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Cyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 11 Jan 15
Bittern at Phasouri Reed Beds on 9 Jan.
Nightmare! A massive weather system fell over Cyprus for the first 3 days of the week making getting out very difficult. As I’m getting soft and becoming a fair weather birder, I was unable to get out much in the first half of the week. On Tuesday in between down pours, I got to Paralimni Lake for the first time in at least 6 months. After the recent storms, the lake was the fullest I’ve ever seen it with c50 Greater Flamingos taking up residence. A Grey Heron and at least 6 Little Egrets were present. Not an easy site to observe due to distances, it’s necessary to view from a number of areas involving driving around the 10 mile site. As I observed a pair of smaller gulls hawking the water proved to be the first Little Gulls of the year obviously blown in from the sea in the fairly violent (for Cyprus) storm. A Marsh Harrier disturbed the waders and a Kingfisher flew in front of me from the tamarisks surrounding the lake. As I observed the waders, Kentish Plovers were in the majority but as I scanned 3 Greater Sand Plovers and 2 Grey Plovers were present and they had also obviously come in from the coast to avoid the weather. 2 Ringed Plovers and a lone Redshank were also seen before I departed for home.
With news that Koprulu in the north was full of water, I visited on Wednesday afternoon. On route I stopped briefly on the road at Guvercinlik to view a very large flock of Skylarks and Calandra Larks. The site looks excellent and if managed will become a significant wetland. 23 Pochards were present with a couple of Shelducks and hundreds of Shovelers, Mallards and Teal. A single female Marsh Harrier hawked the bund line and at least 45 Greater Flamingos were feeding. As I scanned I scoped 143 Lapwings and with them was a single Golden Plover. As I left the site I scoped a huge mixed flock of Skylarks and Corn Buntings that contained at least 7 Calandra Larks. A beautiful male Hen Harrier flushed them as I watched. I continued to Fresh Water Lake South, where a Great White Egret remained along with 3 Ferruginous Ducks. Cattle Egrets and Cormorants gathered for the roost and at 1645 as the light was fading the over-wintering pair of Glossy Ibises flew into join the Cattle Egrets. Circa 5000 Starlings made a remarkable “Whhhooosshhh” as they flew to roost and with the light finally disappearing I retired for the day.
So it was Thursday soon enough and needing some shopping I stopped at Paralimni Lake which is actually full of water and looking pretty good. A Great White Egret was present along with commoner Grey Herons and Little Egrets and at least 45 Lapwings were quite vocal. 2 Marsh Harriers flushed some waders but they were too far away to identify but it did alert me to the presence of an adult Common Crane which had been previously reported. As it was getting dark I returned home.
Friday and I had to take Deb to the clinic in Limassol which allowed for a long weekend in Paphos and some birding en route. 3 female type Reed Buntings were at Zakaki Marsh which was a year tick but the Striated Heron remained unseen and is becoming more difficult to see as its stay continues. A Moustached Warbler and Chiffchaff were also seen before departing. Onto Phassouri Reed Beds after a Cyprus Sandwich for lunch. At Phassouri a pair of Common Buzzards were new arrivals and a Song Thrush flushed from the reeds. A Kingfisher fished in the now fairly large pools and a 2nd or 3rd year sub-adult Bonelli’s Eagle was mobbed by the small Buzzards in comparison. We departed along the back road for Episkopi but not before I had nearly run over a Bittern* running along the road and pausing to adopt an outstretched neck posture as if it was in the reed bed. I had heard several people say they’d seen a Bittern along the road but I never thought I’d actually see it for myself. With it clearly confused and posing for the camera – churlish no to, I grabbed a couple of shots through the windscreen and under the circumstances they came out pretty well. Regaining its sense, it soon flew over the reeds and landed deep within. At Kensington Cliffs another Buzzard hung in the wind and 2 Griffon Vultures drifted by. With the year tick in the bag I journeyed to Asprokremnos Dam in the hope of seeing a Great Crested Grebe that had been previously reported. No Grebe but a spectacular booby prize with 21 Ruddy Shelducks newly arrived in the storms. I phoned Colin Richardson immediately who went to see the large flock of ducks, which proved to be a good decision on his part. Prior to booking into the hotel the only bird of interest at Paphos Headland was a Common Sandpiper and at Kalafos Beach a Kingfisher was present.
On Saturday, I did a quick walk along the Paphos Headland turning up 2 Greater Sand Plovers and 61 Golden Plovers and a Common Buzzard flew past heading west, but nothing else. I met Colin Richardson for a day out, quickly adding 30+ Hawfinches, which was a good count and good numbers of Wood Larks in the Armou Village and Hills area. There had obviously been an influx of Serins, Common Buzzards and Song Thrushes were present in large numbers. As we drove through Episkopi in the Ezouzas Valley, we stopped at a rock face and heard and saw a singing male Blue Rock Thrush and a male Peregrine. Onward to a wooded area overlooking a water course and with a little encouragement 3 Siskins (a male and 2 females were observed). In the Marathounta Hills area more of the same with 3 Hawfinches drinking at a puddle and the addition of a cracking male Finsch’s Wheatear. I had lunch with Colin and visited Asprokremnos Dam once more. It was a good job Colin had gone to see the Ruddy Shelducks yesterday as they had left the site. I did catch up with the Great Crested Grebe and 2 beautiful ghost like male Hen Harriers hawked the fields above the dam. Stopping at Kalafos Beach, Paphos once more I eventually caught up with a lone Turnstone, perhaps the only one on the island at present. 2 Shags flew by and at least 10 Yellow-legged Gulls drifted past on the way to roost, which ended the day.
We travelled back from Paphos on Sunday stopping along the way. With nothing doing in the Paphos area I proceeded to Zakaki Marsh. Pulling up at the white railings – there it was, the Striated Heron*. A year tick, but now playing hard to get and not seen as frequently as it used to be. A Kingfisher zipped by but it was the gull roost that occupied most of my time. Amongst the Black-headed Gulls, were good numbers of Armenian Gulls* of different ages. On to Finikaria, a seldom visited site but a place where resident Crag Martins routinely feed in the winter. When conditions are harsh in the mountains, they descend to more favourable altitudes to feed. With snow falling in the Troodos range today was no exception and 3 of this difficult to find resident were hawking over the Germasogia Dam. There was little else here, so I drove to the Larnaca area. On the sewage works the target bird was found in the form of 10 Greater White-fronted Geese. A Black-necked Grebe was present and good numbers of gulls but nothing to write home about. Another Black-necked Grebe was at Oroklini with 24 Flamingos and the usual commoner wildfowl. We stopped at Dolphin Rocks – Oroklini for a coffee and I photographed an adult Mediterranean Gull* and my first Sandwich Tern* that I’ve been able to get close enough to. 3 adult Armenian Gulls were also loafing as we departed. A brief final stop at Akhna Dam brought a Great White Egret and another Common Buzzard. Unfortunately, the mindless hunters were out – although shooting Song Thrushes, Corn Buntings and Skylarks and allowing them to drop in the water and reed bed has little to do with hunting to my mind and is just stupid, narrow minded destruction and killing for the sake of it. But a Cypriot would say I am uncultured and untraditional – they really do make me sick!
Highlights of the Week: A couple of Little Gulls and Koprulu returning to its former 2013 glory: as it was dry last year. However, actually seeing the Bittern in the road was a great moment. In a week of good birds 21 Ruddy Shelducks and 30+ Hawfinches are also worthy of mention.
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
CommentsSPTA West
On Sunday I visited the Starling murmuration however the majority of birds went straight in after the initial crowd flew around a bit. It was the same today when I watched from 5km away at NZ farm where I was looking for Short-eared Owls; 2 hunting plus a ringtail Hen Harrier. On Monday I followed a hunting female Hen Harrier for 3 km in the car along Tinker's Track. I was on the Berril Valley SE of Imber for today and yesterday. Stonechats soon became another "Just a" (another Stonechat). Today I led a walk for the Wiltshire Ornithological Society with 34 species seen. The highlights were 2 Woodcock that were flushed for the group. A Peregrine chasing a feral dove (mainly white) and as it went in for the kill a second time disappeared behind a wood so we do not know what happened. The final highlight was when I went to flush 2 Stock Doves from a box a Barn Owl flew out instead. The day started well with a Raven throughout the morning there were a reasonable number of birds. Goldcrests were singing in every direction when we traversed a wood. They were found in other woods as well. Even 3 Skylarks put in an appearance as well as a few Meadow Pipits despite the cold frosty conditions. There were also plenty of Roe Deer and Fox sightings on the walk. A lovely day that did resemble the retreat from Moscow at times as about 50 were spread out along the Berril Valley however a good morning birding.
When I look back at the year I have recorded 76 species and that only includes one gull species; I think my recording was a bit lapse at times. Of course some of our uncommon species have flourished including Montague's Harrier, Stone Curlew, Whinchat, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Skylark, Sonechat, Grasshopper Warbler and Barn Owl. It has been a very good year for breeding Barn and Tawny Owl as well as Kestrel. A highlight of the year was the Bio-blitz in June when we "did" the Warminster Range danger area for birds, plants and butterflies. Actually there have have been quite a few highlights including finding a Marsh Harrier in the centre of Imber in the summer and not content with one another was found a few weeks later. I will not go but instead wish a Happy New Year to everyone.
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 28 Dec 14
This report covers 2 week’s worth of activity. With Christmas upon me, birding was limited. On Mon 22nd, I had been informed that a Great Black-headed Gull had been found the previous day in the Larnaca area. I set off in search and as I approached the airport’s south pool, a lone good stood motionless. Quickly scoping it with no other gulls in sight at the time – there it was a 1st winter Great Black-headed Gull* – result and taking the year list to 262 (with Mentries’ Warbler pending). Circa 180 Greater Flamingos were in the area as were a good number of Black-headed Gulls. At the sewage works a female Tufted Duck was the highlight and the 8 Greater White-fronted Geese were still present. About 30 Skylarks were flying around and a lone Red-throated Pipit called as it passed overhead. On Spiro’s Pool 9 Dunlins were in the company of a Little Stint and a male and female Black Francolin were seen. A Sandwich Tern flew by over the sea. With nothing else doing, I looked at the star of the day before proceeding to Dolphin Rocks, Oroklini where 2 adult Armenian Gulls were with a couple of 1st winter Caspians and good numbers of Black-headed Gulls.
On Tuesday I ventured over the to the north and managed to see a Water Rail, rather than just hearing one.. 41 Spur-winged Plovers were present and the 2 Glossy Ibises continued to roost with the numerous Cattle Egrets. A single drake Ferrruginous Duck wasn’t obvious but a Great White Egret was. A Kingfisher flitted around as did a Great Tit and the Starlings flying to roost numbered a staggering (for Cyprus) c8000. Earlier at Oroklini Marsh, a pair of Red-crested Pochards were new arrivals and a pair of Marsh Harriers flushed the numerous wildfowl 80 or so of which were Shovelers. 39 Greater Flamingos remained in situ but there were few passerines to speak ot.
I ventured over to the north again on Christmas Eve and on Gulserin Pond (now very wet) 142 Greater Flamingos were present with c450 Teal. An adult Armenian Gull was with the Black-headed Gulls and 6 Shelducks were unusual for the site. 14 Spur-winged Plovers rested on the exposed mud and 2 Bluethroats hopped in and out of the reed beds. 2 Black-winged Stilts were inconspicuous before I moved along to Clapsides Beach. In the surf, a Curlew waded and on the rocks a single Cormorant rested. Gulls were present in good numbers with 12 adult Armenians and 2 1st winters along with 4 Caspian Gulls. Silver Beach held another 2 Curlews with 4 Redshanks, 7 Golden Plovers, 4 Lapwings a Green Sandpiper and a Grey Heron. Finishing at Fresh Water Lake South brought a drake Pochard which was unusual with 4 Ferruginous Ducks 3 Night Herons were present (1 Adult and 2 1st calendar years). That was it until the 28th when driving past Dasaki Achnas c70 Stone Curlews alighted from the roadside fields. Reaching Larnaca, there was no sign of the Great Black-headed Gull but an adult Siberian (Heuglin’s) Gull was present with Armenians, Caspians and Yellow-legged. At Larnaca Sewage Works, 4 Black-necked Grebes were near 4 Wigeon and the only other bird of note was a forlorn looking Cormorant. On Spiro’s Pool c300 Golden Plovers were present with a couple of smaller waders. The Kittiwake* was still present at Larnaca, McKenzie Beach Marina along with an adult Armenian Gull.
Returning home, the drake Red-crested Pochard was still at Oroklini Marsh and a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull was also present. A drake Pintail is always an impressive sight and a lone Black-winged Stilt looked lost. I finished off at Fresh Water Lake South where 3 Green Sandpipers were the highlight with 3 Great White Egrets coming second. Counting the roost consisted of c435 Cattle Egrets harassed by 2 Marsh Harriers and a remarkable c9000 – 9500 Starlings. The 2 Glossy Ibises made a late appearance and that was it for the year.
On the 29th I flew to Istanbul for the New Year and returned on 2nd Jan 2015. The birds were much the same as my previous visit but I did add a Sparrowhawk and manage to get Alexandrine Parakeet on my 2014 and 15 year lists prior to my departure. Against my better judgement, I went for a Turkish Bath in Istanbul and to be honest felt dirtier than when I went in, not to mention defiled and violated – enough said but when dressed in a VERY SMALL wrap and with a not particularly good looking chap brushing your scrotum as he massaged my thighs, all was not well in my rose garden and I continue to have nightmares and flashbacks. It is no laughing matter and not a good way to start the year!
Back to Cyprus and on the 3rd I was determined to start the year list and ended on 62 species for the day. Ayias Trias had a single Greater Sand Plover and 5 Grey Plovers whilst at Cape Greco the highlights were 2 male Blue Rock Thrushes and a female (dark throated) Finsch’s Wheatear. An adult Audouin’s Gull and Common Kingfisher were at Kermia Beach whilst 2 Common Sandpipers were on the lagoons at Ayia Napa Sewage Works. Another female Finsch’s Wheatear was along a line a rocks towards Ayia Napa Football Pitches and at Ayia Thekla a Dunlin was with Kentish Plovers and a Common Sandpiper. The Spanish Sparrows appeared on cue and a small flock of Linnets was a surprise. In the afternoon in the north at Gulserin an out of place Wood Sandpiper was a bonus with some more expected waders although the Black-winged Stilts had increased to 6. At Silver Beach a Curlew was an addition to the list as was a Spotted Redshank with 8 Common Redshanks. A quick stop at Fresh Water Lake North added wildfowl including Pintails, Wigeons, Gadwalls and Mallards. At the south lake the Glossy Ibises and Night Herons let me down for the new year but a Great White Egret, Marsh Harriers, a male Peregrine and a lone drake Ferruginous Duck had read the script.
On the 4th the day before returning to work (deep joy) I went to Larnaca and onward to the Limassol area. A 1st winter Med Gull was at Oroklini with 49 Lapwings, 2 Water Pipits, 2 Black-winged Stilts and a male Bluethroat. At Larnaca Sewage Works I added Black-necked Grebe and 3 Tufted Ducks (2 drakes) and on Spiro’s Pool Golden Plovers and a very surprising Avocet. At least 4 Black Francolins called but could not be located in the thick vegetation and off shore on a buoy 2 Shags loafed. Circa 80 more Golden Plovers were in the airport fields and a single Curlew flew over. Next stop Phassouri Reed Beds. I was greeted with a female Blackcap and 2 Marsh Harriers over the reed bed. A Water Rail showed well and a couple of Water Pipits flushed calling. Snipe and Kingfisher alighted as I walked the reed bed and a Common Buzzard landed in a tree (they have not been that numerous this winter – so a good bird). A Moustached Warbler took a bit of patience but it eventually gave itself up briefly. Armenian and Black-headed Gulls were at Lady’s Mile with a single adult Slender-billed Gull being amongst them. Akhna Dam offered little on the way home but a ringtail Hen Harrier was a welcome addition to the list. Finally stopping at Vrysoulles the Little Owl was sitting in its usual roosting hole and another Buzzard flew form a nearby tree bringing the year list to 90.
Great Black-headed Gull at Larnaca Airport Pool South on 22 Dec
Highlights of the Week: A last minute addition to the Cyprus year list with a 1st winter Great Black-headed Gull at Larnaca Airport Pool South.
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
CommentsFounder of the Army Bird Watching Society Dies
Founder and first Chairman of The Army Bird Watching Society (ABWS), precursor of today's Army Ornithological Society, Major General “Griff” Caldwell has died aged 93.
His obituary, detailing his distinguished career, has been published in The Telegraph.
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 21 Dec
Blue Rock Thrush at Cape Greco Army Post Cliffs on 21st.
After a lay off of a week with no birding, I managed to get back into the saddle on Thursday 18 Dec. Dodging another festive celebration, I thought I’d better regain some birding credibility and add a few records to the monthly tally. I visited what is known as the Famagusta Wetlands. These are basically, all the sites in the north around Famagusta that contain water in the winter.
Silver Beach was very quiet so I moved along to Clapsides Beach where I was met with 4 Grey Plovers on the beach and another 2 on the rocky outcrop. A Grey Heron waded in the surf and was close to a good number of Armenian Gulls with an adult Slender-billed and 1st winter Mediterranean Gull also being present. At Gulserin Pond 59 Greater Flamingos were present with a pair of Pintails, 1 Snipe, 2 Black-winged Stilts and 4 Spur-winged Plovers – not exactly heaving. The not often visited Fresh Water Lake North, as it’s very difficult to view currently looks exceptional and has a lot of potential. Good numbers of wildfowl were present with 11 Gadwalls which is a very high count along with Widgeon, Teals, Mallards, Shovelers and 14 Pintails. C250 Greater Flamingos were also present but there must be outer interesting things here that remained out of sight.
My final stop was at Fresh Water Lake South as I wanted to count the roosting species. The Cattle Egrets reached a credible 362 with 1 Great White Egret and the usual pair of wintering Glossy Ibises. 82 White Wagtails flew to roost and a massive c5650+ Starlings. 79 Cormorants roosted in the eucalyptus, a Water Rail was heard and a single Little Egret made an appearance. Grey Heron numbers have reached 22 and a Peregrine did a fly through. Only 9 Spur-winged Plovers were present and were the only waders present. 7 drake Ferruginous Ducks were looking very appealing and a Kingfisher fed from a dead snag. The usual wintering passerines were present but that was it for the day and it was good to be out. Friday at Akhna Dam was a washout with a very heavy thunder storm stopping proceedings and all I managed was 2 Redshanks and a Little Stint before retiring to the bar.
On Saturday afternoon we visited the Famagusta Wetlands in the north. Gulserin Pond held good numbers of Flamingos and Black-headed Gulls and amongst them was a breeding plumaged Slender-billed Gull complete with a pinkish was to the breast. 3 Black-winged Stilts were a surprise but 3 Spur-winged Plovers were expected. At Clapsides I paused before reaching the beach to photograph a male Kestrel* and at the beach another 2 Slender-billed Gulls, an adult and a 1st winter were present along with a good number of Armenian Gulls (7) of differing ages. A Curlew rested on the rocks and 2 White Wagtails were on the beach. Moving along to Silver Beach, another Curlew* passed overhead and on the marsh 8 Redshanks were joined by a Green Sandpiper and a Greenshank. 9 Teal had taken up residence and a Meadow Pipit and 2 Woodlarks called as they went. Stopping briefly at Fresh Water Lake North – I have found a place to wade in wellies, revealed 4 Snipe, a Marsh Harrier a Great White Egret and c30 Spur-winged Plovers. Viewing is still difficult but when the water resides a little this new viewing area should prove fruitful; I’m thinking Feb/Mar time. Finally at Fresh Water Lake South, 8 Ferruginous Ducks were looking very handsome, whilst a Kingfisher was seen and a Water Rail Heard. The regular birds were present although because it was too early for the roost, in reduced numbers. 42 Cormorants were joined by 15 Grey Herons and 2 Great White Egrets.
An early rise on Sunday morning saw me heading for the Cape Greco area for the first time in months. I drove via Ayias Trias to find 3 Greater Sand Plovers, 3 Grey Plovers, a Kentish Plover and Kingfisher on the rocks. As I was departing a Shag flew by and 2 adult Audouin’s Gills paused briefly on the rocks before continuing east. At the Cape’s Picnic Site, several Spectacled Wablers, Sardinians and a single Cyprus Warbler were all singing. My first Greenfinches of the month were obvious and 2 Song Thrushes were their usual flighty selves. I continued along under the Army Camp Cliffs to be welcomed by good numbers of Stonechats, Spectacled Warblers and Chukars. As I continued at least 5 Black Redstarts were noted and then 2 male Blue Rock Thrushes* were looking cracking. A little further and I was pleased to find a pair of wintering Finsch’s Wheatears. A flock of c40 Linnets was the largest I’ve ever seen in the east of the island which was a surprise. A single Chiffchaff kept the monthly figures on the increase. At Kermia Beach another adult Audouin’s Gull was loafing and a lone Greater Sand Plover hid amongst the rocks. Ayia Napa Sewage Works was mobbed with hunters – more shotguns than birds, however I did add my first Common Sandpiper of the month on the lagoons with some more Chiffchaffs but there was little else of not amongst the echoes of many shotguns – A very sad nation!
As I continued around the back of the football pitches, I paused at a site I’d discovered in previous years for wintering Finsch’s Wheatears and there sat on a rock was a dark throated female which was a result – I don’t give much for its chances with the amount of shooting however. Driving to the coast at Ayia Thekla, I was pleased to find good numbers of Corn Buntings, a small flock of Spanish Sparrows and on the rocks 74 Kentish Plovers, 6 Greater Sand Plovers, 6 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpipers – a good day for Sand Plovers. There was also another sizeable flock of Linnets further along the coast towards Potomas Liopetri.
After picking up Deb we headed for Larnaca, Jumbo, Lidl, Lunch and of course Oroklini Marsh. The marsh held 46 Greater Flamingos and a Marsh Harrier circled above. At least 300 Black-headed Gulls were present but nothing unusual was amongst them. Circa 50 Spur-winged Plovers was a good count and as I moved to the south side of the marsh, I flushed 2 Redshanks and a flock of 42 Lapwings – so that’s where they were. A Peregrine flushed the wildfowl and as I watched I spotted a Long-legged Buzzard circling high above. Having lunch at the Dolphin Rocks café allowed me to scope the loafing gulls which were all Black-headed with the exception of a 2nd year Armenian, 2 1st year Caspians and a Sandwich Tern resting on the rocks.
On the way home a brief stop at Akhna Dam revealed the presence of 4 Redshanks, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Cormorants and at least 5 Crested Larks. Not a bad day and a good end to what was a fairly birdless week to begin with.
Highlights of the Week: C5650+ at Fresh Water Lake South was an impressive count. A wintering pair of Finsch’s Wheatears is always a good find.
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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