia Valley |
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Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
A common raptor on Lesvos. The first was seen hunting over the hills surrounding the upper east river, north-east of Kalloni, on the 3rd May. Seen every day in various locations thereafter. Three were seen from the Kalloni ‘bandstand’ watchpoint on the 10th with other multiple sightings coming from the Potamia and Napi valleys.
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Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
Surprisingly scarce. The first was seen at the Platania ‘cattle grid’ site on the 3rd May. A pair was seen at Faneromeni on the 4th and a first-summer male was present at the Kalloni salt-pans on the 5th.
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First-summer male Red-footed Falcon at Kalloni salt-pans |
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Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
One was seen near the Kalloni east river on the 6th May. A male was seen well, perched on a telegraph pole south of Sigri on the 7th and another was seen in the Napi valley on the 15th.
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Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
A flock of around a dozen birds seen around Sigri and Faneromeni on all visits to those locations from the 4th May onwards. A single bird, an adult male, was seen well near Polichnitos on the 13th.
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Hobby Falco subbuteo
The first was seen swooping low over the salt-pans on the 3rd May. One was hawking over the Potamia valley on the 4th and another near Petra reservoir on the 5th. A final bird was seen from the Kalloni ‘bandstand’ watchpoint on the 6th.
Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae
A dark phase individual was seen over Kroussos ford on the 7th May. Another dark phase bird flew over the Potamia valley on the 10th. Finally, two distant birds were ‘scoped hunting over a hillside near Sigri on the 12th.
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Peregrine Falco peregrinus
One was seen flying over Achladeri on the 5th May. Another was in the lower Potamia valley on the 9th and a final bird was seen stooping at Jackdaws over Makara beach on the 10th.
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Little Crake Porzana parva
A male seen at Metochi ‘inland’ lake on 3rd May and again on the 10th. Heard singing from Kalloni II pool the evening of the 8th and again on the 10th.
Male Little Crake at Metochi 'inland' Lake
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Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Regularly seen on visits to Metochi ‘inland’ lake from the 3rd May. One was at Faneromeni upper ford on the 14th.
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Coot Fulica atra
One on Kalloni II pool on the 3rd May was the only record.
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Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
Two were seen hawking over the grasslands adjacent to the Kalloni salt-pans on the 3rd May. The next was seen in the swampy grassland south of the salt-pans on the 12th. This bird was present for the next two days when a second bird was located on the nearby ‘sheep field’.
Collared Pratincole at Kalloni 'sheepfield'
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Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus
Regularly seen around the Kalloni salt-pans from the 2nd May. Also seen around the Kalloni west river. Their plaintive cries could regularly be heard from the hotel grounds or when walking to the tavernas in the evenings.
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Stone Curlew at Kalloni salt-pans |
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Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Very common around the Kalloni salt-pans where they breed and several newly hatched chicks seen there towards the end of the trip. Also present at the Polichnitos salt-pans.
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Black-winged Stilt at Kalloni salt-pans |
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Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
Abundant around the Kalloni salt-pans. Newly hatched chicks also seen.
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Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus
One was present in the flooded grasslands south of the Kalloni salt pans from the 14th May until the end of the trip.
Adult Spur-winged Plover, a scarce beauty!
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Grey Plover Pluvialis squaterola
Six were present on the salt pans on the 6th May and this species was seen on most subsequent visits with numbers peaking at ten. A couple of the birds were in full summer plumage.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Regularly seen around the Kalloni wetlands in pairs or small groups. Also present around several of the river fords.
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Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
First seen in the sheep field adjacent to Kalloni salt-pans where three were present on the 3rd May. Seen regularly around the Kalloni wetlands thereafter in small groups of up to six. One also seen on Makara beach on the 10th.
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Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Pairs and small groups constantly present around the Kalloni salt-pans and especially the adjacent sheep field. A group of 12 was seen on the 13th.
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Male Kentish Plover at Kalloni salt-pans |
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Little Stint Calidris minuta
Very common around the Kalloni salt-pans with substantial flocks of 50+ regularly encountered. Similar numbers observed at Polichnitos salt-pans on the 8th May.
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Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
A group of three birds found along the shore of one of the rapidly drying-out pools in the sheep field adjacent to the Kalloni salt-pans on 3rd May was the only record.
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Temminck's Stint at Kalloni 'sheepfield' |
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Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Flocks of 50 or more regularly observed around the Kalloni salt-pans. Similar numbers also seen at Polichnitos salt-pans on the 8th May. A full range of plumages observed.
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Ruff Philomachus pugnax
Common around the Kalloni wetlands, encountered in groups containing up to 35 individuals. One also seen on one of the river fords in the north-west of the island on the 14th May.
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Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Two seen near one of the muddy pools in the sheep field adjacent to the Kalloni salt-pans on the 6th May.
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Great Snipe Gallinago media
One seen in the swampy grassland south of the Kalloni salt-pans on the evening of the 15th May. The bird stretched and flapped regularly showing the plain dark under-wings and large areas of white on the sides of the tail.
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Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
A dark, summer-plumaged individual, probably of the Icelandic race (islandica) was present on the Kalloni salt-pans, associating with a group of Grey Plovers (Pluvialis squaterola) on the evening of the 7th May.
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Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Three seen along the Kalloni salt-pan channel on the morning of the 9th May was the only record.
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Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Three seen loafing on one of the bunds separating the Kalloni salt-pans on the 2nd May were still present on the 4th. Two were at the Polichnitos salt-pans on the 8th.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
An adult coming into summer-plumage was found in the Kalloni salt-pan channel on the 6th May and was still present on the evening of the 7th.
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Marsh Sandpiper at Kalloni salt-pans |
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Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Extremely common in all wetland areas throughout.
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Wood Sandpiper - probably the most common wader! |
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Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
First encountered around the Faneromeni fords where three were present on the 4th May and again on subsequent visits. Two were bobbing around the edges of Petra reservoir on the 5th. Also seen around a couple of other river fords, including the lower Potamia on the 9th.
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Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Two seen on the Kalloni salt-pans on the 6th and another on Makara beach on the 10th May.
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Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
One (2nd summer) seen at the mouth of Kalloni east river on the 2nd May.
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Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei
One (1st summer) present at the mouth of Kalloni east river on the 2nd May, followed by an adult around Kalloni west river on the 11th. Three adults on the Kalloni salt-pans on the morning of the 15th increased to five adults in the evening.
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Slender-billed Gull, West River |
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Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus
Three were present on the Kalloni salt-pans on the 2nd May. Ones and twos recorded from the same site on later dates up to the 10th. All birds seen were in 1st winter plumage.
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Yellow Legged Gull Larus michahellis
Very common everywhere, with large numbers (several hundred) congregating around the major wetlands and rubbish tips.
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Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii
Three seen in flight over Skala Sikimnea on the 5th May.
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Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
A group of 23 were on the Kalloni salt-pans on the evening of the 3rd May. This awesome sight was almost matched three days later when 20 were present in the same area. A single bird was seen there on the 8th.
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Gull-billed Terns at Kalloni salt-pans |
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Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Four were present around the mouth of Kalloni east river on the 3rd May.
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Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Very common around the Kalloni salt pans and seen there every day. Also seen around Polichnitos salt-pans.
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Coastal olive groves near Cape Korakas |
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Little Tern Sternula albifrons
Good numbers present around the Kalloni salt-pans.
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Black Tern Chlidonias niger
A single bird was seen over the Kalloni salt-pans on the 4th May with a flock of nine there two days later.
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White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
At least three were seen flying over the Kalloni salt-pans on the 2nd May with a group of ten there the following day. Three were feeding over the Polichnitos salt-pans on the 8th.
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Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
A flock of nine were on the Kalloni salt-pans on the 3rd May with two there on the 6th. Eleven feeding over the swampy grasslands south of there on the 13th had increased to nineteen the next day and smaller groups were present until the end of the trip.
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Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
Just one sighting along one of the pinewood tracks north of Achlederi on the morning of the 16th May.
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Rock Dove Columbia livia
Two were seen flying over ‘Rabbit Island’ from a cliff-top near Anaxos on the 5th May. A flock of three were seen in flight near Sigri sanatorium on the 14th.
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Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Very common throughout, especially around habitations.
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Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
Very common around mature olive-groves, scrubby areas and woodlands of all types. Most often heard but also frequently seen perched on wires or flying around, especially in the evenings.
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Turtle Dove at Lower Potamia Valley |
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Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
Surprisingly few encounters. The first was heard calling by Metochi ‘inland’ lake on 3rd May. One or two around Agiossos on the 8th and a final bird heard near the north-east corner of the Kalloni salt-pans on the 10th May.
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Scops Owl Otus scops
Bizarrely, often heard calling around mid-day in various locations, including Agiossos on the 8th May and the Napi valley on a couple of subsequent dates. Two were calling around Achladeri on the evening of the 13th.
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Little Owl Athene noctua
Commonly seen perched on buildings, telegraph poles or even wires during the day in various places. Often seen around the Kalloni east river and other sites such as Ipsilou monastery and farm buildings on the road to Makara.
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Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus
One was churring from the open pine-covered hillsides north of Achladeri on the evening of the 13th May.
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Alpine Swift Apus melba
A pair was seen over Petra reservoir on the 5th May with up to six seen hawking over Rabbit Island later that day. The largest group involving at least 16 birds was seen at Makara on the 10th. Also seen in small groups at Faneromeni and in the Potamia valley.
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Pallid Swift Apus pallidus
One or two seen hawking along the middle reaches of the Potamia valley in the company of Common Swifts and hirundines on the afternoon of 4th May.
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Common Swift Apus apus
Very common throughout, encountered virtually everywhere.
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Bee-eater Merops apiaster
A common sight throughout the island. The largest flocks were 40+ around Metochi ‘inland’ lake with similar-sized gatherings seen around Faneromeni, Madaros ‘dead goat pit’ and high over the Napi valley.
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European Bee-eaters at Kalloni 'sheepfield' |
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European Roller Coracias garrulus
A total of four birds seen. The first was at Faneromeni on 4th May, perched on wires in the early morning but could not be relocated later. A tour around the north-west of the island on 11th May produced three further individuals, including two together perched in trees on a hillside north-east of Andissa.
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European Roller at Faneromeni on May 4th |
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Hoopoe Upupa epops
Heard more often than seen. Two or three were singing at the Platania ‘cattle grid’ site on the 3rd May. Most visits to there and the nearby Napi valley produced brief glimpses of flying birds. The best views were obtained near Cape Korakas on the 9th May where a bird was feeding on beetles alongside the main track, directly in front of the car.
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Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus medius
First seen at the top of the Napi valley on the 3rd of May with regular sightings of singles and pairs in that area on all subsequent visits. Also recorded from Platania, Achladeri and several suitable areas in the north-west of the island.
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Woodlark Lullula arborea
First heard singing around Ipsilou monastery on the 4th May and also nearby on subsequent visits. Birds seen in song-flight north of Andissa on the 11th and good views were obtained of a pair perched on the ground and carrying food north of Skalachori on the 14th.
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Crested Lark Galerida cristata
Extremely common everywhere in open habitats.
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Crested Lark - abundant in most open areas |
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Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
Regular around the Kalloni salt-pans, especially in the ‘sheep field’ where three were seen on the 3rd May. Often seen in song-flight there and in adjacent areas throughout our visit. One was seen feeding on the track between the salt-pans and the east river on the evening of the 6th, in the company of Crested Larks.
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Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Regularly seen throughout the island, often in mixed groups with other hirundines and swifts. A flock of ca. 20 were seen going to roost at Kalloni II pool on the evening of the 12th May.
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Crag Martin Ptynoprogne rupestris
First seen on the 4th May at Ispsilou monastery and along the Potamia valley where small groups of 3 or more were regularly encountered on subsequent visits. Also recorded in other suitably rocky areas, such as the ‘Grand Canyon’ between Andissa and Vatoussa.
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Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Common and widespread throughout. Pairs were even nesting in our hotel.
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Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
Locally common, with more than ten seen around Faneromeni on the 4th May. Smaller numbers seen in various locations, such as ‘Derbyshire’, Kalloni salt-pans, Petra reservoir, Alcoudi pool and the Potamia valley (where a couple of pairs were regularly present).
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House Martin Delichon urbica
Commonly seen around watercourses and habitations throughout.
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
Nine were seen feeding around the wetter areas of the ‘sheep field’ adjacent to the Kalloni salt-pans on the 3rd May. More birds were located along the Juncus-fringed pools bordering the track that runs from the north-east corner of the salt pans on several dates thereafter, with more than a dozen there on the 5th. Also seen in smaller numbers in other areas of the Kalloni wetlands and around the Polichnitos salt-pans on the 8th.
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Red-throated Pipit at Kalloni salt-pans |
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Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
The first was seen on the track between Sigri and Meladia on the 7th May with a further 2 seen on the same day near the ‘steep-sided area’ north of Eressos. A final bird seen near Sigri sanatorium on the 14th.
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Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
A localised resident. At least three were seen around the river bridge ‘crash barrier’ site, north of Agiossos, on the 8th May.
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White Wagtail Motacilla alba
A male was seen around the Polichnitos salt-pans on the 8th May and again on the 13th. Another male was seen on the Kalloni salt-pans on the 11th.
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
An excellent showing, involving at least three individuals. The first was located by the Juncus-fringed pools that border the north-eastern edge of the Kalloni salt-pans on the evening of the 4th May – a male bird of the werae race (SE Russia / SW Siberia). The same bird was observed in the same area on the morning of the 6th May plus another male of the citreola race (N Russia / NW Siberia) near the south-western edge of the salt-pans. A female was nearby on 10th May and a final bird was seen in the swampy grassland south of the salt-works entrance on the 16th – another (or possibly the same) male of the citreola race.
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Citrine Wagtails - male ssp. warae (left) and female (right) |
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Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
By far the most common Wagtail species with many of the different subspecies represented. The locally-breeding Balkan feldegg race (‘Black-headed’ Wagtail) was joined by the nominate flava (‘Blue-headed’ Wagtail) as the most commonly seen forms. Examples of the SE Russian supercilliaris type were seen on at least two occasions as well as the ‘Grey-headed’ (thunbergi) and ‘Ashy-headed’ (cinereocapilla) forms. One example which closely resembled the British (flavissima) subspecies was noted on the 8th May in the Kalloni salt-pan channel. The largest group was encountered in a freshly-cut meadow at Faneromeni, where over 100 birds of various races were present in just one field on the 12th May.
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Male Black-headed Wagtail at Kalloni Wetlands |
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Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Commonly heard singing in the wooded upland areas in the East of the island. The first was heard between Petra Reservoir and Sikimnea on the 5th May. One was seen north of Agiossos and many more heard around that area on the 8th. Generally a bit more secretive and harder to see than ‘our’ wrens.
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Robin Erythacus rubecula
At least two were singing in the woodlands above Agiossos on the 8th May.
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Rufous Bush Robin Cercotrichas galactotes
The first was seen near the ‘beach cafe’ south of the Kalloni salt pans on the 3rd of May and a couple of dates, thereafter. Also seen in a number of other locations, such as Madaros (below the ‘dead goat pit’) and Faneromeni, where at least two were present on the 12th.
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Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
Very common in suitably lush habitats throughout, even at reasonably high altitudes, such as the woodlands above Agiossos. Regularly heard singing in Skala Kalloni, even in the hotel grounds.
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Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
Regularly seen singly or in small groups throughout. More than twenty were seen on a tour of the north-west of the island on the 11th May. Other favoured areas included the Kalloni salt-pans, Faneromeni and between Sigri and Meladia.
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Rufous Bush Robin at Madaros (left) and Whinchat - a common migrant |
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Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Reasonable numbers seen in several areas. A pair present around the Kalloni ‘bandstand’ raptor watchpoint on the 5th May was seen with four fledged young on the 15th. Also seen in various other parts, such as around Meladia ford and between Sigri and Ipsilou.
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Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina
Regularly seen around Ipsilou monastery from the 4th May, with up to eight seen between there and the Eressos road junction. The male’s distinctive song-flight was witnessed on a number of occasions.
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Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica
The most common Wheatear species, seen every day in suitable habitat throughout the island.
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Isabelline Wheatear at Ipsilou Monastery (left) and Black-eared Wheatear |
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Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
The first (a female) was seen below Ipsilou monastery on the 4th May. Two males were seen just south of Sigri on the 7th and also on later visits. Also seen between Ipsilou and Sigri, perched on posts by the roadside.
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
A pair seen on territory below the ‘amphitheatre’ site between Petra and Molyvos on the 5th May and still present there on the 9th. Also seen in the Potamia valley and the ‘Grand Canyon’ between Andissa and Vatoussa.
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Male Blue Rock Thrush near Petra |
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Blackbird Turdus merula
Very common throughout.
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
At least two were singing in the woodlands above Agiossos on the 8th May.
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River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis
Its curious, insect-like ‘shuttling’ song was heard in the lower Potamia valley on the 9th May. Another was singing at Faneromeni on the 12th.
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Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti
Common. Heard and seen around most wetlands.
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Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Seen and heard in most wetland areas. First encountered around Metochi ‘inland’ lake with at least three present there on the 3rd May. Also encountered in seemingly quite dry bushy areas on a couple of occasions. Other favoured locations included the Faneromeni and Meladia fords.
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Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
First seen around Metochi ‘inland lake’ on the 3rd May. Seen regularly in most wetland areas thereafter, including next to the Aegeon Hotel grounds in a small reed-filled ditch.
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Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris
The first was heard singing in the Potamia valley on the 12th May with another further upstream on the 15th. Three were singing at Faneromeni (1 seen) and a further three (2 seen) at Meladia ford on the 12th May.
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Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus shoenobaenus
First seen around Metochi ‘inland’ lake on the 3rd May and on subsequent visits there. Also seen around Meladia ford on the 7th.
Olive Tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum
A good showing. After only hearing one in the Napi valley on the 3rd May, it was good to see one well there on the 6th. Three seen on a tour of the north-west of the island on the 11th. Also recorded near Cape Korakas, the Potamia valley and Platania.
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Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida
Probably the most common warbler species, seen throughout in suitable habitats, especially near watercourses.
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Eastern Olivaceous Warbler |
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Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina
Reasonable numbers seen, especially in the west of the island. At least seven seen on the walk up from the road to the top of Ipsilou monastery on the 4th May. Also seen at Faneromeni, Meladia ford, the Potamia and Napi valleys.
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Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans
Very common in scrubby habitats throughout. The most numerous and widespread Sylvia.
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Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
Just one seen, at Ipsilou monastery on the 4th May.
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Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca
One was at the Platania ‘cattle grid’ site on the 3rd and another at Ipsilou on the 4th May.
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Whitethroat Sylvia communis
The first was seen at the ‘amphitheatre’ site between Petra and Molyvos on the 5th May. At least six between Sigri and Meladia ford on the 7th May, three seen on a tour of the north-west of the island on the 11th and a final bird was at Vatera on the 13th.
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Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
First encountered at the Platania ‘cattle grid’ site on the 3rd May, with several seen around Ipsilou monastery the next day. Further birds located in several locations thereafter, such as Faneromeni and Meladia.
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Ipsilou Monastery - impressive falls of migrant passerines |
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Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala
The first was a male seen on territory in the north-west of the island on the 11th May. Three further males and one female seen around Vatera on the 13th.
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Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis
The first was seen around the Madaros ‘dead goat pit’ on the 3rd May. Regularly encountered in the Napi and Potamia valleys. Also recorded at Faneromeni, Meladia ford and around the north-west of the island.
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Rüppell’s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli
At least three males seen at the ‘amphitheatre’ site between Petra and Molyvos on the 5th May and two seen there on the 9th. One seen near the Madaros ‘dead goat pit’ on the morning of the 14th.
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Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
Dozens were in the trees around Ipsilou monastery on the 4th May. Also seen in smaller numbers around Faneromeni on several dates. One seen at Meladia ford on the 7th.
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Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
One heard singing in the woodlands above Agiossos on the 8th May.
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Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
One heard at Madaros below the ‘dead goat pit’ on the 3rd, one singing below Ipsilou monastery on the 4th and another at Meladia ford on the 7th.
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Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Abundant, especially in the west of the island. More than 50 in the trees around Ipsilou monastery on the 4th May. Further concentrations encountered around Faneromeni, Sigri and Meladia ford. Also seen in areas further east, such as around the Potamia valley and Metochi ‘inland’ lake.
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Spotted Flycatcher - abundant passage migrant |
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Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
A male and a female were in the trees below Ipsilou monastery on the 4th May. Similarly, one of each sex was at Meladia ford on the 7th May and at Faneromeni on the same date.
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Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis
A female was at Faneromeni on the 4th May with the same (or another) there on the 7th. A full adult male was at Ipsilou monastery on the 4th and another female was seen between Sigri and Meladia on the 7th.
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Sombre Tit Parus lugubris
A pair was seen in the Napi valley on the 3rd May. Regularly encountered thereafter in suitable areas, such as Ipsilou monastery, Achladeri, Meladia ford and around Sikimnea.
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Blue Tit Cyanistes caerulus
Common. Seen frequently in many locations.
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Great Tit Parus major
Common and widespread, seen all over the island.
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Krüper's Nuthatch Sitta krueperi
This island ‘speciality’ was easily seen around their nesting site at Achladeri. Three adults were present there on the 5th May with one or two seen on most subsequent visits.
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Krüper's Nuthatch at Achladeri Pinewoods |
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(Western) Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumeyer
First seen in the upper Napi valley on the 3rd May. Common and seen regularly in most rocky areas of the island on subsequent dates.
(Eurasian) Nuthatch Sitta europaea
A pair was seen entering a nest-hole in an old olive tree, just north of Andissa on the 11th May.
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Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla
The first was at Achladeri on the 5th May with at least four seen there on the 13th. Also seen in other suitable woodland areas, such as one above Agiossos on the 8th. Several birds heard singing.
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Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
Appeared to be the most numerous Shrike species during our visit. The first was a male seen at Madaros (below the ‘dead-goat pit’) on 3rd May. Seen every day thereafter, often in considerable concentrations. A ‘Shrike-count’ on a tour of the north-west of the island on the 11th May produced a total of 65 individuals (20 females, 45 males). Often encountered around the Kalloni salt pans but noticeably more common further west with reasonable numbers present around the Meladia and Faneromeni fords. Six were present in the immediate vicinity of the old sanatorium near Sigri on 14th May. The overall apparent ratio of 2: 1 males: females could just be an artefact of the males being easier to spot. Many of the birds seen were probably on passage.
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Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor
The first was at Faneromeni on the 4th with up to eight present around that location on later dates. Eleven individuals counted on the 11th May on a tour of the north-west of the island. Also seen around the Kalloni salt-pans from the 6th with one or two present on several dates thereafter. One seen north of Eressos on the 4th May and two between Sigri and Meladia ford on the 12th. Most often seen perched on wires and low bushes in lowland habitats.
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Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
Probably the most widespread Shrike, although quite thinly spread over most lowland and hillside areas throughout the island. The highest concentrations were around Faneromeni, with at least eight birds present there on 4th May. No major ‘falls’ experienced and many of the birds encountered were likely to be local breeders.
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Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus
Fairly common in olive groves and open woodlands, including the pinewoods at Achladeri. First encountered in the Napi valley and at the Platania ‘cattle-grid’ site on the 3rd May. On later dates observed, amongst other places, along the Potamia valley, Sigri, Cape Korakas, near Molyvos, Vatera and Polichnitos.
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The four species of Shrike frequently encountered on Lesvos |
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Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
Witnessing heavy passage of these beautiful birds through the west of the island was one of the highlights of the trip, especially around Faneromeni on 4th May where more than 35 were seen during the morning. This included a flock of 17 birds flying inland but more often small groups of twos or threes perched in the tops of trees and bushes. One was even seen perched openly on a rock. The whole place seemed alive with their distinctive fluty calls. Also recorded from the Napi valley, Platania (where 5 were present on the 3rd May), near Skiamoudi, Meladia ford and Ipsilou monastery. Unusual behaviour was seen on 11th May when a female/first summer bird was seen to fly from a tree onto the ground in the middle of a field! It did this a number of times – presumably to pick up insect food.
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Golden Oriole - spectacular 'falls' experienced |
Jay Garrulus glandarius
Regularly encountered throughout the island. Birds are of the middle-eastern race (atricapillus) with a black cap. Seen around the hotel grounds on several occasions.
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Jackdaw Corvus monedula
Flocks seen in several locations, including Makara, and around Sigri. The largest flock, containing around 100 birds, was at Rabbit Island on the 5th May.
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Raven Corvus corax
More than thirty seen at the Madaros ‘dead goat pit’ on the 3rd of May. Seen regularly in various locations, thereafter, such as the Potamia and Napi valleys.
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Hooded Crow Corvus cornix
Very common all over the island.
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Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
Regularly encountered, often in quite large flocks. More than 150 were near Faneromeni beach on the 4th May with a similar-sized flock seen south of Sigri, near the sanatorium on a couple of later dates. Often seen in smaller groups around the Kalloni wetlands.
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House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Very common, especially around habitations. Often seen in the grounds of our hotel.
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Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia
Three birds seen below Ipsilou monastery on the 4th May with a pair apparently nesting in an old Rock Nuthatch nest. Heard calling from the roadside north of Eressos on the 7th and one seen perched on wires in the ‘Grand Canyon’ between Andissa and Vatoussa on the 12th.
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Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
Very common in all kinds of wooded habitats throughout.
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Serin Serinus serinus
First seen around the Achladeri pinewoods on the 5th May and on subsequent visits. Regularly heard and seen thereafter in the pinewoods between Achladeri, Agiossos and Polichnitos. A male and two females gave good views when coming to drink in a stream north of Agiossos on the 8th.
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Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
Fairly common and seen in various areas, including the grounds of the hotel.
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Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
Regularly encountered throughout the island.
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Linnet Carduelis cannabina
First seen around Faneromeni beach on the 4th May. Seen in several other locations thereafter, particularly in the north and west of the island.
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Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea
This island ‘speciality’ was seen below Ipsilou monastery, with a singing male there on the 4th May. Two singing males were seen around there on the 7th.
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Cinereous Bunting at Ipsilou Monastery |
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Cretzchmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia
Very common in many areas of the island. The first was seen in the Napi valley on the 3rd May. Generally most numerous in areas north and west of Kalloni.
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Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus
Very common, especially on bushy hillsides. The first was seen in the upper stretches of Kalloni east river on the 3rd May. Seen every day in suitable habitats thereafter.
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Male Cirl Bunting at Kalloni ‘Bandstand’ |
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Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala
Very common all over Lesvos. Seen every day in considerable numbers, often perched openly singing on wires.
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Male Black-headed Bunting at Faneromeni |
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Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra
Abundant virtually everywhere on the island.
Mammals, Herptiles and Insects Species List:
The following is a selection of the other wildlife seen during the visit:
A few mammals were seen, including Red Foxes, Persian Squirrels and Pipistrelles, amongst other Bat species. Two Dolphins were seen in Kalloni bay on the morning of the 16th May.
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Balkan Green Lizard |
Reptiles were common, including the obvious large Agama Lizards, Balkan Green Lizards and the snake-like Glass Lizard. The smaller Snake-eyed Lizard was also common. Only a single Spur-thighed Tortoise was seen but both European Pond Terrapins and Stripe-necked Terrapins were commonly seen. Various Snakes were seen, some quite large – up to ca. 2 metres in length. Amphibians included Greek Marsh Frogs and Green Toads.
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Agama Lizard
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Terrapins | |
Butterflies included Cleopatras, Eastern Festoons, Scarce Swallowtails, Orange Tips, Painted Lady, Bath Whites and Clouded Yellows.
Orthoptera included one very strange-looking Mole Cricket and many large Egyptian Locusts.
Several Dung Beetles were also seen.
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Egyptian Locust
Bibliography
1. Birding on the Greek Island of Lesvos, Richard Brooks, Brookside Publishing, 1998.
2. Bird Guide, K. Mullarney, L. Svensson, D. Zetterström, P. Grant, HarperCollins, 1999.
3. Lesvos Map (1 : 70,000), Road Editions 212.
David R. E. Walker - May 29th 2009
Lesvos's speciality - Krüper’s Nuthatch |
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