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Cyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 8 Mar 15
Rock Sparrow at Cape Greco on 7 Mar.
As I went to work several Swifts were overhead and had obviously returned to their breeding sites. Back to the routine and a Monday evening visit to Akhna Dam. Fairly quiet with 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Grey Heron and a Common Buzzard being obvious. Circa 30 White Wagtails were on the grass and c50 Corn Buntings were perched on wires. At the far end of the dam 7 migrating Great White Egrets rested. 4 Spur-winged Plovers have returned and as I left a female Hen Harrier was over the fields whilst a number of Jackdaws sat on out buildings. I stopped at Vrysoulles on the way home and 2 Little Owls were in their regular spot.
On Tuesday I drove Deb to the airport seeing a Black Redstart in the quarter area as I departed. A few Swifts were overhead but there was nothing else as I drove away. On my return from the airport I stopped briefly at Oroklini Marsh where 12 Great White Egrets (obviously a passage of this species occurring), were amongst the c150 Cattle Egrets. 6 Spur-winged Plovers were present with 36 Greater Flamingos and with them was an Avocet. On the Petrol Station pond, 3 Red-crested Pochards were noted - a drake and 2 ducks.
On Wednesday I was “Man Down” with the dreaded Man Flu – it’s worst than Bird Flu apparently and I was testament to that. I returned to work on Thursday and a pair of House Martins were seen nest building on the Command Group wall. A Black Francolin called from the fields behind the camp as I entered the building. In the afternoon I headed to the coast. At Ayia Thekla 1 Greater Sand Plover remained with a Stonechat nearby. On to the Ayia Napa Sewage Works area and in the housing estate near to the Football Pitch complex 4 Laughing Doves were on wires – my first for the year. I continued to the sewage works lagoons where 11 Coot and 12 Little Grebe were obvious and on the edges a Green and Common Sandpiper fed actively. There wasn’t much happening but a male Cyprus Warbler and Sardinian Warbler were good sightings. I checked a few likely spots in the area but there didn’t seem to be any passerine movement as yet. Stopping at Paralimni Lake on the way home, only 4 Greater Flamingos remained and c150 Ruff were scattered all over the area. A Green Sandpiper was with a Wood Sandpiper and Spur-winged Plovers numbered 9. I moved to the area on west side of the lake in a housing estate where several Song Thrushes flushed as I arrived. I eventually caught up with the likely candidate with 6 Little Ringed Plovers being present – another first for the year for me. It was quiet after that so I returned home.
On Friday afternoon, I visited the north. Koprulu is still looking like and excellent site and the species represented upheld this opinion. The 2 White-fronted Geese were still present with 6 Ruddy Shelducks, 2 Common Shelducks, good numbers of Teal and Shoveler and 88 Common Pochards with 2 Red-cresteds thrown in for good measure. Circa 900 Coot were present and c280 Greater Flamingos. As several Marsh Harriers passed over the marsh a pair of Common Cranes rose from the grass which was a surprise. A lone drake Wigeon and Great White Egret were seen on the far side of the dam as a pair of Black-necked Grebes continued to dive. I spent an hour of so at the site and convinced I’d seen everything moved on to Fresh Water Lake North. A male Sparrowhawk was mobbed by Hooded Crows and a Green Sandpiper flushed as I arrived. Cattle Egrets* were doing what Cattle Egrets do and 3 Spotted Redshanks were amongst c40 Ruff with 3 Common Redshank. I drove to Fresh Water Lake South which was fairly quiet. 3 Ferruginous Ducks took off, 4 Cormorants remained and passing over c550 Black-headed Gulls contained a number of Yellow-legged Gulls. As the c400 Cattle Egrets roosted, a single Little Egret was seen and the 2 Glossy Ibises remained faithful to the roost.
On Friday evening I received news from Colin Richardson that Stavros had found a Rock Sparrow at Cape Greco. I had planned to visit the cape anyway on Saturday in the search for migrants so the news added to my interest as Rock Sparrow is a Cyprus “tick” for me. I arrived at the Cape early on Saturday morning and it was very windy. There was no sign of the Sparrow in the area that it had been seen in, so I visited the Picnic Area. A male Blue Rock Thrush was obvious and a couple of Spectacled Warblers were singing and in display flight. Song Thrushes were still present in good numbers and a Robin showed briefly. With the wind still blowing I decided to head for the cliffs under the Army Camp. As I passed along the road a calling bird caught my attention. With bins up quickly, there it was a Rock Sparrow*, calling amongst Spanish Sparrows. I quickly grabbed the camera and got a not bad shot of the bird, under the hasty circumstances. It took off and continued to feed on the floor with the Spanish Sparrows, although remaining out of site. It perched on a nearby bush briefly and then it was gone. A good Cyprus bird under the belt and very unexpected. The Cyprus list grows to 318 – “It’s All About The List”, someone once said. I continued under the Army Camp cliffs where a female Finsch’s Wheatear remained. A good number of Song Thrushes were still present and as I rounded the corner – my first Cyprus Wheatear of the year! 2 Blue Rock Thrushes, a male and female added to the day tally with a lone Black Redstart also showing well. A Marsh Harrier, Cormorant and 3 Starlings were present at Akhna Dam but there wasn’t anything else of interest.
On Sunday with Deb being in the UK – it was all set for a Leo Sayer (All Dayer). I started at Larnaca Airport Pool South which was full of birds. In excess of 500 Greater Flamingos were present with rafts of Shovelers, one of which contained 2 drake Garganeys – my first for the year. Good numbers of lovely pink flushed Slender-billed Gulls* were present and outnumbered the Black-headed Gulls. In the middle of the gulls were 20 superb, summer plumaged Mediterranean Gulls* that were looking resplendent in the full hooded, breeding regalia. 36 Shelduck were also feeding actively at the west end of the pool. The sewage works was fairly dull with 2 Ferruginous Ducks being the only item of note. 11 Flamingos were on Spiro’s Pool and as I drove the airport fields a Corn Bunting sang and my first Hoopoe of the year sat on a dead bush. Several Black Francolins were heard, but I didn’t manage to see one. As I passed the Salt Lake, c5000 Flamingos remained and at least 600 Shelduck were still present. I drove to the north end and 5 Green Sandpipers flushed with 3 Redshanks whilst 2 Black-winged Stilts remained motionless. 4 Mediterranean Gulls (3 Adults and a 1st winter) were amongst the hundreds of Black-headed Gulls and c80 Slender-billed Gulls.
At Oroklini the theme continued with 9 Slender-billed Gulls on the water. In the reed beds, 5 Reed Warblers, newly arrived sang and 2 were seen. Whilst looking for the warblers, 2 Snipe flushed and I heard a Penduline Tit. Eventually I got good views of a cracking male feeding atop a redhead. 4 Armenian Gulls were on the water and 18 Flamingos were also present. At Oroklini coast – Dolphin Rocks, a 1st winter Armenian Gull and 2 1w Mediterranean Gulls* were present. I returned home for lunch before heading to Cape Greco for the afternoon.
As I passed Ayios Georgious, 3 Starlings passed overhead and that was it until I reached the Cape Greco Sea Caves. Driving along rough tracks I flushed 3 Isabelline Wheatears and several Meadow Pipits. At the sea caves, at least 6 Isabelline Wheatears and numerous Song Thrushes were present along with a male Blue Rock Thrush. A female (light throated) Finsch’s Wheatear continued its wintering stay , but surely this must depart in the coming week. A Cyprus Wheatear completed the wheatear numbers. As I continued further a female Blue Rock Thrush was under the Army Cliffs with several Chukars also being evident. A female Sardinian Warbler and Chiffchaff were quietly going about their business when another Sylvia flushed which proved to be my first male Ruppel’s Warbler of the spring. Finishing at Cape Greco Pines, I flushed many Song Thrushes, 2 Great Spotted Cuckoos and a female Hen Harrier.
I paused briefly at Paralimini Lake on the way home noting a reduced number of Ruffs, 2 Little Egret, only 4 Flamingos, 4 Green Sandpipers, 4 Black-winged Stilt and a single Common Snipe. So ended a productive week, with the first signs of visible migration taking place, in reasonable numbers.
Highlights of the Week: A Cyprus “tick” – a Rock Sparrow at Cape Greco on 7 Mar was most unexpected!
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 1 Mar 15
Alpine Accentor at Mallores de Riglos on 24 Feb.
The week continued in Spain and day 2 of the trip. We visited the Monegros Steppe area just south of Ontenino. On route we passed a male Hen Harrier and the ubiquitous White Storks. As we traversed the Steppe area we gained many views of Calandra, Thekla, Skylarks and eventually we heard and saw some Lesser Short-toed Larks. At the first stop we flushed 4 Black-bellied Sandgrouse and saw many large flocks of Spotless Starlings. As we continued Black Redstarts became numerous with 5 Hoopoes also showing amongst the vegetation. A small pond in the steppe provided views of c20 Red Crested Pochards, about a dozen Common Pochards and a single Little Grebe. Marsh Harriers, Corn Buntings and Lapwings were fairly common on the plains with a few Little Owls also perching on disused buildings. As we searched an area 34 Little Bustards took flight and 2 Golden Eagles soared in the distance, one of which was seen at close range later. At least 3 Southern (Iberian) Grey Shirkes* showed throughout the visit and a Red Fox flushed another 8 Black-bellied Sandgrouse which eventually settled allowing for satisfactory views. Nearby we located the flock of c40 Pin-tailed Sangrouse which showed well on the ground before taking off with their distinctive bubbling flight call. After lunch we stopped and located a Eurasian Eagle Owl* at its roost, which was a bonus.
On day 4, 24th Feb we headed to the Mallores de Riglos (Riglos) area. As we drove we could see large numbers (1000’s) of Common Cranes attempting to gain height and cross the Pyrenees without a hope and they consequently turned back in the low cloud and strong winds. At Riglos a very obliging Alpine Accentor* posed for the camera and at least 20 were in the area. Griffon Vultures, a lone Lammergeier and at least 12 (the first for the year) Black Kites hung in the wind. A Dunnock was seen with a couple of Blackcaps* and on the hillside a male Sardinian Warbler was also seen prior to locating our quarry – a very confiding Wallcreeper*. On route to the Crane roosting site we stopped at Las Nawas Reservoir which provided a few trip ticks with Great White Egret, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal and Gadwalls all being represented. We continued to Sotonera Lake once more and in front of us an amazing sight with c10000 Common Cranes feeding on the grass and in the vegetation next to the lake – Incredible! A Fieldfare* showed as we were departing and a Stock Dove flew over the road as we travelled to the hotel.
Early the next day we departed to meet flights from Barcelona and Deb and I continued our stay with 3 nights in a comfortable 4* near to the sites in the city. As we walked around the Magic Fountains, I saw Black Redstarts, Serins and Monk Parakeets. In the morning we visited the Gothic and Cathedral area near to Al Rambla. After lunch we visited the marina where the usual Yellow-legged* and Black-headed Gulls* scavenged and finished off in La Boqueria market eating Spanish delights and drinking Cerveza and Vino Tinto – a great day.
On the second day in the city we visited Guell Park which was very interesting and provided more views of commoner species including Monk Parakeets*, Chiffchaffs, Serins, Blackcaps, Sardinian Warblers, Great Tits and to my surprise 2 Crested Tits. The next day we visited Segrada Familia, with Monk Parakeet nests being in almost every palm tree but there wasn’t much else of interest. On 28th we returned to Cyprus via Istanbul and after a bit of a delay and a hasty walk around Ata Turk airport (why is the gate you arrive at always the furthest from where you are departing)? We eventually boarded and arrived home at about 2200.
An early start on Sunday and I headed to Cape Greco. There weren’t many spring migrants about although 5 Swifts were over the house as I departed. A male Finsch’s Wheatear continued to hang on at the cape and a small flock of Linnets were together near a small covey of Chukars. Black Redstarts and Stonechats were much in evidence so perhaps migration isn’t that far along just yet. As I searched the Cape Greco Pine area, several Chiffchaffs were heard singing and seen well and then a familiar grating sound not unlike a Magpie revealed my first Great Spotted Cuckoo of the year. 4 Ruddy Shelducks were at Paralimni Lake with c 250 Ruffs and a reduced number of c70 Greater Flamingos. A female Marsh Harrier hawked the marsh and flushed 11 Lapwings and 2 Green Sandpipers. After lunch and sporting a beard, I visited the Turkish barbers for a hair cut and the obvious before returning to work. Afterwards, Gulserin Pond held c150 Flamingos and good numbers of Pintails, Shovelers and Teal. Coots and Moorhens were obvious, the few Black-winged Stilts and Spur-winged Plovers less so. A 2nd winter Armenian Gull was with Black-headed Gulls and at Clapsides Beach, an adult Heuglin’s Gull was with Yellow-legged Gulls as a pair of Shags and a Sandwich Tern rested on the rocks. A Black Francolin was heard as I drove to Silver Beach. Another Green Sandpiper was seen with some Flamingos, 2 Grey Herons and a Great White Egret but there wasn’t much happening.
Finishing the week at Fresh Water Lake South, 4 Serin sang and c250 Cattle Egrets were present. 7 Cormorants were on the water and 4 Ferruginous Ducks eventually revealed themselves. To be fair it was a pretty mundane end to the week with a Common Buzzard and c50 Starlings flying to roost.
Highlights of the Week: Wallcreepers, Lammergeiers, Eurasian Eagle Owls, Alpine Accentors and Cranes – what could be better? Tapas and Vino Tinto of course!
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 22 Feb 15
Griffon Vulture at Santa on 22 Feb.
Akhna Dam was very quiet after work on Monday. In fact I’ve never seen it looking so birdless. A Grey Heron was on the lagoon with a Black Redstart and c30 Corn Buntings on wires as I left. Very Dull indeed, but it does have a habit of redeeming itself as migration picks up and it turns up a good rarity when it’s least expected.
Tuesday brought a trip to the north and Koprulu Dam. Wildfowl were present in good numbers with c300 Flamingos. Of most interest was a pair of Black-necked Grebes, 8 Wigeon, a Gadwall and a couple of Pintails. As I scanned I found a pair of Red Crested Pochards which is unusual for the site and Common Pochards numbered 86. 2 female Marsh Harriers were in the area and a ghostly male Hen Harrier was mobbed by Hooded Crows. 2 Great White Egrets were in the grass and a Common Buzzard perched in a tree. Circa 300 Greater Flamingos remained in situ and 8 Ferruginous Ducks eventually showed well. I stopped at Fresh Water Lake North for a changed and the 2 Glossy Ibises rose from the reed bed. Good numbers of Redshanks and Spur-wiinged Plovers were present with a single Ruff. 12 Pintails was a good count and 24 Flamingos fed actively on the far side of the marsh. At Silver Beach 14 Flamingos were present with 14 Common Shelduck and a drake Pintail. A Spotted Redshank was with 2 Common Reshanks and a Green Sandpiper called as it went. Gulserin was fairly quiet, with the c200 Flamingos still at the site and 7 Black-winged Stilts loafed in the grass with Spur-winged Plovers. 2 female Blackcaps were in nearby tamarisks and although many Black-headed Gulls came to roost there was nothing interesting amongst them. A Robin was in the quarter area as I drove home and they appear to be reducing as they come to the end of their wintering period.
On Wednesday with a howling wing, I went to Cape Greco – still no migrants. Yellow-legged Gulls were being blown along the coast and a Common Buzzard cruised by the Sea Caves. At the picnic site a male Blue Rock Thrush and Black Redstart were seen. Stopping at Paralimni Lake on the way home, the 9 Ruddy Shelducks had been joined by a Common Shelduck. Ruffs had increased to c300 (a good count for Feb) and a single Spotted Redshank and 2 Common Redshanks were also present. 14 Dunlins were with the Ruffs and several Little Egrets were seen.
On Thursday I visited Paralimni Lake once more which is looking interesting. The Ruddy Shelducks were still present with c250 Flamingos. Ruff numbers had grown to c150 and 2 Spotted Redshanks were also present, with a Ringed Plover and 43 Dunlins. I eventually spotted a previously reported Black-tailed Godwit and c200 White Wagtails flew to roost as I was departing.
On Friday morning I met the US birder again at Paralimni bus station and we proceeded to Ayias Trias where 3 Grey Plovers were in the company of their Greater Sand Plover cousins. 3 male Cyprus Warblers were singing at Cape Greco Picnic Site and Song Thrushes were everywhere, with in excess of c150 being seen around the cape. A cracking male Finsch’s Wheatear was still present under the Army Camp Cliffs with a male Blue Rock Thrush and several Black Redstarts. Sardinian and Spectacled Warblers were very vocal but no Sylvia migrants were present yet. Travelling from the cape to the sea caves my first Isabelline Wheatear of the year was in fields near Cape Greco Pines and at the Sea Caves another was present with good numbers of Meadow Pipits. A Great White Egret came in off the sea and a couple of Yellow-legged Gulls drifted by. A pair of Audouin’s Gulls loafed at Kermia Beach before we headed off to Akhna Dam via Paralimni Lake to see the Ruddy Shelducks. At Akhna Dam it was fairly quiet with c120 Corn Buntings, a Great White Egret, a few Grey Herons and 3 Cormorants. The highlight was a Peregrine attacking a Marsh Harrier and Common Buzzard. Returning to Paralimni via Vrysoulles a pair of Little Owls were in their usual nesting hole.
On the way to the airport in the north for a 0430 flight to Istanbul and onwards to Barcelona, we passed a Barn Owl and later on the approach road to Ercan Airport a Long-eared Owl. We arrived in Barcelona at 1050 without incident and headed north to Sietamo near Huesca for a 4 night stay. We stopped at several sights along the way seeing a Bonelli’s Eagle at Santana Dam and White Storks and were all along the roadsides.
The next day was an early start and we began birding at Rio Formiga, where we saw 2 Rock Buntings, a Wren, several Griffon Vultures and a few Red Kites. At a nearby Vulture feeding station, c200 Griffons* were in the area and allowed close views and 2 Lammergeier* were also seen circling above. We continued to Cacon Dam where we found our first Wallcreeper and 3 Ravens were overhead. We proceeded to Monte Aragon where a pair of Black Wheatears, a male Blue Rock Thrush and 17 Choughs were notable. A Red Kite* drifted overhead and a male Dartford Warbler* posed as it sang. We finished the day at Sotonera Lake where Common Cranes roost before attempting to cross the Pyrenees the next day. Circa 1000 Cranes were present and on the lake 9 Greylag Geese were a Spanish “tick” 73 Baltic Gulls were of interest, not common and obviously migrants were joined by c250 Black-headed Gulls. Marsh Harriers and Cormorants were also present before we returned to the hotel for “Tea and Medals” – well Tapas and Vino Tinto.
Highlights of the Week: The first Isabelline Wheatears of the year and of course Lammergeier.
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 15 Feb 15
House Martin at Paralimni Lake on 11 Feb
9 Ruddy Shelducks were amongst c230 Greater Flamingos at Parllimni Lake late on Monday afternoon. Little Egrets had increased to at least 10 with 1 Great White and several Grey Herons. 28 Ruffs were present with 1 Wood Sandpiper and a Greenshank. Swallows numbered at least 200 and a female Marsh Harrier cruised over the Lake. I awoke on Tuesday morning to find a Serin singing in the garden on my way to the gym – shock, horror – yes it does happen!
On Tuesday, I invested time at Gulserin Pond in the hope of finding a Common Gull. Without luck, the things you invest time in whilst in Cyprus – remarkable! Anyway as I watched the hundreds of Black-headed Gulls coming to roost, an Audouin’s Gull flew in briefly and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls rested. 2 Penduline Tits emerged from the reeds and 8 Black-winged Stilts were flushed. 4 Pintails remained but there wasn’t much else happening. Of interest amongst the 20 or so migrating Swallows were a couple showing characters of the Levantine Sssp transitive – a liitle larger and redder on the underside.
With a gale force wind blowing on Wednesday, I headed to Cape Greco, but even in this blow nothing was doing. A Sandwich Tern fished in heavy seas and a couple of Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls drifted by. At Paralimni Lake on the way home c300 Barn Swallows were present with c250 Greater Flamingos, however the Ruddy Shelducks appear to have moved on. On the wires amongst the Swallows were my first House Martins* of the year. 21 Ruffs, 3 Redshanks and a Black-winged Stilt were on the north side of the lake, where a Black Francolin could be heard calling.
In the morning as I walked around camp, a Serin sang from some conifers, a Black Redstart quivered on the tennis court fence and I flushed at least 4 Wood Larks as I headed down to the admin office. The weekly JUMBO excursion provided me a little time in the Oroklini area. At JUMBO Drain, 8 Spur-winged Plovers had taken residence, with a Moorhen and several Black-headed Gulls. The site may be coming into its own again but it’s still a far cry from the excellent site it was a year ago. At Oroklini Marsh, at least 8 Chiffchaffs were very active and above me an influx of at least 50 Common Swifts with some hirundines mixed in provided the next year tick. A pair of Red Crested Pochards were in the reeds as 2 female Marsh Harriers cruised above them. A male Pintail remained and at least 10 Armenian Gulls* were present amongst the Black-heads with a 3 winter Yellow-legged Gull*. 89 Greater Flamingos were still present and a lone Black-winged Stilt was with the Spur-winged Plovers. At the coast 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls were loafing at the back of a raft of Black-heads and were complete with black hoods.
A Serin sang once more outside the house on Friday morning as I went to work. I didn’t manage to get out on Friday afternoon and with Valentine’s Night in the Mess in the evening, I stayed in and watched the Rugby on Saturday. On Sunday I visited Cape Greco in the hope of some early migrants – which failed. However, a female Finsch’s Wheatear was with a cracking male, 2 Blue Rock Thrushes were in the area with several Black Redstarts, but perhaps the surprise were 2 Mistle Thrushes with the commoner Song Thrushes. A Long-legged Buzzard headed off the cape and out to sea whilst a Yellow-legged Gull loafed offshore. I moved onto Ayias Trias where 9 Grey Plovers were on the rocks with a Little Egret.
Paralimni Lake held 9 Ruddy Shelducks once more amongst the c250 Flamingos and a pair of Avocets was a surprise. In the afternoon we headed to the north where the highlight was an Audouin’s Gull at Clapsides Beach. I returned home early as there was not much occurring and watched the rugby.
Highlights of the Week: The arrival of Swifts and House Martins but migration seems to be a bit behind last year perhaps because of the unsettled weather in the last week.
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 8 Feb 15
Female White-headed Duck at Mia Milia Sewage Works on 7 Feb
February has arrived, Swallows are well and truly in and a couple of Swifts have also been seen – migration is underway! A singing Serin and a mobile Black Redstart on camp brightened the day and in the evening, with the light improving, I managed to get to Fresh Water Lake South for half an hour. That said, there wasn’t much there. 5 Swallows passed overhead, 53 Cormorants came to roost and along with the c350 Cattle Egrets, the 2 Glossy Ibises remained faithful and roosted with them. The significance being that I’ve seen Glossy Ibises in every month of the year of Cyprus; they are not usually known to overwinter. A couple of Cetti’s Warblers were very audible, however that was about it for the day.
A bit of shopping in Paralimini on Tuesday allowed me to visit the lake and Ayias Trias. At the coast, 2 adult Audouin’s Gulls* loafed and posed for the camera. What a beautiful Gull they are! Anyway, there were no Plovers on the rocks surprisingly so we went and did the shopping before looking at Paralimni Lake. The 9 Ruddy Shelducks were still present amongst the c150 Greater Flamingos and 1 Great White Egret fed on the fringes. Circa 30 Swallows were hawking over the lake – they have arrived! 18 Ruff flew over the lake and as I scanned I saw 4 Wood Sandpipers, obviously early migrants and a Common Snipe. 3 Water Pipits and 2 Meadow Pipits flushed and I could hear several Cetti’s Warblers. A single Black-winged Stilt appeared and before I left the Grey Herons numbered 11 and the Little Egrets 6.
A mid week visit to Cape Greco provided 2 female Finsch’s Wheatear in their usual wintering haunts by the sea caves and under the Army Post Cliffs. 2 male Blue Rock Thrushes were also there along with 1 Black Redstart. A male Sardinian Warbler was vocal as was a male Peregrine that passed overhead, pausing briefly above the cliffs. Chukars were much in evidence as were Song Thrushes – good to see and surprised there are any left alive after the recent round of mindless Cypriot slaughter. On to Ayia Thekla and after much searching and 2 Little Egrets, I found my quarry in the form of 9 Greater Sand Plovers, the largest count this winter.
On Thursday, dropping Deb in Larnaca and picking up the US birder I headed off to the usual sites. 4 Black-necked Grebes on the sewage works were of interest but nothing much else was doing. 6 Ruffs were on the Airport Pool South and several Swallows passed overhead. On the main salt lake a nice adult Slender-billed Gull was with the many Black-heads. At the north end of the lake, Water Pipits, Meadow Pipits, a female Marsh Harrier and the usual waders and although a wintering Green Sandpiper was present the Marsh Sandpiper had moved on.
On Friday, a quick visit to the north produced 14 Pintails at Gulserin Marsh with c150 Greater Flamingos and at Silver Beach a Greenshank and 17 Shelducks. On to Fresh Water Lake South where a single drake Ferruginous Duck loitered and 8 Yellow-legged Gulls passed overhead on the way to roost. With it being fairly quiet I left before the roosting birds started to appear.
Saturday was a KUSKOR field trip and we met at Five Finger Mountain (Besparmak (TU) or Pentydactylos (GR)) – so many names for 1 place – crazy but that’s the politics of birding in Cyprus. We continued to what is known as Kyrenia Rock, a viewpoint at Alevkaya. Here we first heard and then saw the pair of breeding Ravens – a rare sight indeed these days and they were joined by a male Peregrine. In the nearby conifers, a Great Tit, 2 Goldcrests and a pair of Sardinian Warblers. I also saw my first 2 Cleopatras of the year. We met the remainder of the group at Demirhan Roundabout and continued to the nearby pools. The fields contained Corn Buntings, Skylarks and at least 8 Calandra Larks. A Bluethroat was near a muddy, wet semi-pond and was joined by a singing Chiffchaff and a lone Song Thrush. As Fan-tailed Warblers displayed, a stunning male Hen Harrier quartered in the distance. Erecting a couple of Roller nest boxes, a male Peregrine passed overhead at Mia Milia Sewage Works. The lagoons contained the usual wildfowl with good numbers of Pochards being present – not common in the south. We came to a lagoon that contained what appeared to be the majority of wildfowl. A pair of Gadwalls, several Shellduck, Pochards and many Mallards. In amongst the Shovelers, I paused to see a female White-headed Duck – amazed, I got the rest of the group onto it and took some record shots as it was a little distant for my camera – all the same the images saved me a thousand words on the rarity report. Submitted, it turns out that it’s the 15th record since the 1980s of a species that has become increasingly scarce in recent years. Happy with that I heard a Moustached Warbler singing and as I left the site 4 Spur-winged Plovers took flight. As I drove the road to the Fresh Water Lakes, I passed a Great White Egret in a flooded field at Pirhan.
I stopped at the north lake first and 22 Redshanks were present with c60 Spur-winged Plovers, amongst them were 2 Ruffs. A Great White Egret alighted with 2 Grey Herons and my first female Sparrowhawk of the year passed to my left. I once again rejoined the group at the south lake where a couple of Marsh Harriers flew to roost. With good numbers of Cattle Egrets coming to roost, they were soon joined by 62 Cormorants, c2500 passing overhead and the last to arrive the pair of Glossy Ibises. 2 Green Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper and a Reshank were on the far bank and a pair of Spur-winged Plovers appeared to be looking to nest.
On Sunday a brief visit to Akhna Dam before going shopping produced a Cormorant, Marsh Harrier, c30 Corn Buntings and the regular Little Owl. On the platforms off Dhekelia Power Station 5 Shags loafed. The end of a productive week which finished with a roast dinner and my first beer of 2015 – Dry January was extended due to its success, but alas the draw of a cold KEO became irresistible!
Highlights of the Week: A Female White-headed Duck and 9 Greater Sand Plovers was a good count with Audouin’s Gulls always being a treat when posing for the camera.
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
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