A quick overview of some of the rare and scarce birds recently reported on Lesvos. Status is based on the latest available sightings and can change quickly.
Aug 24 to 30, 2026
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)- possibly still around- 1st seen: 4 ind– Aug 25, pm- Kalloni Salt Pans SW corner pan (before Hide 2), by M. Smith- Also: 4 ind– Aug 27, am- Kalloni Salt Pans, by J. Selody & K. Kovshun- eBird & 1 ind– pm Tsiknias River, by E. Walsh- Last seen: 1 ind– Aug 30, Tsiknias River, by D. Lyons
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)- possibly still around- Last seen: 1 ind– Aug 30, Tsiknias River, by D. Lyons
Cretzschmar’s Buntings (Emberiza caesia) still around/on the move, reported from Skala Eressos (3 ind- Aug 25, am by R. Hackney) & Makara (2 ind- Aug 25, pm by M. Smith)
Cinereous Bunting (Emberiza cineracea) – Last seen: 1 ind – Skala Eresos beach, west end track- Aug 28 (R. Hackney)
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)- 1st seen: 1 ind – Aug 24, am, Kalloni Salt Pans south canal, opposite Hide 2, among Little Stints, plovers etc.- Last seen: 1 ind– Aug 25 pm (M. Smith), same place
Broad-billed Sandpiper (Calidris falcinellus)- Last seen: 1 ind– Aug 24, 7:45 am- Kalloni Salt Pans south canal, opposite Hide 2, among Little Stints, plovers etc.
Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus)- Last seen: 1 ind, juvenile- Aug 24, 11:45 am- Potamia reservoir, sitting on a floating pipe.
Aug 17 to 23, 2026
Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)- Last seen (heard…) 2 ind– Aug 22 8:45 am- Fig trees east of Tsiknias river (Lotzaria track)
Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)– Last seen: 1 ind– Aug 17, 11:45 am- Tsiknias River, south of ford, in group with the usual 3 Coots | Not seen on Aug 18 during a morning and afternoon visit (eBird) or on Aug 22
Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor)- more individuals around the Lotzaria track (see “Recent sightings” page)- 1st SEEN: 1 ind– Aug 18, pm- Tsiknias River ford (M. Hojgaard- eBird)
Aug 2 to 16, 2026
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) – Last seen: 1 ind– Aug 13 am- Tsiknias River near ford | 3 inds– Aug, 10 & 6 – Kalloni Salt Pans SW corner pan
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Earlier in 2026
Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor)- 1 ind reported 27 April to 19 May 2026- Last seen 19 May – Kalloni Salt Pans (K. Bode/Observation & L. Strobol, R. Praschak, A. Pidcock and A. Royle/ eBird)
Lesvos BIRD NEWS 