I have recently posted a report on the Agni.gr message boards (Arillas, Agios Stefanos and Agios Georgios board) regarding the beautiful Golden Oriole birds I saw on several occasions in May around Agios Georgios area. I stated that if they are around in that resort they are also likely to be seen near Arillas and Agios Stefanos.
To encourage people to look out for them I managed to put a link to a sound file with the unmistakable calls of these beautiful birds.
The problem is that although I can play the sounds perfectly when I access the web-page others have reported problems. So I am requesting help !
The page address is http://www.agiosgeorgios.co.uk/birds.htm (http://www.agiosgeorgios.co.uk/birds.htm) and you will find the sound file link near the bottom below the image of the Golden Oriole.
Please let me know if you can play the call or if you have problems too.
Dennis
Hi, Sound is fine with me. I have only ever seen 2 in Arillas itself and 1 in Afionis. Viv
Thanks for posting this. We saw some Golden Orioles on the back road to the beach and wondered what they were called! Truely golden and unmistakable once you have seen them.
I have clicked on the link and the sounds do play. The instructions to pause the nightingale song first maybe a bit confusing tho?? I will get Barry to have a look aswell.
We were delighted to see buzzards and woodchats and hear the hoopoe while we were in Arillas only last week. I am reading a book by Michael Mc Carthy called "Say goodbye to the Cuckoo" which helps explain the migration of billions of birds and their journey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec94FBb20oA&NR=1 sound of the hoopoe
Cheers Nan x
Thanks Viv and Nan so far.
I am pleased it works for you !
If anyone finds the link does not work can you let me know which Operating System and which browser version you use please?
Nan, I have changed the instructions regarding pausing the background song of the Nightingale (if it is still playing) so I hope they are clearer now.
I intend adding a recording of the Hoopoe if this one is successful.
Dennis
Hi Dennis, I had trouble listening to the bird call initially, but then realised it was because I needed to download a newer version of Apple quicktime or whatever it was called. Working fine now. :)
lynn xx
They have been spotted from my house in the past......not by me though!! I can just about recognise a robin or a blackbird......
That many Sandy? One more than me!
LOL Phil....I said "or"......not "and"....
Skops owls kept waking Bill up last night here in Arillas.
We always hear them, but it's the first time they have kept"'he who sleeps for England" awake, lol
Val x
I'm glad someone else has seen the buzzards. I saw them near St Stef last year.
We have been lucky enough to see honey buzzards most times that we have been home. Viv
We saw a very, very large tortoise crossing the road that goes up Mon Amour. It must have been very old. Once again we had no camera with us.
Val x
I don't know how to judge the age of a tortoise but this one seen at Afionas in May was very calm when I picked him/her up to move 'it' to some shorter grass for a photo ( I put 'it' back afterwards).
Dennis
(http://www.agiosgeorgios.co.uk/tortoise400.jpg)
Wow Dennis. What a lovely creature and a lovely picture. I might be ignorant technically, as Sandy and I freely admit, but I do appreciate quality when I see it. What a gorgeous old fella/lady. I'd happily give it a home.
Phil
Dennis, think the one that we saw was about 15 inches across,
why oh why was my camera not in my bag.
Val x
You have a camera problem Val. Benches, birds, flowers - you miss them all. Join the club. I am usually too busy enjoying myself. Want to share but never remember to take the pics. JohnTheRef is good at that. Will try to do better in July, but I reckon my grade will still be FAIL. Oh well, who cares?
Phil
Bill and I usually come back from any holiday with about six photos.
Think we must be to busy enjoying the moment to think about preserving it.
Never mind, we keep our memories in our hearts.
Val x
Is there anywhere particular recommended for spotting tortoise?
I would so love to see one I wouldn't even mind sitting in wait!! I love butterflies aswell and know that they like buddliea but I don't suppose they have this in Arillas?
I really think butterflies are so special and underrated as far as wildlife spotting goes. Any info would be welcome
Cheers Nan xx
Quote from: Nan on June 17, 2011, 08:28:45 PM
Is there anywhere particular recommended for spotting tortoise?
I would so love to see one I wouldn't even mind sitting in wait!!
Cheers Nan xx
Nan
Sorry but in almost 20 years of visiting Corfu I have only seen 2 tortoises.... one was crossing the road and the other was moving through the long grass at Afionas. So on my part I guess it is just luck ! However at the speed they move I don't think I could recommend 'sitting in wait' anywhere.
As for butterflies you should see plenty during the summer months often around gardens or roadsides where there are plenty of flowers in bloom. My wife and I love butterflies too but Agios Georgios in May this year was a bit disappointing possibly due to the weather. You should see some fiery-coloured glowing Fritillaries which are quite large and obligingly settle with their wings open
(http://www.agiosgeorgios.co.uk/images_nature/fritillary375.jpg).
I have some notes and photos on my web-site:
http://www.agiosgeorgios.co.uk/insects (http://www.agiosgeorgios.co.uk/insects)
Dennis
Nan - there's a tortoise garden at Kaloudis Village - walk up the drive from the beach and keep on walking until you get to the top.... then bear right and along there on the left you'll find them (or not, if they decide to hide!)
Janis x
If you go to Corfu town go to the Forces cemetry, we have alway seen some there wandering about. Viv