WhatsApp Group 2024

As posted on Lesvos Birders Facebook group (on 08/04/2024)

Here are the details for the 2024 WhatsApp group, please do read and follow them.

To join

Download WhatsApp if you have not already got it! Then add one of the following numbers +30 6980244251 (Stylianos), +447545465069 (Phil) to your address book and send a WhatsApp message stating your first and surname and asking to join Lesvos Birders 2024 group. Remember that using WhatsApp requires internet data use.

You will be sent the Guidelines below and once you have read and confirmed by reply, you’ll be added. You will receive a confirmation message when accepted.

Guidlines

· The common language is English

· This group is an extension of the FaceBook page and the same basic rules apply.This group is an extension of the FaceBook page and the same basic rules apply.

· Give clear written locations, (not historical old ones) and if the sighting warrants a dropped Googlemap pin or a What3Words link as well then please do so. If you require more details of a site and ae new to the island please privately message the original message poster.

· Always give numbers and species names and please do not use abbreviations (this goes for locations too) as these are not always known by everyone in this multinational group although dropping the many uses of the word Eastern will be just fine!

· Please use the message format of : Location, Species, Number

· Do not disclose nest sites or post images of birds at the nest.

· Please only post photos if identification confirmation is required on a tricky bird or something epic! Remember photos use up data allowance. We recommend setting up WhatsApp to download images only when you have wifi.

· Please feel free to share other wildlife sightings here if they are notable.

· If possible it would be great to keep chatter to a minimum so as to keep the bird news flowing. Do remember that you can personally message anyone on the group if you require clarification. If you wish to acknowledge or praise a sighting hold down the individual message and you can add an emoticon reply.

· Please avoid abbreviations for bird and place names as we are a multinational group, and there are many first-timers this season

· Please consider how you use mobile data whilst on Lesvos. WhatsApp and many other apps use mobile data, and the close proximity of Turkey, especially on the north coast, means your phone may inadvertently pick up and use a Turkish network. Depending on your tariff, it is worth considering locking your phone to an EU Greek network. Locking your phone will depend on the product, but search engines show how this is done.

· We are able to drive or walk down almost any track on the island, but please remember when parking up or stopping to ensure you leave enough room for other vehicles (not just us birders) to pass.

· Do not enter the olive Groves or climb over fences or enter fields to get closer.

· If walking on a track and a flock of sheep approach all step off the path on the same side, take tripods off shoulders and stand quietly until the shepherd takes them past.

Most of all enjoy the island we all love!