A day at Pendeli mountain (Athens)
April 22, 2007
Cretzschmar's Bunting, just 3 m away from me!
Another Cretzschmar's Bunting, also pretty close
Subalpine Warbler, looking rather curious!
Marginated Tortoises are very common in Athens
I have recently visited Pendeli Mt for quite a few times after March, at the north side of Athens. The strange thing I have realized is that every time I go to a specific spot (which I have discovered by chance), birds are not afraid of my presence and get really close. I usually get Cretzschmar's Buntings and Subalpine Warblers, as close as 3 m from me! Another thing that amazes me is the number of Cretzschmar's Buntings there. These guys are everywhere, I feel like I am surrounded by Chaffinches!
The last time I was there for a 1 hour break, I recorded Chukar (heard), Common Swift, Yellow-legged Gull, Cetti's Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Stonechat, Black-eared Wheatear, Lesser Grey Shrike, Magpie, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Rock Bunting, Cretzschmar's Bunting
Reptiles: Marginated Tortoise