Lesvos, Greece (with a day trip to Turkey) July 2007

This was a two week trip in summer to try and see some of the breeding birds. They were all found, although several were rather difficult - only one Olive-tree Warbler (in Greece) and only two brief views of Cinerous Bunting, which had either vacated the hills or was elusive up there. One other visitor who had arrived just a little earlier had more luck with some of the breeders, but was also more adventurous in going up rough tracks, and was using tapes. By the end of the trip, wader passage was clearly getting under way and it was a little frustrating to be leaving just a is it was clear that new birds were arriving. One bonus was the chance to tick off a new country and day-trip Turkey - given that it was done on a tourist bus this was surprisingly successful.

The trip was a standard tourist package booked on the internet (Thomas Cook - I think - but flying with First Choice). We stayed in self-catering accommodation in Anaxos, which was nice and quite but with enough choice in places to eat. A car was booked over the Internet. As is often the case, the car was not what was ordered, but the Fiat Panda had air-con and enough power for the hills and was perfectly adequate for the job. It was very hot - even the locals were complaining -  and the day in Turkey was a hot a day as I have experienced (China and Panama in summer included).

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea

One at Kalloni Saltpans on 16/07/2007 and 6 at Anaxos on 20/07/2007, flying SW just inland from the coast.

 

Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Regular at Kalloni Saltpans from 13/07/2007 to 25/07/2007, a few on most visits but 10 on 15th and 11 on 25th. 8 at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007.

 

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

6 at the Kalloni Inland Lake along the Christou River on 19/07/2007.

 

Garganey Anas querquedula

One at Petra Reservoir on 21/07/2007.

 

Chukar Alectoris chukar

One in fields behind the beach at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007.

 

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Up to 9 at Petra Reservoir from 13/07/2007 to 23/07/2007, maximum on 16th. 2 adults and 2 near full-grown juveniles on pool south of village of Klio on 14/07/2007 and 17/07/2007. Heard calling at Mikri Limni on 18/07/2007,despite an apparent lack of water. At least 3 adults and 4 juvs of two different ages, plus 3 very small chicks, on the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river on 19/07/2007 and 25/07/2007.

 

Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea  

between Lesvos and Turkey

12 on sea in calm weather about 30 mins from Mytilini and another 2 about halfway across from the Mytilini to Ayvalik ferry plus 3 in near Mytilini on the way back on 24/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: one about 10 mins out from the Ayvalik islands from the Mytilini to Ayvalik ferry on 24/07/2007.

 

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Usually 3-6 at Kalloni Saltpans from 15/07/2007to 25/07/2007 but 7 on 25th. One at Petra Reservoir on 16/07/2007.

 

Eurasian Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Up to 12 on islands offshore from Anaxos from 12/07/2007 to 21/07/2007, maximum on 16th (but none in last few days of stay). One off Petra cliffs on 17/07/2007. One at Sigri on 20/07/2007. 16 from boat between Efthalou and Skala Sykaminias and one at Mythimna on 22/07/2007.  2 at the mouth of the Tsiknias (East) River at Kalloni on 23/07/2007. A first-summer at Mytilini and 9 about 30 mins out from Mytilini from the Mytilini to Ayvalik ferry on 24/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: 12 around Ayvalik harbour on 24/07/2007.

 

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

One along the Tsiknias  (East) River, Kalloni, on 13/07/2007, 2 there on 19th and 5 on 23rd. Regular at Petra Reservoir from 14/07/2007 to 23/07/2007, maximum 6 on 17th but 5 on several other visits. None at Kalloni Saltpans until 16/07/2007 but then regular until 25/07/2007, usually just 1-2 but 9 on 23rd and 7 on 25th. One on the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river on 19/07/2007 and 23/07/2007.

 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Regular at Kalloni Saltpans from 13/07/2007 to 25/07/2007, maximum 14 on 23rd. One flying over the Tsiknias (East) river, Kalloni, on 16/07/2007. One on the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river and 2 at the Tsiknias  (West) river mouth on 19/07/2007. 7 at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007 but only 5 there on 25th.

 

Black-crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax

An adult at the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, on 23/07/2007 and 3, an adult and 2 juvs, at the Inland Lake on 25/07/2007.

 

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus

A male at the Kalloni Inland Lake along the Christou River from 19/07/2007 to 25/07/2007.

 

Black Stork Ciconia nigra

Fairly regular at Kalloni Saltpans from 15/07/2007 to 25/07/2007, maximum 5 on 21st. 2 flying over south of the village of Achladeri on 16/07/2007. One at the Kalloni Inland Lake along the Christou River on 23/07/2007 and 25/07/2007.  Also seen in Turkey: 7 soaring above Pergamum acropolis at Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

White Stork Ciconia ciconia

Klio

Up to 2 adults and 2 juvs sitting on a nest on a chimney in Kalloni from 12/07/2007 to 24/07/2007 (nest was empty on 25th). One on small pool south of town of Klio on 14/07/2007,  One in the Potamia Valley on 19/07/2007. One on the Tsiknias  (East) river at Kalloni on 23/07/2007.

 

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus

Hundreds on every visit to Kalloni Saltpans from 12/07/2007 to 26/07/2007 with 720 on 16th and 725 on 22nd. 68 at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007 and 74 on 25/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: 6 on saltpans south of Ayvalik on 24/07/2007.

 

European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus

One flying south over Petra cliffs on 17/07/2007. One flying low through trees just north of Mikri Limni on 18/07/2007 and one flushed from the ground on the edge of the trees at Mikri Limni on 21/07/2007.

 

Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus

Kalloni

One flying over the Tsiknias  (East) river at Kalloni on 13/07/2007 and 16/07/2007. One hunting at the monastery at Ypsilou on 15/07/2007. One over crag south of the village of Achladeri on 16/07/2007 and 21/07/2007.  One flying over Petra Reservoir on 16/07/2007 and 17/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: 1 over a hillside west of Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

Levant Sparrowhawk Accipter brevipes

A male over Petri, near Petra, on the evening of 23/07/2007.

 

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipter nisus

A female flew over Anaxos on the evening of 12/07/2007.

 

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

One in the Napi Valley on 14/07/2007. One at Mikri Limni on 18/07/2007 and 2 there on 21/07/2007. One at Agiassos on 18/07/2007. One along the Tsiknias (East) river at Kalloni on 25/07/2007.

 

Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus

One west of the village of Argenos on 17/07/2007. A juvenile flying over the Inland Lake along Christou (west) river, Kalloni on 25/07/2007.

 

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni

A male flying over the harbour at Sigri and a female at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007.

 

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

A female at Petra Reservoir and possibly the same bird at Efthalou on 17/07/2007.

 

Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae

An adult pale phase flying west along cliffs from a boat at Cape Korakas on 22/07/2007.

 

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

An adult male flying over the Tsiknias  (East) river, Kalloni, on 13/07/2007 and an adult male on cliffs south of Sigri on 20/07/2007.

 

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

2 adults and up to 4 juveniles of 2 different ages at the Kalloni Inland Lake along the Christou River on 19/07/2007.

 

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

 

Kalloni saltpans

Initially fewer than 20, inc. 2-3 families, at Kalloni Saltpans from 12/07/2007, but then up to 37 during 18th-23rd and 76 on 25/07/2007. 30, including at least 2 families, at Polichnotis Saltpans on 21/07/2007 and 16 on 25/07/2007.

 

Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

 

Kalloni saltpans

Regular at Kalloni saltpans from 13/07/2007 to 26/07/2007, maxima 570 on 21st and 540 on 25th. One at Petra Reservoir on 14/07/2007 and 17/07/2007, 17 on both dates at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007 and 25/07/2007.

 

Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

6 in fields around saltpans Kalloni Saltpans on 23/07/2007 and 2 on 25/07/2007.

 

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Regular at Petra Reservoir from 13/07/2007 to 23/07/2007, maximum 7 on 21st. Usually fewer than 8 at Kalloni Saltpans from 13/07/2007 to 25/07/2007, but a roost found in field to west in last few days with 26 there on 23rd. Regular at Tsiknias (East) river ford at Kalloni from 13/07/2007 to 25/07/2007, maximum 9 on 25th. 2 almost fledged juvs on pool behind beach at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007. 3 at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007. 3 Up to 8 on the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, from 18/07/2007 to 25/07/2007 – on the first and last dates these included one with colour-rings which was an adult female which had been ringed on 29/05/2007 at the Schwalbeninsel at the Danube east of Vienna (48°07´, 16°52´); it lost its nest a few days after ringing because of a flood and was not seen again.

 

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus

Small numbers at Kalloni Saltpans from 13/07/2007 to 25/07/2007, max. 6 inc. one family of 2 unfledged juvs. 16 at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007 but only 5 there on 25th.

 

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

One at the Kalloni Inland Lake along the Christou River on 19/07/2007.

 

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata

One on the south side of the Kalloni Saltpans, between saltpans and beach, on 16/07/2007.

 

Common Redshank Tringa totanus

Just 1-2 on first 2 visits to Kalloni Saltpans from 13/07/2007 to 25/07/2007, but 35 on 16th, up to 25 regularly thereafter and 51 on 23rd. 38 at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007 and 21 there on 25/07/2007.

 

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

One at Petra Reservoir on 14/07/2007. One at Kalloni Saltpans on 15/07/2007, 6 there on 16/07/2007, one on 18/07/2007 and on 23/07/2007. 7 at  Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007 and 4 on 25/07/2007.  

 

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

2 at Petra Reservoir on 14/07/2007 and 4 on 19/07/2007. 4 on the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, on 19/07/2007 and 23/07/2007 and 2 on 25/07/2007. One at  Kalloni Saltpans on 19/07/2007.

 

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Kalloni saltpans

One on the Tsiknias  (East) river, Kalloni, from 13/07/2006 to 23/07/2007. 2 on the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, on 19/07/2007, one there on 23/07/2007 and 2 on 25/07/2007. 2 at Petra Reservoir on 21/07/2007. One at Kalloni Saltpans on 25/07/2007.

 

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Kalloni saltpans

One at Kalloni Saltpans on 13/07/2007, 1-3 on subsequent visits and then 5 on 23/07/2007and 25/07/2007. 3 on the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, on 19/07/2007, one on 23/07/2007 and 2 on 25/07/2007. 2 at Polichnitos Saltpans on both 21/07/2007 and 25/07/2007. One at Skamnioudi and one at Skala Vasilikon on 21/07/2007. 2 along the Tsiknias (East) river, Kalloni, on 23/07/2007. One at Petra Reservoir on 23/07/2007.

 

Little Stint Calidris minuta

5 adults at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007 and 18 adults on 25/07/2007. 7 at Kalloni Saltpans on 23/07/2007 and 4 on 25/07/2007.

 

Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii

One at Petra Reservoir on 14/07/2007. One on the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, on 19/07/2007.

 

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

2 adults at Polichnitos Saltpans on 25/07/2007.

 

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

A female at Polichnitos Saltpans on 25/07/2007.

 

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis

Several hundred offshore on islands off Anaxos daily from 12/07/2007 to 26/07/2007. Up to 500 at Petra Reservoir on each visit from 13/07/2007 to 23/07/2007. Up to 150 at Kalloni Saltpans from 13/07/2007 to 25/07/2007. 200 at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007. Also seen elsewhere. Also seen in Turkey: common around Ayvalik harbour on 24/07/2007.

 

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Only small numbers at Kalloni Saltpans from 13/07/2007 to 25/07/2007 until 70 on 16th, c. 50 regularly thereafter and 66 on 25th. 7 at Petra Reservoir on 16/07/2007 but none on any other dates. 26 on the Tsiknias  (East) river mouth at Kalloni on 19/07/2007. One at Faneromeni on 20/07/2007. 16 at Polichnitos Saltpans on both 21/07/2007and 25/07/2007.

 

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus

Ayvalik, Turkey

12 adults at Polichnitos Saltpans on both 21/07/2007 and 25/07/2007. 5 adults at Skamnioudi on 21/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: many in the morning but 82 roosting on island in Ayvalik harbour in the afternoon on 24/07/2007.

 

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis

An adult carrying food in for a juvenile at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007 and 3 adults and the juvenile there on 25/07/2007. 4 adults at the mouth of the Tsiknias  (East) river on 23/07/2007.

 

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

2 at Kalloni Saltpans on 13/07/2007 and one on 23/07/2007. One at Petra on 19/07/2007. 27 adults at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007 and 45 there on 25/07/2007. 2 in harbour at Mytilini on 24/07/2007. 4 at Skala Kalloni on 25/07/2007.  Also seen in Turkey: 25 in Ayvalik harbour on 24/07/2007.

 

Little Tern Sternula albifrons

Breeding on a small island at Kalloni Saltpans and seen from 13/07/2007 to 25/07/2007, usually only about 10-12 but a maximum of 30 on 19th and 23rd. 55 adults at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007 and 26 there on 25/07/2007.

 

White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus

A moulting adult at Kalloni Saltpans on 16/07/2007.

 

Rock Dove Columba livia

2 flying over Anaxos on 12/07/2007 and 4 flying over on 16/07/2007. 75 in stubble at Faneromeni on 20/07/2007 (as pure as a Shetland flock (!)). 17 on cliffs north of Mythimna on 22/07/2007. Feral Pigeons were seen in Mytilini, Kalloni and in some agricultural areas. Also seen in Turkey: 3 flying over Ayvalik harbour on 24/07/2007.

 

Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus

2 at Achladeri on 13/07/2007 and one at Mikri Limni on 18/07/2007.

 

European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur

Up to 12 daily at Anaxos from 12/07/2007 to 26/07/2007. 3 at Achladeri on 13/07/2007. Up to 4 on most visits to Petra Reservoir from 14/07/2007 to 23/07/2007. 2 along the Tsiknias  (East) river, Kalloni, on 16/07/2007. 2 along a valley east of Argenos on 17/07/2007. Up to 4 around the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, from 21/07/2007 to 25/07/2007. 2 west of Skalachouri on 20/07/2007.

 

Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Common and widespread, even in some places away from habitation e.g. Mikri Limni. Also seen in Turkey: common in Ayvalik and Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

Little Owl Athene noctua

One at Petra Reservoir on 17/07/2007, on house along road below reservoir.

 

Alpine Swift Apus melba

2 over hills south of Lafionas on 15/07/2007. One at Anaxos on 16/07/2007. One at Petra Reservoir and 3 at Petra cliffs on 17/07/2007. 50 wheeling around the islands offshore from Anaxos at dusk on 18/07/2007, but not on other nights. 2 at Agiassos on 18/07/2007. One west of Skalachouri and 2 at Sigri on 20/07/2007.

 

Common Swift Apus apus

A few parties of 1-4 at Anaxos, Ypsilou, Achladeri, Petra Reservoir, Agiassos, Skalachouri and Kalloni from 12/07/2007 to 23/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: one flying over Pergamum acropolis at Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster

Kalloni

20 along the Tsiknias  (East) river, Kalloni, on 13/07/2007. Up to 12 at Kalloni Saltpans on each visit from 13/07/2007 to 25/07/2007. Up to 14 on most visits to Petra Reservoir from 14/07/2007 to 23/07/2007 but 120, apparently going to roost, on 21st. 2 at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007. 4 in the Potamia Valley on 19/07/2007. 4 by the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, on 23/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: one between Ayvalik and Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops

One near the mouth of the Tsiknias  (East) River Kalloni, and one flying over track through the woods at Achladeri on 13/07/2007. One at Petra Reservoir on 17/07/2007. 2 at Ypsilou on 20/07/2007, on the road up to the monastery. 2 flying along the road west of Skalachouri on 20/07/2007. 3 flying along coast at Skamnioudi on 21/07/2007. One south of Mythimna on 22/07/2007. 3 around the Inland lake along the Christiou (West) River, Kalloni, on 23/07/2007.

 

Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius

1-2 seen most days and heard in wooded areas throughout the island from 12/07/2007 to 25/07/2007.

 

Crested Lark Galerida cristata

Kalloni

Common and widespread in open habitats.

 

Wood Lark Lullula arborea

One heard singing below the masts at the head of the Napi Valley on 14/07/2007. One heard singing below the monastery at Ypsilou on 15/07/2007 and 20/07/2007.

 

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Common everywhere. Also seen in Turkey: common everywhere between Ayvalik and Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris

4 flying around the monastery at Ypsilou on 20/07/2007.

 

House Martin Delichon urbicum

Common, but scarcer than Swallow: maximum 60 at Petra Reservoir on 21/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: a few at the Pergamum acropolis, Bergama, on 24/07/2007.

 

Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica

Up to 8 daily at Anaxos from 12/07/2007 to 26/07/2007 6 at Skala Sykaminias on 14/07/2007. Up to at Petra Reservoir from 14/07/2007 to 23/07/2007. 10 at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007. 4 along valley east of Argenos on 17/07/2007. 4 in the Potamia Valley on 19/07/2007. 2 west of Skalachouri on 20/07/2007 2 at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007. 2 at the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, on 25/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: one at the Pergamum acropolis, Bergama, on 24/07/2007.

 

White Wagtail Motacilla alba

An adult and up to 3 juveniles on most visits to Petra Reservoir from 13/07/2007 to 23/07/2007. An adult seen 3 times flying out to the islands off Anaxos and carrying food, between 17/07/2007 and 21/07/2007. 2 juveniles at Polichnitos Saltpans on 21/07/2007.

 

Black-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava

A male at the Tsiknias (East) river ford, Kalloni, on 13/07/2007 and 4 juveniles there on 16/07/2007. A juvenile in the Potamia Valley on 19/07/2007. A juvenile at Faneromeni on 20/07/2007.  A male and female at the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, on 23/07/2007 and a female there on 25/07/2007.

 

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

2 in Sweet Chestnut woodland above Agiassos on 18/07/2007.

 

Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula

Common in all areas with enough cover.

 

Blue Rock-thrush Monticola solitarius

An adult and a juvenile on Petra cliffs on 14/07/2007.

 

Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos

A juvenile along a dry river bed at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007. One along the Potamia Valley on 19/07/2007.

 

Rufous Bush-chat Cercotrichas galactotes

One between Tsiknias  (East) river and the saltpans at Kalloni on 13/07/2007. One at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007. One on south side of  Kalloni Saltpans, beyond saltworks, on 16/07/2007. One across the road from the hide at Kalloni Saltpans on 23/07/2007.  

 

Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

A male at Parakila Marsh on 15/07/2007. Two juveniles at Mikri Limni on 21/07/2007. A female at west end of beach at Anaxos on 21/07/2007.

 

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

A male on plateau just above Sigri on 15/07/2007 and 3 in a cut field at Faneromeni on 20/07/2007.

 

Eastern Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica

Petrified Forest

Common in open areas throughout. Also seen in Turkey: 6 at the Pergamum acropolis, Bergama, on 24/07/2007.

 

Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina

One along road to the west of Andisa on 15/07/2007. 2 in fields west of Kalloni Saltpans on 23/07/2007 and 25/07/2007.

 

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

2 adults feeding 2 juveniles just north of the camping site at Achladeri on 13/07/2007.

 

Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti

3 at the Kalloni Inland Lake along the Christou River on 19/07/2007.

 

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida

A few around Kalloni, Faneromeni, Kalloni Saltpans, Petra Reservoir and Anaxos, some still carrying food.

 

Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum

One in the valley east of the Napi Valley on 14/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: one just west of  Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

Eastern Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis

One in Sweet Chestnuts in valley west of Argenos on 17/07/2007. One in oak woodland west of Skalachouri on 20/07/2007.

 

 Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis

Faneromeni

2 at Anaxos on 12/07/2007 and 14/07/2007. 2 at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007. One west of Skalachouri on 20/07/2007.

 

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis

A female along a dry river bed at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007.

 

Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans

Common in all areas with some cover.

 

Ruppell's Warbler Sylvia rueppelli

Male and female at Petra cliffs on 17/07/2007.

 

Sombre Tit Poecile lugubris

Ypsilou monastery

5 in and around the Napi Valley on 14/07/2007. One near Ypsilou monastery on 15/07/2007 and 5 there on 20/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: one just west of  Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

Great Tit Parus major

Common in all areas with enough cover.

 

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

Common in all areas with enough cover.

 

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

10 with flock of Blue and Great Tits at Achladeri on 16/07/2007.

 

Western Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer

2 at the head of the Napi Valley on 14/07/2007. 5 around Ypsilou on 15/07/2007, One at Petra Reservoir on 17/07/2007. 2 by the reservoir in the Potamia Valley on 19/07/2007. 2 in oaks west of Skalachouri on 20/07/2007. 9 around Ypsilou and 2 at the Petrified Forest on 20/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: 2 at the Pergamum acropolis, Bergama, on 24/07/2007.

 

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea

One in oak woodland west of Skalachouri on 20/07/2007; in the same tree as Western Rock Nuthatch at times.

 

Kruper's Nuthatch Sitta krueperi

Male and female at Achladeri on 16/07/2007.

 

Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla

3 with flock of Blue and Great Tits at Achladeri on 16/07/2007.

 

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator

Only odd birds around Kalloni but widespread over the island, even in barren areas such as the Petrified Forest. Also seen in Turkey: one just west of  Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus

5 in the Napi Valley on 14/07/2007. 2 at Achladeri on 16/07/2007. A juvenile at Mikri Limni on 18/07/2007. A juvenile in the Potamia Valley and a juvenile by the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, on 19/07/2007. A family of 4 west of Skalachouri and a juvenile at Faneromeni on 20/07/2007. A juvenile west of the Kalloni Saltpans on 23/07/2007. A female along the Tsiknias (East) river, Kalloni, on 23/07/2007. A female at Anaxos, on 24/07/2007.

 

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius

Widespread over the island, anywhere with even a little cover.

 

Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Heard from Anaxos on 16/07/2007. 20 around a dump at Petri on 23/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: 10 in Ayvalik on 24/07/2007.

 

Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

Common, with a regular passage to roost at Petra reservoir in evening.

 

Common Raven Corvus corax

3 at the top of the Napi Valley on 14/07/2007. One at Ypsilou on 20/07/2007.

 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Common in towns and in open areas even, e.g. around Ypsilou. Also seen in Turkey: common in Bergama but only one in Ayvalik on 24/07/2007.

 

Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia

At least one in Vergias valley north of Eresos on 15/07/2007.

 

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Widespread  in wooded areas but nowhere common.

 

European Serin Serinus serinus

Inland Lake, Kalloni

4 at Achladeri on 16/07/2007. A male in song at Agiassos on 18/07/2007. 2 juveniles in the Potamia Valley on 19/07/2007. 2 juveniles at the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, on 23/07/2007.

 

European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

A male at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007 but only a few others seen, mainly around Kalloni. Also seen in Turkey: one just west of  Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Common almost everywhere. Also seen in Turkey: common around Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

Eurasian Linnet Carduelis cannabina

One flying over Anaxos on 12/07/2007 and 2 on 14/07/2007. 20 at Ypsilou on 15/07/2007 and 4 on 20/07/2007. 2 at  Petra Reservoir on 17/07/2007. 6 at the Petrified Forest on 20/07/2007. Also seen in Turkey: one just west of  Bergama on 24/07/2007.

 

Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus

20 in the Napi Valley on 14/07/2007. Up to 20 at the Petra Reservoir from 14/07/2007 to 23/07/2007. 8 at Ypsilou on 15/07/2007 and 20 there on 20/07/2007. 2 east of Argenos on 17/07/2007. 6 west of Skalachouri on 20/07/2007. A male at Mikri Limni on 21/07/2007.

 

Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea

One in an irrigated field near Tsiknias  (East) river bridge, Kalloni, on 13/07/2007. One on a fence near the dry river bed at  Faneromeni on 15/07/2007.

 

Cretzschmar's Bunting Emberiza caesia

20 at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007 and 4 there on 20/07/2007. Up to 4 in a field above Petra Reservoir between 16/07/2007and 23/07/2007.

 

Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala

Faneromeni

8 between the Tsiknias  (East) river and the saltpans at Kalloni on 13/07/2007. 3 at Faneromeni on 15/07/2007. A male in bushes below Petra Reservoir in the morning and a juvenile in the evening on 17/07/2007. A male by the Inland Lake along the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, 19/07/2007.

 

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra 

Singles flying past the hide at Kalloni Saltpans on 15/07/2007 and 16/07/2007. 6 in the Potamia Valley on 19/07/2007.

 

 

Mammals

 

Persian Squirrel Sciurus anomalus  

One in the valley east of the Napi Valley on 14/07/2007, singles along the road on several days at Lafionas from 17/07/2007 to 25/07/2007, 3 in Sweet Chestnut woodland at Agiassos on 18/07/2007, 3 in the Potamia Valley on 19/07/2007 and 2 near the Christou (West) river, Kalloni, on 25/07/2007.

 

Red Fox Vulpes vulpes

One in woods at Achladeri on 16/07/2007, 2 in doorway of ruined house near Petra Reservoir on 17/07/2007, one beside the road at Skamnioudi on 21/07/2007 and one walking across the plastic to drink at Petra Reservoir on 23/07/2007.

 

 

Reptiles

 

Balkan Stripe-necked Terrapin Mauremys rivulata

30 in a pond at Skalachouri on 23/07/2007 and smaller numbers around Kalloni on several dates.

 

Pond Terrapin Emys orbicularis

2 in a a pond at Skalachouri on 23/07/2007.

 

Dice Snake Natrix tessellata

One at the Inland Lake, Kalloni, on 23/07/2007.

 

 

Amphibians

 

Marsh Frog Pelophylax ridibundus

A few around Kalloni and in the terrapin pond at Skalachouri.

 

(C) Mike Pennington 2007