Harriers in the Haze

Summary - Thursday 31st March

Another day with relatively few grounded migrants however Collared Flycatcher and Short-toed Lark were both new for the year and there was a marked increase in Nightingale (5 to 23).

Raptor watching proved frustrating with 3 Harrier Sp affording only poor views, although 2 male Hen Harriers were a treat.

The ringing team have now arrived and spend the day getting organised and ringed 15 birds during the course of the afternoon.

Grounded Migrants: A rather odd mix, migrants were again in short supply however there was a marked increase in Nightingale (23), Robin (5), Redstart (4) and Hoopoe (8). The star promise though went to the first Collared Flaycatcher of the year, a stunning male, at Pailiros. 

The Isabelline Wheatears had mostly moved on with just 2 being seen. The first 3 Short-toed Larks of the year were present on Pipit Plateau late in the afternoon. 

Visible Passage: very limited, a few flavas and an energetic, northbound, Hoopoe 

Raptors: another day of harriers, though different species, 2 male Hen Harriers and 3 Harrier Sp (either Montagu’s or Pallid) along with 2 Kestrels.

Bird Ringing: only a partial ringing session today as time spent clearing net rides and setting up nets, all birds caught during the afternoon: 6 Subalpine Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 2 Robin, 1 Nightingale, 1 Rüppell's Warbler = 15 in total

Weather: Overcast early on with a few short sunny spells, hazy all day with limited visibility. Wind mostly ESE mostly fresh F5-6 but dropping off occasionally.

Other Wildlife: The influx of Bath Whites continued for its third day, in addition there was the first Painted Lady since we arrived and several Clouded Yellows.

A fine Rüppell's Warbler caught this evening

Porto Sternes and today’s big swell

Greater Shirt-toed Lark on Pipit Plateau

Bath White at Paliros

Swallows at Porto Kagio