Hirundines and Swifts have well started their passage since late March. I could see all four species of them (Barn and Red-backed Swallow, House and Sand Martin) from my back yard, especially during the rainy weather of the beginning of April. Unfortunately, the weather changed abruptly to cold north winds (just above the Cyclades) and, all over the country, we witnessed thousands of birds forced low and with no good conditions to find food many ended up down on the ground. The weather was fine again three days later and on.

The photo is of Red-rumped Swallows (Hirundo daurica) and a few Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) of Valerie Triboulot and from Skala Loutron (south of Mitilini) as posted on  “Lesvos bird news” Facebook group on April 8.

Some more photos in the article of the Greek Ornithological Society (HOS): the ones under the carpet are Common Swifts…

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