Army Ornithological Society Blog

Cyprus Weekly

10th Mar 2013 | Posted in: Overseas Birding | Comments (1)

Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 10 Mar

Male Cretschmar's Bunting at Ayia Napa Sewage Works 10 Mar

* indicates that a photo of the species is included please visit Flickr site to view.

I quickly nipped over the North to Fresh Water Lake South on Tuesday before Cape Greco.  Not much doing but a Great White Egret and at least 45 Cattle Egrets on nests was interesting.  Crossing the border, I continued to Cape Greco to see the deluge of migrants – disappointment ensued.  Although a Baltic Gull* at Konnos Bay was a good record consorting with several Yellow-legged.  Under the Army camp there was the male Cyprus Wheatear that looks set to breed a lingering male Blue Rock Thrush and a couple of wintering Black Redstarts remain.  A good find was a new butterfly for me in the form of an Eastern Baton Blue*.   A confiding female Serin* gave me the only photo opportunity of this bird thus far so I took it with not a bad result.

Wednesday’s outing was to the North but it has to be said things are pretty quiet still regarding migration.  Silver Beach produced some Teal and a Little Egret whilst Clapsides Beach held a Redshank and a Curlew which appears to be the only one remaining of the wintering group.  Gulserin Pond faired little better but 4 Armenian Gulls was noteworthy. A drive around the back of camp before returning home left me surprised as I saw 4 Hen Harriers (1 adult male) quartering the grasslands but little else.

On Thursday, staying local, I made for Akhna Dam, a site that I don’t visit much at the moment but once the water reduces a little should come back into its own.  Anyway, a single Snipe, a couple of Song Thrushes, some Swifts, Corn Buntings and a Buzzard was all I had to show for a couple of hours.  I counted the roosting Cattle Egrets which totalled 151 and a much reduced flock of Starlings landed on telegraph wires.  I returned home via the Little Owl site and at least this bird performed on queue – so a good month tick achieved.

On Friday we needed to do some shopping before our friends arrive in the evening but I’m still trying to figure out how I can get some birding done.  Plan hatched, we visited Oroklini Marsh, where 2 Bluethroats (1 male svecica), c80 House Martins and 7 Black-winged Stilts were in residence with a couple of Pintails still hanging on.  Shopping completed we headed to the North side of Larnaca Salt Lake, where I flushed a single Jack Snipe and about 25 Snipe.  Waders were much in evidence with 6 Greenshanks, c40 Redshanks, 1 Marsh Sandpiper and 5 pristine breeding plumage Greater Sand Plovers which were obviously migrants.  4 Little Ringed Plovers and 3 Ringed Plovers with Little Stints and Dunlins added to the throng and finally a single Green Sandpiper hid amongst the rocks.  A couple of Water Pipits and a Bluethroat completed the line-up, whilst in the distance good numbers of Shelducks and a reduced number of Greater Flamingos were still in situ post their winter visit.

Matt Laing had arrived on the evening of the 8th and wanted to go to Cape Greco for an early morning round and some photography.  Not a bad day, having looked at previous annual reports it looked like Ruppels Warbler was a distinct possibility.  It was windy when we arrived so the Cyprus Warblers weren’t behaving although we did get 2 fleeting views of singing males.  We moved to the Cape and under the army camp there was a distinct air of migration feel to the place with at least 40 Stonechats and about 15 Black Redstarts – more than I’ve seen in the last month.  A Cyprus, Isabelline Wheatear and lots of Chukars were seen and Matt got some good photos of Spectacled Warblers.  As we walked away I saw 7 large birds flying in off the sea – Common Cranes*, migration was certainly taking place.  We moved to the rubbish tip area pausing to photograph Crested Larks and a singing Corn Bunting.  As we walked, I immediately got onto a Sylvia Warbler – bingo!!!  A male Ruppels Warbler – the first of the year.  We watched it and Matt managed a couple of record shots.  The area was alive with Chiffchaffs* but nothing more interesting and by the number of Black Redstarts and Stonechats here, there had certainly been a movement of these species.  An Isabelline Wheatear finished off the migrant hunt.

With migrants much in evidence we headed to Ayia Napa Sewage Works.  As we drove the approach track, numerous Chiffchaffs were seen and with them a male Ruppels Warbler – one of 3 seen in the area.  We walked towards the famous olive grove and I heard and then saw my first Lesser Whitethroat of the year but not before seeing 2 Cretzchmar’s Buntings*, one of which a cracking male posed for the camera.  Stonechats* and Black Redstarts were once again numerous and Matt managed a good photo of a male Blue Rock Thrush.  6 Little Grebes and a Spectacled Warbler along with a few Song Thrushes completed the tally, although a Buzzard made a late appearance.  As we crossed the area a good patch of Giant Orchids was found, with a single well developed species that could be a very rare specimen and a new orchid in the form of many Serapias levantina*.

We drove back via tracks to the east of Ayia Napa Football Pitches where we flushed a female Finsch’s Wheatear.  At Paralimni Lake on the way home, several Greenshanks, 11 Black-wiinged Stilts and 5 Spur-winged Plovers were noted.  Lunch in Famagusta with our friends gave me an opportunity to visit Fresh Water Lake South briefly where the highlight was 2 Great White Egrets.  The week ended with a snooze on the setee after a satisfying Iskender Kebab and a bottle of EFES - life is good!

For pictures of birds with a * please click on the following Flickr links:

Serin at Cape Greco.

Baltic Gull in flight (record shot) at Konnos Bay.

Meadow Pipit at Cape Greco.

Buzzard at Cape Greco.

Chiffchaff at Cape Greco.

Cretzschmar’s Bunting at Ayia Napa Sewage Works.

Common Cranes in off the sea at Cape Greco.

Stonechat at Ayia Napa Sewage Works.

Lang’s Short-tailed Blue at Cape Greco

Common Blue at Cape Greco

Painted Lady at Cape Greco

Highlight of the Week:  Discovering only the second record ever for Cyprus of a very rare Orchid - Orchis papillionacea* above Ayia Napa Sewage Works has put me on the orchid map!   Finding a male Ruppels Warbler having not seen one for since 2011 with Tim Cowley in Israel was a moment that I enjoyed.  Spring Cretszchmar's Buntings was also enjoyable.   Only a week after Roger’s departure – which just goes to show how quickly things change in Cyprus.

Other Interesting Finds:  A new butterfly with a lovely Eastern Baton Blue at Cape Greco and a new orchid – Serapias levantina* at Ayia Napa Sewage Works, however Orchis pappillionacea takes the biscuit!

Look Forward:  With my 3rd set of visitors for the year, some time off, some birding, some eating and some drinking – huzaaarr, it promises to be a good week.

If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at:   birder639@yahoo.com

Mark Easterbrook
 

Cyprus Weekly

4th Mar 2013 | Posted in: Overseas Birding | Comments (0)

Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 3 Mar

Black Francolin at Clapsides 26 Feb.

* indicates that a photo of the species is included please visit Flickr site to view.

Monday and the 2nd day out with Roger.  After a good start yesterday with 63 species, we headed off to Troodos.  A Pine Bunting had been reported amongst Yellowhammers – rare enough in their own right.  We left at 0700 and arrived in Troodos at about 0900.  We were immediately greeted by a Crossbill sat atop a dead tree – a good start.  As we walked around the village we picked up some common species along with Coal Tit and Short-toed Treecreeper.  Blackbirds, a Hawfinch and a single Mistle Thrush was first heard and then seen.  We moved around the village and connected with a Yellowhammer – this was turning into a cracking day.  As we continued to walk the trails I photographed a thrush on top of a dead tree.  Not having my scope at the time,  I thought it was another Mistle, however, when I returned home and uploaded the photos, my instincts to photograph the bird were well founded as it proved to be a Fieldfare – another difficult to see winter visitor.  With at least 5 Jays seen we were doing well for the endemic races.

Prodromos Dam produced little except for a couple of Siskins and a movement of some 300 Chaffinches.  We returned to Troodos Village and Roger flushed a number of Yellowhammers (at least 8), however, search as we might, we could find no Pine Bunting.  With 1 Cyprus sub-species endemic remaining for a clean sweep, we headed down the eastern slopes of Troodos to Levadia Tou Pasha.  After a little searching, a Wren sang briefly and we saw it retuning to a probable nest hole.  Job done, endemic sub-species in the bag we headed off to the Akrotiri area and Bishops Pool.  As we headed down the mountain we saw and heard some more Serins and photographed a freshly road killed Scops Owl.  We tried desperately to revive it, but it wasn’t possible so no “tick” there then!

Onward and on arrival at Bishop’s Pool we picked out 7 Drake Ferruginous Ducks.  As we worked our way around the pool we stopped at a small reed bed.  A Moustached Warbler was calling and then another.  We eventually secured good views of the bird, which was pleasing considering we’d missed it yesterday.  As we watched the reeds a Little Crake ran across in front of us.  Clear that we weren’t going to connect with the Smyrna Kingfisher today, we headed to Phasouri Reed Beds but not before Roger was treated to a mosquito ridden Orchid Glade.  We saw 7 species including the Cyprus endemic Bee Orchid (Ophrys Kotschiy)*  Yellow Bee, Green Winged, were also present and I could tell Roger enjoyed it.  On arrival at Phasouri everything seemed normal with a couple of Marsh Harriers and some Cattle Egrets.  As I drew to a halt opposite a gap in the reeds, I couldn’t believe it.  After months of failure there was a very light straw coloured Bittern* feeding in the open, I managed a record shot and under the circumstances and the distance it wasn’t too bad.  As I edged closer another flushed – an incredible end to a fantastic day.  The trip list ended the day on 83.
Tuesday and a late start, leaving the house at 0815.  Roger thinks I’m going soft.  So off to Cape Greco in the hunt for migrants and a few lingering wintering species.  At Cape Greco Tip, 2 earlyish Isabelline Wheatears, a male Blue Rock Thrush, a wintering female Finsch’s Wheatear and several Song Thrushes.  As we moved around to the other side of the Cape, a very early singing male Cyprus Wheatear on territory was a bonus and showed well for the camera.  We returned for lunch at the house via Paralimni Lake where we added Grey Herons and 2 Great White Egrets to the growing list.

After lunch we headed over the North, however, many of the wintering birds seemed to have departed but at Clapsides Beach a 1st winter Slender-billed Gull, was seen along with 2 Grey Plovers, 2 Turnstones and another Sandwhich Tern.  We proceeded for a guided trip around Haspolat (Mia Melia) sewage works, a particularly malodorous place which sadly on this occasion held few birds except for Marsh Harriers and Buzzards.  With a trick up my sleeve we finished the day at Koprulu Dam.  Thousands of wildfowl were present as well as 59 Greater Flamingo,, 11 Marsh Harriers, a couple of Buzzards and a single ringtail Hen Harrier.  Of the Ducks we added Pintails, Pochards and Wigeon to the trip list whilst 11 Ferruginous Ducks were also seen.  Water Rail was a heard only for the time being and the spectacle of c130 Cormorants migrating NE in 2 skeins was memorable.  The day finished with the trip list on a tantalising 99.

The road trip on Thursday began at 0700 and a brief stop at Akhna Dam.  Sadly the site is now too flooded to attract many birds and did not produce the expected Reed Bunting of Penduline Tit – not a good way to start the day by dipping.  Another 10 Cormorants passed overhead but little else.  We travelled to the Limassol area and Lady’s Mile.  The wintering gulls appear to have done a  mass exodus and a Marsh Harrier was not much consolation, it did however flush a Green Sandpiper.  We fared little better at Akrotiri Salt Lake, although at least 200 Grey Herons was impressive with 5 Great White Egrets also being seen.  We did add a trip bird with 10 Redshanks being flushed along with another ringtail Hen Harrier.

 Two Buzzards soared above us as we transited to Phasouri Reed Beds however we had dipped on the Pied Kingfisher so another visit would have to be vectored in.  On arrival at Phasouri, a speculative walk revealed 2 Penduline Tits calling and we soon got on to them, one being a fine male which gave exceptionally prolonged views – another recovery and one in the bag.  On to Bishop’s Pool in an attempt to find the Smyrna Kingfisher.  Not much doing and with a tourist wandering around aimlessly (as they do), I didn’t give much for our chances of success.  In the meantime we added Blackcap and Cetti’s Warbler and then Roger called Kingfisher.  The Smyrna fished from its hidden perch and returned, giving us a good flight view – about all most people get of this shy bird, if they see it at all.  Very pleased, as we were leaving the first Grey Wagtail of the trip was seen – a cracking male.  Moving to the Paphos area via Episkopi revealed no Griffon Vultures but lunch at another Orchid spot in Akrotiri Chapel had Roger photographing a Giant, Rainbow and Cyprus Bee Orchid.

We stopped at a few sites prior to reaching Paphos where we added Woodlarks and a Robin at Anarita Park.  We arrived at Ayia Varvara and were immediately greeted by a female Finsch’s Wheatear*.  As we moved down the slope we found the wintering male Finsch’s Wheatear, a bird I was desperate for Roger to see – so pressure off!
We finished at Paphos Headland adding another Isabelline Wheatear, 11 Golden Plovers and 2 Greater Sand Plovers, one of which was beginning to show signs of breeding plumage.  We had a Cyprus Coffee (similar to sand) before checking in at the King’s Hotel.  We met Colin Richardson in his local village yet despite hearing at least 5 (Cyprus) Scops Owls and being replete with torches, we couldn’t see one.  The day ended with some excellent (very large) Fish, Chips, Mushy Peas with Bread and Butter before a satisfying night’s sleep.

0700 already and a Cypriot style breakfast, but I did note Roger cutting into the Marmalade.  We departed for Mandria on the coast, a well-known migrant hotspot.  We were met by Colin and started to grill a freshly ploughed field.  Amongst the many Skylarks and Linnets, a single Corn Bunting, 3 Calandra Larks and an excellent find giving superb views a Lesser Short-toed Lark.  It was extremely light grey so must have been an eastern race ssp.  As we drove through the field towards the Xeros Potomas Lower Pools, 2 Hoopoes flushed – the first of the year and another addition to Roger’s wants, a list which is growing by the day.  Boyd on by our success a Green Sandpiper at Xeros Potomas and a low flying Alpine Swift – found by Colin as was a Little Ringed Plover but enjoyed by all.  Two more additions to the trip list and a couple for the year for me.
We now drove up the Diarizos River Valley towards Troodos.  Stopping  at a café for a Cyprus Coffee and a piece of cake was timely.  Had we not have stopped we’d have missed the male Peregrine that we saw a few miles on at Kaderes, we would have also missed the male Long-legged Buzzard that gave excellent scope views.  Now a strange thing happened.  I had been tipped off about a difficult to find Orchid at Kalavos Bridge which is 6km off the main road to Troodos.  I asked Roger if he wanted to go and he “jumped” at the opportunity.  We declined to the bridge in the base of the valley and overshot the spot.  As I was turning Roger pointed out a yellow Orchid, like a seasoned and manic Orchid “ticker” – he was quickly approaching the Rubicon.  We photographed the Roman Orchid (romana)* and happily I went on my way after discovering and photographing several Giant Orchids (barlia robertiana), which were impressive.  As we climbed to Troodos near the village of Mandria a large raptor flew across in front of us and banked over the hillside – a female Goshawk, a very difficult species to see in Cyprus – result!  We arrived in Troodos to freezing weather, a howling wind and low cloud – birding was impossible, just getting Roger used to the idea of going back home.  We managed a Crossbill and Coal Tit before buying a map and some smoked Almonds and Pistachios to have with a few beers that night.

Friday, the penultimate day had arrived and some ringing with Thomas once more outside the Troodos Environmental Centre.  We arrived at about 0715 and the valley was alive with thrushes.  The previous night had snowed with a sudden onset of low cloud and strong winds which must have “downed” many thrushes – possibly migrants.  In any event 40-50 Fieldfares, at least 9 Mistle Thrushes and numerous Blackbirds were noted.  Then a Ring Ouzel was seen followed by another.  I shouted to Roger to start looking at the thrushes as Ring Ouzel although a winter visitor is rarely seen in Cyprus.  Shortly after he confirmed that he’d seen one flying from where I was, which was in all probability the bird I’d been trying to photograph.   At least 4 Hawfinches and good numbers of Siskins and about 800+ Chaffinches – migration was taking place.  Ringing over and Roger had ringed his target birds – Short-toed Treecreeper*, Coal Tit*, and a Blackbird*.  We dipped the Griffons at Episkopi and the Pied Kingfisher on the way home but an Armenian and Slender-billed Gull were seen at Lady’s Mile.

We returned home via Larnaca and at the sewage works added a drake Gadwall to the list whilst at Spiro’s Beach we added Ringed Plover.  We headed to the North side of Larnaca Salt Lake and scoped some waders.  Amongst the numerous Redshanks an early or wintering Marsh Sandpiper was seen and above us 9 Common Swifts.  The trip list was still growing!  Birds we had seen before were encountered but a Bluethroat, Water Pipit and Little Stints were good finds.  We returned home for a good steak at the local restaurant, a couple of beers and a good night’s sleep.  Saturday and the Famagusta wetlands and the much awaited trip to the Turkish barbers. With Roger’s eyes smarting after the cheek and forehead threading experience, it left me grinning.  The trip list ended on 128, 126 plus 2 heard records (Scops Owl & Water Rail) with 1768 kms being driven.  Greenshank was added at Silver Beach, with Curlew and 3 Audouin’s Gulls being added at Clapsides Beach, with a Sandwich Tern putting in an appearance.  A good week with more species on offer had we not dipped on a couple of residents – Thanks to Roger for his company.

After dropping Roger at the airport – a shame to miss an opportunity, I headed to the sewage works and Spiro’s Beach.  At Larnaca Airport Pools South 1 adult Med Gull, 23 Slender-billed Gulls and c200 Greater Flamingos were in residence.  At Spiro’s Beach 3 Kentish Plovers* and 2 migrant Greater Sand Plovers*, whilst at the sewage works 4 adult Armenian Gulls, 7 Caspian Gulls, 2 Med Gulls (1 1ST winter) and 4 Gadwalls.
Sunday, with some grim weather looming, Cape Greco delivered 2 Song Thrushes, a male Cyprus Wheatear, a couple of Spectacled Warblers and a Black Redstart.  2 Swifts have arrived at Ay Nik.

• Isabelline Wheatear at Ayia Napa Sewage Works
• Ferruginous Duck at Bishops Pool
• Corn Bunting at Ayia Vavara
• Black Redstart at Asporkremmos Dam
• Greater Sand Plover at Spiro’s Beach
• Kentish Plover at Spiro's Beach
• Coal Tit at Troodos Village

Highlight of the Week: Amongst some very good sightings, without doubt the highlight was the sightings of 3+ Ring Ouzels (the first records since 2005).

Other Interesting Finds:  Cyprus Bee Orchid*, Roman Orchid*, and Woodcock Orchid* were all seen and Roger took some time photographing a pair of Starred Agamas at Bishop’s Pool.

Look Forward:  A new month and lots of migration beckons.

If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at:   birder639@yahoo.com

Mark Easterbrook

Cyprus Weekly

24th Feb 2013 | Posted in: Overseas Birding | Comments (0)

Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 24 Feb

Cyprus Warbler Male, ringed on 24 Feb 13 by the Chairman.

* indicates that a photo of the species is included please visit Flickr site to view.

I headed to the Famagusta on Tuesday and at Fresh Water Lake South, at least 25 Cattle Egrets were on the nest, a Kingfisher called and flew past me with 4 Great White Egrets also putting in an appearance.  A real surprise at Fresh Water Lake North was 17 White-fronted Geese, the highest count this winter.  At Silver Beach 4 Curlews continued and a reduction in Golden Plover numbers was evidient.  On the rocks at Clapsides, 3 Audouin's Gulls, 2 Armenian Gulls and a Grey Plover.  289 Greater Flamingos were at Gulserin Pond and an adult Siberian Gull was good to see.  Gull numbers are beginning to decrease so not long left to grill these species.

On Thursday, Ayia Napa Football Pitches held c120 Serins but little else.  At Cape Greco Rubbish Tip, 3 Song Thrushes and Black Redstarts were skittish as was a distant Isabelline Wheatear.  Friday was JUMBO day so for me it was Oroklini Marsh where I flushed a Water Rail, Bluethroat and noted a large influx of Swallows, at least 80.  4 Black-winged Stilts were amongst the wildfowl and Spur-winged Plovers with an increase in Snipes being noted.

Saturday and a quick recce of the Cyprus Warbler site for Roger also produced Cyprus, female Finsch's and Isabelline Wheater, along with numerous Black Redstarts and 3 Blue Rock Thrushes.  When I arrived at home I found a new butterfly and the first for the year - a Lang's Short-tailed Blue.  After some shopping the airport run.  Roger arrived on time in the most horrendous electrical storm.  I hoped that it wasn't the shape of things to come as it was the heaviest rain for about a month.  Anyway, that put paid to any birding on arrival so we made for Ay Nik, dinner at a local restaurant and a few beers.  The Cyprus Meze was its usual self - a week's worth of food in 2 hours which left us all feeling satisfied, a couple of KEOs later and we were ready for bed prior to an early start tomorrow, leaving the house at 0600 to go ringing with a local Cypriot ringer from BirdLife Cyprus.

We arrived early of course and were met by Thomas Hadjikyriakou.  The nets were soon in place and ringing was underway.  Not knowing what to expect, I was delighted for Roger when the first bird in the bag was a cracking male Cyprus Warbler.  Posing, smug looks and photographs complete we carried on.  The tally of ringed birds was 6 Cypurs Warblers, 4 males and 2 Females, a male Sardinian Warbler and a new bird for Thomas with a Song Thrush.  Not a massive total but quality and 2 of Roger's most wanted.  Many thanks to Thomas for his knowledge and time and we look forward to meeting him in Troodos for round 2 later next week.  We progressed to do some birding (hoorahh) and moved to Oroklini Marsh, where a Bluethroat, Spur-winged Plovers, Black-winged Stilts and 3 Red-crested Pochards were present including a stonking male.  Disappointingly, a Penduline Tit was heard but would not reveal itself.  We drove to the North West edge of Larnaca Salt Lake where we flushed 5 Jack Snipe, c80 Snipe and saw good numbers of Water Pipits, alpina Dunlins, Little Stints and about 4000 Greater Flamingos.  As we scanned the numerous Shelducks we were surprised with a drake Ruddy Shelduck and a ringtail Hen Harrier also put in an appearance.  Another surprise was a single Green Sandpiper.  The pressure is however as the Moustached Warbler failed to materialise so we headed to Larnaca Sewage Works.  There has obviously been some passage as at least 35 Slender-billed Gulls were present in pink breeding plumage which was impressive.  Also there was the largest gathering of Gulls this winter.  With Black-headeds being in the majority although 5 Mediterranean Gulls and a number of larger gulls were also present.  It allowed time to grill them and distinguish between adult Armenian, Caspian and Yellow-legged.  A scan of the lagoons revealed 4 Black-necked Grebes in breeding plumage and in the surrounding fields an Isabelline Wheatear, Chukars, Spectacled Warblers and a fly by Red-throated Pipit called as it went, but scope views required by the Chairman - there's just no pleasing some people!

• Song Thrush in the hand at Dheklia Garrison.
• Male Sardinian Warbler in the hand at Dekelia Garrison.
• Roger & Thomas, with Roger receiving some education regarding Cyprus Warbler DNA testing at Dhekelia Garrison.

Highlight of the Week:  The arrival of Roger of course.  But seriously,  migration is underway and the sight of 35+ pink Slender-billed Gulls was very pleasing .

Other Interesting Finds:  A new butterfly for me in the form of a Lang's Short-tailed Blue photographed at Ay Nik on Saturday, just prior to Roger's arrival - so I'm glad I didn't have to bore him with that .

Look Forward:  The week's tour of Cyprus with Roger as a forerunner and recce for the AOS trip next Spring.

If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at:   birder639@yahoo.com

Mark Easterbrook

SPTA West

19th Feb 2013 | Posted in: UK Birding | Comments (0)

Hen Harrier Survey

Currently there is no non-exercise movement allowed on the Plain.  This threatend to cancel the monthly Hen Harrier survey the Conservation Group conducts each winter.  Fortunately we were given one window of opportunity last night as troops moved back into their main bases.  It turned out a nice evening with blue skies and a fantastic sunset with red splashed around the cloudless sky.  I was able to deploy 5 point surveys from the Conservation Group though only one saw any Hen Harriers.  Most groups did see Short-eared Owls that had been missing since the snow arrived.  The snow is long gone and the owls are back with 7 being seen.  I located myself near a large Rook colony and the most notable birds were 2 Yellowhammers; it was very quiet in my location except for MAN trucks and Mastiffs.  The Starlings, 7 km to our north put on a fantastic display and there must have been between 500,000 and a million birds in the sky forming equisite patterns before roosting in the scrub.  This is the first time that I have seen them all up this winter.  Unfortunately I cannot get close until mid March as the red flags are constantly flying until then.

Cyprus Weekly

16th Feb 2013 | Posted in: Overseas Birding | Comments (0)

Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 16 Feb

Male Cyprus Wheatear at Cape Greco 13 Feb

* indicates that a photo of the species is included please visit Flickr site to view.

Following the departure of our guests and the closing of a great week’s birding the mood was sombre in the Easterbrook household.  Anyway with an additional day’s leave on Monday there was no time to waste.  Did someone once write “Tell me why I don’t like Mondays”, or is that a distant memory that isn’t valid?  So it was that I visited Gulserin Pond in the North, sighting 64 Greater Flamingos and a 1st winter Little Gull.  I then had an appointment with Mehmet my Turkish barber in Famagusta.  Great, the monthly haircut and bit of male pampering was excellent save for the cheek hair “threading” which was its usual excruciatingly painful affair – nice to see consistency, I like that.  A cup of Turkish coffee without sugar was strong to say the least, (I’m informed that to have sugar in it is regarded by many as less than heterosexual) but enjoyable and part of the experience – you can have beer if you prefer (Roger).  However, I had arranged to meet Tony Hutchinson in the North at Hisarkoy about an hour and a half away, where he was going to take me to Cape Kormakiti in an attempt to twitch the Gannet (a Cyprus tick), that’s been hanging around.  We met successfully and at the Cape it was blowing a “hooley” with a strong westerly wind.  No Gannet was seen unfortunately but as we left c25 Stone Curlews and a ringtail Hen Harrier was encountered.  It did bring back memories of nearly getting blown off my feet with a flailing tripod at Strumble Head once, and to blow a fairly svelte me off my feet, it was a pretty hefty blow.

We returned to his house for part 2 of the visit – an Orchid hunt.  Tony leads Orchid walks and is a renowned expert in the north of the island and a very good contact.  As we walked c20 Woodlarks flushed from the vegetation and this was closely followed by a sighting of a Brown Bee Orchid (Ophrys iricolour)* which was a good looking specimen.  We continued and soon came across the second new species which was a lovely looking Early Spider Orchid (Ophrys mammosa)*.  After another 10 minutes or so, Tony said “Look down there”, just below me in a sheltered area was a spectacular site and without doubt the most impressive Orchid I have seen to date – a Punctulate Orchid (Ochris punctulata)*.  I never thought I’d ever say this but it was more than compensation for missing the Gannet – am I losing it?  This Orchid is threatened and only exists in southern Turkey and parts of Cyprus; threatened through agricultural practices it would be a great pity if it disappeared.

Tuesday and a return to an overflowing inbox and several appraisals pending ensured that I had my work cut out to finish within normal working hours.  After work, it was off to order some heart shaped Helium balloons – (ohhh, ahhh – I hear you say)?  That said, I managed to look around Akhna Dam which due to the number of Carp and the amount of water held very little except for a Cormorant, 3 Song Thrushes and a Chiffchaff in the bushes.  I looked in an area known for migrants but to no avail.  At Ay Nik, I drove around the back of camp and apart from another 2 Song Thrushes, I found a plantation set up for at least 10 mist net lanes.  The tyres with concrete at the bases and breeze block supports were obvious, so I reported it to the CABS member with a Google Maps reference.  The trapping does not end after migration.  Species are targeted all year around and indiscriminate slaughter of unwanted birds is relentless and is getting worse.  Do not believe what you hear and that “Everything possible is being done to end this activity” – this is smoke and mirrors as it largely goes un-policed and a blind eye is turned to this illegal and barbaric poaching activity.

With Spring in the air and a bit of a southerly breeze, I made for Cape Greco in the afternoon.  Not much was present under the cliffs apart from a pair of displaying Kestrels* at a probable nest site and a flyby male Peregrine.  Black Redstart numbers appear to have reduced and the Blue Rock Thrushes weren’t seen,  At the rubbish tip there was immediately a good number of birds present with a good looking male Black Redstart, Serin and several Meadow Pipits.  I saw a Wheatear above the tip and then another, in exactly the same place as last week’s Finsch’s, however they looked odd and unlike Finsch’s.  I looked more closely as I manoeuvred for a photo – yes, the first 2 Cyprus Wheatears* of the year, a pair of males.  With an Isabelline being reported from the other end of the island at Cape Drapernum, the vanguard of Spring migrants appear to be moving.

I repeated the same circuit on Thursday afternoon, the majority of the birds remained unchanged although only 1 male Cyprus Wheatear was seen at the tip and further on an Isabelline Wheatear was seen.  At Ayia Napa Sewage Works, the Black-necked Grebe remained and was joined by a Common Sandpiper on the same lagoon.  Paralimini Lake had a collection of Herons including 5 Greys, 11 Little Egrets and 1 Great White Egret.

Friday and in my role as President of the Officers’ Mess Entertainments Committee (a committee of me and Debs), I found myself in the mess with Debs decorating for Valentine’s Night – joy.  With red hearts and pink fluffy things abounding, I left feeling replete with romance if not wondering what migrants I was missing.  The night was a suitably messy affair and Saturday was all but a write-off as usual.

Desperate to see a few early migrants I headed off to Cape Greco on Sunday.  In any event none were present but the first Long-legged Buzzard of the month was seen at Ayia Napa Sewage Works.  The Cape had a male Blue Rock Thrush, a couple of Black Redstart females and 2 Serins.  The first Swallowtail* of the year was seen, but so a fairly mundane week drew to a close.

For pictures of birds with a * please click on the following Flickr links:

• Eastern Jackdaw at Famagusta Walled City.
• Kestrel at Cape Greco.
• First Swallowtail of the year.
• Punctulate, Early Spider Orchid and Brown Bee Orchid at Hisarkoy.

Highlight of the Week:  With birds in short supply and missing the Gannet at Cape Kormakiti, it has to be said that the Punctulate* Orchid was a pretty impressive beast.

Other Interesting Finds:  Along with the Punctulate Orchid another 2 new species were added to the rapidly growing Cyprus list in the form of Ophrys mammosa (Early Spider Orchid)* and Ophrys iricolour (Brown Bee Orchid*).

Look Forward:  The week before Roger’s visit and ringing and accommodation is all teed up so another week of island wide birding is looming with an anticipated trip list of 130 species.

If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at:   birder639@yahoo.com

Mark Easterbrook