Of Horses

There are references to horses on the island of Kos from as far back as the Roman times. Today you will find them in the plains of the island mostly in the Tigaki-Marmari and the Kardamena areas. A very popular horse race is run every year on St George's name day in the village of Pyli and a number a locals keep horses just to participate in those races (this year -2018- there were 25 participants). 

Of Dragonflies

Throughout the year 2015 dragonflies have made me very much aware of their presence. As I hike around the island of Kos they seem to appear unexpectedly, fluttering around in a somewhat carefree manner in the most remote areas of the island. Although they look fragile with their thin little wings and their relatively small delicate bodies, in most cases, they seem to endure in an extremely harsh environment that would put anyone of us to the test. Often enough they seem to be indifferent to the scorching summer heat usually perched on the extremity of some plant or twig awaiting restlessly until they finally decide to fly off to their next destination. I was quite surprised to encounter them in Kefalos where their presence in relatively large numbers is quite common even though there is not much water around. Of course they also abound in what would seem to me to be more like their typical natural habitat, namely around the Tigaki Salt Pan area and of course the Psalidi Lake where I was lucky enough to witness and record their mating ritual. I have to admit that I have a soft spot for the red ones probably because they stand out with their vivid colour that contrasts with the earthy, or the white and blue that we kind of come to expect in a Greek scenery. I hope you enjoy the pictures I have selected and maybe this post will encourage you to seek them out on your next trip to Kos...

Of Bats

There are many bats to be found on the island although they usually hide in dark places... The first six pictures were taken in the Italian refugios in Antimachia and the two last ones in Vourina.

Of Scorpions

Well I guess I finally got to take some shots of a scorpion.... I've been on the prowl for a long time... Enjoy!!!!

Of Owls

This is a beautiful little owl that I happened to encounter on the side of the road while coming back from Kos Town one night. I was thrilled to get a chance to take a few pictures and was lucky enough to have brought my camera with me. I stopped the car went over to it and took these four pictures before the flash woke it up and made it flee... So much the better as it might have been hit by a careless or drunk driver...

Of Hedgehogs

I woke up early the other day since I had to take the morning flight to Athens. As I came out I happened to stumble on this little fellow. He seemed pretty friendly at first and he tried to approach. I quickly grabbed my camera and started taking pictures. Unfortunately it was still dark and the flash was necessary. At first he was dazzled, then he got a bit worried but I guess the blinding light from the flash was preventing him from making any moves. I let him be for a few minutes and sure enough he recovers and quickly trots off seeking cover in a forest of bamboo...

Of lizards

Lizards abound on the island of Kos. They will usually prefer the dry, rocky and arid places, whether it be close to the seashore or deep in the mountains. Most of the time they will stay still as you approach, blending in with their surroundings which most of the times makes it difficult to pinpoint them. Once you enter their comfort zone they usually scatter away and that is usually when you notice them. If you are lucky they might just stop a few meters away giving you the opportunity to get a closer look or shot -if you are bent on taking a picture of them. Most of the time though they will hide inside a crack in the rock where there is no way for you to follow or even peek.

Freshwater Crab

This freshwater crab was found in one of the Antimachia Springs. It seems that there is quite a large population on the island as witnessed by the numerous carcasses found near a number of the Springs we visited during the course of the year.