Lesvos day 2 - 22/04/25

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Another very warm day.

We started at Ipsilou Monastery, however it was relatively quiet on the walk up. Four very vocal Alpine Swifts were seen at the top and several Golden Oriole could be heard in song on the hillside even if they didn't reveal themselves. However, both phases of E. Black-eared Wheatear showed well.

The lower slopes of the hill proved the best area, seeing a Blue Rock Thrush, two Rock Sparrow, about four Isabelline Wheatear, a Collared Flycatcher, and a Whitethroat.

Next to the Petrified Forest where both Cretzschmar's Bunting and Cinereous Bunting were fairly easy to find. Two of the latter were seen at a small roadside pool which they visited to drink and bath. Near the Visitor Centre was a Spotted Flycatcher, two Whinchat and a very obliging Little Owl.

Later in the day we twitched a superb Isabelline Shrike at Sheepfields in the south, then revisited the Tsiknias River to try again for the crakes. Happily both Baillons and Little Crakes were seen well.

E. Black-eared Wheatear 

Isabelline Wheatear

Cretzschmar's Bunting

Cinereous Bunting

Little Owl

Isabelline Shrike

As above

Baillons Crake

Little Crake


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