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Cyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 12 Oct 14
European Nightjar in day roost at Akhna Dam on 8 & 9 Oct
A late finish at work meant that I could only get to Akhna Dam. It was very quiet with only a Greenshank and Snipe being present on the water’s edge with 3 Little Ringed Plovers on the grass adjacent. A Chiffchaff was amongst the Willow Warblers and 3 Common Redstarts, 2 cracking males. As I drove around 2 immature Red-backed Shrikes, Masked Shrikes and a pair of Spotted Flycatchers were obvious. On driving over the dam wall on the way home a male Red-footed Falcon flew over me which was the highlight of the day. As I drove through Vrysoulles, the local village at least 9 European Beeaters were on the telegraph wires. With passage coming to an end their numbers are steadily decreasing as the month moves on.
On Tuesday I managed to visit both wetlands with the highlights in Famagusta being a pair of Spoonbills, a Spotted Redshank and a lone Temminck’s Stint. I eventually found a Curlew Sandpiper with 6 Dunlins and a solitary immature Black-winged Stilt appeared from behind the vegetation. 3 Wood Sandpipers were joined by a Green Sandpiper and in the eucalyptus trees, at least 3 Spotted Flycatchers were calling and very active. A female Marsh Harrier was present and Greater Flamingos numbered 18. On the station football pitch, 52 White Wagtails were joined by a single Red-throated Pipit, sporting residual breeding plumage. A male Red-footed Falcon and 8 European Beeaters flew over the house prior to departing for Akhna Dam. As I arrived at Akhna, 2 immature Red-backed Shrikes and a Northern Wheatear sat on the wires and a male Common Redstart flitted away amongst the tamarisks. The first Stonechat of the winter was present as I noted it was a female. The dam itself was very quiet with 5 Ruffs, a Glossy Ibis and a Greenshank being the only birds of any note.
On Wednesday I visited Akhna Dam briefly, where a Curlew Sandpiper and a Greenshank were the highlights on the mud. As I drove around I flushed a Quail and seeing where it landed I attempted a photograph. As I moved closer, typically it flushed, as I followed it my eyes were drawn to a shape on a branch. A European Nightjar* in a day roost – an amazing stroke of luck! I positioned for a photograph and got some very close shots, never a bird I thought I’d get to photograph in Cyprus. As I drove on further, several male Common Redstarts moved in the tamarisks with Willow Warblers and a single immature Masked Shrike. A dark shape caught my eye and I was caught out briefly. I first thought it was Drongo or Black Flycatcher type, anyway another closer inspection and some photos revealed a melanistic juvenile Red-backed Shrike* - very unusual indeed, I’ve never seen one before in the 2000 or so previous Red-backs! Several Whinchats and a female Stonechat were also in the area along with my first Fan-tailed Warblers of the month and my first male Spanish Sparrow for some months. As I passed Avgorou on the way home 4 Jackdaws mobbed an adult Long-legged Buzzard.
In the afternoon some shopping in the north allowed me to visit the Fresh Water Lake in Famagusta. 17 Greater Flamingos continued their stay with the usual Herons, but 11 Night Herons (8 adults / 2 1CY and 1 2CY), was a good count. A single Curlew Sandpiper was amongst the Dunlins and 2 Spotted Redshanks remain at the site. Kingfishers were vocal with 2 being seen and I picked out a female Garganey amongst the many Teal. The drake Wigeon was typically elusive but seen briefly and once more all was flushed by a female Marsh Harrier. An immature Masked Shrike rested on a reed and at the base a Sedge Warbler caught insects. As I scanned the base of the vegetations, I firstly found an immature Little Crake closely followed by its larger cousin an immature Spotted Crake. With the light failing 7 Ruffs arrived and 10 Wood Sandpipers gathered for the roost.
Following a bit of a hectic day at work I only managed to get to Akhna Dam for an hour or so. A Long-legged Buzzard soared above me as I arrived. The Greenshank and Redshank were still present and were joined by a lone Glossy Ibis with the signs that it’s been shot with a damaged leg. A female Redstart called and darted through the undergrowth and the melanistic Red-backed Shrike was still knocking around with several typical juveniles and 2 Masked Shrikes. Remarkably the Nightjar was on the same perch, more in the open and allowed for some better full frame shots. As I left the site 19 European Beeaters and 2 Stonechats (a pair), were sat on wires above me and the Little Owl had returned to its favoured roost.
I had arranged to meet Terry Clark a UK birder from Cheltenham briefly on Fri prior to Octoberfest in the Mess and an all day Saturday visit to a few sites. At Akhna Dam, 5 Redstarts and 5 immature Red-backed Shrike were present. Furthermore, a couple of Whinchats remained and 2 immature Masked Shirkes. Perhaps the highlight was close views of an Osprey and a male Marsh Harrier. Waders were in short supply with only a Snipe, Greenshank and 4 Little Ringed Plovers being present and a Kingfisher put in a solid performance. A female Blackcap was a surprise before I headed home to go to the Mess Octoberfest as “Gertrude the buxom serving wench” – Photo on FaceBook for those of you who can access it.
I met Terry at 0900 at the Akhha Dam car park and he drove to the Larnaca area – not wise for me to drive, as I was still feeling the effects of “Gertrude” – enough said! Anyway we arrived at the Larnaca Airport Fields and found an Isabelline Wheatear and several Red-throated Pipits calling overhead. A male Marsh Harrier quartered the fields and a couple of Spectacled Warblers performed well for the camera. The first Skylarks of the winter was seen, but by far the biggest highlight was a rather late Lesser Grey Shrike, which obligingly sat still for Terry’s shutter. Spiro’s beach had 15 Kentish Plovers and a Dunlin running around on it and as we approached the sewage works a female Black Francolin flushed and a Yellow-legged Gull was sat on the lagoon edge. 77 Flamingos were on the sewage works lagoons and the over summering Shelduck had been joined by another. A juvenile Whiskered Tern was a bonus and 3 Black-headed Gulls were the first for the site this winter. We proceeded to Pervolia where after a short walk down a strip between the crops, hundreds of Yellow Wagtails and Red-throated Pipits flushed. A few Greater Short-toed Larks called and landed in the crops and were then undetectable and another Skylark called as it alighted. Calandra Larks are beginning to flock with 19 being present in a calling flock. As we made our way to the border and passed Dhekelia Fire Station, 5 Stone Curlews were seen from the road.
After a brief stop at the house for a cuppa, we made our way over the north via a windscreen tour of the Famagusta Walled City. We arrived at the Fresh Water Lake South at about 1600 and left at about 1800. During the visit 2 Great White Egrets and a 1st calendar year Night Heron were seen along with 5 Kingfishers and a good selection of waders. Spotted Redshanks numbered 2 with several Redshanks, Wood Sandpipers, a single Green Sandpipers, some Ruffs and 4 Black-winged Stilts. Careful scanning of the reeds produced a Spotted and Little Crake and Greater Flamingos were steady at 19. Of the wildfowl 2 Pintails were present and the biggest surprise was the first Gadwall of the winter – a male. A Temminck’s Stint was found with the Little Stints and Spur-winged Plovers were numerous.
On the 12th I visited Akhna Dam in the afternoon where the melanistic Red-backed Shrike* continued its stay and 2 Ospreys were present. The Greenshank and a single Ruff were unremarkable; however, 2 Curlew Sandpipers were noteworthy. An immature Masked Shrike was getting late in the season but there wasn’t much else of interest. I drove around the back of camp where 2 European Beeaters and a Spotted Flycatcher were sat on wires. A Long-legged Buzzard sat on a nearby cliff edge and Stonechats and a single Red-backed Shrike with a Spectcled Warbler and 2 nearby Willow Warblers concluded an interesting couple of days.
Highlights of the Week: Not surprisingly, as ever, anywhere in the world, finding and photographing any day roosting Nightjar is always a great moment.
Other Interesting Sightings: A Plain Tiger butterfly at Larnaca Sewage Works on 11th and a Striped Necked or Balkan Terrapin* was at Akhna Dam on 10th.
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 5 Oct 14
Blue Rock Thrush – Cape Greco Army Camp Cliffs 4 Oct 14
On Monday, I had to visit Troodos on an Ops visit and consequently caught up with the mountain sub-species. As I left the house I could hear and see European Beeaters and 5 Honey Buzzards were above me that had obviously roosted the night nearby and were continuing their migration and at Zygi on the motorway a Long-legged Buzzard was seen. Of interest was 3 Wood Warblers at Giant Juniper Picnic Site. Not common in the autumn, it is thought that many rest in the Troodos Mountains and then carry on their migration without stopping in the lowlands very much – an interesting sighting. A good number of Cyprus Wheatears* were still present in the Troodos range and a couple of Crossbills perched briefly in a Black Pine. Behind the toilet block in Troodos Square, a male Common Redstart appeared briefly and a Tree Pipit was heard overhead calling as it went. On my way home a brief stop at Trimiklini Dam revealed 3 Little Grebes, a Coot, 4 Moorhen and 2 Green Sandpipers flushed. Oroklini held a Kingfisher and the usual commoner small waders with a few Sand Martins still passing through. The highlight at Akhna Dam was an Osprey, 2 Greenshanks and a Curlew Sandpiper, whilst 3 Whiskered Terns remained from the previous week. As I left I saw a single juvenile Red-backed and Masked Shrike, which are coming to the end of their migration periods.
On Tuesday, I took an old friend and OC, Eric Doughty to Fresh Water Lake South in the north. Still probably the best wetland on the island at present, it produced some good birds. A single Glossy Ibis was a surprise and a couple or Marsh Harriers flushed the reduced numbers of waders present. They included 3 Spotted Redshanks, a Temminck;’s Stint and several common migrants. 2 Common Kingfishers were present and the female Pied Kingfisher was spotted by Eric which perched briefly before doing its usual vanishing act once more. At least 4 Night Herons eventually showed themselves and as I scanned I found a Spotted Crake – my first for the year and another visiting birder found a Water Rail close by. As I continued to scan, I found another Spotted Crake (like number 10 busses), which was a new bird for Eric and well received by the other 2 UK birders. 2 Snipe and a Ruff flew in before dusk and Greater Flamingos numbered 9.
Wednesday consisted of a quick trip to Akhna Dam where the highlights were 3 Whiskered Terns, an Osprey and a Wood Sandpiper. In a fairly dull affair, 5 immature Red-backed Shrikes were also present. A lunch in the Mess on Thursday put paid to any birding and on Friday I got out in the afternoon and visited Fresh Water Lake South in Famagusta. 10 Flamingos were still present with 2 Whiskered Terns with many of the waders that were present earlier in the week but a Great White Egret was a good addition to the site. I scanned and found an immature Little Crake closely followed by a Water Rail once more. With not much else doing and the month list beginning to take shape, I returned home.
On Saturday with Deb working, I made for the Cape Greco area via Akhna Dam where an Osprey was resting on a dead snag in the water. A Greenshank and Snipe were also present. As I drove through Freneros at least 15 European Beeaters were on telegraph wires and at Liopetri, A late Lesser Grey Shirke perched and a Black Francolin flushed from the roadside. Ayia Thekla held a Little Egret, Kingfisher, 5 Kentish Plovers and a lone Greater Sand Plover whilst at Kermia Beach a lone Redshank fed and an immature Red-backed Shrike and Cetti’s Warbler were in the bushes.
At Cape Greco Pines, a female Red-footed Falcon perched on the wires and a Purple Heron flushed from a pine, which was unexpected. A Willow Warbler was busy and I then noticed the first female Stonechat of the winter. As is the norm, as Whinchats complete their passage and reduce, the Stonechats begin to arrive for the winter. I carried onto the picnic site passing several Chukars and 2 Cyprus Wheatears. I saw my first male Blue Rock Thrush of the winter and soon found 2 singing male Cyprus Warblers. I drove down onto the Cape proper and saw a Whinchat perched on a bush, another Cyprus Wheatear on the wires and a number of Spectacled Warblers. Under the Army Camp, 2 male Blue Rock Thrushes* sang to the left and under the cliffs another 3 males chased each other and sang – obviously a bit of an influx of them today. Another Cyprus Wheatear was obvious but it took a bit of time to dig out the skulking Lesser Whitethroat. A Spotted Flycatcher and 2 more Cyprus Wheatears concluded the search as I left the area for the sewage works. Arriving at Ayia Napa Sewage Works, I was greeted by a pair of Stonechats and a European Beeater. 22 Little Grebes were on the lagoons along with a male Grey Wagtail. 2 Spotted Flycatchers were in the bushes with an immature Red-backed and Masked Shrike. As I searched the area, at least 7 Lesser Whitethroats, a late female Eastern Orphean Warbler and a scarce for autumn Garden Warbler were present and very active. The last bird of note I saw in the area before departing was a female Common Redstart.
On Sunday afternoon I visited Akhna Dam where 5 Curlew Sandpipers, 4 Dunlins, 4 Little Stints, a Greenshank and a lone Ruff were present. A couple of immature Red-backed Shrikes and a Masked were evident as was a Spotted Flycatcher. An immature Whiskered Tern appeared from nowhere and as I was leaving I saw a nice male Common Redstart. I continued to Fresh Water Lake South to conclude the week where I immediately saw a Great White Egret and 15 Greater Flamingos. 16 Grey Herons were present, with 4 Snipe and 7 Wood Sandpipers. A single Green Sandpiper eventually gave itself up and Common Redshanks outnumbered the 2 remaining Spotted Redshanks. The Water Rail was seen again and the female Pintail was still present. I finally found a drake Wigeon and above me Sand Martins, European Beeaters and Swallows continued to pass. A male Peregrine flushed everything on a flyby and this flushed an immature Whiskered Tern. The Great White Egret roosted with c250 Cattle Egrets and c300 Swallows also roosted in the reeds.
Highlights of the Week: Another Osprey at Akhna Dam and a couple of Spotted Crakes at Fresh Water Lake South on the last day of September took the month total to 145 and the year list to 257 (with one pending). A late Eastern Orphean Warbler was unexpected and the Stonechats were quite an early record.
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 28 Sep 14
Osprey at Akhna Dam
With Fresh Water Lake North appearing to be the best wetland site on the island at the moment and being the closest, I headed there on Monday evening. As I arrived there was a swirl of activity above me with c50 European Beeaters, Sand Martins, Barn Swallows and 1 Red-rumped Swallow. A Marsh Harrier was also being mobbed by a couple of Hooded Crows. As I scanned the water the Avocet and Marsh Sandpiper were still present and a Spotted Redshank had reappeared. A Great White Egret was a good find and next to it an adult Spoonbill was my first for the month and indeed sometime. A few Curlew Sandpipers were dotted around with Little Stints, Dunlins, Wood Sandpipers and Common Redshanks also being obvious. A couple of Common Kingfishers darted about and I then heard the familiar piping of a Pied Kingfisher as the female that’s been present for sometime flew from the South to the North Lake at about 1810. 8 Flamingos remained in situ and the Black-winged Stilts numbered 4. A few Turtle Doves flew into a bush and flushed a Night Heron as a Ruff came into view with a couple of Snipe. At home the Little Owl continued to call in the night.
On Tuesday afternoon having not visited Ayia Napa Sewage Works for sometime I drove down there arriving at about 1500 via the football pitches where my first Lesser Grey Shrike for a week – an immature was on the fence with 2 immature Red-backs. I proceeded to the sewage works noting a Common Sandpiper and 6 Shovelers were present. As I made my way around the scrub at least 6 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps and a few Spectacled Warblers were seen. On the tracks 2 Northern Wheatear males were noted and 2 male Masked Shrikes flushed as I approached. 2 Whinchats were perched up but their passage is coming to an end and Stonechats will soon be arriving at their wintering grounds. A Spotted Flycatcher did what it’s supposed to do and a Wryneck flew from a bush and perched briefly before disappearing once more. A large raptor flew across me and was clearly a Steppe Buzzard whilst in the distance a male Hobby drifted out to sea. As I walked the tracks a large pale raptor rose from the scrub and flew over my head. With very pale features, barring on the underparts and a hint of a brown throat, coupled with it’s size and plain brownish back with some white spotting across the coverts, it was a light phase Short-toed Eagle – a great find! As I walked to the car, 4 Spur-winged Plovers were on the settling ponds and a call alerted me to the presence of a pair of Grey Wagtails, which were new of the site. European Beeaters continued to pass overhead as I headed to Cape Greco. At the Cape it was fairly quiet, although a male Cyprus Wheatear, a couple of Spectacled Warblers, a male Sardinian Warbler and several Crested Larks were present whilst Sand Martins and Barn Swallows headed out to sea.
On Wednesday afternoon I took a visiting UK birder out – Chris Godding. We visited the Ayia Napa Sewage Works area first, which produced a couple of Lesser Whitethroats, Eastern Olivaceous Warblers, a Hobby and a Honey Buzzard as the highlights. Stopping at he football pitches produced 2 Lesser Grey and 2 Red-backed Shrikes. We then went via Ayia Thekla, where 5 Greater Sand Plovers and a few Kentish Plovers were present to Akhna Dam. A Roller flew off as we arrived and an Osprey passed overhead heading to the coast. Akhna Dam was fairly quiet, although a few waders were present with a Whiskered Tern. A Peregrine was flying high in the distance but with not much else happening, we visited the North and Fresh Water Lake South. With a few good birds seen we proceeded to the North and finished the day at Fresh Water Lake South – Famagusta, which is currently probably the best wetland site on the island. The trip was very productive and didn’t disappoint. The Spoonbill was still present with 24 Greater Flamingos. Squacco, Night and Grey Herons were present with a good count of 24 Little Egrets and Cattle Egrets coming to roost later. The waders were well represented with Wood, Marsh and Curlew Sandpipers feeding actively. Spotted and Common Redshanks were joined by feeding Ruffs and a lone Avocet continued its stay. Careful scanning produced a couple of Snipe and a juvenile Little Crake. We managed to pick out a single female Garganey and Pintail amongst the other wildfowl. A female Marsh Harrier flushed everything as a couple of Honey Buzzards passed behind us with one resting in a eucalyptus briefly. Hundreds of European Beeaters were feeding above us and as we watched a Hobby and 5 Red-foooted Falcons were above us and heading South. Perhaps the highlight of the visit was a hunting Peregrine and a Black Kite which drifted past, showing well towards dusk and just before we left. I thank Chris for his company for the 3rd year running and being a week later this year some good birds were added to his Cyprus list as we saw 66 species in the day – which isn’t a bad count given the windy conditions induced by the pending Coptic storm that’s due.
Wine tasting in the Mess on Friday ensured that no birding took place. An early rise on Saturday and showing a photographer around the Cape Greco area. It was really quiet with only Spectacled Warblers, 5 Grey Herons and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls offshore and a male Cyprus Wheatear hanging on. At the sewage works it was quite also with a female Northern Wheatear, a few Lesser Whitethroats and Long-legged Buzzard being the highlights. At Ayia Napa Football Pitches an immature Lesser Grey Shrike, Turtle Dove and Roller posed for the camera but there wasn’t much happening. We proceeded to Ayia Thekla where as usual 6 Greater Sand Plovers revealed themselves amongst the Kentish Plovers whilst a Kingfisher and Common Sandpiper moved along the rocky coast. I returned home via Akhna Dam where as Temminck’s Stint and Whiskered Tern were present. I eventually found a Curlew Sandpiper and 4 immature Red-backed Shrikes and a male Black Francolin showed themselves as I left the site.
On Sunday, as I left for the Larnaca area an adult Long-legged Buzzard was over the house and as I passed Akhna Dam a ringtail Montague’s Harrier passed over the road. Arriving at a windy Larnaca Sewage Works there was little of interest although the Shelduck continued its over-summering and 5 Whiskered Terns and a White-winged Black Tern were on the lagoons. A female Marsh Harrier flushed the birds in the field and this was fortuitous as it flushed a Greater Short-toed Lark which called and then settled next to a Crested Lark where I got the scope on it. 14 Greater Flamingos were on Larnaca Salt Lake which had water present after a hefty thunder storm on Saturday. At Oroklini Marsh, a Black Kite and 5 Red-rumped Swallows were overhead but the lagoons were fairly empty. I didn’t do much better at Akhna Dam which was also quiet, although a Whiskered Tern and 2 Curlew Sandpipers were evident. As I drove around the fields at the top of the dam a Honey Buzzard was resting on the ground but alighted before I could get any decent photos.
In the evening I visited Fresh Water Lake South in Famagusta. It’s a fantastic little wetland and always worth a visit. The Spoonbill and Avocet were still present and at least 50 European Beeaters passed overhead. Greater Flamingos numbered 23, 5 Red-rumped Swallows were overhead and the Marsh Sandpiper was still on the mud. Spotted Redshanks had increased to 4 and then a juvenile Bonell’s Eagle flew through mobbed by Hooded Crows which flushed everything. Things resettled revealing a Temminck’s Stint and a Green Sandpiper. A good number of raptors appeared over the woods which included at least 2 Black Kites, 7 Marsh Harriers (2 males) and 2 male Red-footed Falcons flew through the area which made the 3 Whiskered Terns flush and rise high above. That concluded an eventful week which produced some good migration and birds.
Highlights of the Week: A Spoonbill was a good find and the re-sighting of the Pied Kingfisher was notable. Short-toed Eagle is a scarce raptor on Cyprus and it’s always good to see one.
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 21 Sep 14
Bar-tailed Godwit at Glapsides Beach on 17 Sep
In a break with tradition, I headed for Fresh Water Lake South in Famagusta on Monday evening to avoid Akhna Dam as I didn’t want to be reminded of the Long-legged Buzzard shooting. In any event with the sun going down it was an enjoyable hour or so. The Avocet has returned and 2 Marsh Sandpipers were still present. Greater Flamingos numbered 29 and there had been an influx of Teal with a pair of Garganeys. I found a Water Rail feeding under a tamarisk and 5 Glossy Ibises flew into roost. The 50 or so European Beeaters roosting in the eucalyptus were very vocal and a pair of Kingfishers chased each other. 3 Night Herons appeared at dusk and as I searched an adult male Little Crake worked its way along the front of a small reedbed. A pair of Whiskered Terns and a White-winged Black Tern concluded the evening and by the time I got home it was almost dark.
On Tuesday as I entered work 11 European Beeaters passed above me. I managed to twitch a Bar-tailed Godwit* at Glapsides Beach in the north that had been reported yesterday. Arriving at the site I saw 2 Dunlin and then the Godwit which I photographed and was a welcomed addition to the year list. Bar-tailed Godwit is much less common on Cyprus than Black-tailed, with there only being about 20 or so records, many of which are recent. 2 Common Redshanks and a Little Ringed Plover was present with 11 Little Egrets flying in. As I left I noted a Honey Buzzard spiralling upwards and heading out to sea. In the evening I visited Fresh Water Lake South again where I was greeted by a Pied Kingfisher flying from the South to the North Marshes area. 2 Common Kingfishers were also present along with the 2 Marsh Sanpipers, 9 Curlew Sandpipers, 1 Spotted Redshank and 8+ Common Redshanks. A couple of Dunlins and a Ruff joined later with 2 Whiskered and 1 immature White-winged Black Tern resting on dead snags in the water. A Water Rail showed briefly and 23 Greater Flamingos remained. Circa 90 European Beeaters passed overhead and a few Swallows drifted through. 12 Night Herons flushed and searching revealed the presence of at least 7 Squacco Herons.
At Akhna Dam on Wednesday a Great White Egret was possible with 1 adult male Masked Shrike and 7 Red-backed Shrikes including 1 adult male. A lone Tree Pipit alighted and called from the grass and a few waders were present although nothing unusual. 3 Marsh Harriers were present and a nice male was unusual, females are usually the norm. A Whiskered Tern over the water and a Hobby were highlights with a Greenshank and a couple of Turtle Doves ending the session. Later at Fresh Water Lake South, 2 female Marsh Harriers were present, the 2 Marsh Sandpipers remained with a handful of Curlew Sandpipers and Dunlins. A single Kingfisher appeared and the usual Heron collection was present in good numbers. A good passage of hirundines occurred with good numbers of Sand Martins, Red-rumped Swallows and Barn Swallows being represented. 25 Greater Flamingos were still feeding and a White-winged Black Tern and 2 Whiskered Terns hawked the water. As the light faded, c20 Turtle Doves and c50 European Beeaters roosted.
I had visitors on Thursday, so whilst sat on the patio having a beer, the only thing I saw was a Honey Buzzard drifting slowly eastwards. On Friday was the Mess cheese and wine afternoon, so guess what – no birding. On Saturday, I managed to pull myself out of the house and get to Akhna Dam where it was fairly quiet although 4 immature Whiskered Terns were a good count. 9 Red-backed Shrikes, including 1 male and a male Masked Shrike continued to pass through. The regular passage waders were present but there wasn’t much to get excited about.
On Sunday, I did a bit of a tour of the north and stopped at Silverbeach for the first time in months. Good decision, a Lesser Spotted Eagle* had obviously roosted overnight and took off joining a Steppe Buzzard, Honey Buzzard and Marsh Harrier, 2 Cattle Egrets were also on the marsh. I carried onto Glapsides Beach where the Bar-tailed Godwit had gone, however a Whiskered Tern flew over me and on the marsh, a Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlins, 2 Redshanks and 16 Little Egrets, with the toilet block being pumped out, Deb and I left before we re-visited our bacon sarnie that we’d had for breakfast. We continued to Fresh Water Lake South where the Avocet and 2 Marsh Sandpipers were still present. 3 Marsh Harriers flew through the site and a Steppe Buzzard passed high overhead. The 2 Whiskered Terns and a White-winged Black Tern were still at the site, however the Greater Flamingos had reduced to only 5. Good numbers of Sand Martins continued to pass overhead with a few Swallows and several European Beeaters caugh insects from nearby eucalyptus trees. Perhaps the surprise of the site was the first Cormorant of the winter circling above.
Later in the day at Oroklini Marsh 16 Little Stints, 2 Redshanks and a Black-winged Stilt was all that was there at a site where the water is rapidly diminishing, the highlight was a single Red-rumped Swallow passing above me. At Dhekelia 3 Shags were on the rafts and at the fire station c30 Stone Curlews were present. At Akhna Dam, Shrikes were noticeable by their absence but it gave me a good opportunity to photograph a close and compliant Great White Egret*. 8 marsh terns were present consisting of 4 Whiskered* and 4 White-winged Blacks*, as far as comparison images go for both Terns* it probably doesn’t get much better than the opportunity I had. A single Greenshank was joined by 9 Glossy Ibises and 2 Turtle Doves drank from the dam as a Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin and the Little Stints looked on. On the fields above the dam 2 Tawny Pipits flushed before I returned home and concluded another week.
Highlights of the Week: Bar-tailed Godwit – never an easy bird to see provided a good photo opportunity of a close bird in Cyprus. Always nice to see a bit of raptor passage.
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 14 Sep 14
Montague’s Harrier at Akhna Dam on 12 Sep
Monday was a day off and we travelled to the Akrotiri area in the hope of some mass raptor passage – well that was a wash out with little happening. Zakaki Marsh was the first stop but nothing earth shattering was present, in fact a lone Pallid Swift was probably the highlight. At Lady’s Mile a few waders were present including a couple of Dunlins and a Curlew Sandpiper, but no sign of the previously reported Broad-billed Sandpiper – the week had not started well. 21 Greater Flamingos flew over Akrotiri Bay obviously departing and looking for more favourable feeding grounds as the salt lake is almost completely dry. We moved onto Bishop’s Pool which looked a little more promising with Turtle Doves flying around as we approached. A Grey Wagtail was heard and then seen and as we walked around to the reed bed in the south west corner a Great Reed Warbler alighted. We were soon treated to the spectacle of 3 Eleonora’s Falcons* (ropey record shot) hunting and drinking which was a treat and of the waders, a couple of Sanderling amongst the Curlew Sandpipers and Little Stints was a highlight. A female Marsh Harrier put in an appearance and a Glossy Ibis flew in as we departed. On to Phassouri Reed Beds we saw a Water Rail, a Roller and a couple of Hoopoes with 2 Whinchats being present in the Akrotiri Gravel Pit area.
We travelled through the Episkopi Garrison area noting 4 Eleonora’s at Kensington Cliffs and 7 at Happy Valley along with a Long-legged Buzzard and an unidentified large raptor which looked interesting – albeit being mobbed by falcons as it flew away giving the worst view possible – you can’t win em all? As we approached Asprokremnos Dam a Honey Buzzard flew low over us a Kouklia. At the dam the 4th record for Cyprus was our quarry and we soon located and photographed an Egyptian Goose*. The status of which is as yet unconfirmed but they are not known from collections etc on the island. With nothing else doing we took lunch at Mandria and “ticked” the ever present Shag on the rocks. At Skarinou as we stopped for a coffee at McDonalds, a ringtail Pallid Harrier flew past. The White Pelican was still present at Oroklini with 43 Greater Flamingos* and a Temminck’s Stint was picked out amongst the commoner Little Stints. With nothing else doing we stopped at Akhna Dam where it was all fairly mundane and routine. As we exited I finally spotted a Little Owl in its usual spot. A trip tick and good photos were taken by my sister before it scurried into its hole and out of site once more – it had taken me over a week to catch up with the bird. As we drove through Vrysoulles village several Honey Buzzards were low over the road and finding higher ground we saw at least 30 at close quarters giving views of the yellow eye, grey pigeon like head and the barring on the underside and tail – excellent. So we needn’t have travelled to Akrotiri for raptor passage but the Eleonora’s Falcons are always good to see. A ringtail Montague’s Harrier added to the throng and as we drove around 3 Lesser Grey Shirkes, a couple of Red-backs and 2 Red-rumped Swallows above us made for an interesting half an hour. From the garden a little later another 10 Honey Buzzards were seen high above us heading south east.
On the 9th before heading to the north, 5 Honey Buzzards, 5 Red-rumped Swallows, 8 Sand Martins and a female Marsh Harrier was seen from the garden. At Fresh Water Lake South, Famagusta it was clear that there’d been an influx of birds as the place was heaving. With the water receding this is now an excellent wader site and probably the best on the island. As we scanned I found a single White Stork*, which is not an easy bird to catch up with at times on Cyprus. 49 Greater Flamingo’s were present, we’d probably seen all the Flamingo’s present on the island in the last 2 days. The Avocet remained with 2 Marsh Sandpipers, a Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshanks and a Curlew Sandpiper being the wader highlights. An impressive 80 Spur-winged Plovers was a good count and another Water Rail was seen briefly in the open under a tamarisk overhanging the water. 2 female Marsh Harriers flushed the waders and a Ringtail Monty’s passed in the distance. My sister asked “What’s this flying in”? and bingo – an Osprey* which was later seen fishing and successfully catching a fish was a great moment. We returned home happy and from the house, to finish the day a Hobby and an immature Bonneli’s Eagle was seen.
On the 10th a pale phase Booted Eagle went high over Ay Nik with a couple of Long-legged Buzzards, 2 Hobbys and many Red-rumped Swallows continued to pass, with a Hoopoe flying through the garden. At Akhna Dam and early Chiffchaff was seen with Willow Warblers and a Common Snipe was the most unusual of the normal waders. A single Glossy Ibis was present and in the fields an Isabelline Wheatear showed its diagnostic tail pattern and posture.
Early on the 11th c20 European Beeaters were over the house and 3 Eastern Olivaceous Warblers were heard. At Ayia Napa Football Pitches Red-backed, Lesser Grey and Masked Shrikes were still hanging around but the highlight was a female Golden Oriole. Another was present at Ayia Napa Sewage Works and a Honey Buzzard left its overnight roost early to continue its passage. The first 2 Eastern Black-eared Wheatears were seen along with several Isablelline Wheatears and numerous Whinchats. A single Roller flushed and 3 species of Shirke and Spotted Flycathers were ever present. There had obviously been a large fall of Blackcaps with over 20 being obvious – queue the limesticks! A single Lesser Whitethroat and a Common Whitethroat added to the Sylvia fest. Later at Cape Greco although quiet, my first Northern Wheatear and 3 Tawny Pipits of the autumn were seen with a Cyprus and several Isabelline Wheatears also putting in appearances. Sardinian, Spectacled and a Cyprus Warbler were around the picnic site but it was all fairly quiet. We moved onto Ayias Trias via the Protoras McDonalds for a Sausage and Egg McMuffin for breakfast – why else would you go? We continued “all coffee’d up” and at Ayias Trias, a Kentish Plover was with 3 wintering Greater Sand Plovers.
The 12th saw c40 Red-rumped Swallows pass over the house with about 20 European Beeaters that continue their southerly movements. At Akhna Dam there had been an influx of raptors with at least 3 Montague’s Harriers* at the water’s edge with a flythrough Black Kite, female Marsh Harrier, dark phase Booted Eagle and a couple of Long-legged Buzzards. A Whiskered and White-winged Black Tern hawked the water and 2 immature Collared Pratincoles* were new for the month. A couple of Syke’s (beema) wagtails, retaining summer plumage were with the Yellow Wagtail flock although numbers are progressively diminishing. Red-backed and Marsh Shrikes were fairly numerous and a couple of Turtle Doves and a Golden Oriole were well received. The Little Owl was in its usual roost and a migrating male Cyprus Wheatear (not a common bird at Akhna) was sat on a sprinkler head. The Kingfisher remains at the site and was joined by 2 Dunlins although a fly through ringtail Pallid Harrier was unexpected. Another Golden Oriole flew over the road at Vrysoulles as we drove home.
On the 13th I hosted a BBQ, so last minute shopping was the order of the day, however I did get out early to the Ayia Napa Sewage Works area which was rewarding. At the football pitches 2 Rollers sat on the fence as did a number of Red-backed and Lesser Grey Shrikes. A pair of Black Francolins fed on the fields as is the early morning norm. A couple of Tree Pipits called as they flew over and 7 Laughing Doves were present on wires in the nearby housing estate. At the sewage works 4 Shovelers were new for the site and Red-backed Shrikes were numerous followed by a few Masked and 2 Lesser Greys. Whinchats were well represented and 2 Isabelline Wheatears were present as 2 Black Kites flew from their roost and were observed at close quarters before continuing out over Cape Greco. Sylvias were obvious with Spectacled, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Sardinian and 3 lateish Eastern Orpheans being present. Circa 20 European Beeaters* passed overhead and several unfortunate Turtle Doves were being shot at. As we drove away from the site a grey backed bird flying across in front of the car perched up and good views of a Wryneck were had before also finding a light throated form of Eastern Black-eared Wheatear. Before the BBQ we visited Fresh Water Lake South which was very hot and where 2 White-winged Black Terns and a female Marsh Harrier were the highlights. A Marsh Sandpiper continued at the site; however the Avocet and White Stork were no longer present.
On the 14th following the BBQ and prior to the airport run, I visited Akhna Dam where sadly the lowlight was a Long-legged Buzzard* that had been shot. The people on this island really are vile and disgusting and it left me very depressed. I reported the incident with photographs to BirdLife Cyprus and the RSPB although nothing ever happens and that is the sad reality of serving in a place like this. I also posted on the Birding Cyprus Facebook page in the hope that some Cypriots will be embarrassed enough to take the right action – if indeed they are listened to either?
21 Night Herons were vocal in the woods behind the house and when they alighted to continue their migration there were 26 of them. Unfortunately the week ended on a bit of a subdued low.
Highlights of the Week: White Stork is not a common bird on Cyprus and the 4th record of Egyptian Goose (status uncertain) was good to catch up with but it’s always pleasing to see raptors on passage especially Ospreys fishing and Montague’s Harriers at rest on the ground.
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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