April 2007

Linosa

In 2007 we decided to visit Linosa earlier than the previous year: we visited Linosa from April 5^th to 15^th, while Lampedusa received coverage from April 1^st to 12th.

Although numbers of passerine migrants are usually lower in early April that they are at the beginning of May, we did have one huge fall of passerines on Easter Sunday (April 8^th), especially Subalpine Warblers: it seemed that every bush held 5-10 Subalpines (and keep in mind that at least 60% of Linosa is covered by bushes!).

Most birds were cantillans, but about 10% were identified  as albistriata on call.

Moltoni's Warbler is recorded too with some birds migrating at the end of April and May.

Subalpine Warbler

Subalpine Warbler

Subalpine Warbler

Moltoni's Warbler photographed on
Ventotene Is. (Thanks to Andrea Ferri)

Many other species were quite common, including:

Lesser Kestrel

Common Redstart

Scops Owl

Scops Owl

Wryneck

Red-throated Pipit

The best rarities were:

·         A pair of Cretzschmar's Buntings on Lampedusa on the 7th

·         2 Olivaceous Warblers on 14^th on Linosa

·         About 20 Isabelline Weathears on Lampedusa and Linosa

·         About 25 Pallid Harriers

·         2-3 Siberian Peregrines (calidus-type)

·         1 Bonelli's Warbler sp.

·         3 Laughing Doves on Linosa

Isabelline Wheatear

Laughing Dove singing

Olivaceous Warbler

Pallid Harrier II cy