Lésbos
An Ornithological Jewel

Lésbos, the third largest Greek island, lies within sight of the Anatolien coastline and shares many common interests with regards to flora and fauna. Cinereous Bunting and Krueper´s Nuthatch breed here and during migration time many Asiatic species can be observed. Unusual for an Aegean island, Lésbos has large swamp areas and due to two lagoons a very long almost unpopulated coastline. In April the island is especially beautiful when orchids and Mediterranean plants are in full bloom. To save time during the tour the various excursions will be undertaken from one place thus avoiding unnecessary changes of accommodation.

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Dates

1. Sat., 04. Apr. 2009 - Wed., 15. Apr. 2009

Price includes

• Flights
• Airport Taxes and fuel surcharge
• Airport transfers
• All transport during trip
• Accommodation in en-suite double/single room
• Full board (picnic lunch)
• Birding guide
• Entry fees
• Breach of warranty certificate

Number of participants

8 – 14 persons

Travel guide

Micha A. Neumann

Weather conditions

12-28 C°, possibly scattered showers/ thunderstorms

Level of difficulty

Very easy tour. Slow walking.

Note

(very good for escorting persons) Hotel is close to the beach with swimming pool and other amenities. Ideal for persons not wanting to participate on the birding trip.

Alterations

The programme is subject to change.

Day 1

Arrival

Flight to Mitilíni. Transfer to hotel in Skála Kallonís where we will stay for the duration of the tour.

Day 2-5

Lagoon and hilly areas surrounding Kalloní

Our hotel is located on alluvial ground between two rivers in the north of the Kalloní Gulf. Close by, behind a row of tamarisk trees about 50 meters from the beach, there is a small lake overgrown with rushes. The variety of bird species to be found changes by the hour. We can observe species such as Black-winged Stilt, Garganey, Whiskered or Black Tern, Glossy Ibis, Little Bittern and Eurasian Marsh-Harrier. Spanish Sparrows breed in the tamarisk trees and often Black-necked Grebe can be seen on the sea. Not far from the hotel, at the mouth of the Western River in the salt marshes - Great Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, occasionally Black Stork, sometimes Eurasian Spoonbill, Eurasian Oystercatcher and Pratincoles have been found. There is also an interesting lake to the north of the marshes and the Potamiá Valley. The large salt marshes to the east of Skála Kallonís is an excellent excursion area where a multitude of Flamingos can be seen from a distance due to their luminous array. The large number of waders, Pied Avocet and duck species are most impressive. The best time for observation is in the early evening with the sun behind you. Different kinds of heron, gulls and terns are found at the mouth of the Milopótamos River. Syrian Woodpecker and Black-headed Bunting breed in the olive groves. In the coastal swamp region Night-Heron, Purple Heron, European Honey-Buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Red-footed Falcon, Eleonora´s Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Saker Falcon, Great Snipe, Citrine Wagtail and Rosy Starling have been observed.

Day 6

Parákila Swamp, Fossil Forest

On alluvial ground by Parákila, in the west of the Kalloní Gulf, Northern Shoveler, Little Crake, Spotted Crake and Zitting Cisticola have been found. Here we will have a look at a Cinereous Bunting´s nest. In the mountainous regions there is a good chance of finding Short-toed Snake-Eagle. A walk on an ancient cobblestone road leads over mountain slopes lightly covered with Valonian Oaks to the Ipsiloú Monastery at the summit. Here Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Petronia, Common Raven and Cretzschmar´s Bunting have their territories. On our walk through the rocky landscape of the fossil forest, the multi-coloured display of Giant Sequoia with their enormous trunks, dating back to Tertiary times, are really impressive.

Day 7

Mólivos, Olympos

The picturesque village of Mólivos lies tucked away on the cilffs. Pallid Swift and Lesser Kestrel can be seen at the mediaeval castle. In the bushes along the coast are Rueppell´s Warbler and Western Orphean Warbler and you can often see Eleonora´s Falcon or Peregrine Falcon. From here as we drive eastwards along the northern coast the trees become denser. Here you will find Eurasian Hoopoe, Sombre Tit, Rock Bunting and possibly breeding White-throated Robin. Mediterranean and Cory´s Shearwater as well as European Shag are possible on the sea. Stop-over in the picturesque fishing village Skála Sikaminiás. Krueper’s Nuthatch, Western Bonelli’s Warbler and even Golden Eagle can be observed on the highest mountain of the Island (Olympus 968m). Here wild tulips and orchids as well as the rare Comperia compariana may be in bloom.

Day 8

Achladerí, Temple at Mesa

On the way along the Gulf are large salt marshes, a small river and a swamp with a neglected fish-pond. To the east of the road by Achladerí, a towering rock wilderness has formed due to erosion. Here there are European Bee-eater, Common Nightingale, Greater Short-toed Lark, Masked Shrike, Rock Nuthatch and Ruddy Shelduck. A visit to the Mesa excavations is also on our itinerary.

Day 9

Polichnítos Salt Pans

A walk along the coast through garden landscape and swamps to the lagoons and salt pans with the possibility to discover new species.

Day 10

Agiásos, Mount Ilías

The small picturesque town of Agiásos lies at the foot of the 996m high rocky Mount Ilías. A walk along ancient cobblestone roads through gardens and chestnut tree forests to the pine areas will give us an interesting selection of forest birds. Magnificent flora: christrose, wild tulips, numerous orchids (Orchis lasciflora, morio, provinsialis, tridentata), Small-flowered Tongue Orchid (Serapias parviflora), Violet Bird’s Nest Orchid (Limodorum abortivum), Common Dragon Arum (Dracunculus vulgaris) and large-headed anemones are possible when blooming.

Day 11

Lárissos, Mitilíni

The biggest reed areas on the island are to be found at Lárissos on the Gulf of Gera. We will take a trip to Mitilíni to view the excavations in the enormous castle grounds and in the afternoon visit the town or a coffee-house at the harbour.

Day 12

Return flight from Mitilíni.