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| "Very Rare" visitor to Attika (according to Stavrakas & Skareas 2015) - the Isabelline Wheater photographed at Alykes Anavissou by Apostolis Chirstopoulos. |
Alykes Anavissos, March 1st 2016
On my fifth transect bird count today accompanied by Apostolis Christopoulos. Apostolis, now 33, is one of the star members of the Greek birding community and a member of the Hellenic Rarities Committee of the Hellenic Ornithological Society (http://www.ornithologiki.gr/page_cn.php?tID=1890&aID=923).
We had a wonderful time, visting both the Alykes salina area and Agios Nikolaos - with its remarkable tombolo and wonderful views. Plenty of North African dust in the air and a light warm south wind. The result: first spring migrants including a rarity: Isabelline Wheatear.
In total the transect gave 25 spp. at Alykes Anavissos. Top sightings beside the Wheater were notable: 11 Tawny Pipits, 2 Subalpine Warblers and at Agios Nikolaos a skulking Common Redstart (not seen well - but very light coloured as apposed to the Black Redstart female). 15 spp. at Agios Nikolaos in a 40 min walk.
News flash: Finally I should call to your attention a study be architeture students that has contributed to the mythos of the future desired state at Alykes Anavissou. Check out: http://www.greekarchitects.gr/en/projects2013/alykes-anavyssos-id9953
We'll share some snapshots below, later.
