The Lincolnshire Bird Club
http://lbcarchive.co.uk/forum/

The Greek island of Kos
http://lbcarchive.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=7880
Page 1 of 1

Author:  Chris Atkin [ Sun May 18, 2008 3:43 pm ]
Post subject:  The Greek island of Kos

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

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/