LESVOS 2013

I have recently returned from leading a trip to Lesvos. This was my 4th visit to this fantastic island and it is always a pleasure to visit with new birds arriving every day. The migration spectacle is always very different each year, always with a few surprises. The light is fantastic and photographic opportunities are plenty, though it does seem that more photographers are visiting who have absolutely zero field skills! Sadly a sign of the times.....
That aside, it is a great place if you want a burst of eastern migrants. Below are some highlights.......

2nd calendar year Male Pallid Harrier (sexed on yellow iris colour)

2nd calendar year Male Pallid Harrier

2nd calendar year Male Pallid Harrier

Black-headed Wagtail

Adult Male Collared Flycatcher

Pied Flycatcher

Collared Pratincole

Green Balkan Lizard

Glass Lizard

Greater Flamingos

Griffon Vulture - Lesvos rarity

Male Kruper's Nuthatch

Female Little Crake and Stripe-necked Terrapins

Little Owl

Marsh Sandpiper

Night Heron

Persian Ground Squirrel

Male Red-backed Shrike

Roller

Male Ruppell's Warbler

Spur-winged Plover

Both Spur-winged Plovers

Scops Owl

A Lesvos traffic jam!

Spanish Sparrows

Male White-throated Robin - 1st April record

Whiskered and White-winged Tern

Wood Sandpiper and Tadpole

Yelkouan Shearwaters

Long-eared Owl