News from the island

The weather is cloudy, warm and humid. Water levels remain high, much higher than last year, and Eleni Galinou says she expects good surface water to remain for the next couple of weeks. Check the weather using the link on the right.

More hides!
A hide is currently being erected on the west side of Christou River (the west river – turn down the track on west side of the road bridge), a shade has been erected over part of the old road bridge here also. At Parakila Marsh there is a new hide being finished (take the track nearest the village). Eleni also says there are new wildlife information boards being erected in several places too.

Above - the new sun shade at the old road bridge over Christou River

The new screen being erected at the western side of Christou River. This will prove popular and looks over a rather neglected area

But what of the birds I hear you cry!

Here is a run down of birds seen by Eleni on 4 April –

Kalloni saltpans – 25 Greenshank, 4 Marsh Sandpiper, 3 Black Stork, 15 Black-winged stilts, 10 Avocets (around nesting islands), 2 Stone-curlew, 3 Great White Egret, 26 Little Egret, 1 (fem) Marsh Harrier.

Between Mesotopos and Agra – 5 male Cinereous Buntings, 2 Short-toed Eagles, 1 Long-legged Buzzard, a male Lesser Kestrel and a probable Eleonora's Falcon.

Skala Eresou (from the new bridge by the old river ford) – a male Citrine Wagtail (early), yellow wagtails including Black-headed and Squacco Heron.

Mute Swan at Parakila Marsh. A few winter around the island with the odd bird lingering in to spring

Photos © Eleni Galinou