Army Ornithological Society(2) Blog Posts Made in July 2012
Cyprus Weekly
Birding highlights for week ending 29 Jul 12
An asterisk (*) indicates that a photo of the species is available on Flickr.
This week started very much as the last ended...
Three Collared Pratincoles remained at Akhna Dam until the 24 Jul, although the juvenile had moved on suggesting that the three birds present this week are different to those that occurred earlier in the month.
Little-ringed Plover numbers peaked at 30 on 24 Jul and Little Stints* continued to vary in numbers between the high teens and single figures. Single Ruffs were at Akhna Dam*, however, they were largely outnumbered by the continued presence of varying good numbers of Wood and Common Sandpipers. A solitary Green Sandpiper and Greenshank also made appearances. An adult and a juvenile Black-winged Stilt have been present for two weeks now but are overshadowed by the growing numbers of Spur-winged Plovers that reached 22 recently having obviously had a successful breeding season. This currently appears to be the most common wader on the island.
A noticeable lull in migration occurred mid-week, with many waders departing and not being replaced with the new influx. Consequently numbers dropped to seven Little-ringed Plovers at Akhna Dam. Hoopoes* continued to be seen in ones and twos and having bred at the site Eastern Olivaceous Warblers flitted about the tamarisk in small family groups. The odd Roller is encountered infrequently at the site. An adult Whiskered Tern* was present on the evening of the 23 Jul, but left the site shortly before dusk to presumably continue its southward migration. Later in the week the Pratincoles reappeared, as did two Hoopoes and the single Squacco Heron was joined by a second. On the 26th a real surprise at the site with a dark phased Booted Eagle being mobbed by Spur-winged Plovers.
Cattle Egret numbers increased to fifty two by the 26th at Akhna Dam. The species now breeds at a lake near Famagusta in the (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus – TRNC) and frequents the cattle sheds to the south of Akhna Dam to feed.
On Sat 28th the first Snipe of the autumn was flushed at Akhna whilst a summer plumaged Sanderling caused some initial rather more challenging ID issues than I'd expected. Green Sandpiper numbers grew to eight, Common Sandpipers to 17 whilst Wood Sandpipers fell to just two. Four Temminck's Stint were present in the early evening.
Note to oneself: Must visit Famagusta for a Turkish bath and shave, take Deb shopping and VISIT THE LAKE! – Every cloud?
On the tanker rafts opposite Dhekelia Power Station at least nine Shags of the Mediterranean race were present on Thursday 26th.
Eventually, I located Ayia Napa Sewage Works and although not exactly heaving with birds (but not half as malodorous as Larnaca Sewage Works) the first Long-legged Buzzard was noted along with a couple of Spectacled and Eastern Olivaceous Warblers. A new Dragonfly was also seen in the form of male and female Keeled Skimmers*, with Violet Dropwings and Slender Skimmers also being present. Two Black Francolin were usual at Sotira Pools on the 27th but there was little else of interest. A return visit to Ayia Napa Sewage Works on Sunday 29th was incredible. Visible migration was taking place with 76 (2 flocks) of European Bee-eaters passing overhead with four Rollers and in the bushes and scrub, an Eastern Bonelli's Warbler*, at least two Eastern Orphean Warbler juveniles, a juvenile Barred Warbler and several Spectacled and juvenile Sardinian Warbler. A flock of migrating Common Swift and at least eighteen Eastern Olivaceous Warblers and a juv Masked Shrike added to the tally.
The weekly visit to the Sunday market at Levadia (only five minutes from Oroklini Marsh – there’s always a motive), produced yet further evidence of wader passage and the amount of breeding Black-winged Stilts was staggering. A count of 16 Little Terns was also impressive. The market visit invariably ends by continuing onto Larnaca Sewage Works (I know how to treat a lady), Larnaca Salt Lake and Spiro’s Pool. However, the site was a little disappointing on this occasion.
Yellow-legged Gull numbers have increased at Spiro’s Pool where 53 were seen recently; however, nothing more exotic was noted.
Other interesting finds.
Akhna Dam: Dragonflies: Red-veined Darter, Small Skimmer, Violet Dropwing*, Scarlet Darter, Red-veined Dropwing and Black Percher in large numbers.
Look Forward: Next week I will mostly be looking for early autumn warblers and Pygmy Skipper.
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
_________________
Been There - Seen It
The BFG.
Cyprus Weekly
Birding highlights for week ending 22 Jul 12
If you’re planning a trip to Cyprus perhaps this will help you to decide when is the best time to visit to maximise birding opportunities? I will also add Dragonfly and Butterfly information for those that are interested.
Wader migration has picked up although passerine movement is still slow.
A juv Masked Shrike was seen at Akhna Dam, along with a male Cuckoo (rare for Autumn) and at least 10 Hoopoes.
Evidence of breeding Spotted Flycatchers was noted at Troodos with a juv begging to be fed. Also noteworthy was a Grey Wagtail at Platres Trout Farm, either a breeding bird (not yet proven on the Island or a very early winter visitor)
Waders have really started to move this week with a large influx of Little Stints with a couple Temminck’s, 2 Marsh Sandpipers at Oroklini Marsh and a Curlew Sandpiper at Spiro’s Pool – Larnaca. Ruff numbers have been noted in the low 20s with Wood, Green and Common Sandpipers remaining fairly common at all wetland sites. 3 Greater Sand Plover continue to loaf on the rocks at Ayia Thekla a traditional site for them. Highlight of the week were 1 increasing to 3 (2 Adults and 1 juv) Collared Pratincoles at Akhna Dam – not too shabby and not as numerous in the autumn as spring.
5 White-winged Black Terns (all adults), 2 at Oroklini, 2 at Spiro’s Pool and 1 at Akhna Dam with an adult Whiskered Tern also at Akhna Dam. Oroklini Marsh continues to hold at least 30 Little Terns including many juveniles. 2 Little Gulls at Larnaca Sewage Works (smelling a bit serious in the heat) with a lone female Shoveller.
The singleton Squacco Heron remains at Akhna Dam and the Night Heron roost has grown. The Stone Curlews have stopped calling and Little Owl activity has reduced at Ayios Nikolaos (camp area).
For more info please contact me.
Mark Easterbrook
Comments
Follow us:
