Work trip to Crete

Once again I found myself looking round some lovely hotels in Crete knowing that I would have very little time for bird watching.

However, a bit of research before I went meant that I would stand a chance of getting a lifer or two if I was lucky.

I arrived at my first hotel at 3pm on Wednesday 16th May and after sorting out clothes etc I worked out that I had about an hour before I needed to meet anyone so I quickly nipped out with my binos.

I had hoped to get Armenian Gull which is not uncommon here and saw one within a few minutes. I had great views of the diagnostic dark band round the bill.

Next was another lifer in Italian Sparrow which is really just a House Sparrow with a much whiter face and brown head.

Nothing more bird wise but I did see my first ever Scarce Swallowtail butterfly but sadly it was difficult to photograph.

That was about it for wandering about for the next two days as work took over.

However, my last day was all mine and as my flight was not until later that evening I was able to plan nearly a whole day. It was Shanks Pony so after breakfast went for a walk into the hills to circumnavigate the coast.

There was a surprising lack of bird variety in the three hours I walked through the hills though there were loads of Blackbirds and Great Tits and Sardinian Warblers were everywhere.

Other birds included a Booted Eagle being hounded by a pair of Ravens and a Tawny Pipit who had an amazing habit of moving anytime I put the camera to my eye!

Another lifer for me was Red Rumped Swallows which I saw frequently throughout the day along with Swifts, Barn Swallows, House Martins and Crag Martins.

As I neared civilisation I saw my first ever Serin which was sitting on a fence ideally posed but it flew off just as I had it in view.

Other butterflies included a Southern Grayling, Short Tailed Blue and Common Blue.

Walking through the local town of Elounda I headed to the Venetian Salt Pans which would give me my only real chance of a wader or too. Frankly this was looking particularly disappointing with just a Little Egret to show. However, as I moved round a Squacco Heron took off in front of me. Panning the mud with my bins I could not see a thing and then caught a small movement out of the corner of my eye

Not more than 20 feet away I spotted a Little Stint which allowed my to get a couple of photos and great views.

Finally, apart from a Hooded Crow the only other notable bird was a Crested Lark which settled on a wall and looked somewhat bedraggled.

Although I would not say that this was my best trip I certainly gained some lifers and was paid to go there so it cannot be all that bad!
Dave and I are going to get a day out soon I hope though I will not be allowed to mention butterflies or any other insects for that matter!