Lesvos 11/05/22

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The last day on Lesvos so I made the most of it.

I drove the trail from Eresos to Sigri in the west of the island stopping at frequent intervals and walking various tracks. The scenery was dramatic and the weather once again warm and sunny.

Typical birds en route included Black-eared Wheatear, Cretzschmar's Bunting, Red-backed Shrike, Spotted Flycatcher, Black-headed Bunting and a couple of Rock Nuthatch. A track near the ford led, via fig trees, to a low rocky outcrop with large holes at the base. The highlight there was 3-4 Rock Sparrow, also a Lesser Grey Shrike.

Back to the main trail I was pleased to find a Roller on overhead wires, though it was never close. Nearby a Short-toed Eagle flew over just as the camera battery expired.

After reaching Sigri I drove back to Ipsilou and walked the south track again. By now it was mid-afternoon so birds were somewhat quieter, though one each of Icterine Warbler, Wood Warbler, Hoopoe, Middle-spotted Woodpecker (flight view only), Woodchat, and singing Cinereous Bunting. 

The next stop was near the village of Parakila on the south coast. A Welsh couple in the Malemi hotel had spoken about many Thread-winged Lacewings near the harbour at Parakila, and I managed to see three of these amazing insects. Not quite the quantity mentioned though one would have been enough.

To complete the day I finally managed to find a Scops Owl near Kaloni, in a Eucalyptus tree which they seem to favour. A fitting end to a great week.

View from Eresos-Sigri trail

Cretzschmar's Bunting (male)

Crested Lark

Rock Sparrow

Corn Bunting

Olivaceous Warbler

Black-eared Wheatear (male)

Roller

View from Ipsilou

Spotted Flycatcher

Black-eared Wheatear (female)

Cinereous Bunting

Cinereous Bunting


Thread-winged Lacewing

Scops Owl




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