Cats in the Old Town Alonissos Greece

A great variety of cats entertained us during our walk round the Old Town - this time in sunnier conditions on our last day in Alonnisos. There were plenty of battle scars from battles for supremacy. We were told the cat on the welcome mat was the Top Cat - certainly no other cats came very near.

Poppies in an Olive Grove, Alonissos Greece

Our sixth day in Alonissos started overcast and by the end of the morning heavy rain arrived. The soft light conditions suited the poppies that we found in one olive grove - not quite the masses of blooms that would have been there in April/early May but enough to keep us busy for an hour or so.

Cetti's Warbler Show-Stopper at Fowlmere RSPB Reserve

Normally a very secretive bird, this Cetti's Warbler at Fowlmere RSPB Reserve is a positive show-off - perching in the open and singing his heart out. Also seen from the Reed Bed Hide Linnet, Reed Bunting and mouse as well as lots of flitting Reed Warblers too far to photograph.

Not for Arachnophobes: Spiders in Alonissos Greece

I spent quite a time very close to very small spiders both in the Old Town on May 16th and later in some scrubland near the town. A great variety of spiders inhabit the bushes and flowers - the Jumping spiders found on the house walls were my favourite (as at home in UK)

Old Town, Patitiri, Alonissos Greece

On 16th May wespent the morning in the Old Town or Chora. It was the capital of the island before 1965 when an large earthquake hit the island. The earthquake destroyed the village and the inhabitants were then forced to move down to Patitiri.

After the earthquake many foreigners as well as Greeks, started to buy the old houses. They kept the character of the village, repairing many of the old buildings and restoring them to their original splendor. There are many unexpected corners to photograph. They are holding a dance Festival on July8th/9th. These dancers were doing a publicity video and were happy to pose for me.