Crag Martins

Crag Martins were down at the mouth of the Vourkos to gather wet mud for their nests. Damp areas were certainly at a premium on the island, which must surely have an effect on birds requiring mud for nestbuilding.

photos taken with Canon EOS 30D, EF 300mm f/4L IS USM

Squashy Heron

Fishing Squacco Heron at the mouth of the Vourkos River, just east of our base at Vatera. Overall we were a bit short of herons/egrets/bitterns, but this bird was quite showy. I missed the vital fish-catching moment, though...

photos taken with Canon EOS 30D, EF 300mm f/4L IS USM

Rooms with a view

This was the view from the Madonna Studios in Vatera, on the island's south coast. Looking out over the northern Aegean, we quickly added Yelkouan Shearwater to the balcony list, as well as Short-toed Eagle, Bee-eater, Red-rumped Swallow, Black-eared Wheatear, Subalpine and Olivaceous Warblers. Early-morning alarms (well, songs) were provided by a Black-headed Bunting singing right outside.

Thanks to Dimitra and Vaios Balkizas for all their help and hospitality.

photos taken with Nikon Coolpix 995