28 April 2010 - marsh terns galore

A few new biggies found today, but the main spectacle was an influx of marsh terns to the Kalloni area.

Alykes Wetlands - WHITE PELICAN 1, Gull-billed Tern 2, Tawny Pipit 2, red-throated Pipit 12, Short-toed Lark 6, Montagu's Harrier 1 (same as saltpans).

Metochi Lake BAILLON'S CRAKE 1 (possibly since 24/4), Little Bittern 4, Little Crake 3, Purple Heron 1.

Mikri Limni - LANNER 1.

Tsiknias River - CITRINE WAGTAIL 2, Lesser Grey Shrike 1, Red-backed Shrike 4.

Kalloni Saltpans (inc. flooded fields) - Rufous Bush Robin 1 (by the electricity/pumping compound in SW corner), Whiskered Tern 130+, White-winged Black Tern 35+, Black Tern 1, Montagu's Harrier 1.

Kalami Marsh (Mesa) - Whiskered Tern 60+, White-winged Black Tern 11, Shoveler 4, Squacco Heron 10, Collared Pratincole 3.

Lotzaria - Red-footed Falcon 2, Red-backed Shrike 3, Marsh Harrier 5.

Mirsinia (near Mesa) - Thrush Nightingale.

Meladia Valley - Roller 2, Collared Flycatcher 2, Red-backed Shrike 30, Purple Heron 8, Squacco Heron 4, Little Bittern 2, Night-heron 1, Montagu's Harrier 1, Bee-eater 13, Golden Oriole 9.

Sigri Fields - Roller 2, Gull-billed Tern 1, Lesser Kestrel 20, Whiskered Tern 18.

Faneromeni Fords - Collared Flycatcher 1, Marsh Sandpiper 2, Ortolan 1, Lesser Grey Shrike 1, Gull-billed Tern 1, Whiskered Tern 1, White-winged Black Tern 2, Hen Harrier 1, Montagu's Harrier 1, Common Starling 1.

Polichnitos Saltpans - Scopoli's Shearwater 2 offshore (unusual in the Gulf of Kalloni), Red-footed Falcon 1, Squacco Heron 1, Red-throated Pipit 1, Tawny Pipit 1.

Dimitrios - Middle Spotted Woodpecker nest. Park by bridge. View the poplars on opposite side of the road from car or from the chapel. The nest is in the top of the poplar with the dead top, about 2m down from top. The nest hole cannot be seen but the male returns frequently to feed the sitting female.