Greece, Day 5 - investigating the local Classics, and wildlife! 9th April 2018

After a cracking first 4 days in Greece, today we visited more sites in close proximity to Tolo, which were largely quieter but still produced some goods. We left for Site 1 out of 3 at around 08:30am and arrived at 9ish - Site 1 was the Fortress of Palamidi. This epic castle looked over Nafplion, which we visited the day before, and had some spectacular views. Here are just a few pics from the fortress, with the best birds including singing Calandra Lark and Alpine Swifts. 

Nafplion from the Fortress of Palamidi

Alpine Swift

The next site was Tiryns, a Hill fort made of huge boulders. It was part of the Mycenaean's work, as we saw later on. Other than the Lizards - which I didn't get pictures of - I saw very few birds other than finding a Great Tit nest and a Lesser Kestrel nest.

Tiryns

We soon moved on to the last site of the day before having the afternoon to relax and enjoy Tolo, and this was Mycenae. We arrived at around 12:30 and gradually made our way into the site. Whilst discussing the structures and some of their purposes - I bet nobody can get why there was this hole right by the entrance - I did notice a few birds present. Rock Bunting was added to the list and a Rock Nuthatch revealed itself singing from what seemed like a nest-site. It showed well whilst singing and I got some decent pictures. Further up a warbler species dashed off, and butterflies were flying around. This Scarce Swallowtail perched momentarily as well. Once we'd completed our tour and walked around the museum, we had lunch at a local restaurant and transferred back to Tolo.

Anyone know why this was by the entrance? 

Mycenea

Collared Dove looking cold in 32C. Clearly disappointed

Rock Nuthatch

Rock Nuthatch - full optical zoom on the Canon Powershot SX60 HS

view around from Mycenea

Scarce Swallowtail

The afternoon was mostly spent on the beach playing cricket x rounders with others, and I didn't do too much birding. I got another good nights sleep ready for our trip back to Athens the following day!