Note, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion and other poisonous insects and arachnids occur on the island. Ottoman Viper is one of Europe’s most venomous and care should be taken when walking away from the main tracks especially near water.
Achladeri Forest
Environment : Part of the central islands Calabrian Pine forest at the foothills of the Olympus range.
Possible species : Eagles, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Bee-Eaters, Hirundines, Chats & Thrushes, Sylvia Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches (including Krüper’s Nuthatch Sitta krueperi) & Treecreepers, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Butterflies including grayling, damsel and dragonflies including Odalisque in Spring, along the streams that run through the woods. Kermes Oak, Calabrian Pine, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Prickly Asparagus, Headed Thyme, Violet Limodore, Pyramidal Star of Bethlehem, cyclamen, crocus and colchicum species in early spring and autumn.
Achladeri Pool
Environment : Spring fed pool immediately adjacent to the Kalloni Bay.
Possible species : Cormorants, Herons, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Green Toad, Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Levant Water Frog, damsel and dragonflies. Turpentine Tree, Olive, oak, Tamarisk, Wild Gladiolus, Eastern Iris, alliums, Giant Reed, Common Bullrush, Sea Clubrush, Yellow Horned Poppy, Winged Sea Lavender, Slender-leaved Ice Plant.
Agiassos Sanatorium
Environment : Extensive Calabrian Pine forest with a Sweet Chestnut forest at higher altitudes turning to scrub at the highest and most exposed elevations.
Please note the route around Agiassos!
Possible species : Eagles, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Woodpeckers, Hirundines, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches & Treecreepers, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches.
Additional interest for this site : Levant Water Frog, Eastern Balkan Lizard, Snake-eyed Skink, Ottoman Viper, mountain stream dragonfly and damselfly species including Turkish Clubtail and Turkish Goldenring, Fresh Water Crab, butterflies including False Apollo, Scarce Swallowtail, Balkan Marbled White and Cardinal, Quince, Cypress, Fig, Olive, Oriental Plane, White Poplar, Olive, Kermes Oak, Downy Oak, Wisteria, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Balkan Peony, Aegean Tulip, Eastern Arum, Pontic Fritillary, Leopards Bane, Nodding Star of Bethlehem, Rigid Euphorbia, orchids, hyacinth, cyclamen, crocus, colchicum, squill and snowdrop species in spring and autumn. Anemones and other wild flowers can be prolific within the small Olive groves and roadside banks and small cherry orchards provide colour in Spring.
Agios Dimitris
Environment : River valley in mountainside Calabrian Pine forest.
Possible species : Eagles, Buzzards & Hawks, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Hirundines, Chats & Thrushes, Sylvia Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches & Treecreepers, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Levant Water Frog, Eastern Balkan Lizard, Snake-eyed Skink, Ottoman Viper, mountain stream dragonfly species, butterflies (including False Apollo), Fresh Water Crab, White Poplar and Oriental Plane are a feature of the water courses.
Agios Fokas
Environment : Prominent headland.
Possible species : Shearwaters offshore, Cormorants offshore, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Hirundines, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Bottlenose Dolphin, Eastern Balkan Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid. Fig, Olive, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Rigid Euphorbia, Yellow Horned Poppy, Winged Sea Lavender, Slender-leaved Ice Plant, Red Hottentot Fig, poppy, sand stock, sedum.
Agriosikos (Filia Mast)
Environment : Mountainside natural scrub and open woodland, extensive hedgerows and olive groves with small areas of arable and grazed fields.
Possible species : Partridges, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings, Wren, Robin.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel are a feature of the olive groves and orchards, where they feed on grasses and arable crops. Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Starred Agama, European Glass Lizard and snakes. Dung Beetle, Megarian banded centipede, butterflies including Balkan Marbled White, swallowtails, skippers, hairstreaks, hawker dragonflies and other insects such as Large Spoon-winged Lacewing and mantids are worth noting. Thorney Burnet, Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Giant Fennel and Giant Mullein (Verbascum) are most notable along with Pink Cretan Cistus and White Sage-leaved Cistus. A proliferation of wild flower species covers the mountainside include Barbary Nut Iris, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), anemones, campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Alikoudi Pool
Environment : Spring fed pool immediately adjacent to the Kalloni Bay.
Possible species : Ducks, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Harriers, Waders & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Swifts, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Green Toad, Oriental Tree Frog, Levant Water Frog, snakes. Extensive Olive groves with a variety of wild flower species under the trees and along the track. Olive, oak, Tamarisk, Wild Gladiolus, Eastern Iris, alliums, Giant Reed, Common Bullrush, Sea Clubrush, Winged Sea Lavender, Slender-leaved Ice Plant.
Almiropotamos River (Vatera)
Environment : River mouth with tamarisk scrub.
Possible species : Shearwaters offshore, Cormorants, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Flycatchers, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Striped-neck Terrapin, Green Toad, Oriental Tree Frog, Levant Water Frog, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, European Glass Lizard, snakes. dragonfly and damselfly species, Tamarisk, extensive Olive groves, oak, Wild Gladiolus, Eastern Iris, Giant Reed and Common Bullrush.
Almyropotamos River (Lisvorio)
Environment : Stream lined by tamarisk and surrounded by arable and grazed fields, natural open scrub and woodland, extensive hedgerows and small Olive, Almond and Fig groves.
Possible species : Cormorants, Herons, Storks, Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Kingfisher, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Spur-thighed Tortoise, Striped-neck Terrapin, Oriental Tree Frog, Levant Water Frog, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, European Glass Lizard, snakes. Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Common Bullrush, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Thorney Burnet, Pink Cretan Cistus and White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Wild Gladiolus, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Eastern Iris, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Giant Reed, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Fennel and Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), anemones, campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Cape Lena
Environment : Coastal road near Mytilene Airport.
Possible species : Shearwaters offshore, Cormorants offshore, Harriers, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Swifts, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Tits, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Bottlenose Dolphin offshore.
Chrousos (Maliondas) River
Environment : Mountain valley river mouth, lined by Oleander and Tamarisk with small adjacent arable and grazed fields, natural scrub and open woodland, extensive hedgerows and small Olive groves.
Possible species : Herons & Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Kingfisher, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Eastern Iris, Giant Reed and Common Bullrush.
Dipi Larisos Reedbed
Environment : Extensive coastal reedbeds with temporary pools, arable and grazed fields.
Possible species : Ducks, Grebes, Cormorants, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Green Toad, Oriental Tree Frog, Levant Water Frog, Dragonfly and damselfly species occur. The adjacent damp meadows are worth checking for wetland orchids.
Evergetoulas River
Environment : River mouth with tamarisk scrub, passing through the Dipi Larisos reedbed complex.
Possible species : Ducks, Grebes, Cormorants, Herons & Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Gulls, Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Kingfisher, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Striped-neck Terrapin, Green Toad, Oriental Tree Frog, Levant Water Frog, dragonfly and damselfly species. Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Oriental Plane, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Common Bullrush, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Giant Reed, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Sigri and Faneromeni Sites
Faneromeni Beach Pool
Environment : Small sand dune area turning to shingle beach.
Possible species : Shearwaters, Cormorants, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : The volcanic rock formations are interesting and produce a beautiful pebble beach.
Faneromeni Lower Ford
Environment : River lined by Tamarisk, Oleander, Oriental Plane, oak and Giant Reed. Small Olive, Almond and Fig groves are scattered among the cultivated fields. These are separated by extensive hedgerows including oak and pistacia species, along with natural hillside scrub. Dragon Arum and Bermuda Buttercup can be found along the drying streams used by the locals as tracks once the water levels have dropped.
Possible species : Shearwaters, Cormorants, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Owls, Cuckoos, Nightjar, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel are often encountered but Red Fox, Beech Martin and Southern White-breasted Hedgehog are rarely seen during the day. Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Starred Agama and snakes. Green Toad tadpoles are notable in watercourses, along with lesser numbers of Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Levant Water Frog and Oriental Tree Frog, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion. The endemic Western Lesvos Bush-cricket can be everywhere! Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Bermuda Buttercup, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Faneromeni North Fields Track
Environment : A stream used as a track by the locals. In Spring it typically has little water and is walkable for some distance into the hills. Lined by Tamarisk, Oleander and Giant Reed, gradually giving way to low stone walls. The track network passes through arable and grazed fields and small Olive, Almond and Fig groves. The fields are separated by extensive hedgerows including oak and pistacia species, along with natural hillside scrub. Barbary Nut Iris are abundant on the hillsides but only flower for short periods of time. Dragon Arum and Bermuda Buttercup can be found along the drying streams. Thorney Burnet, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Giant Fennel, Spiny Broom, Common Asphodel and cistus take over as the arable fields give way to the steeper and far less productive slopes.
Possible species : Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Owls, Cuckoos, Nightjar, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel are a feature of the Olive groves and open fields, Red Fox, Beech Martin and Southern White-breasted Hedgehog occur but are rarely seen during the day. Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Starred Agama and snakes. Green Toad tadpoles are notable in watercourses, along with lesser numbers of Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Levant Water Frog and Oriental Tree Frog, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion. The endemic Western Lesvos Bush-cricket can be everywhere! Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Bermuda Buttercup, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Faneromeni Upper Ford
Environment : River lined by Tamarisk, Oleander, Oriental Plane, oak and Giant Reed. Small Olive, Almond and Fig groves are scattered among the cultivated fields which are separated by extensive hedgerows including oak and pistacia species, along with natural hillside scrub. Dragon Arum and Bermuda Buttercup can be found along the drying streams used by the locals as tracks. Thorney Burnet, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Giant Fennel, Spiny Broom, Common Asphodel and cistus take over as the arable fields give way to the hillsides.
Possible species : Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel are a feature of the Olive groves and open fields, where they feed on grasses and arable crops, Red Fox, Beech Martin and Southern White-breasted Hedgehog occur but are rarely seen during the day. Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Starred Agama and snakes. Green Toad tadpoles are notable in watercourses, along with lesser numbers of Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Levant Water Frog and Oriental Tree Frog, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion. The endemic Western Lesvos Bush-cricket can be everywhere! Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Bermuda Buttercup, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Kallioniatis
Environment : A hillside mosaic of natural scrub notably Thorney Burnet, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Giant Fennel, Spiny Broom, Common Asphodel and cistus with small Olive, Almond and Fig groves. Barbary Nut Iris are abundant on the hillsides but only flower for short periods of time.
Possible species : Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Owls, Cuckoos, Nightjar, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel scramble among the trees, Red Fox, Beech Martin and Southern White-breasted Hedgehog occur but are rarely seen during the day. Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Starred Agama and snakes. Green Toad, Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Levant Water Frog and Oriental Tree Frog, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion. The endemic Western Lesvos Bush-cricket can be everywhere! Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Almond-leaved Pear, Dragon Arum. Prickly Asparagus, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Sigri Fields
Environment : Seasonally flooded arable and grazed fields interspersed with natural scrub, Small Olive, Almond and Fig groves surrounded by extensive hedgerows.
Possible species : Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Nightjar, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel scramble among the trees, Red Fox, Beech Martin and Southern White-breasted Hedgehog occur but are rarely seen during the day. Spur-thighed Tortoise, Green Toad, Snake-eyed Lacertids, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard and snakes. Western Lesvos Bush-cricket can be everywhere! mantids, Egyptian Grasshopper, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion, Stone Huntsman Spider, Harvestman Spider. Turpentine Tree, Almond, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Dragon Arum, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Greek Horehound, Barbary Nut Iris, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Tapsas River Mouth
Environment : Reed lined river mouth, shingle beach and seasonally flooded arable and grazed fields, natural scrub and extensive hedgerows.
Possible species : Shearwaters offshore, Cormorants, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Striped-neck Terrapin, Green Toad, Levant Water Frog, dragonfly & damselfly species, Oleander, Tamarisk, Giant Reed, Common Bullrush, Yellow Horned Poppy, Winged Sea Lavender, Hollyhock, sand stock.
——-
Haramida Marsh
Environment : Small reedbed and seasonally flooded arable and grazed fields, natural scrub and woodland, hedgerows and Olive groves.
Possible species : Ducks, Partridges, Grebes, Shearwaters offshore, Cormorants, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Dolphins can be seen offshore, especially near the fish farm. Striped-neck Terrapin, Green Toad, Oriental Tree Frog, Levant Water Frog, dragonfly and damselfly species. Oleander, Tamarisk, Giant Reed, Common Bullrush, Yellow Horned Poppy, Winged Sea Lavender, Hollyhock, sand stock.
Ipsilou Monastery and The Petrified Forest Park
Environment : Mona Ypsilou sits on top of a densely wooded lava dome jutting out of the otherwise almost barren ancient pyroclastic eroded hills. Specialised natural scrub species survive these open slopes and almost all trees and shrubs are restricted to the bottom of the valleys where small water courses run dry in the summer months. Ipsilou has stunning views over the internationally important UNESCO Petrified Forest Park. The Petrified Forest Park is accessed via a metalled road West of Ipsilou and is a good area to see the open hillside bird species..
Possible species : Eagles, Griffon Vulture, Black Kite, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows (including rock sparrow), Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel, Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Starred Agama, European Glass Lizard and Snake-eyed Skink. Snake species are possible and include Dahl’s Whip Snake and Eastern Montpellier. With the wind in the right direction, butterflies can be abundant as with other insects such as Large Spoon-winged Lacewing. Thorney Burnet, Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Giant Fennel and Giant Mullein (Verbascum) are most notable along with Pink Cretan Cistus and White Sage-leaved Cistus. A proliferation of wild flower species covers the mountainside include Barbary Nut Iris, hyacinth, anemones, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch, Dragon Arum. From here on west the rolling hillside are evident of the historical volcanic activity where most soil was stripped during massive pyroclastic flows. In the valley’s small areas of oak, Oriental Plane and scrub exist adjacent to permanent and temporary watercourses and Thorney Burnet dominates the hillsides.
Kalami Marsh
Environment : Natural inlet from the Kalloni Bay with a large brackish pool and extensive clubrush reed bed.
Possible species : Geese, Ducks, Cormorants, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails, and Crakes, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Amphibians, snakes and Striped-neck Terrapins. Dragonflies and damselflies, especially the range restricted Dark Spreadwing which can occur in astonishing numbers. Extensive areas of Sea Club-rush and Marsh Samphire.
Kalloni Area
Alykes Racehorse Track
Environment : Sandy seasonally flooded shoreline fields and temporary pools surrounding a small race track.
Possible species : Ducks offshore, Divers offshore, Grebes offshore, Shearwaters offshore, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Osprey, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Dung Beetle, Mole Cricket, European Checkered Scorpion. Damselfly species including Dark Spreadwing. Fields covered in Cotula coronopifolia (Brass Buttons), clover, Common Asphodel and Pale Poppy. Other coastal plants include Winged Sea Lavender, Yellow Horned Poppy, Red Hottentot Fig, Eastern Iris, Giant Reed and Sea Clubrush.
Alykes Wetlands – Saltwork Entrance
Environment : Saltpans, with associated dividing levees and peripheral water level management channel. Adjacent arable and grazed seasonally flooded fields and temporary pools.
Access to the saltworks industrial area is strictly prohibited.
Possible species : Geese, Ducks, Cormorants, Pelicans, Herons, Storks, Eagles, Osprey, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : The flooded fields bordering the main track are worth checking for dragonfly and damselfly species, especially the range restricted Dark Spreadwing which can emerge in significant numbers. Snake-eyed Lacertids warm up on the tarmac road and scurry around the sandy soil. European Glass Lizard can occur too. Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Dung Beetle, Mole Cricket. Fields covered in Cotula coronopifolia (Brass Buttons), clover, Common Asphodel and poppies, sea lavender, Red Hottentot Fig, Eastern Iris, Giant Reed and Sea Clubrush and other coastal plants.
Alykes Wetlands – Sheep Fields
Environment : Grazed seasonally flooded fields and temporary pools.
The site is home to ground nesting species, please stick to the main tracks.
Possible species : Geese, Ducks, Partridges, Divers offshore, Grebes offshore, Shearwaters offshore, Pelicans offshore, Cormorants offshore, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Osprey, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Dung Beetle, Mole Cricket, dragonfly and damselfly species including Dark Spreadwing. Fields covered in Cotula coronopifolia (Brass Buttons), clover, Common Asphodel and poppies, sea lavender, Red Hottentot Fig, Eastern Iris, Giant Reed and Sea Clubrush and other coastal plants.
Christou (Kamares) River
Environment : Saline river mouth with marsh and tamarisk scrub. Leading inland to Metochi Lake.
Possible species : Geese, Ducks, Cormorants, Herons, Storks, Ibis & Flamingos, Eagles, Osprey, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Stone Curlew, Gulls, Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Snake-eyed Lacertids, Green Toad, Eastern Spadefoot Toad, raised areas in the estuary are covered in Marsh Samphire, between the shoreline and the adjacent arable fields wild flowers include Cotula coronopifolia (Brass Buttons), clover, Common Asphodel and poppies, sea lavender, Red Hottentot Fig, Eastern Iris, Giant Reed and Sea Clubrush and other coastal plants.
Kalloni Raptor Watchpoint
Environment : Just north of Kalloni, this is an easily accessed area adjacent to the main road from Kalloni to Petra. The fabulous open views southward provide a good chance of seeing bird migration as well as the local species.
Possible species : Partridges, Herons, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Butterflies feed on the cistus and other scrub plants. Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Lotzaria
Environment : Small cultivated fields and Olive groves separated by extensive hedgerows including oak, pistacia species, White Mulberry and Tamarisk. Black Mustard is everywhere.
Possible species : Partridges, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : A late evening walk after rain gives a good chance to find Eastern Spadefoot amongst the much more numerous Green Toad and occasional Oriental Tree Frog, although the later are best looked for in the hedges. Flowering bramble in the hedgerows attract butterfly species and in August and September, sightings of Plain Tiger and Fiery Copper butterflies have been made along the edges of the fields. Snake-eyed Lacertids, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard and snake species occur.
Metochi Lake
Environment : Cultivated land bordering the edge of the main western mountain range with the lake at its centre fed by the Christou River. Well known for its birds it is also an excellent area for reptiles and amphibians and the lake and stream complex provide good feeding opportunities for bats.
Possible species : Ducks, Grebes, Cormorants, Herons, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Kingfisher, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel may be encountered anywhere, European Pond Terrapin should be looked for amongst the numerous Striped-neck Terrapin, a number of dragonfly and damselfly species including Lesser Emperor, Winter Damselfly and Eastern Willow Emerald Damselfly. Oriental Tree Frog and the abundance of Levant Water Frog attracts several snake species. Oriental Hornbeam, Lemon, Sweet Orange, Quince, Fig, Indian Bead Tree, White Mulberry, Oleander, Olive, Pomegranate, Stone Pine, Turpentine Tree, Pistachio Tree, Oriental Plane, White Poplar, Kermes Oak, Gall Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Tamarisk, Common Bullrush, Dragon Arum.
Papiana
Environment : Village environment with arable fields and treelined road.
Possible species : Pigeons & Doves, Owls, Swifts, Hirundines, Chats & Thrushes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel are frequently recorded in and around the school grounds and roadside Stone Pine and Eucalyptus.
Skala Kallonis Pool
Environment : Village centre large temporary pool during Winter and Spring, grazed in Summer and Autumn.
Possible species : Ducks, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Harriers, Waders, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Owls, Swifts, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Levant Water Frog, look for Oriental Tree Fogs, especially after rain, on the reeds and the plants in the grounds of the Kalloni Bay Hotel. dragonfly and damselfly species hunt across the open area and adjacent to the road verge cover. Eucalyptus, Black Locust, Tamarisk, Oleander, Sea Club-Rush, Common Bullrush.
Kalloni Saltpans
Kalloni Saltpans – North Hide
Environment : Saltpans, with associated dividing levees and peripheral water level management channel. Adjacent arable and grazed seasonally flooded fields and temporary pools.
Possible species : Geese, Ducks, Partridges, Cormorants, Pelicans, Herons, Storks, Ibis & Flamingos, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Snake-eyed Lacertids warm up on the tarmac road & scurry around the sandy soil. Levant Water Frog, European Glass Lizard can occur.
Kalloni Saltpans – South Hide
Environment : Saltpans, with associated dividing levees and peripheral water level management channel. Adjacent arable and grazed seasonally flooded fields and temporary pools.
Possible species : Geese, Ducks, Partridges, Cormorants, Pelicans, Herons, Storks, Ibis & Flamingos, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Snake-eyed Lacertids warm up on the tarmac road and and scurry around the sandy soil. Levant Water Frog, European Glass Lizard can occur.
Kalloni – Fields West of Saltpans
Environment : An extensive system of small cultivated fields and Olive groves separated by hedgerows including oak and pistacia species, White Mulberry and Tamarisk. Black Mustard lines the tracks.
Possible species : Geese, Ducks, Partridges, Cormorants, Pelicans, Herons, Storks, Ibis & Flamingos, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, European Glass Lizard and snake species occur.
Tsiknias River Ford to Road Bridge
Environment : Mountain fed river with sand bars, surrounded by Olive groves and arable fields.
Possible species : Ducks, Cormorants, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Kingfisher, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel are a feature of the Olive groves & open fields, their main food source being grasses & grain crops. Striped-neck Terrapin, Green Toad, Spadefoot Toad, Oriental Tree Frog, Levant Water Frog, Snake-eyed Lacertids, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard and snake species occur. Butterflies are numerous and include swallowtails, along with other Insects such dragonfly and damselfly species, Dung Beetle, Large Spoon-winged Lacewing and mantids. Tamarisk, Oleander, Stone Pine, Olive, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Black Mustard lines the tracks, poppies and a variety of wild flower species including Cornflower, Field Eryno, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, Burgandy Loosestrife, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, vetch.
Tsiknias River Mouth
Environment : Tamarisk lined saline river mouth with sand bars as far as the lower ford.
Possible species : Ducks, Divers offshore, Grebes offshore, Shearwaters offshore, Cormorants, Herons, Storks, Ibis & Flamingos, Eagles, Osprey, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Kingfisher, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Flycatchers, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Striped-neck Terrapin, Green Toad, Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Snake-eyed Lacertids can be seen scuttling or basking on the sand, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard and snake species occur. The carpet of sea lavender here provides an attractive nectar source for many butterfly, bee and wasp species. Swallowtail butterflies are common here, where scarce Millet Skipper can also be found. Worth mentioning that giant but non-threatening violet carpenter bees and mammoth wasps buzz by, collecting pollen from this valuable nectar source. Thorney Burnet, Tamarisk, Oleander, Black Mustard lines the tracks. Poppies and a variety of wild flower species including Cornflower, Field Eryno, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, Burgandy Loosestrife, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, vetch.
——
Kandria Marsh
Environment : Coastal arable and grazed floodplain fields and temporary pools, dominated by tamarisk and clubrush.
Possible species : Geese, Ducks, Cormorants, Pelicans, Herons, Storks, Ibis & Flamingos, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Amphibians, snakes & Striped-neck Terrapins. Dragonflies and damselflies especially the range restricted Dark Spreadwing which can occur in astonishing numbers. Extensive areas of Sea Club-rush and Marsh Samphire.
Kavaki
Environment : Coastal hillside with natural scrub and open woodland, extensive hedgerows overlooking Molyvos.
Possible species : Partridges, Shearwaters offshore, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Bottlenose Dolphin offshore, butterflies on the hillside scrub flowers. Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Konditsia Valley
Environment : Rolling hillside with natural scrub and open woodland, extensive hedgerows with small areas of arable and grazed fields.
Possible species : Partridges, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, snake species. Ancient volcanic activity means flora is restricted to the numerous small valley bottoms and are dominated by Turpentine Tree, Almond, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Kremasti Bridge
Environment : River valley in rolling hillside with natural scrub and open woodland, extensive hedgerows and Olive groves with small areas of arable & grazed fields.
Possible species : Partridges, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard bask on the stone walls or dash across the tracks. European Glass Lizard occur in a wide variety of habitats. The bridge is a good spot to look for snakes hunting frogs. Dragonflies, butterflies and other insects such Large Spoon-winged Lacewing and mantids. Olive groves are the main sign of agriculture but as with most of the island, these are surrounded by extensive hedgerows including oak and pistacia species, along with Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus and other natural hillside scrub plants such as Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Lardia Valley
Environment : Steep sided river valley passing through eroded volcanic mountains with natural scrub, open woodland and occasional Fig groves.
Possible species : Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel are a feature of the woodland, where they feed on grasses and arable crops. Lesser mole rat, Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Starred Agama, European Glass Lizard and Snake eyed-Skink may be found here. Snake species are likely, so be wary. Butterflies, dragonflies and other insects such Large Spoon-winged Lacewing and mantids are worth noting. Oak species line the hillside but some areas are too precipitous. There is little or no cultivation here, so natural scrub is evident including Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Makara
Environment : Western headland of the Kalloni Bay. With the exception of a small strip of agricultural land in the valley bottom, there is little cultivation here, so natural scrub is evident.
Possible species : Shearwaters offshore, Cormorants offshore, Herons & Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Crakes and Rails, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Hirundines, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Starred Agama, European Glass Lizard, snake species.
Megalochori Valley
Environment : South facing slopes descending out of the Olympus range towards Plomari. Calabrian Pine Forest giving way to open scrub.
Possible species : Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Woodpeckers, Hirundines, Chats & Thrushes, Sylvia Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Mountain steam dragonfly species & orchids. Orchids may be found within the forest and scrub areas.
Megla Limni
Environment : A depression in the mountains creates a large agriculturally managed lake within the Calabrian Pine forest.
Possible species : Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards & Hawks, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Swifts, Hoopoe, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Access is very restricted but a number of dragonfly species occur. The bright yellow flowers of the endemic Lesvos Alyssum grow in this area & southwards around the lower Western slopes of Olympus. This plant thrives on serpentine rock formations containing heavy metals such as nickel. The shiny rock can be seen where the roads cut through the mountain side.
Meladia Valley
Environment : Eroded almost barren hills creating a very unusual flora and fauna. The valleys enclosed river and floodplain are a mixture of grazed fields, natural scrub and Fig groves.
Possible species : Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Striped-neck Terrapin, Ottoman Viper, Dahl’s Whip Snake, Sand Boa, Snake-eyed Lacertid, the endemic Western Lesvos Bush-cricket, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion. Small areas of cultivation including Fig and Olive, Tamarisk in the valley with Oleander lining the stream but as with the majority of this ancient volcanic part of the island Thorney Burnet dominates although Barbary Nut Iris can appear in large swathes and the huge Dragon Arum.
Mesa
Environment : Natural inlet from the Kalloni Bay, with large saline pool and coastal seasonal pools.
Possible species : Geese, Ducks, Cormorants, Pelicans, Herons, Storks, Ibis & Flamingos, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Amphibians, Snakes and Striped-neck Terrapins. Damsel and Dragonflies including Dark Spreadwing and other spreadwing species. Sea Samphire, Yellow Horned Poppy and other coastal plants
Mikri Limni
Environment : A flat area within the mountains creates a seasonal lake in the middle of the Calabrian Pine forest.
Possible species : Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Gulls, Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Hoopoe, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : A number of dragonfly and damselfly species occur including spreadwings & Winter Damselfly.
Mt. Ordimnos and Apostoli Monastery
Environment : Natural scrub and barren volcanic mountainside, seasonal water filled gravel pits with localised woodlands and small arable fields.
Possible species : Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Lesser Mole-rat mounds are noticeable in the grassy fields. Starred Agama display on rocks. Dragonflies frequent the seasonal pools. A notable site for the hatching of Black-veined White butterflies, which may be found here in their hundreds in late April. Turpentine Tree, Almond, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Mt. Olympus
Environment : Calabrian Pine forest extends towards the peak. The summit crag is dominated by natural scrub, giving way to alpine plants at the summit.
Possible species : Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Swifts, Woodpeckers, Hirundines, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, snakes. Butterflies including Inky Skipper, mountain dragonflies and other insects such as Large Spoon-winged Lacewing. Milky Owlfly are worth noting. Mountain Cherry and alpines grow on the bare limestone peak. Lower down, Calabrian Pine gives way to Kermes Oak and euphorbia. Oriental Plane occur around the small water courses, anemones, orchids, hyacinth, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Eastern Arum, Pontic Fritillary, Leopards Bane and Nodding Star of Bethlehem.
Napi Valley
Environment : Rolling hillside with a parkland feel to the natural scrub and open woodland, extensive hedgerows with small areas of arable and grazed fields.
Possible species : Partridges, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel. Snake-eyed Lacertids, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard. snakes, Eastern Lesvos Bush-cricket, mantids, Egyptian Grasshopper, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion, Stone Huntsman Spider. Turpentine Tree, Almond, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
North Coast Track
Environment : Track following the coast adjacent to Mt. Lepetimnos with natural scrub, woodland and extensive hedgerows.
Possible species : Ducks offshore, Divers offshore, Grebes offshore, Shearwaters offshore, Cormorants offshore, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : The flowers of the hillside scrub can attract spectacular numbers of butterflies. Bottlenose Dolphin offshore. Persian Squirrel are a feature of the Olive groves, where they feed on grasses and arable crops. Snake-eyed Lacertids, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard. Eastern Lesvos Bush-cricket, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion. Butterflies can be prolific. Turpentine Tree, Almond, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Palia Vigla
Environment : Hillside immediately inland from Agios Fokas
Possible species : Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Hirundines, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Orchids, especially serapias species. Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid and European Glass Lizard.
Palios Headland
Environment : Headland with natural open scrub and woodland. Sardinian Warbler occur here and are otherwise difficult to find on the island.
Possible species : Shearwaters offshore, Cormorants, Herons & Storks, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Swifts, Hoopoe, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Orchids, especially serapias species.
Perasma Reservoir
Environment : Large reservoir with natural scrub, woodland & extensive hedgerows.
Possible species : Ducks, Partridges, Grebes, Cormorants, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : The strikingly marked Eastern Balkan Green Lizard and much smaller Snake-eyed Lacertid bask on the stone walls or dash across the tracks. European Glass Lizard occur in a wide variety of habitats. Butterflies and other insects such Large Spoon-winged Lacewing and mantids, Eastern Lesvos Bush-cricket, Egyptian Grasshopper, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion. Tamarisk, Oleander, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Thorney Burnet.
Perivolis Monastery
Environment : Mountain enclosed river with natural scrub, woodland and extensive hedgerows.
Possible species : Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings, Ducks & Herons.
Additional interest for this site : Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Starred Agama and European Glass Lizard may be seen here as well as the possibility of snakes. Butterflies, dragonflies and other insects such Large Spoon-winged Lacewing and mantids.
Pithariou Reservoir
Environment : Large reservoir surrounded by eroded volcanic mountains.
Possible species : Herons & Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Oaks, Oleander, Thorney Burnet, Spanish Broom, Giant Fennel.
Platania
Environment : Rolling hillside with a parkland feel to the natural scrub and open woodland, extensive hedgerows with small areas of arable and grazed fields.
Possible species : Partridges, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Nightjar, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Persian Squirrel are a feature of the Olive groves and open fields, where they feed on grasses and arable crops. Snake-eyed Lacertids, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard. Eastern Lesvos Bush-cricket, mantids, Egyptian Grasshopper, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion, Stone Huntsman Spider. Turpentine Tree, Almond, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Polichnitos Saltpans
Environment : Saltpans, with associated dividing levees. Adjacent arable and grazed fields.
Possible species : Geese, Ducks, Partridges, Cormorants, Pelicans, Herons, Storks, Ibis & Flamingos, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Snake-eyed Lacertid. Egyptian Grasshopper, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion. Tamarisk, alliums, Black Mustard, Sea Samphire with the scarce, Sea Daffodil in late summer.
Potamia Reservoir
Environment : Reservoir surrounded by hills with natural scrub, extensive hedgerows and Olive groves.
Possible species : Ducks, Grebes, Cormorants, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : A number of species of bats can be found hunting over the water at dusk. Persian Squirrel are a feature of the Olive groves and open fields, where they feed on grasses and arable crops. The strikingly marked Eastern Balkan Green Lizard bask on the stone walls or dash across the tracks. European Glass Lizard occur in a wide variety of habitats, Green Toad, Snake-eyed Lacertids, Egyptian Grasshopper, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion. Tamarisk, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus.
Potamia Old Reservoir
Environment : Small man-made lake surrounded by arable and grazed fields, woodland, extensive hedgerows and Olive groves
Possible species : Ducks, Partridges, Grebes, Cormorants, Herons, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Kingfisher, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : A number of species of bats can be found hunting over the water at dusk. Persian Squirrel are a feature of the Olive groves and open fields, where they feed on grasses and arable crops. The strikingly marked Eastern Balkan Green Lizard bask on the stone walls or dash across the tracks. European Glass Lizard occur in a wide variety of habitats, Green Toad, Snake-eyed Lacertids, Egyptian Grasshopper, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion. Tamarisk, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus.
Potamia Valley
Environment : From the coastal plain the valley begins where rocky crags define the start of the mountains. The valley bottom remains flat and wide until the track reaches the bridge. where it gently climbs through Olive groves and other cultivated fields.
Possible species : Partridges, Herons, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Pers, Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, European Glass Lizard occur in a wide variety of habitats. The bridge is a good spot to look for snakes hunting frogs. Dragonflies, butterflies & other insects such Dung Beetle, Large Spoon-winged Lacewing and mantids. Small arable and grazed fields with Olive groves and oak woodland with extensive hedgerows. Turpentine Tree, Almond, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Upper Potamia Valley
Environment : The valley begins to close in and the sides steepen. Deciduous woodland takes hold above the Olive groves and the river speeds through narrowing rocky sections. At the higher elevations the deciduous woodland gives way to a large Calabrian and Black Pine forest. Streams are coloured bright yellow by the overhanging naturally occurring Yellow Rhododendron.
Possible species : Partridges, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Woodpeckers, Hirundines, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Nuthatches, Shrikes, Corvids, Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, European Glass Lizard may be seen. Snake species are likely, including Ottoman Viper, so be wary by the streams. Butterflies and other insects, dragonfly and damselfly species (including the scarce Turkish Clubtail) may be found here. A variety of wild flowers species cover the hillsides. Turpentine Tree, Almond, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Sigri Old Cheese Factory (aka. Old Sanatorium)
Environment : Small hillside valley with a stream running along its Western side. The valley provides enough soil for small grazed fields, natural scrub & Fig groves.
Possible species : Shearwaters offshore, Cormorants, Heron & Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Nightjar, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Ottoman Viper, Dahl’s Whip Snake, Sand Boa, Striped-neck Terrapin, Green Toad, Snake-eyed Lacertids, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard. Western Lesvos Bush-cricket can be everywhere! mantids, Egyptian Grasshopper, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion, Stone Huntsman Spider, Harvestman Spider. Kermes Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Barbary Nut Iris. Dragon Arum, Prickly Asparagus, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Skala Vasilikon to Skamnioudi
Environment : Road lined by arable and grazed fields, natural open scrub and woodland, extensive hedgerows and Olive groves.
Possible species : Cormorants, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Kingfisher, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Environment : Persian Squirrel scramble among the trees, Red Fox, Beech Martin and Southern White-breasted Hedgehog occur but are rarely seen during the day. Spur-thighed Tortoise, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard, Snake-eyed Lacertid, Starred Agama and snakes. Green Toad, Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Levant Water Frog and Oriental Tree Frog, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion. The endemic Western Lesvos Bush-cricket can be everywhere! Turpentine Tree, Kermes Oak, Valonia Oak, Downy Oak, Almond-leaved Pear, Dragon Arum. Prickly Asparagus, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Burgundy Loosestrife, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), alliums, campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Tsichliondas River Mouth (Meladia)
Environment : Sandy river mouth and floodplain surrounded by grazed fields, natural scrub, Fig groves, hedgerows and natural scrub.
Possible species : Shearwaters offshore, Cormorants, Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Locustella Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Ottoman Viper, Dahl’s Whip Snake, Sand Boa, Striped-neck Terrapin, Green Toad, Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Oriental Tree Frog, Levant Water Frog, Snake-eyed Lacertids, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard. Western Lesvos Bush-cricket can be everywhere! mantids, Egyptian Grasshopper, Dung Beetle, Megarian banded Centipede, Mediterranean Checkered Scorpion, Stone Huntsman Spider, Harvestman Spider. Kermes Oak, Fig, Olive, Almond-leaved Pear, Tamarisk, Common Bullrush, Barbary Nut Iris, Dragon Arum, Common Asphodel, Spiny Broom, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Cornflower, Field Eryno, Rigid Euphorbia, Giant Fennel, Pink Hawk’s-beard, Hollyhock, Greek Horehound, Knapweed, French Lavender, Tree Mallow, Black Mustard, Oregano, Milk Thistle, Syrian Thistle, Headed Thyme, Giant Mullein (Verbascum), Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum), campanula (Bellflower), chamomile, chrysanthemum (daisy & marigold), catchfly, hyacinth, poppy, sedum, vetch.
Psaropotamos River Bridge (Eressos)
Environment : River mouth lined by Tamarisk and reeds.
Possible species : Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Gulls, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Hoopoe, Bee-Eaters, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Striped-neck Terrapin, Green Toad, Snake-eyed Lacertids, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green from the bridge, lizard and snake species occur. dragonfly and damselfly species. Tamarisk, Oleander, Olive, oak species.
Voulgaris River
Environment : River surrounded by arable and grazed fields, natural scrub, woodland, extensive hedgerows & Olive groves.
Possible species : Herons, Storks & Ibis, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Rails & Crakes, Waders, Stone Curlew & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns & Marsh Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Owls, Swifts, Hoopoe, Kingfisher, Bee-Eaters & Roller, Woodpeckers, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Hippolais Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Starlings & Orioles, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Striped-neck Terrapin, Green Toad, Oriental Tree Frog, Levant Water Frog, Snake-eyed Lacertids, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard and snake species occur. Dragonfly and damselfly species. Tamarisk, Oleander, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Olive and a variety of wild flower species.
Vouvaris River
Environment : River mouth within an area of open cultivated land and natural scrub, sandwiched between the Kalloni Bay and the edge of the islands central Calabrian Pine forest.
Possible species : Grebes offshore, Shearwaters offshore, Partridges, Cormorants, Herons, Storks, Eagles, Harriers, Buzzards, Hawks & Falcons, Waders & Pratincoles, Gulls, Terns, Pigeons & Doves, Cuckoos, Swifts, Kingfisher, Bee-Eaters, Larks, Hirundines, Pipits & Wagtails, Chats & Thrushes, Wheatears, Sylvia Warblers, Acrocephalus Warblers, Iduna Warblers, Phylloscopus Warblers, Flycatchers, Tits, Shrikes, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches, Buntings.
Additional interest for this site : Eels and mullet seen from the road bridge along with Striped-neck Terrapin, Snake-eyed Lacertids, European Glass Lizard, Eastern Balkan Green Lizard and snake species occur. Dragonfly and damselfly species. Calabrian Pine, Tamarisk, Oleander, Pink Cretan Cistus, White Sage-leaved Cistus, Olive and a variety of wild flower species, most notably large arable fields full of Common Poppy.
Chestnut forest in the Olympus range 
Agriosikos 
Agriosikos 
The village of Filia from Agriosikos 
Alykes race horse track 
Alykes flooded fields – viewed from the salt works entrance 
Apostoli Monastery – Mt. Ordimnos 
Apothikes viewed from Aghios Ioannis 
Kalloni Bay east coastal track 
Kalderimi trail in the Olympus range 
Faneromeni Beach 
Faneromeni lower ford – looking up river 
Ipsilou Monastery 
Ipsilou south face below the monastery wall 
Kavaki looking towards Molyvos 
Kavaki looking inland 
Konditsia Valley 
Kremasti Bridge 
Lotzaria 
Kalloni fields west of saltpans 
Makara 
Coastal main road – Agra to Mesotopos 
Meladia Valley ford 
Meladia Valley 
Mesa 
Metochi Lake 
Molyvos 
Mt. Lepetimnos summit 
Mt. Olympus 
Mountain stream in the Olympus range 
Mt. Olympus summit 
Mt. Olympus 
Mt. Ordimnos 
Mytilene 
Sigir old cheese factory (aka old sanatorium) 
Ruins of Palios castle 
Perasma Reservoir 
Petra Bay 
Petra 
Pyroclastic deposit – Petrified Forest Park 
Pithariou Reservoir 
Platania 
Wild anemone field – Agiassos 
Skoutaros to Skalohori 
Faneromeni lower ford – looking down river 
Faneromeni upper ford – looking up river 
Approaches to Sigri 
Sigri 
Sigri castle 
Windmill by the Petrified Forest Museum in Sigri 
Sigri sunset 
Skala Sikamineas 
Skala Sikamineas 
Volcanic dome – Stipsi 
Tsiknias River mouth 
Upper Potamia Valley
Filia
Lesvos Birders 