MY BIRDWATCHING HIGHLIGHTS FOR OCTOBER 2002
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3rd Oct.  On the Rodopou peninsula.  Plenty of woodlarks were singing on the hillsides.  Another single raven then two adult and a juvenile griffon vulture.  Best of all were lovely views of a five year old Bearded vulture.  Presumably this is the same one I have been seeing for two years now. Then a pair of adult bonellis eagles followed shortly afterwards by a juvenile.  Later a hoopoe, a lanner falcon and a pair of wheatears.  The largest number of migrants passing through was a huge flock of yellow wagtails numbering at least several thousands.

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4th OctOver the centre of Chania.  Several flocks of alpine swifts were circling and when I got home there were more there.

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5th Oct. At Neo Chorio.  A single honey buzzard and a flock of 20+ bee-eaters.  One of my favourite birds, resplendent in their gaudy colours.  I know migrating birds need to keep in touch with each other but these are so noisy they attract hunters from afar (two legged ones).

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6th Oct.  At Neo Chorio.  A group of 3 steppe buzzards.  Later an eleonoras falcon and all day long huge numbers of swallows and house martins streamed south, many thousands in all.

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8th Oct.  En route from Chania.  We were very surprised to see a barn owl sitting on a post beside the motorway – at 9 o’clock in the morning!

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10th Oct. At Maleme.  A garden warbler was singing heartily and was joined by a robin, both apparently enjoying a beautiful warm day.

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16th Oct. At Tavronitis.  A group of 3 black storks flying very low along the coast headed west.

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17th Oct. At Polymarchi.  A single honey buzzard.

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19th Oct. Over the centre of Chania:  A flock of 300+ alpine swifts.

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22nd Oct. At Neo Chorio.  A single alpine swift and a group of 3 honey buzzards.

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24th Oct.  At Neo Chorio.  A flock of 25 hooded crows gathered at dusk before going off to roost.

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27th Oct. At Neo Chorio.   We were enjoying sitting in the shade of one of our mulberry trees when a female sparrow hawk dashed in and took a sparrow from less than two metres above our heads.  It did not even slow down, just grabbed the sparrow in passing and kept going.

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29th Oct. At Neo Chorio.  A hoopoe was heard and seen in the garden.  In the middle of the afternoon a noisy flock of 25 jackdaws appeared and circled overhead for several minutes.  Noteworthy as jackdaws are uncommon on the island and also the time of day was unusual. These were the first I have seen for a long time.  Also during the day there was a constant stream of small flocks of swallows and martins passing through, several hundred in all.

And a few final words for October.....   A thin report this month with no long trips, apart from the one to the Rodopou peninsula.  Unfortunately I have been stricken with some malady that has seriously affected my eyesight.  This was becoming progressively worse to the extent that driving became out of the question.  I have seen many birds but they are at the moment just a blur which through binoculars or telescope just become magnified blurs. This is very frustrating as I have heard many eagles whistling as well as lots of other birds but cannot identify them.  My ophthalmic surgeon is optimistic I will be up and running soon so watch this space!

Editor:  The latest (good) news is that the prognosis from Paul's medic, after what must have been extreme anxiety for Paul and his wife, is now excellent.  The no little upheaval attending hospital and clinics has certainly interfered with his routines considerably.  That he has managed to produce his monthly page his typical of him.  A little way yet to go, he has our thanks, support and best wishes for a full recovery.
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