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Cyprus 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
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 7 Sep 14
White Pelican at Oroklini Marsh on 7 Sep
As I walked to work on Monday, c15 European Beeaters left their overnight roost and headed off east over the camp. In the evening I visited Fresh Water Lake South which still had 23 Greater Flamingos present with 22 Grey Herons. Other Herons represented were Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Squacco Heron and Night Heron. 5 Glossy Ibises joined the throng and an immature White-winged Black and Whiskered Tern hawked the water. The Whiskered Tern was then chased by a female Pied Kingfisher which was a great sighting for September. Many of the commoner migratory wader species were present but a pair of Snipe were the first for the autumn. Singleton, Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper and Temminck’s Stint were the highlights with last month’s Avocet also putting in an appearance. The waders and wildfowl all flushed as a female Marsh Harrier came in over the water and once settled again revealed a drake Ferruginous Duck, female Shoveler and female Pintail which had gone undetected previously. So a good start to the month with 48 species accounted for.
On Tuesday I had arranged to meet a couple of UK birders at Oroklini Marsh which is drying out rapidly but still attracted a Spotted Redshank, Redshanks, a pair of Green Sandpiper a couple of Common Sandpipers, several Little Stints and a Temminck’s Stint. Greater Flamingos are becoming scarce with only 16 being present. Stopping at Dhekelia Fire Station on route to Akhna Dam revealed 13 roosting Stone Curlews. I continued to Akhna Dam where it was very quiet and Shrikes had much reduced with only a couple of Red-backed and Masked showing themselves. A single Ruff was with a Temminck’s Stint and a few Little Stints but there wasn’t much else to talk about – even the Little Owl wasn’t in its usual place. I returned home for “Pimms O’clock” and watched c30 European Beeaters feed and roost in the wood behind the house.
On Wednesday morning 14 European Beeaaters passed above me as I went to work. In the afternoon we took a picnic lunch to Cape Greco and did some snorkelling. Does anyone have a Mediterranean Fish Guide? Only Joking! Mid morning and on the way to the bank, an adult Long-legged Buzzard thermalled over the camp as it headed east. At the picnic site a Cyprus Wheatear performed well and a female Marsh Harrier headed out to sea. At the ploughed fields an Isabelline Wheatear showed well but there wasn’t much else of interest. Ayia Napa Sewage Works was equally dull with Red-backed and Masked Shrikes being the most common birds with Willow Warblers being a close runner up. A single Spotted Flycatcher broke the boredom and 5 Ortolan Buntings were of interest. The Eastern Orphean Warblers appear to have all gone through now but there may be a few stragglers into September. As we left the site via Ayia Napa Football Pitches, 2 Laughing Doves were seen in their usual place and on the fences of the pitches the only 2 Lesser Grey Shrikes of the afternoon – they do have a very small window where they are most numerous, probably the last 2 weeks in August, without looking at the records and graphs. At home the European Beeaters fed actively above the house and as we ate the BBQ, a Stone Curlew could be heard calling.
As I walked to work on Thursday prior to my long weekend, 23 Glossy Ibises and 15 European Beeaters passed overhead. Later 9 Alpine Swifts were over the house with good numbers of Red-rumped Swallows and a single Pallid Swift. We went to the north for lunch stopping at Fresh Water Lake South on our return where the Avocet was still present. 5 Alpine Swifts also passed over the lake and 30 Greater Flamingos remained. A single Marsh Sandpiper was the highlight of the waders of which there were many and 4 Purple Herons flew in. A lone Ferruginous Duck flushed and 5 Snipe were feeding actively. Later at Akhna Dam Shrikes had reduced in the numbers passing through and on the water’s edge a breeding plumaged Dunlin was unexpected. The usual collection of waders was present for this time of year and a Hoopoe and Roller flushed as we departed.
On 5th September we visited Kantara Castle in the north. With my brother-in-law being an avid Butterfly fan we eventually saw a flying Two-Tailed Pasha, additionally I saw my first Chiffchaff of the autumn with several Willow Warblers. A male Sardinian and Blackcap added to the tally and 8 Ortolan Buntings called overhead. No Ravens were seen and they are becoming particularly difficult to find – surely only a matter of time before they are extinct on the island. We drove the coast road where we added a Montague’s and Marsh Harrier before we saw an Audouin’s Gull flying along the coast at Essentepe. We had lunch at Buffavento Restaurant overlooking Five Finger Mountain which was excellent. As we departed and drove the mountain road, a Cyprus Wheatear was present. We drove to another Butterfly site and remarkably a Two-Tailed Pasha* was sat in the middle of the road and then flew to a nearby tree – a real bonus to see and photograph such a beautiful species.
On Saturday it was an early rise and visit to the Ayia Napa area, first stopping at Ayia Thekla to add 5 Greater Sand Plovers, 12 Kentish Plovers and a Common Sandpiper to the list. A female Black Francolin fed on the Ayia Napa Football Pitches and in the housing estate on route to the sewage works 3 Laughing Doves were feeding on the ground. As we proceeded, we stopped to view a Red-backed Shrike and another bird was seen at the base of the bush. Nearly the size of the Shrike, it was obviously a female Eastern Orphean Warbler and a lifer for Gary. We walked around the sewage works scrub adding Ortolan Buntings, the usual Shrikes, 2 Isabelline Wheatears, 3 Whinchats, a Turtle Dove and 12 migrating European Beeaters. We walked below the rocky outcrop where we added a Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and a Wood Warbler feeding with the many Willow Warblers. 7 Rollers heading out to see was quite a site and as we drove away a pair of Ringtail Harriers proved to be a Montague’s and a Pallid both being mobbed by a Hobby – great result! The rest of the day was fairly unremarkable but 21 Turtle Doves flying through Akhna Dam in the evening was my highest count for the site and a Great White Egret with the Cattle Egrets was a surprise. A White-winged Black Tern fed over the water and 4 Garganeys attempted to hide on the mud.
The following day we headed to the Larnaca area but passing the marsh at Oroklini I noticed that the White Pelican* was back again. Taking a detour, we stopped to photograph it as 4 Alpine Swifts passed above us. A Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler were added to the increasing trip list and we continued to Larnaca Sewage Works where the over summering Common Shelduck was still present. 2 Whiskered Terns were also there and a male Black Francolin flushed from the scrub. A Red-rumped Swallow was overhead at Cape Kiti and on the way home a ringtail Montague’s Harrier flew across the road at Vrysoulles. As we sat in the garden, a large raptor was high in the sky and we eventually located a pair of Boneli’s Eagles - a great garden tick!. As we watched a pair of Long-legged Buzzards came into view and as we scanned we spotted a thermalling kettle of raptors. A female Marsh Harrier was seen and then above the house a kettle of c60 Honey Buzzards of several plumage variations passed over the house – absolutely amazing.
Highlights of the Week: Raptor migration is always thrilling and 60 Honey Buzzards over the house was no exception but it would be remiss of me not to mention the Two-Tailed Pasha as a one of the highlights.
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 31 Aug 14
Laughing Dove at Ayia Napa Football Pitches on 25 Aug
On Bank Holiday Monday – 25 Aug, I rose early and headed to Cape Greco. With the humidity being high the morning fog was very thick. At Ayia Napa Football Pitches, all 4 Shrikes were perching on the fences with a Woodchat being the most notable. They were joined by a rufous phased Common Cuckoo but amongst the gloom only a very poor record shot was gained of my first encounter with this bird. A female Black Francolin fed on the grass and as I drove through the housing estate, I managed to photograph 1 of the Laughing Doves* that was present. Onward to Ayia Napa Sewage Works where there had been a bit of a fall of migrants in the early morning fog. Shrikes of 3 species – Lesser Grey, Red-backed and Masked were on nearly every bush. Willow Warblers numbered 10+ and Eastern Olivaceous Warblers were vocal in good numbers. At least 7 Eastern Orphean Warblers continued their passage and were joined by good numbers of Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Common Whitethroats. High on the escarpment 2 Ortolan Buntings called and as I walked around I flushed a calling Tree Pipit – the first for the autumn. A calling Scops Owl in the day was a strange record for the site but a couple of Spotted Flycatchers as I left was predictable.
At Cape Greco 4 Cyprus Wheatears and 3 Isabelline Wheatears were present in the ploughed fields but little else of interest, so I headed to Akhna Dam. Again, Shrikes everywhere and a good number of Yellow Wagtails – most unidentifiable to race. I did however, see and photograph a very obvious Syke’s (beema) Wagtail*. 2 Whiskered Terns fed actively and 33 Glossy Ibises were with the Cattle Egrets, Little Egrets, and Grey Herons. A Sand Martin flew through with Swallows and on the muddy fringes 5 Temminck’s Stints were a good count with 2 Ruffs. A Pallid Swift drank from the dam and a Long-legged Buzzard bathed. At Ay Nik, I saw my first 2 European Beeaters of the autumn passage, alerted by their calling as they passed over the house.
On Tuesday I visited Oroklini Marsh and Hills. The White Pelican was still present with 47 Greater Flamingos. Several waders were present including a Spotted Redshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Redshank, several Little Stints and 2 Temminck’s. Later in the hills above the village, a Masked and Lesser Grey Shrike were seen and a male Peregrine drifted along the escarpment. A Spotted Flycatcher was unexpected as was a Cyprus Wheatear and finally I flushed 3 Ortolan Buntings – calling as they went. At Vrysoulles a European Beeater sat on the wires and at Dhekelia a Long-legged Buzzard was harassed by a Kestrel.
On Wednesday evening I paid a brief visit to Akhna Dam where I was greeted by good numbers of Lesser Grey, Red-backed and Masked Shrikes along with the usual Long-legged Buzzard. A juvenile Collared Pratincole* was present with a Greenshank, Temminck’s Stint and a Kingfisher and Glossy Ibises numbered 51. I flushed 4 Hoopoes as I left the site and returned home. I took a day off on Thursday 28th August with only one mission – to catch up with Demoiselle Cranes for the year. I left early and arrived at Akrotiri at about 0815. I scoped the salt lake and saw about 50 odd Grey Herons. A little further right and in the distance I could see dark shapes that were obviously cranes with their “shaggy” rear ends. I drove to the other (east) side of the salt lake and taking the usual track down to the edge I walked out to the birds. I could only get to about 500 metres from the birds before they began to shuffle and look agitated. The Cranes are very skittish and it wouldn’t do to disturb such a rare bird so I stopped and scoped from where I was. The birds settled and began to regroup and before me were 71 magnificent Demoiselle Cranes* complete with white ear tufts, shaggy black breast feathers and shaggy rear ends, (my 250th bird of the year if the Menetries’ Warbler is accepted). A superb and very rare bird in the Western Palaearctic it’s always a great privilege to see them. I took a couple of record shots from distance which was not bad all things considered. A little later than usual due to the overcast conditions, after much wing stretching and walking, one bird began to run and the remainder followed taking to the air at 1020 and flying west out over Akrotiri peninsular. I moved along Lady’s Mile seeing only Little Stints, Kentish Plovers and 1 Common Sandpiper and stopped at Zakaki Marsh. Looking from the hide I saw Reed, Sedge and my first Great Reed Warbler of the autumn working its way clumsily through the reeds. The juvenile Collared Pratincole was still present and caught and devoured a Scarlet Darter as I watched and a female Citrine Wagtail put in an appearance. 3 Glossy Ibises and a Kingfisher were obvious but 2 female type Garganeys took a bit more digging out. I left and returned to the Larnaca area via Oroklini Marsh where the White Pelican and 39 Greater Flamingos were still loafing. The usual waders and the juvenile Gull-billed Tern was still in situ along with an increase in Little Stints (including 2 Temminck’s) and Spur-winged Plovers. Later at Akhna Dam nothing much had changed with Shrikes being the most common birds, but a Spotted Flycatcher was new and the Glossy Ibises had reduced to 18.
On Friday morning the warming sound of 18 European Beeaters in the woods behind the house was a good start to the day and it’s a time of the year that I really enjoy. In the afternoon at Akhna Dam Shrikes were the most common once more with 26 Glossy Ibises a single Ruff and the usual Little Owl. Other than that it was fairly routine. I departed early on Saturday morning for Ayia Napa Sewage Works. Passing the football pitches. Lesser Grey Shrikes were obvious and in the nearby housing estate a Laughing Dove sat on the wires once more. This seems to be the regular spot, so an additional day bird for visiting birders of the future. Moving along to the sewage works 2 Common Sandpipers were on the lagoons and it was clear that there had been a major movement of Shrikes with 30+ Red-backs, 4 Lesser Greys and 5 Masked being present. Only 1 Eastern Orphean Warbler was seen and a cracking male Montague’s Harrier passed overhead. A Roller alighted as I approached and a Tree Pipit flew over calling. A couple of Lesser Whitethroats were seen and I kept seen 3 calling Buntings overhead but couldn’t get onto them. Returning to the car, I saw Stavros a very good local Cypriot birder who is an excellent photographer poised photographing something. I made my way over and asked “What he’d seen”? He pointed to a pair of Cinerous Buntings on the rocks – a male and female. Sure enough, I got onto the male with a lemony upper chest and throat before they flew off once more. A male and female definitely and perhaps another. I was sure they were the birds that were calling earlier and then we saw a Cretzchmar’s Bunting perched on a bush. I continued along the bluff as 10+ European Beeaters came into view calling and glimpsed another brief view of a calling Cinerous Bunting. A great bird for the autumn and a bonus bird for the year as they are scarce anyway but usually only reported in the spring. I continued back via the football pitches and a female Monty’s passed in front of the car. At the football pitches, a number of Swifts and hirundines were over the fields, including, 8 Pallid Swifts, 1 immature Alpine Swift, 5 Red-rumped Swallows, 2 Barn Swallows and a single Sand Martin. A brief stop a Sotira Pond revealed a Great Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Teal , a Green Sandpiper and as I left an Isablelline Wheatear flushed. With shopping to do and the car to have cleaned before my sister arrived in the evening that was it for the day – but Cinerous Buntings at anytime of the year made it a worthwhile day out.
Early on Sunday morning Akhna Dam held a Wryneck, Roller, Great Reed Warbler and 2 Wood Sandpipers. The usual Shrikes predominated and I flushed a pair of Black Francolins. I drove around the Ay Nik area with my Brother-In-Law showing him a butterfly lifer – Small Desert Blue and worked our way around the area seeing several Rollers, Lesser Grey Shirkes, about 80 European Beeaters and my first 2 Whinchats of the autumn. We paused to see some Little Tiger Blues on the host bush and did another round at Akhna Dam to see thousands of African Grass Blues and 2 Greenshanks, a Long-legged Buzzard and a Kingfisher which weren’t present earlier. The fields above the dam came up trumps with an Isabelline Wheatear.
So ended a productive week and that’s August over for another year – not so productive as last year where I saw 135 species only managing 124 this year but it did include a few goodies.
Highlights of the Week: A Tree Pipit was a good early record and the Syke’s Wagtail was unusual in recognisable plumage for the time of year. However, without doubt and always star birds Demoiselle Cranes always take some beating but the 2 Cinerous Buntings came close.
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 24 Aug 14
Gull-billed Tern at Akhna Dam on 20 Aug
On Monday evening I headed for Akhna Dam, with migrants passing in good numbers now many of the commoner passerines and waders were still present and nothing out of the ordinary was noted. On Tuesday again at Akhna a Greenshank and 2 Common Starlings were present, with the Long-legged Buzzard continuing its stay. 3 White-winged Black Terns flew through without stopping with the Glossy Ibises and Ruffs looking on.
Wednesday and at this time of year, I visit the Ayia Napa Sewage Works area. A female Black Francolin fed on the football pitches and 4 Lesser Grey Shrikes perched on the fences as I passed. Willow Warblers are increasing at the sewage works and at least 6 Eastern Orphean Warblers were present. Many Eastern Olivaceous Warblers were heard and seen and Shrike numbers are definitely on the up. A single Roller flushed as I walked and then a small flock of birds flew up from the ground with 1 perching in a nearby bush. Posing nicely, it was my first migrant Ortolan Bunting of the autumn. Later at Akhna Dam a large female Peregrine buzzed the not too impressed waders as a Long-legged Buzzard rose from its perch on the rocks. An immature Gull-billed Tern* rested in the water and a Kingfisher fished from a dead snag. Again Shrikes were ever present in good numbers and an identifiable Black-headed (feldegg) Wagtail was with the Yellow Wagtail flock. A Ringed Plover was with the Little Rings and a couple of Hoopoes fed in the grass.
On Thursday the routing visit to JUMBO resulted in a quick look at JUMBO Drain. Formerly a fantastic little spot, it was heartbreaking to see it dry with the reeds removed. Anyway, onto Oroklini Marsh where the White Pelican was back amongst the Flamingos, an immature Gull-billed Tern was resting on the mud with a good number of waders feeding around it, including 2 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Redshanks, a Greenshank, Little Stint , 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 27 Black-winged Stilts and c50 Spur-winged Plovers. 3 Wood Sandpipers, a Common Sandpiper and a Yellow Wagtail were seen as 6 Garganey alighted. A Long-legged Buzzard soared in the distance. As I drove into Akhna Dam the Little Owl was back in its usual place after an absence of about a week. 3 Hoopoes flushed, a male Red-backed Shrike kept look out whilst 2 Rollers were also perched on dead tree snags. 3 Garganey were on the water with 10 Grey Herons and 3 Little Egrets, with a good number of Yellow Wagtails feeding in the scrub, however, waders were conspicuous by their absence except for the noisy 52 Spur-winged Plovers.
On Friday I travelled to Troodos for the Summer Ball, pausing at the Caledonian Falls where I saw a Grey Wagtail, Jay and several Cyprus Wheatears. On Saturday from the Mess balcony, a Crossbill, 5 Pallid Swifts, a Spotted Flycatcher and a few Cyprus Wheatears were seen. I was awoken in the early hours of the morning by a calling Scops Owl outside my room with another replying from a distance – a good August record.
On Sunday, Deb and I travelled back early pausing stopping at Oroklini Marsh, where a Spotted Redshank, Redshank and Marsh Sandpipers were the attractions and Greater Flamingo numbers had increased to 56. Later at Fresh Water Lake South (Famagusta), a Whiskered Tern passed by and I gained a good tick for the autumn with an Avocet feeding with the Black-winged Stilts. Waders were plenty with Collared Pratincoles, Spotted Redshanks, Redshanks, Ruffs, and Greenshanks all being present along with some commoner smaller waders. 3 Garganey and a female Shoveler were with 5 Greater Flamingos and in the reeds; Willow Warblers, Eastern Olivaceous and Cetti’s Warblers were all present before I headed home.
Highlights of the Week: The first Ortolan Buntings of the autumn was a good record as was 2 calling Scops Owls in Troodos but the bird of the week is an Avocet at Fresh Water Lake South (Famagusta).
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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