Lesvos day 4 - 24/04/25

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A busy day in lovely weather.

We started the day in the hills near Filia, the main aim being to find Eastern Bonelli's Warbler. This proved fairly straightforward, with five singing males being found. They mostly favoured oak trees, the best views being near the white chapel.

Good views of Short-toed Treecreeper were also obtained, the bird initially located by the distinctive song. 

Also present in the area was E. Orphean Warbler, Cirl Bunting, and a Short-toed Eagle.

After an ice-cream stop in Skala Kalloni we enjoyed good views of a Long-eared Owl on the way out of town, the bird roosting in a conifer. A Scops Owl was also heard though could not be found.

Near the saltpans a Spur-Winged Plover afforded close views, while nearby flooded marsh yielded several Red-throated Pipits and a Citrine Wagtail.

Next to the Tsiknias River, with two Pygmy Cormorant on the east bank, viewed from the bandstand. A Temmincks Stint and two female Little Crakes were present by the ford.

The final stop for the day was at Molyvos reservoir, where a pair of Great Spotted Cuckoo showed very well at the far end. Unfortunately the camera battery died just after finding the birds, and the single mediocre shot does not do them justice. 

Also present near the reservoir was a Turtle Dove and male Red-backed Shrike.

E. Bonelli's Warbler

As above

Short-toed Treecreeper

As above

Orphean Warbler

Long Eared Owl

Spur-Winged Plover

Red-throated Pipit

As above

Citrine Wagtail

Pygmy Cormorant

Temmincks Stint

As above

Black-headed Wagtail

Female Black-headed Wagtail 

Little Crake

Great-spotted Cuckoo




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