Lesvos is an island with a very rich and diverse nature, located at the border of Asia and Europe (NE Aegean Sea, GREECE). In Spring (and Autumn) it is also a very good area to observe migrant birds from Africa after (before) they cross the Eastern Mediterranean area.

The star birds of the island are the KRUPER’S NUTHATCH (resident of Lesvos and Lesvos Birdwatching’s logo!) and the CINEREOUS BUNTING.

Other birds to find here the year round (resident) are Western Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Blue Rock Thrush, Ruddy Shelduck, Chukar, Greater Flamingo, Long-legged Buzzard etc, and during Spring and Summer (breeding visitors) are Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Masked Shrike, Ruppell’s Warbler, Eastern Orphean, Sub-alpine and Olive-tree Warbler, Black-eared and Isabelline Wheatear, Rufous Bush Robin, Red-rumped Swallow etc.

Some good migrants from the area are White-winged, Whiskered and Gull-billed Tern, Temminck’s Stint and Marsh Sandpiper, Glossy Ibis, Red-footed Falcon, Squacco, Purple and Night Heron, and so many more -over 330 bird species recorded on the island!

(aerial photo, mid-April 2018: Hans Glader)

“I can’t recommend Eleni enough if you visit the island and it’s your first time get her booked in you won’t regret it. Not only do you get to see some very good birds, from Rock sparrow, Cinereous bunting to Rock nuthatch and Isabelline Wheatear you also get to see more of this stunning island and really get to grips with what areas are the best.”

Gary and Austin, UK, May 2019