Local Bird Life

Maybe I shouldn't do this page as it is a subject I know nothing about but it is something that gives me enormous pleasure - watching the local wild birds from my home. There are great many birdwatchers who visit Kos, particularly in the spring, to see the many varieties of migratory birds that pass through here.

In particular, they will visit the salt flats at Tingaki and the wetlands in Psalidi - which are now both protected areas.

In the winter months you can see flamingos wading around and different sorts of geese who want to spend there winter in milder climes.

The Reverend Ray Hollands, an interesting gentleman who is also a wildlife artist, was on holiday here, and he very kindly sent me some information regarding the many varieties of birds that you can expect to find on the island. Along with the list of birds though he also sent me some beautiful sketches that he had done, for which I sincerely thank him.

The Bee-eater is a bird that I watch in the summer months and their colours literally sparkle like jewels in the sunshine. Usually there are quite a few of them darting around and as often as I have tried to take photographs of them they are always too quick for me.

As I say, I know nothing about birds but the roller is another bird that I am lucky enough to be able to sit and watch from home and I am finally learning its name!

This is another beautiful sketch of another beautiful bird - the Black-eared Wheatear.

I am also lucky enough to be able to sit in the summer evenings and watch hawks and buzzards soaring and hovering in the sky with Mount Dikeos offering a stunning background for their flight.

Below is the list of birds that Rev. Hollands made whilst he was here in 2008.

It is another aspect of the island of which not many people are aware and one which should, and could, be enjoyed by more people.

Kos, Kalymnos, Nysiros GREECE    Bird List 1-15 May 2008

 .......and flowers