Lesvos Birds 2012

We have moved!

Please go to and bookmark

  WWW.LESVOSBIRDING.COM

LESVOS BIRDS 2012

written and compiled by Steve Dudley

Click here for PDF (3.5Mb) web version (via Scribd)

This, the fourth annual bird report for Lesvos, covering all species recorded on the island in 2012 plus some additional records from earlier years.

Running to 147 pages it includes species accounts for all 323 species ever recorded from Lesvos and detailed accounts for those recorded during 2012. species and includes many colour photographs and various updates on birding sites on the island and more general birding and visitor information.

As well as accounts for commoner species, records include details of the first Lesvos records of Caspian Gull and Black-legged Kittiwake; the second record of Spectacled Warbler; the fourth record of Finsch’s Wheatear; the fourth confirmed breeding record of Penduline Tit; the sixth record of Black-winged Pratincole; the third successive year to record Red-necked Phalarope; a male White-throated Robin; plus much, much more. Also the first ever confirmed breeding of Mallard and Common Starling, and much, much more.

Previous annual reports

Lesvos Birds 2011 - Click here for PDF web version (via Scribd)

Lesvos Birds 2010 - Click here for PDF web version (via Scribd)

Lesvos Birds 2009 - Click here for PDF web version (via Scribd)

Bird news - December 2011 summary

All records from Terry Robinson.

Ruddy Shelduck - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 12 on 26th

Common Shelduck - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 42 on 30th

Mallard - Vouvaris River max. 14 on 27th

Great Crested Grebe - off Polichnitos Saltpans max. 537 on 12th

Yelkouan Shearwater - off Polichnitos Saltpans 2 on 30th

Greater Flamingo - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 112 on 30th; 25 Mesa on 27th

Black Stork - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 6 on 6th

Grey Heron - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 6 on 6th

Great White Egret - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 22 on 26th

Little Egret - Polichnitos Saltpans 1 from 11th-27th

Great Cormorant - off Polichnitos Saltpans max. 2578 on 6 Dec

Shag - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 43 on 13th

Hen Harrier - 1-2 Polichnitos Saltpans throughout throughout

Sparrowhawk - 1-2 Polichnitos Saltpans throughout

Common Buzzard - 1-3 Polichnitos Saltpans throughout

Long-legged Buzzard - 1 Almyropotamos River (Vatera) on 11th; 1 Polichnitos Saltpans on 20th

Peregrine - 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 14th

Water Rail - 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 3rd

Avocet - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 21 on 1st

Common Ringed Plover - 1-2 Polichnitos Saltpans throughout

Kentish Plover - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 81 on 10th

Eurasian Curlew - 1 Polichnitos Saltpans throughout

Common Redshank - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 22 on 1 Dec

Common Greenshank - 1-2 Polichnitos Saltpans throughout

Common Sandpiper - 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 8th-9th

Little Stint - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 30 on 21st

Dunlin - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 133 on 19th

Yellow-legged Gull - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 113 on 19th

Black-headed Gull - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 18 on 31st

Mediterranean Gull - 2 Polichnitos Saltpans 31st

Sandwich Tern - 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 30th

Common Kingfisher - 1 Almyropotamos River (Vatera) on 11th

Chiffchaff - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 6 on 27th

Blackcap - 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 11th

Sardinian Warbler - 1-3 Polichnitos Saltpans throughout

Wren - 1-2 Polichnitos Saltpans throughout

Common Starling - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 449 on 16th

Blackbird - Polichnitos Saltpans nax. 46 on 11th

Song Thrush - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 13 on 11th

Robin - up to 7 Polichnitos Saltpans throughout

Black Redstart - 1-4 Polichnitos Saltpans max. throughout

Common Stonechat - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 10 on 25th

House Sparrow - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 26 on 18th

White Wagtail - 1-2 Polichnitos Saltpans throughout

Meadow Pipit - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 18 on 28th

Chaffinch - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 188 on 5 Dec

Serin - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 302 on 25th

Greenfinch - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 21 on 24th

Goldfinch - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 33 on 22nd

Linnet - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 19 on 28th

Corn Bunting - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 98 on 17th

Cirl Bunting - Polichnitos Saltpans max. 5 on 12th & 27th

Reed Bunting - 1-3 Polichnitos Saltpans throughout

2012 day trips and holidays

I aim to publish my schedule of day trips for spring 2012 by the end of October.

As a guide, I expect to be on Lesvos between mid-April and mid-May as usual.

I plan to run a series of full-day trips during this period with around 5 day trips per week available.

If you have a group (max. 6) and want to book a full week-long holiday with me, please email me direct.

White-throated Robin, Ipsilou, 13 May 2011

Female White-throated Robin, Ipsilou, 13 May 2011

© Wulf & Eva Kappes

Another missed by the many! This bird was seen twice feeding on the road at Ipsilou but was disturbed by passing cars and was not seen again.

Autumn migrants in July

Just heard from Terry Robinson and he has the first of the autumn migrants around Polichnitos Saltpans this morning in the form of a couple of Garganey, a Little Egret, 14 Little Stints, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 Black-headed Gulls and 3 Sandwich Terns. Where did the summer go!?

24 April 2010 - Another eagle day

IMPERIAL EAGLE - sub-adult south over Efthalou @ 14.45h (Bob Buckler, Wingspan).

LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE - 9 Polichnitos Saltpans (John Bowers), 1 Napi Valley (David Goodwin & Jenny Jones).

CITRINE WAGTAIL - male SW corner of Kalloni Saltpans (MO).

LANNER - 2CY Perivoli Monastery (Bernie Forbes, John & Shena Maskell, Avian Adventures).

PALLID HARRIER - 1 Tsiknias River (David Goodwin & Jenny Jones).

ROLLER - 1 Achladeri (Roger Lawrence, Chris Bushell, Ornitholidays).

SAVI'S WARBLER - 1 singing Metochi Lake (Jeff & Helen Bailey).

Perivoli Monastery - Collared Flycatcher 1, Ortolan Bunting 1, Eleanora's Falcon, Wood Warbler 4, Night-heron 1.

Hotel Pasiphae, Skala Kallonis - Collared Flycatcher male, Long-eared owl male calling between 0100-0400h at least.

Ipsilou - Bee-eater 50+, Rock Sparrow 4, Hobby 1, Short-toed Eagle 4, Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Oriole, Cinereous Bunting, Cretzschmar's Bunting, Blue Rock-thrush.

Metochi Lake - Savi's Warbler 1, Little Crake 2, Little Bittern 4.

Kavaki - Ruppell's 2prs active on seaward side of laybys, Sardinian Warbler 3-4 prs, Orphean Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, Black-headed Bunting, Crag Martin, Blue Rock-thrush.

North Coast (Efthalou to Skala Sikaminias) - Little Gull 125+ west, Mediterranean Gull 2, red-footed Falcon 1.

Perasma Reservoir - Long-legged Buzzard 3, Russy Shelduck 2, Night-heron 1, Red-backed Shrike 1, Black-winged Stilt 6.

Kalami Marsh (Mesa) - Squacco Heron 6, Purple Heron 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Mallard 2.

Madaros - Black-headed Bunting 1.

Lotzaria - Black-headed Bunting 1.

Kalloni Raptor Watchpoint - Bee-eater 17, Goshawk 2, Sparrowhawk 1, Hobby 2, Short-toed Eagle 1, Long-legged Buzzard 2.

Vigla (nr Ipsilou) - Isabelline Wheatear, Short-toed Eagle, Goshawk.

Gavathas - Montagu's Harrier male, Hen Harrier ringtail, Marsh HArrier, Yelkouan Shearwater 40+, Great Reed Warbler, Alpine Swift, Hoopoe, Flava wagtails.

Kalloni Saltpans west fields - White Stork 8 (single flock).

Achladeri - Kruper's Nuthatch, Masked Shrike, Goshawk.

Mandamados - White Stork on chimney nest, Goshawk circling over with Sparrowhawk.

21 April 2010 - more common migrants

Storms overnight and rain and hail this morning wil help with dropping water levels as well as grounding migrants.

Polichnitos Saltpans - Terry Robinson reports lots more common migrants around this morning including Whinchats, Northern Wheatears and Tawny Pipits. Also a Spoonbill on the pans and a Lesser Grey Shrike.

Christou/Kamares River Marsh - Hen Harrier roost 4 ring-tails.

Lesvos Birds 2009

LESVOS BIRDS 2009

written and compiled by Steve Dudley

The first annual report for the island and covers all species recorded on the island in 2009 and details of many rare and scarce species records from previous years.

50 pages covering 257 species, many colour photographs.

As well as accounts of commoner species, records covered also include many notable scarce and rare species including details of the first Lesvos records of Steppe Eagle, Pectoral Sandpiper, Red Knot, Little Swift, White-throated Dipper and Bluethroat; the second Caspian Plover; the fourth Whooper Swan; the fourth and fifth Terek Sandpipers; the fifth White-tailed Eagle; the eighth Common Pochard; and tenth Egyptian Vulture. In addition, the report includes the first recorded winter records of Black Kite, Turtle Dove sp. and Short-toed Lark.

Click here for low res PDF (3Mb) web version.

Common Cranes

Terry Robinson had 3 Common Cranes over Polichnitos Saltppans yesterday (04/11) morning. He said it had been heavy rain and thunder all night, the birds came low over him at c.9.50, so they cant have come from too far. This is only the 7th record since 1990 and the first record since 2003.

Terry also reports the arrival of wintering Sardinian Warblers and Reed Buntings around the Poli Pans, plus plenty of waders and herons still, plus a couple of Black Storks.

Autumn raptors

Terry Robinson says that despite the early rains, a few raptors have been on the move at the weekend

Fri, 11 Sept (southerly wind) - Honey-buzzard 6.

Sat, 12 Sept (southerly wind) - Black Kite 2, Honey-buzzard 3, Marsh Harrier 5, Montagu's Harrier 1.

Sun, 13 Sept (northerly wind) - Red-footed Falcon 29, Hobby 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Montagu's Harrier 1, Marsh Harrier 2, plus Alpine and Common Swifts and Bee-eaters moving.

A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos

We have moved! 

Please go to and bookmark

  WWW.LESVOSBIRDING.COM

by Steve Dudley

- Views and reviews

- 2010 reprinted version

- Launched at Birdfair 2009

- Birdfair bestseller!

- book artwork for sale

- faulty copy? See here

- Errata

- Thank you

A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos is a completely new site guide to the hugely popular Aegean island of Lesvos.

Lesvos offers some of the best birding in the Mediterranean basin. For four weeks each spring birders from across Europe converge on this outpost of Europe which lies just 5 miles off Turkey and Asia Minor. The birds are a blend of Mediterranean breeding species, migrants moving through to breed in eastern Europe and Asia Minor species such as Krüper’s Nuthatch (and probably the easiest place to see this species in the Western Palearctic).

The guide has been written by Steve Dudley, one of the island's most experienced bird and wildlife guides who has probably taken more groups around, and spent more time on the island than any other bird guide. Steve is also the man behind LESVOSBIRDING.COM - the only dedicated birding website to the island - which continues to provide visiting birders with up to date information including 'what's been seen today' daily summaries during the main spring birding weeks. Steve is also a founding member of the Lesvos Bird Records Committee.

Steve now shares his vast knowledge of the island with this new birding guide to Lesvos which includes -

• 272 pages
• a 47 page introduction includes details of when to go, where to stay, recommended places to eat, the birding year, etc.
• a detailed guide to over 60 of the best birding areas/sites across the island including over 45 specially commissioned maps by renowned magazine illustrator Steven Hall.
• 32 pages (over 90 images) of colour photos of sites, habitats and species
• a 39 page checklist to the birds of Lesvos - completely up to date (up to and inc. spring 2009) detailing the status of every species officially recorded on the island
• separate tick lists for birds, butterflies, dragonflies and orchids
• plus appendices detailing island place names and pronunciations, bird lists in Greek and Dutch
• cover and numerous black-and-white line illustrations by renowned bird illustrator Dave Nurney (artist for A Pocket guide to the birds of Britain and NW Europe, Nightjars of the World and Woodpeckers of the World)

- Views and reviews

A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos is published by Arlequin Press and is the first of the revamped 'birdwatching guide' series to be published since CJ Wildbird Foods acquired Arlequin Press.
Price - only £19.99!
ISBN 978-1-905268-06-1
Order your copy now from Subbuteo Books.

Reprinted version (2010) and faulty copies (from the 2009 print run)
Due to the binding on some copies coming apart, the book was reprinted in 2010 and those with faulty copies can get a free exchange - see here.

Availability on Lesvos
The book is also available on Lesvos from Hotel Pasiphae and other hotels and visitor outlets.

Views and reviews

Sample pages below.
Area page for the Kalloni area

Individual site map page for the North Coast between Efthalou and Skala Sikaminias

Individual site page for Korakas Headland

Individual site page for Sideras nr Agra

Lesvos Birding holidays in 2010

The best way to see Lesvos is on a guided holiday with an experienced bird and wildlife guide. And who better than the man who has written the book - A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos!

Holidays with Steve Dudley/Lesvosbirding.com
Join me and see just why so many people rave about Lesvos - many of them returning time and time again!

If your interested in joining me on Lesvos, email me to register your interest. I've visted the island annually since 2000 and have led over 20 bird trips on the island. Find reports, photos and lists of species seen from many of my presvious trips here.

Max group size 7 participants. B&B at Hotel Pasiphae in Skala Kallonis. Lunches - all at tavernas across the island. Evening dinner at a Skala Kalloni taverna.

The delightful Hotel Pasiphae in Skala Kallonis.

What does your holiday with Lesvos Birding/Steve Dudley entail? Click here to find out!

2010 weeks
Dates and prices will be confirmed in August 2009.

I'm also available for private groups, spring and autumn, if you need someone to arrange your itinerary and guide/drive you around the island.

For previous trips see reports.

We enjoy our food on our Lesvos Birding holidays! We eat out every day for lunch and dinner using local taverans, occasionally the hotel, but always fresh, local produce including sardines, seafood, fabulous Greek salads - you won't go hungry!

Lesvos Birding at Birdfair 2009

I don't have a stand but I will be at the Birdfair (21-23 Aug) all three days. My fixed events are as follows -

Friday, 21 Aug
1100-1200 - book launch and signing, A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos, Subbuteo Books stand (Marquee 3, stands 10-13).

Saturday, 22 Aug
0930-0950 - Lecture - Lesvos - the jewel in the Aegean, Lecture Marquee 1
1100-1200 - book signing, A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos, Subbuteo Books stand (Marquee 3, stands 10-13).

Sunday, 23 Aug
1100-1200 - book signing, A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos, Subbuteo Books stand (Marquee 3, stands 10-13).

If you miss me and are interested in coming on one of my trips then feel free to call me on +44 (0) 7 767 787 287 (leave a message if I dont answer) to arrange a meeting at the Birdfair.

WIN! A free week at Hotel Pasiphae (B&B) in Sept 2010!! Visit the Subbuteo Books stand for details!

Lesvos in autumn - join me this September

From 17-24 September I'm leading a trip for Speyside Wildlife to Lesvos. The max group size is only six and there are still a couple of places remaining.

Autumn on the island is warm and pleasant, the birding is relaxing and it is a fabulous way of seeing the island and an introduction to Lesvos and eastern Med basin birds and birding.

Why not join me? For more info see here. For trip reports, inc. some of my previous autumn trips, see here.

White-throated Robin

White-throated Robin, Ipsilou, 30 May 2009 © Prof. Dr. Hans-Heiner Bergmann & Dr. Wiltraud Engländer

Well, those of us on Lesvos during May scoured the island for one of the most sought after of Lesvos rarities, but its not been until 30 May that the only record of White-throated Robin this year was seen at Ipsilou. See, good birds do still turn up outside the main spring weeks!

I've heard very little of what has been seen since I left the island on 15 May. Here are just a few of the more notable sightings -

21 May

Kalloni Saltpans flooded fields - Spoonbill 3, Glossy Ibis 9, Mediterranean Gull (2nd winter), Whiskered Tern 2, Mallard 4 (all male), Garganey 1, Citrine Wagtail 1 (female).

Spoonbills, flooded fields by Kalloni Saltpans © Anne Humphreys

Kavaki - Rose-coloured Starling 6 nr the Ruppell's Warbler site.

If you have anything else of note since 15 May - please let me know!

15 May - goodbye and thanks

Well, those of us unable to leave yesterday will do so later today as I wing my way home with Aegean Airlines.

I'd just like to thank those birders who have provided info during my three week stay, in particular Bob Buckler (Wingspan Bird Tours), Terry & Sue Robinson, Ian Pitts, Dave Bradnum, Paul Manning, Precill & Neil Preston, Donald & Jennifer Rhodes, Pete & Jan Deans (and their holiday-mates Fiona & Geoff) and Ian Lewington, and all those who passed on info to me in the field or wrote things up in the Lesvos Birding log at the Hotel Pasiphae. Thanks alot everyone - news only spreads if people are willing to share.

Lastly, I would like to thank all the staff at the Hotel Pasiphae for their usual care and attention not only of me over the last three weeks, but of all the birders staying with them this season. The Pasiphae again proved to be the premier of the Skala Kallonis hotels and has an increasing birding buzz in the evenings as birders staying elsewhere come in to use the Lesvos Birding hotel and share news at the bar.


Kalloni Saltpans - Slender-billed Gull 3 in NW corner early morning.

14 May - Spur-winged Plover and stranded holiday makers!

Squacco Heron, Kalloni Saltpans Flood © Steve Dudley

Well, the Greek civil servants are at it again and a nationwide 24hr lightning strike meant that airports were closed and all those many holiday makers due off the island today couldn’t leave and get an extra days holiday and all those coming out lose a day.

Scops Copse - work continues on pollarding the trees - do not visit!

SPUR-WINGED PLOVER – an adult found this morning on the flood opposite the saltworks entrance and present until mid-afternoon at least.

Also on the flood, Whiskered Tern 22, Black Stork 10, Squacco Heron 9, White Stork 1, Ruddy Shelduck 4, Garganey 2.

Also a RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN around the water pumping station in the south-west corner of the saltpan complex.

Tsiknias River Ford – CITRINE WAGTAIL female.

Potamia Valley - up to 5 Olive-tree Warblers and 2 Icterine Warblers between the main road and the river bridge.

Petra Reservoir - Ruddy Shelduck pr with 2 young.

Kavaki - Ruppell's Warbler showing well this evening plus usual Blue Rock Thrush.

13 May - Terek Sandpiper

TEREK SANDPIPER - a winter plumage bird was found first thing this morning at Polichnitos Saltpans and was present until 1145h at least. This is only the fourth record for the island. The bird is keeping to the central pans area around the village end of end of chainlink fence wich runs along the main track.

Record shot of Terek Sandpiper at Polichnitos Saltpans 13 May 09 © Steve Dudley

A big increase in waders at this site as more water is being pumped on to the pans over the last few days and birds include up to 8 Curlew Sandpiper, 30+ Ringed Plover, 30+ Ruff, 1 Turnstone.

Kalloni Mini Soccer Pitch - there is lots of tree pollarding going on at present. They are not remving the eucalyptus trrees, simply reducing the height of many of them. The place is however dangerous during the day and it is pointless looking for the Scops Owls at this site whilst the work is in progress - they will have certainly moved!

Finsch's Wheatear update - I have now seen the photos of the bird claimed to be Finsch's Wheatear on 10 May, and as somewhat expected it was a black-and-white male melanoleuca Black-eared Wheatear. There remains only one accepted record of Finsch's Wheatear for the island: a male at Megalochori Jun 93.

Faneromeni - RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN 1, Tawny Pipit 1.

Meladia Valley - Rose-coloured Starling 1 adult, Ortolan Bunting 1.

Ipsilou - LANNER FALCON 1 adult, Eleonora's Falcon 2.

Kalloni Saltpans area - flood opposite saltworks entrance: Black Stork 10, Squacco Heron 9, Glossy Ibis 1, Great White Egret 3, Ruddy Shelduck 30, Collared Pratincole 1, Garganey 1, Mallard 1, Grey Plover 1. Fewer waders around today.

12 May - Olive-trees arrive at last!

Cretzschmar's Bunting, Ipsilou © Steve Dudley

Potamia Valley - Olive-tree Warbler 2 singing and showing well c.1.4km from the main road turn. Also Icterine Warbler 1.

Ipsilou - Olive-tree Warbler 1 singing from oaks by top of first section of old monastery path from road. Wood Warbler 2, Lesser Whitethroat, Red-backed Shrike 2, Spotted Flyactcher sev.

Aghias Taxiarchis (nr Skalachori) - Olive-tree Warbler 2 singing east of chapel. Eleonora's Falcon 1 dark phase feeding over road west of chapel for 10-15 mins c.0915h.

Platania - Olive-tree Warbler, at least 2 in at the cattlegrid site.

Nr Parakila - ROLLER 1 c.3 km south.

Skala Eresou - Little Bittern 2, Alpine Swift 2.

Tsiknias River - at ford - CITRINE WAGTAIL male & female (male also on flood area), Little Bittern 1, Great Reed Warbler 1. River mouth - Sandwich Tern 1.

Kalloni Saltpans area - Alykes Wetlands - no sign of yesterday's Broad-billed Sandpiper. Temminck's Stint 2, Ringed Plover 12, Red-throated Pipit 4. Flood opp. saltworks entrance - Whiskered Terns 2, White-winged Black Tern 2, Collared Pratincole 2, Black Stork 6, Great White Egret 3, Squacco Heron 8+, Curlew Sandpiper 6, Ruff 110+, Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard 3. Saltpans Little Stint 30+.

Agiasos - Chiffchaff 1.

RUFOUS BUSH ROBIN - birds reported from Madaros, Chrousos beach and Polichnitos Saltpans in recent days.

11 May - Broad-billed Sandpiper

No news on yesterday's reported Finsch's Wheatear.

Nr Petra - GOLDEN EAGLE 1.

Kalloni Saltpans area - Alykes Wetlands: BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER 1, Little Stint 40+, Kentish Plover 16+, Little Ringed Plover 4, Ringed Plover 8, Marsh Harrier 2, Red-throated Pipit 10+, Short-toed Lark 2, Lesser Grey Shrike 1. Flood opp. saltworks entrance: Red-footed Falcon male, Whiskered Tern 2, Black Stork 13, White Stork 1, Great White Egret 3, Squacco Heron 11, Glossy Ibis 3, Ruff 70+, Ruddy Shelduck 4, Garganey 1, Mallard 5. Saltpans: Sanderling, Curlew Sandpiper 2, Little Stint 110+. On Sea: Great Crested Grebe 1, Cormorant.

Petra - ROLLER 1.

Christou River - Slender-billed Gull 1, Lesser Grey Shrike 4.

Metochi Lake - Little Bittern 5+, Little Grebe 2 on nests and pr with 3 young.

Tsiknias River - Little Bittern 3, Little Egret 37.

Faneromeni - Little Bittern 5.

Lardia Valley - Eleonora's Falcon 3, Rock Sparrow.