We recently came back from spending a couple of weeks in the Peloponnese, lots of hiking, visiting the archaeological sites and a little bit of birding. It was a little early for migrants and there were really very few birds about. I'd put some of this down to hunting, just about everywhere we went there were discarded shotgun shells (including at one "reserve").
My new favourite bird was loudly present at most of the ruins, the Rock Nuthatch. These have a welcome habit of finding the highest point and calling loudly, making them a little hard to miss! So here's some from Mycenae.
This one thinks it's a Meercat!
At the same site a Jay was bullying a Corn Bunting and there was a nice male Black-eared Wheatear.
Buzzards were the commonest birds of prey, being seen pretty much everywhere.
There are times when you're glad you've got a camera in a taverna - some of the local clean-up crew.
We sent a couple of days around the lagoon and pine forest at Kalogria. This was by far and away the best birding spot, Marsh Harriers, Squacco Heron and Black-winged Stilts being the pick of the bunch. Taking a scope would have been handy here, there were plenty of unidentifieds out of range of the bins.
About the only cooperative bird was another Wheatear.
If the birds weren't playing, the insects and reptiles made up for it, especially the Swallowtails.
This tortoise was trying to cross a fairly busy road, so I carried it to the other side...
The hiking was great - although very, very hot. This forced us to live on a diet of cold beer and ice cream - just to lower that all-important core temperature you understand...
Viros Gorge (it's a long way down and then back up again, believe me).
Just to finish - what must be one of the world's most beautiful beaches...
"Let loose the Kraken!"
I did a motoring tour round the Peleponnese probably 15 or more years ago. The three peninsulars are all so different. Did you go to the Mani? Now that's a weird desolate place but very beautiful. I wasn't really into birdwatching in those days so don't recall if I saw anything interesting.
I can see why the Rock Nuthatch is a favourite. Like our Eurasian variety they are such little characters. The Black-eared Wheatear is a stunner. Great that you got both species of Swallowtail - beautiful insects.
____________________________________________________________________
Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Thankyou Stuart for a brilliant set of photo's,my favourites have to be the Wheatear and the Swallowtails, beautifully captured. The scenery looks stunning too, an amazing set of photo's, thanks for sharing.
cheers Terry
my photo's here
Hi Tony, we did go to the Mani, we intend to go back and do some more hiking in that area - it is beautiful, albeit pretty harsh. Terry, the scenery is fabulous, particularly in the mountains. Of course, you'd expect it from the area the name Arcadia comes from :-)
What a stunning place. Great pics, esp. love the Scarce Swallowtail with its tiger-stripes.
My blog: http://mazzaswildside.blogspot.co.uk/
My Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124028194@N04/
Fabulous set of photos and lovely to hear about your recent vacation Stuart, hard to choose a favourite amongst all those beauties but love the Black-eared Wheatear, Swallowtail and the Rock Nutty..... and the scenery is stunning.
_____________________________________
Regards, Hazel
What a beautiful set, set, Stuart. Love the Black-eared Wheatear. I've never been there but it's nice to see how beautiful it is.
Annie
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
Einstein
So much of great interest again Stuart & am amazed at the beauty of those Butterflies!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Really interesting report Stuart, the Nuthatches are lovely but the Wheatears are definately my favourite, such striking contrasts. Spectacular scenery too!
Best wishes
Hazel in Southwest France