ninjakestrel said:
Hi everyone,
Off to Crete in a couple of weeks, near Iraklion. Anyone been there lately, any tips, target birds?
Best Regards
The NinjaKestrel
I'm sure others (young Dimitris for one) will have more to offer, but was on a trip to Crete 2 years ago at about this time of year, staying in Stalis (Stalida) just east of Iraklion. Birding was just part time on that trip.
Crete's "signature" bird is the Lammergeier, indeed vultures of all kinds are its trademark. The mountains rise almost immediately behind the coastal resorts so you don't have to go far to find wild territory. In the olive groves and slopes you find the usual Med species (Sardinian, olivaceous, olive tree warblers, tawny pipits, shrikes etc.) I wasn't even looking for Eleanora's Falcon, thinking it was the wrong time of year, but found it hunting in the hills behind Stalis. If it's there it's quite easy to spot, being so slim. longwinged and long tailed.
Crested and (I'm pretty sure) Thekla larks, bee-eaters are easy to find.
BTW if you have the Collins guide it's quite difficult to make out on the maps whether certain species are found on Crete.
Quite a few bookshops in Iraklion have bird guides to Crete.
hope it halps a bit, over to the ones who really know.
Andrew
Edit: BTW don't forget to visit the incredible Minoan ruins too. Man can't live by birding alone...