Aegean Rainbow
Phil and I have been leading birdwatching trips to the Greek Aegean Island of Lesvos for 7 years now on behalf of the Travelling Naturalist, a wildlife tour company based in Dorset, UK (www.naturalist.co.uk). As we head into April we really start to look forward to what Lesvos 2011 might bring us as every year is so different but always packed with an excellent range and quality of stunning birdlife. Last year we stayed on for an extra week after the tour had finished so I could utilise some of the enormous photographic potential the Island has to offer and explore new areas and options for future tours. Below is a little gallery of one of Europe’s most beautiful birds, the European Bee-eater. Early one morning along the East River, numerous Bee-eaters were hawking over fields and feeding up before the heat of the day kicked in. Using the hire car as a hide I was able to take many pleasing shots both on the wing and on strategically placed twigs and branches. I hope you enjoy looking at the colourful selection . . . . next week – other Lesvos highlights!!
What a wonderful series of photo, Rebecca. Might I have bumped into you there in late April 2007? I was there for a week and it was a wonderful place. I was the lucky guest of my friends Titou and Jean Champion who had been going there for a decade, and we hit the crake jackpot – I saw my lifer Baillon’s before Little or Spotted. Orchids and other wildflowers everywhere. Bee-eaters and Roller. Pratincoles. Eleonora’s Falcon, Audouin’s Gull. I highly recommend it.
Hello! I don’t think our paths crossed on Lesvos? . . .your trip sounds great, the Crakes can show so well, love watching out for Baillon’s and Little along the reed fringes in the early mornings, just magic every time one appears 😉
Rebecca, these photos are phenomenal. I’ve wondered about whether Greece had decent birds even for a casual trip. I’m starting to see the light but need more convincing… looking forward to your next post on the topic!
Rebecca, these photos are phenomenal. I’ve wondered about whether Greece had decent birds even for a casual trip. I’m starting to see the light but need more convincing… looking forward to your next post on the topic!
Thank you for you comments Mike! Glad you liked them, hope you enjoyed the second posting on Lesvos. . . .