17 April - migrants trickling through

Donald & Jennifer Rhodes arrived on the island yesterday and sent me news of todays sightings from around the Kalloni area. Terry Robinson also sent a few snippets whilst he himself is staying up at Skala Kallonis.

Water levels - higher than spring 2006 and too deep for waders in many areas. This shouldn't be a problem as levels should begin to drop now and high levels will still attract more species and waders will be concentrated in the shallow areas.

Metochi Lake - Little (3) and Spotted (1) Crakes, Short-toed Eagle (high over - the only raptor seen today)

Alykes Wetlands - Red-throated Pipit 1, Tawny Pipit 2, Yellow Wagtails (lots).

Kalloni Saltpans - Glossy Ibis, Ruddy Shelduck.

Potamia Valley - Night-heron 4, Purple Heron 1 plus Blue Rock Thrush (2) plus Masked and Woodchat Shrikes between between road the river bridge

Other news - Whinchats all over the place! A few Wood Sandpiper, a couple of Blackcaps, many Whitethroats and many Purple Heron; never seen as many Moorhen on Metochi Lake!

Down at Polichnitos Saltpans in recent days (15th & 16th), Terry Robinson has had plenty of waders with up to 76 Little Stints, 36 Ruff, 17 Kentish Plovers and 8 Wood Sandpipers as well as up to 7 Glossy Ibis. Passerines have included passage Northern and Black-eared Wheatears and Tawny Pipits.