Trip Reports

Lesvos April 2008

Our group of eight ‘ wing-spanners’ had a fantastic week exploring this superb bird-watching venue, over 170 species were 
recorded which included the Lesvos specialities such as: Kruper’s Nuthatch, Western Rock Nuthatch, Cinereous Bunting, 
Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Sombre Tit, Olive Tree Warbler, Rupell’s Warbler and Baillon’s, Spotted & Little Crakes. Some birds with 
Lesvos rarity value also appeared which included Levant Sparrowhawk, Great Snipe, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Savi’s Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Ferruginous Duck and Spur-winged Plover. Recent rainfall had embellished this gem of an island with a carpet of wild flowers and the lush 
green meadows held seasonal pools which, in turn, attracted many birds. Though the rainfall was not as prolific as in 2006 it was 
nowhere near the drought conditions of 2007. Cold weather brought on by a northerly wind dominated the first 3 days, very dense 
low cloud on day 3 caused a massive fall of migrants in the west of the island and from day 4 the weather improved and lots of 
great birds were seen.