While in the UK we bought a new digital camera, one which has a much higher megapixel rating than the old one. Today my better half snapped this shot of a Jay eating from the fruit of the loquat tree in the front garden. It's been cropped to bring the jay into easy view, and he's still pretty distinct isn't he. With the old camera he'd have been so pixelated that you probably wouldn't have seen him at all.
The fruit of the loquat tree is a "jay-magnet" at this time of year and we're not complaining. Although it's edible and some of our Greek friends go "yummy!" at the sight of them, we don't enjoy them all that much, so the jays have a ready-made supply of birdfood!
Click on the image for a lager view.
For another post about the jays, with even better photos, click HERE.
You are now whetting our appetites for some birdwatching when we arrive next week! Last May we saw bee-eaters for the 1st time, near kalathos beach. What would you recommend we look out for and where should we look? bearing in mind we will be staying in Pefkos but have transport. Sorry, that sounds like someone on gardeners question time!!
ReplyDeleteRegards
Vicki
The Bee Eaters usually arrive in early May, although it's been a little cooler than normal this past couple of weeks, so they may be late. Coming south toward Gennadi & Lahania you may spot golden eagles & buzzards, plus a selection of falcons. It's the time of year when migrating birds stop off on the wires while travelling through. We've had storks, rock thrushes and red-legged falcons before now. Plus in the undergrowth up tracks you should see Chukas & maybe a hoopoe or two. On the quieter beaches there are grey herons and the occasional egret even, plus shags roost on a couple of rocks in Kiotari. That enough for you?!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, I'll tell my husband and this year we won't forget the binoculars! We have seen buzzards in the past near Plimiri, so I guess we'll be driving south. Might stop at Kiotari for refreshment on the way
ReplyDeleteThanks
Vicki
Last year @ Katharabay [ Faliraki ] several times we saw a Kingfisher
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic picture. We are going to be doing some walking when we come to Rhodes in mid september so will keep a look out for all the different birds you have mentioned, and will be taking plenty of photos (I think after 2 or 3 miles I might have camera confiscated by Griff lol as otherwise I will be taking photos every few steps and we wont get anywhere hahaha)cant wait ;)
ReplyDeleteAmazingly enough, we were out in the garden doing a bit of weeding yesterday and we heard the first bee eaters. They have just begun arriving and it's always a thrill to see and hear them.
ReplyDeleteTrevor is spot on mentioning kingfishers too. Some years back we sat in Sitea Harbour on Crete and watched one flitting and perching among the ropes which tied the smaller fishing boats to the quay. Had I possessed the camera which I now have I could have snapped a good shot of him too. Still, maybe some time soon...
Incidentally, in my first reactive comment above I meant "Red-footed" & not "red legged" falcons, sorry!
ReplyDeleteNo matter!
ReplyDeleteYou always provide very useful snippets of information. We've had many interesting walks/views/meals thanks to your blog!
Can't wait til wednesday!!
Vicki