Just returned from a weeks holiday on the Greek island of Kos. Though it wasn't a full birding trip as "her indoors" was with me, I did manage to catch up with eastern specialities such as Yelkouan Shearwater, Long-legged Buzzard, Red-footed Falcon, Roller, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Eastern Subalpine Warbler, Cretzchmar's Bunting & Black-headed Bunting.
Other good birds seen were a pair of Bonelli's Eagles, plenty of Lesser Kestrels (there are far more of them on the island than Common Kestrel!), Eleanora's Falcons, Short-toed Eagle, Greater Flamingo, Audouin's Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Black-eared Wheatear & Yellow Wagtails of the race feldegg (aka Black-headed Wagtail). Seeing over 100 Bee-eaters migrating through in just one day was certainly memorable as was coming across a flock of 80 Little Stints mostly in summer plumage.
Other wildlife included plenty of butterflies (Swallowtails & Clouded Yellows were very common) Agama Lizards, terrapins & also wild tortoises in the mountains.
Most birders tend to visit nearby Lesvos & so Kos remains largely underwatched, the beauty of this being you have more chance of finding your own island rarities as I found when I came across both Spur-winged Plover & Citrine Wagtail within the space of 10mins!
The island is relatively small so there is little travelling time between different sites & habitats. I found the locals to be very friendly & the local food (and beer!) is well recommended
regards
Chris
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