Army Ornithological Society(7) Blog Posts Made in November 2014
Cyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 30 Nov 14
Moustached Warbler at Ezouzas Lower Pools – courtesy of Tim Cowley.
Monday was the final day of the AOS tour and turned into a mini bird race, covering a great deal of the island in the quest to achieve a good tally of species – “It’s All About The List”. An early breakfast had been booked so we departed the hotel at 0700 on route to Kensington Cliffs. We paused and with a little luck saw 7 Griffon Vultures, which probably constitutes the Cyprus wild population. Walking around the area I heard several Cyprus Warblers and eventually saw at least 3. It would have been a shame to miss this bird, although they are more difficult in the winter and it does appear that the species is less numerous due to the increase in less habitat specific Sardinian Warblers. A short trip to Phassouri ensured a chance encounter with another target bird that I thought we might miss. A female Black Francolin was feeding along the edge of a reed bed and eventually walked into the road in full view. Geoff found a Penduline Tit which most of the group got onto and Zakaki Marsh held little, although a Bluethroat was seen briefly and a ringtail Hen Harrier was added to the list. The hour or so journey to Larnaca was uneventful except for the brief stop at McDonalds for coffee where Geoff moaned about the quality of the cuisine and the “Pathetic bit of bacon”. At Larnaca we eventually secured views of the only Spectacled Warbler seen by the whole group – a surprise for this common resident which had played hard to get. At the sewage works wildfowl was the focus, where we added 8 Greater White-fronted Geese, Shelduck, Pochard, Gadwall, Black-necked Grebe and the real surprise a pair of Tufted Ducks which were a good find for the group thanks to Tim. A single Black-winged Stilt of the trip was on the lagoons and a single Cormorant flew about.
Stopping at Larnaca Salt Lake on the way to Oroklini Marsh where Tim chipped in again with 5 Avocets. New birds added amongst the Greater Flamingo numbers were a Ringed Plover with Dunlins and Little Stints and 6 Ruff with 20 Redshanks. A Slender-billed Gull was amongst the Black-headed Gulls and several Armenian Gulls roosted at the north end of the lake. 34 Shelducks was the largest count of the winter so far but we moved onto Oroklini which was a bit disappointing but allowed us to add a nice male Pintail to the list. Another Marsh Harrier drifted over the marsh and 26 Lapwings with Spur-winged Plovers were also an addition. We stopped for lunch at Dolphin Rocks, Oroklini Coast where remarkably the first Sandwich Tern of the winter was seen loafing on the rocks with Black-headed Gulls, Yellow-legged Gulls and a single 1st winter Mediterranean Gull also loafing. After an enjoyable lunch and with our luck appearing to be good, I chanced my arm with a stop at Dhekelia Power Station which had been fruitless previously. Our luck was in, a pair of immature Shags of the Mediterranean race sat on the mooring buoys. Another bird secured, onto the Dhekelia Fire Station Stone Curlew roost. Disaster! The field had been ploughed and no birds were present. I drove on and had a hunch to drive down a track separating 2 stony fields. BINGO! Large numbers of Stone Curlews alighted and good views were had of an impressive 80 or so birds. Akhna Dam was a little dull although 5 Redshanks, a few Little Stints and Dunlins fed on the mud, with good numbers of Water and Meadow Pipits being present. A Great White Egret was added to the tally and the day was proving to be very productive.
With time saved due to the early successes of the week we still had time to fit a visit to The Fresh Water Lake South in the north. I stopped briefly at my house to get my passport and we were away. On crossing the border a particularly pretty Turkish Passport Control Officer caused a few raised eyebrows and comments. However, she amused us all by saying that Geoff looked like a man from the forest and lacked soul – who said first impressions aren’t accurate? Onto the site and we parked in the usual place next to the horse stables where the sun was at our back. The Night Herons were in their usual roost site (4 adults and 3 1CYs) and 2 Glossy Ibises flew into join the Cattle Egrets. I caught site of a perched black and white bird – amazing the long staying and difficult to see female Pied Kingfisher was posing in the open, a great bird for the group on the final day. As we watched in the fading light, Tim noticed 2 unseasonal Swallows above us and a Great White Egret flew into the west end of the site. A Spotted Redshank called and was then seen along with the commoner Redshanks and 3 Green Sandpipers were also noted before we departed for the trip to Larnaca Airport. 1720, job done, all targets seen, although the Pine Buntings would have been a MEGA bonus.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were birding write-offs for reasons better not put into print following a “successful” Silver Lunch in the Mess. On Friday we were invited to a Thanksgiving Dinner that started early so again no birding. On Saturday I was “busy” so didn’t manage to get out and on Sunday, I took Deb on the Xmas JUMBO run, buying a huge Santa Claus (deep joy), but also managed to do a bit of birding at Oroklini. On the coast Black-headed Gulls numbered about a 100 and Sandwich Terns had increased to 9 from 1 earlier in the week. At Oroklini Marsh, a Temminck’s Stint was the highlight with a handful of Redshanks. 35 Greater Flamingos were present, with c50 Spur-winged Plovers and 27 Northern Lapwings. A Marsh Harrier flushed a couple of Snipe and at eh other end of the Marsh a Reed Bunting and my first Moustached Warbler for this winter in the east of the island was seen. At Akhna Dam a Little Stint and Dunlin were with 5 Redshanks, Coots had increased to 35 and in the fields above a Black Redstart darted into a bush.
Highlights of the Week: The re-sighting of the female Pied Kingfisher on the last day of the AOS tour.
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
CommentsSPTA West
I have covered a lot of the Plain putting in lists for the BTO. On Deptford Down a Treecreeper was in the mature trees as well as flocks of tits. Redwings were in the bushes and it was not long before flocks of these and Fieldfares covered the area. The bushes are laden with berries so there will be no shortage of food. There is a pheasant breeding pen in the area which attracts lots of birds to the feeding stations especially Chaffinches and Yellowhammers. Late October there were plenty of active Skylarks however they are now rare and do not show themselves until flushed. Meadow Pipits are still active wherever I walk. I was involved in a ringing session near New Zealand Farm mid November specifically to ring Redwing and we were reasonably successful as I was able to compare them in the hand. This winter on the 2 November I saw my first Merlin and on 16 November I saw my first Short-eared Owl in Berril Valley. There are still plenty of Barn Owls about as well as Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. As ever at this time of year there are large flocks of corvids especially where there are cows grazing. This week at Daisy's there was also a flock of 400+ Woodpigeons whch took to the air with Jackdaws, Rooks and Starlings filling the sky in a massive whirl of birds. The Starling mumuration has moved again this year and is back near Gore Cross. Current estimates is that there are over 200k birds but flocks continue to fly in after the main flock has settled so there could be a lot more. They are best viewd from the COTEC site when the flags are down. Winter thrushes also include Mistle and Song Thrushes which tend to move around in pairs. In the majority of copses both Goldcrest and Wren are vocal. There are plenty of sightings of Jays though I have only seen 1 raven this month. Corn Buntings are flocking together as well as Goldfinch and Linnet. The Hen Harrier surveys have started but none on the West as yet but several roosting in the impact area. There is not the vast areas of rank grassland as the grazing regime keeps a lot of the area at a decent length. Also the farmers are gradually clearing scrub according to a 5 year plan so the Plain is meeting the requirement as a SSSI of calceous grassland. The other notable matter to report is that there is a lot more track about which often puts areas out of bounds. I watched tanks manouevering across a large expanse from a couple of kms away; a place I could survey that day.
CommentsCyprus Weekly Supplement
Cyprus – Winter Long Weekend 20–24 Nov 14
Female Crossbill – Levadia Tou Pasha 22 Nov 14
Participants: Mark Easterbrook (leader), Tim Cowley, Richard Seargent, Geoffrey McMullan & Bob Hayward.
Introduction
With the long weekend trip idea being hatched during the AOS March tour, the idea was simple. Target the range restricted wintering species that can be difficult to see elsewhere. With Wallcreeper being a lifer for some and Finch’s Wheatear being a lifer for all, the challenge was on. With 4 members taking part (sadly Andy Rose had to withdraw due to work commitments), the week proved to be very successful and enjoyable. With members of the Continuity AOS being gathered the leader has to admit that I did feel a bit of pressure to deliver.
Day by Day
Day 1 – 20 Nov
On Thursday 20th I was preparing to pick up the AOS winter, long weekend contingent from Larnaca Airport at 1810 before heading off to Paphos. The flock safely gathered we arrived at the King’s Hotel, booked in and went for something to eat and a few beers – the banter had began and Geoff’s musical anatomy had started to give the mini bus a pungent smell.
Day 2 – 21 Nov
Friday started with a decent breakfast and departure to Avagas George in the company of Colin Richardson and Matt Smith for the much awaited Wallcreeper hunt. Moving up the gorge, several commoner species were seen and in the gorge at least 2 Grey Wagtails, a Black Redstart and Blue Rock Thrush. A Peregrine passed overhead and some real Rock Doves were noted. We got to a position to look at a largish rock face where Matt Smith had found the Wallcreepers two weeks earlier. We started to scan and not long after Tim Cowley shouted “I’ve got one”. A great relief to me and more for him as it was a lifer and target bird so it was great for him to find it. We scoped the star of the show until it finally moved across the gorge and out of site – a great start to the tour, although it would have to be repeated for Rich as he was not arriving until 1310 that afternoon. With the boiled eggs playing havoc with Geoff, the journey to our next stop was not pleasant. We drove to the Lower Ezouzas Pools where Moustached Warbler was the highlight but a feldegg Yellow Wagtail was very unseasonal. Several more birds were added to the list including wintering Reed Buntings and numerous Chiffchaffs. Driving past Paphos Sewage Works at least 9 Spur-winged Plovers were seen and a Sparrowhawk was overhead. I dropped the group for lunch and picked Richard up from Paphos Airport, ahead of time we returned and also enjoyed a bight to eat. We continued into the Mandria area and a few birds were seen including a Long-legged Buzzard, but with the wind getting up, smaller passerines were staying low. Onward to Anarita Park for the next target bird. Passing several Wood Larks as we entered the area, we were soon looking at the rock slope adjacent to the famous goat farm. Soon enough a stonking male Finsch’s Wheatear was being enjoyed by all – in the bag! We stopped at the next Fincsh’s Wheatear site – Ayia Varvara where another male was on territory. With a little light left we proceeded to Paphos Headland which is only a short trip from the hotel. Luckily enough a 1st winter Slender-billed Gull was loafing which was unexpected and just next to it the 4 wintering Greater Sand Plovers showed well with a Common Sandpiper putting in an appearance. What a great first day!
Day 3 – 22 Nov
On Saturday, we travelled to Troodos in an attempt to see the sub-species endemics and the wintering Pine Buntings. Stopping at Kidasi in the Dhiarizos River Valley, 3 male Finsh’s Wheatears were seen with a mixed flock of Linnets, Goldfinches and Greenfinches also being nearby. Wood Larks were well represented and a Chukar sat obligingly on a rock allowing everyone good scope views. The group also managed its first good views of Sardinian Warblers as the concentrated on enjoying the Wheatears. The valley contained several flocks of Serins as we travelled up to Platres where it started to rain and sleet. With the passenger’s window being U/S it was not a great time as we donned fleeces. Unfortunately, no Pine Buntings were found which was a shame, although the mountain species were seen minus the Wren, typically and a few wintering species were also encountered including Mistle Thrush and the difficult Goldcrest, which all added to the growing list – “It’s All About The List”. With time to spare after finishing lunch in Troodos Square we carried on down the mountain towards Limassol and the sites in the Akrotiri area. Arriving at Zakaki Marsh about an hour later. Soon enough I managed to find the Striated Heron in its usual place and this was a treat for many. The first record for Cyprus back in October was still hanging around. The marsh held Water Pipits and a Snipe but it wasn’t that busy. On the sea at Lady’s Mile 3 Mediterranean and 4 Slender-billed Gulls were amongst the commoner Black-headed Gulls and of the larger gulls, 1st winter Caspians were easy to ID with the 1st winter Armenian being a little more tricky. Lady’s Mile held a few Dunlins and Little Stints with only a handful of Kentish Plovers. Bishops Pool was the next stop although a brief stop at Sylvana’s Restaurant on the edge of AkrotirI Salt Lake revealed in excess of a 1000 Greater Flamingos, 21 Grey Herons, a pair of Shovelers and a Peregrine. At Bishop’s Pool 13 Ferruginous Ducks was the highlight with a Sparrowhawk crashing through a hedge and Little Grebes being numerous with a couple of Wigeon also hugging the reeds. 5 Swallows were very unseasonal but a welcome addition to the trip list. We finished at Phassouri Reed Beds where we were greeted by a pair of Marsh Harriers being mobbed by Hooded Crows. Careful scanning of the reeds found a Reed Bunting and above us a flock of c100 Starlings went to roost. I found a female type Little Crake which everyone got onto and as we were leaving a few got onto a juvenile Red-backed Shrike which was very late in the season. With it now getting dark, we travelled to Paphos, showered, did the call over and went to Tramps Bar for dinner with Colin Richardson – thanks for your company and birding knowledge!
Day 4 – 23 Nov
Sunday was essentially a re-run of day one for Richard. At White River Cliffs on the way to Avagas Gorge, a pair of Blue Rock Thrushes were seen along with several Sardinian Warblers and Black Redstarts. Continuing to the gorge , Bob Haywood volunteered to stay with the vehicle due to the U/S window and bird around the car park with good results. The remainder continued up the gorge passing the regular Grey Wagtails. We stopped on a scree slope by the rock face we were viewing on Friday and waited. Playing a Wallcreeper recording produced nothing initially. However, after about 20 minutes a bird flying up the gorge (we must have passed it), landed above us providing excellent views once more. We were pleased that Rich had recovered the bird but I suspect that he was more pleased than us? We met Bob once more who had added Spectacled Warblers and the only Wren of the trip which the remainder of us failed to recover. A Hawfinch was seen as we made our way to the vehicle along with numerous Blackcaps. Stopping briefly at Kalafos Beach, Paphos found us adding a Turnstone to the list which was found by Geoff and a Common Sandpiper was also present. The only good views of Spanish Sparrow was also achieved here. At the Lower Ezouzas Pools, Richard recovered a showy Moustached Warbler and the Little Crake was also showing well. A flock of 19 Kestrels caused confusion but large flocks of feeding birds in Cyprus is not uncommon. A Cormorant flew in the distance and a Water Rail continued to be heard but not seen. The Spur-winged Plovers were still around the Paphos Sewage Works and several Red-throated Pipits were heard with the more numerous Meadow Pipits. A Water Pipit posed on telegraph wires but it was time for lunch and a Sunday chicken and pork souvla lunch, at Mandria which was enjoyed by all. We continued to Mandria once more where good views of Red-throated Pipits were achieved and careful scanning of the Skylark flock produced several Water Pipits and the only Calandra Lark of the trip. Onto Asprokremnos Dam where a couple of Cormorants was all we had to show for our efforts. Visiting Anarita Park once more and the Little Owl was in the same place as day one with the Finsch’s Wheatear being seen, as we departed a Long-legged Buzzard was called by Bob and gave good views.
Day 5 – 24 Nov
The final day of the tour turned into a mini bird race, covering a great deal of the island in the quest to achieve a good tally of species – “It’s All About The List”. An early breakfast had been booked so we departed the hotel at 0700 on route to Kensington Cliffs. We paused and with a little luck saw 7 Griffon Vultures, which probably constitutes the Cyprus wild population. Walking around the area I heard several Cyprus Warblers and eventually saw at least 3. It would have been a shame to miss this bird, although they are more difficult in the winter and it does appear that the species is less numerous due to the increase in less habitat specific Sardinian Warblers. A short trip to Phassouri ensured a chance encounter with another target bird that I thought we might miss. A female Black Francolin was feeding along the edge of a reed bed and eventually walked into the road in full view. Geoff found a Penduline Tit which most of the group got onto and Zakaki Marsh held little, although a Bluethroat was seen briefly and a ringtail Hen Harrier was added to the list. The hour or so journey to Larnaca was uneventful except for the brief stop at McDonalds for coffee where Geoff moaned about the quality of the cuisine and the “Pathetic bit of bacon”. At Larnaca we eventually secured views of the only Spectacled Warbler seen by the whole group – a surprise for this common resident which had played hard to get. At the sewage works wildfowl was the focus, where we added 8 Greater White-fronted Geese, Shelduck, Pochard, Gadwall, Black-necked Grebe and the real surprise a pair of Tufted Ducks which were a good find for the group thanks to Tim. A single Black-winged Stilt of the trip was on the lagoons and a single Cormorant flew about.
Stopping at Larnaca Salt Lake on the way to Oroklini Marsh where Tim chipped in again with 5 Avocets. New birds added amongst the Greater Flamingo numbers were a Ringed Plover with Dunlins and Little Stints and 6 Ruff with 20 Redshanks. A Slender-billed Gull was amongst the Black-headed Gulls and several Armenian Gulls roosted at the north end of the lake. 34 Shelducks was the largest count of the winter so far but we moved onto Oroklini which was a bit disappointing but allowed us to add a nice male Pintail to the list. Another Marsh Harrier drifted over the marsh and 26 Lapwings with Spur-winged Plovers were also an addition. We stopped for lunch at Dolphin Rocks, Oroklini Coast where remarkably the first Sandwich Tern of the winter was seen loafing on the rocks with Black-headed Gulls, Yellow-legged Gulls and a single 1st winter Mediterranean Gull also loafing. After an enjoyable lunch and with our luck appearing to be good, I chanced my arm with a stop at Dhekelia Power Station which had been fruitless previously. Our luck was in, a pair of immature Shags of the Mediterranean race sat on the mooring buoys. Another bird secured, onto the Dhekelia Fire Station Stone Curlew roost. Disaster! The field had been ploughed and no birds were present. I drove on and had a hunch to drive down a track separating 2 stony fields. BINGO! Large numbers of Stone Curlews alighted and good views were had of an impressive 80 or so birds. Akhna Dam was a little dull although 5 Redshanks, a few Little Stints and Dunlins fed on the mud, with good numbers of Water and Meadow Pipits being present. A Great White Egret was added to the tally and the day was proving to be very productive.
With time saved due to the early successes of the week we still had time to fit a visit to The Fresh Water Lake South in the north. I stopped briefly at my house to get my passport and we were away. On crossing the border a particularly pretty Turkish Passport Control Officer caused a few raised eyebrows and comments. However, she amused us all by saying that Geoff looked like a man from the forest and lacked soul – who said first impressions aren’t accurate? Onto the site and we parked in the usual place next to the horse stables where the sun was at our back. The Night Herons were in their usual roost site (4 adults and 3 1CYs) and 2 Glossy Ibises flew into join the Cattle Egrets. I caught site of a perched black and white bird – amazing the long staying and difficult to see female Pied Kingfisher was posing in the open, a great bird for the group on the final day. As we watched in the fading light, Tim noticed 2 unseasonal Swallows above us and a Great White Egret flew into the west end of the site. A Spotted Redshank called and was then seen along with the commoner Redshanks and 3 Green Sandpipers were also noted before we departed for the trip to Larnaca Airport. 1720, job done, all targets seen, although the Pine Buntings would have been a MEGA bonus.
Consolidated Species List
Summary
Thank you to all participants for their support and commitment allowing the small group to have a very successful 4 days. With 122 species seen, I wouldn’t have predicted so many species but with a bit of luck and some good birding, it goes to show what can be achieved in winter on Cyprus. Thanks once more to Colin Richardson for his knowledge and company and of course to Matt Smith for initially finding the Wallcreepers this year.
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 23 Nov 14
Grey Heron at Akhna Dam on 19 Nov
On Monday and Tuesday as has become the norm, I was unable to get out of work early enough to get to any sights before it was dark.
On Wednesday I managed to get to Akhna Dam, where I was greeted by a mixed flock of Chaffinches, Serins, Corn Bunting and Goldfinches which include a Starling and 2 Woodlarks. I continued onto the dam where 3 Redshanks flushed and landed next to a Greenshank. Several Water Pipits were with the White Wagtails and a Robin showed well – unusually. I then photographed a Grey Heron* – an easy species one might think but they are very skittish in Cyprus and often fly before you can get a reasonable shot of one. I continued to drive around and a female Sparrowhawk – my first for a while but a regular winter visitor flushed from the tamarisks. A Great White Egret had appeared in the water when I returned but there was little else to write home about.
Thursday and I was preparing to pick up the AOS winter, long weekend contingent from Larnaca Airport at 1810 before heading off to Paphos. The flock safely gathered we arrived at the King’s Hotel, booked in and went for something to eat and a few beers – the banter had began and Geoff’s musical anatomy had started to give the mini bus a pungent smell.
Friday started with a decent breakfast and departure to Avagas George in the company of Colin Richardson and Matt Smith for the much awaited Wallcreeper hunt. Moving up the gorge, several commoner species were seen and in the gorge at least 2 Grey Wagtails, a Black Redstart and Blue Rock Thrush. A Peregrine passed overhead and some real Rock Doves were noted. We got to a position to look at a largish rock face where Matt Smith had found the Wallcreepers two weeks earlier. We started to scan and not long after Tim Cowley shouted “I’ve got one”. A great relief to me and more for him as it was a lifer and target bird so it was great for him to find it. We scoped the star of the show until it finally moved across the gorge and out of site – a great start to the tour, although it would have to be repeated for Rich as he was not arriving until 1310 that afternoon. We drove to the Lower Ezouzas Pools where Moustached Warbler was the highlight but a Black-headed (feldegg) Yellow Wagtail* was very unseasonal. Several more birds were added to the list including wintering Reed Buntings and numerous Chiffchaffs. Driving past Paphos Sewage Works at least 9 Spur-winged Plovers were seen and a Sparrowhawk was overhead. I dropped the group for lunch and picked Richard up from Paphos Airport, ahead of time we returned and also enjoyed a bight to eat. We continued into the Mandria area and a few birds were seen including a Long-legged Buzzard, but with the wind getting up, smaller passerines were staying low. Onward to Anarita Park for the next target bird. Passing several Wood Larks as we entered the area, we were soon looking at the rock slope adjacent to the famous goat farm. Soon enough a stonking male Finsch’s Wheatear was being enjoyed by all – in the bag! We stopped at the next Fincsh’s Wheatear site – Ayia Varvara where another male was on territory. With a little light left we proceeded to Paphos Headland which is only a short trip from the hotel. Luckily enough a 1st winter Slender-billed Gull was loafing which was unexpected and just next to it the 4 wintering Greater Sand Plovers showed well with a Common Sandpiper putting in an appearance. What a great first day!
On Saturday, we travelled to Troodos in an attempt to see the sub-species endemics and the wintering Pine Buntings. Stopping at Kidasi in the Dhiarizos River Valley, 3 male Finsh’s Wheatears were seen with a mixed flock of Linnets, Goldfinchis and Greenfinches also being nearby. Wood Larks were well represented and a Chukar sat obligingly on a rock allowing everyone good scope views. The group also managed its first good views of Sardinian Warblers as the concentrated on enjoying the Wheatears. The valley contained several flocks of Serins as we travelled up to Platres where it started to rain and sleet. With the passenger’s window being U/S it was not a great time as we donned fleeces. Unfortunately, no Pine Buntings were found which was a shame, although the mountain species were seen minus the Wren, typically, and a few wintering species were also encountered including Mistle Thrush and the difficult Goldcrest, which all added to the growing list – “It’s All About The List”. Good views of Crossbills* were obtained which can be difficult. With time to spare after finishing lunch in Troodos Square we carried on down the mountain towards Limassol and the sites in the Akrotiri area. Arriving at Zakaki Marsh about an hour later. Soon enough I managed to find the Striated Heron in its usual place and this was a treat for many. The first record for Cyprus back in October was still hanging around. The marsh held Water Pipits and a Snipe but it wasn’t that busy. On the sea at Lady’s Mile 3 Mediterranean and 4 Slender-billed Gulls were amongst the commoner Black-headed Gulls and of the larger gulls, 1st winter Caspians were easy to ID with the 1st winter Armenian being a little more tricky. Lady’s Mile held a few Dunlins and Little Stints with only a handful of Kentish Plovers. Bishops Pool was the next stop although a brief stop at Sylvana’s Restaurant on the edge of AkrotirI Salt Lake revealed in excess of a 1000 Greater Flamingos, 21 Grey Herons, a pair of Shovellers and a Peregrine. At Bishop’s Pool 13 Ferruginous Ducks was the highlight with a Sparrowhawk crashing through a hedge and Little Grebes being numerous with a couple of Wigeon also hugging the reeds. We finished at Phassouri Reed Beds where we were greeted by a pair of Marsh Harriers being mobbed by Hooded Crows. Careful scanning of the reeds found a Reed Bunting and above us a flock of c100 Starlings went to roost. I found a female type Little Crake which everyone got onto and as we were leaving a few got onto a juvenile Red-backed Shrike which was very late in the season. With it now getting dark, we travelled to Paphos, showered, did the call over and went to Tramps Bar for dinner with Colin Richardson – thanks for your company and birding knowledge!
Sunday was essentially a re-run of day one for Richard. At White River Cliffs on the way to Avagas Gorge, a pair of Blue Rock Thrushes was seen along with several Sardinian Warblers and Black Redstarts. Continuing to the gorge, Bob Hazlewood volunteered to stay with the vehicle due to the U/S window and bird around the car park with good results. The remainder continued up the gorge passing the regular Grey Wagtails. We stopped on a scree slope by the rock face we were viewing on Friday and waited. Playing a Wallcreeper recording produced nothing initially. However, after about 20 minutes a bird flying up the gorge (we must have passed it), landed above us providing excellent views once more. We were pleased that Rich had recovered the bird but I suspect that he was more pleased than us? We met Bob once more who had added Spectacled Warblers and the only Wren of the trip which the remainder of us failed to recover. A Hawfinch was seen as we made our way to the vehicle along with numerous Blackcaps. Stopping briefly at Kalafos Beach, Paphos found us adding a Turnstone to the list which was found by Geoff and a Common Sandpiper was also present. At the Lower Ezouzas Pools, Richard recovered a showy Moustached Warbler and the Little Crake was also showing well. A flock of 19 Kestrels caused confusion but large flocks of feeding birds in Cyprus is not uncommon. A Cormorant flew in the distance and a Water Rail continued to be heard but not seen. The Spur-winged Plovers were still around the Paphos Sewage Works and several Red-throated Pipits were heard with the more numerous Meadow Pipits. A Water Pipit posed on telegraph wires but it was time for lunch and a Sunday chicken and pork souvla lunch, at Mandria which was enjoyed by all. We continued to Mandria once more where good views of Red-throated Pipits were achieved and careful scanning of the Skylark flock produced several Water Pipits and the only Calandra Lark of the trip. Onto Asprokremnos Dam where a couple of Cormorants was all we had to show for our efforts. Visiting Anarita Park once more and the Little Owl was in the same place as day one with the Finsch’s Wheatear being seen again.
Highlights of the Week: 2 sightings Wallcreeper in Avagas Gorge, Male Finsch’s Wheatears and the Striated Heron.
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 16 Nov 14
Wallcreeper at Avagas George
On Monday, as usual in the winter, I was unable to get out before it got dark – now at about 1630. On 11th a Black Redstart was around the quarter area with a female Stonechat. On Wednesday, I made it to Akhna Dam. A sizeable flock of about 170 Corn Buntings were on wires over the fields and a little further along a mixed flock of finches held about 20 Serins. 7 Little Stints, a Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover were on the lagoon and several Water Pipits were on the mud. A Dunlin flew in and joined the Stints and a lone Starling flew into the reeds.
On Thursday I visited Fresh Water Lake South in Famagusta. 21 Cormorants were flying around and 8 Greater Flamingos remained but were outnumbered by Grey Herons. 6 Ruff were unseasonal as was a Spotted Redshank. Kingfishers were active and a Green and Common Sandpiper were flushed by a young Marsh Harrier which caught and ate a Moorhen. The female Pintail showed briefly and 18 Starlings flew to roost as a Great White Egret and 2 Glossy Ibises joined the healthy Cattle Egret roost. A Water Rail was heard and a Black Redstart posed on a reed with a Great Tit. Finally, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls flew high above heading south.
On Saturday, I visited Larnaca Sewage Works for the first time in several weeks. As I drove the access track 8 Greater White-fronted Geese flushed from the fields – the first of the winter. On the lagoons, 2 Black-necked Grebes were with the Little Grebes and a drake Widgeon fed amongst the Teal. 2 Lapwings were on the water’s edge, with 9 Caspian Gulls on the separator and on the buoys at Spiros, 3 Shags loafed. On the airport fields my first Meadow Pipits of the winter flushed and a sizeable flock of Spanish Sparrows sat in a lone bush. At Pervolia Skylarks were in good voice with a mixture of Meadow and Red-throated Pipits. As I drove to pick Deb up from Larnaca, 14 Redshanks were on the South Airport Pool and c450 Greater Flamingos were on the main salt lake. Scanning through the 400 or so Black-headed Gulls revealed the presence of 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls. 8 Greater Flamingos were on Oroklini Marsh with 2 Redshanks, 1 adult Little Ringed Plover, a Temminck’s Stint, 6 Lapwings, 24 Spur-winged Plovers and a Water Pipit. Also amongst the c170 Black-headed Gulls was a single 1st winter Mediterranean Gull. A Bluethroat was heard and a Chiffchaff was seen. As I passed Dhekelia Fire Station only 9 Stone Curlews were on the fallow rocky field. At Akhna Dam a Great White Egret was the highlight, although 2 more Dunlins and a Temminck’s Stint were also present. Water and Meadow Pipits were numerous and a Linnet was a surprise bird for the site.
On Sunday I ventured over the north and firstly stopped at Neopolis (Gulserin) Pond, which now has some water in it. 2 Dunlins, 6 Spur-winged Plovers, a Redshank, 7 Little Ringed Plovers and 39 Greater Flamingos were present and another Bluethroat was heard but not seen. At Clapsides Beach, 2 Redshanks were on the marsh, whilst on the rocky outcrop 2 Grey Plovers were with 8 Kentish Plovers and a Little Egret. 4 Audouin’s Gulls (3 adults and a 1st winter) flew in and rested on the rocks as I watched. At Silverbeach a Green Sandpiper was the highlight with a few Meadow Pipits flying around. I looked at Fresh Water Lake North which looks like a great site but access and viewing is difficult. Despite that I found a Grey Wagtail and a Green Sandpiper with 2 Snipe and on the lagoon, 7 Black-winged Stilts were with a Great White Egret. 5 Greater Flamingos were also present and a Chiffchaff was heard singing. Further investigation of the site could prove fruitful this winter. At Fresh Water Lake South, 8 Greater Flamingos were present with some commoner herons, 2 Redshanks and a Common Sandpiper. A Water Rail was heard along with a Bluethroat and a Robin showed well. 26 Cormorants roosted in the eucalyptus and 74 Spur-winged Plovers were on the muddy patches. 8 Night Herons roosted in their usual place consisting of 5 adults and 3 1st calendar years. As I drove through the quarter area, a Black Redstart and a surprisingly misplaced Grey Wagtail flushed.
Highlights of the Week: The first sighting of wintering Greater White-fronted Geese 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
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 9 Nov 14
Robin at Akhna Dam – a regular common winter visitor.
The week started slowly again and no birding was done on Monday. On Tuesday I got to Akhna Dam briefly and 19 Starlings flew over me. A Great White Egret was in the water with the usual commoner herons whilst nearby a Greenshank and 3 Redshanks were feeding. An immature Yellow Wagtail was a surprise and as I left the site the Little Owl was in its regular roost site, however it’s the first time I’ve seen it for a number of weeks.
On the 5th at Fresh Water Lake South, Famagusta 4 late Barn Swallows were over the lagoons and 4 Great White Egrets were in various parts of the lagoons. 9 Greater Flamingos were still present and a Spotted Redshank was with 9 Common Redshanks. A lone Common Sandpiper and a Black-winged Stilt added to the waders and 4 Common Snipe flushed and flew overhead. 7 Night Herons ( 4 adults and 3 1 CYs) roosted and 2 Glossy Ibises came to roost. Obviously the same birds as last month and my first November record for the species in Cyprus. A Water Rail was heard, a Chiffchaff flitted in the tamarisks and a single Starling flew to roost.
With visitors and doing the touristy things, there was no more birding for the week until Sunday up at Troodos, Kakopetria where I saw a Grey Wagtail and a Robin. Black Restarts are numerous around the quarter and camp areas but generally there’s hasn’t been much happening. The Striated Heron continues to show in the Zakaki area but is becoming more elusive as time goes on and the news came of 3 Wallcreepers in Avagas George with a number of Rock Sparrows also being present. Finsch’s Wheatears are now well established in their wintering areas which all bodes well for the forthcoming AOS long weekend.
Highlights of the Week: Difficult, but wintering Night Herons and the 2 Glossy Ibises are 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
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 2 Nov 14
Striated Heron at Zakaki Marsh on 29 Oct – 1st Record for Cyprus but unfortunately not found by me.
A fairly short one this week for a number of work and weather related issues.
The week started slowly due to work commitments so there was no birding on Monday or Tuesday, although whilst on the way to Troodos on the 28th a late European Beeater flew over the A1 motorway at the Kivisili junction. On Monday evening I had received an email alert regarding the first record for Cyprus of a Striated Heron (Thanks to Colin Richardson – Chairman of the sub-rarities committee and Jane Stylianou – the Cyprus recorder). Also known as Mangrove or Little Green with the US form being known as Green-backed. In any event, I couldn’t get to Zakaki Marsh on Tuesday so I thought Wednesday could be a possibility.
I left home at 0430 on Wednesday morning and drove to Zakaki Marsh in Limassol, arriving at first light at about 0550. No sign of the Heron but a Bluethroat and a couple of Kingfishers were in the area. I sat in the car and waited. At 0615, fearing the worst, I walked around the side of the sump/sluice that the bird had been seen in. It appeared! It jumped from a sunken drain up onto the wall and stood motionless. Grabbing a few shots, I watched as the bird was flushed by some (Fu**!!)ing feral dogs. It flew to another ditch across the road and as I watched, it flew into the reeds at Zakaki Marsh. Anyway – RESULT! I spent a few minutes at Zakaki noting a number of calling and then flying Penduline Tits, a Reed Warbler and my first Water Pipit of the winter. A late Sand Martin flew through and then the bloody dogs arrived and flushed everything. With nothing else for it, I drove back to Ay Nik, showered and got to work, only a little late. Stone Curlews numbered 26 in the Dhekelia roost – a little disappointing as numbers should be increasing. At Akhna Dam all was fairly quiet with only a couple of Redshanks and a Little Stint being at the water’s edge. An Osprey performed well which is getting quite late and a Water Pipit was with White Wagtails. As I drove home through the fields 5 Corn Buntings were sat on wires, the first for the site in some months.
On Thursday, unusually rain stopped play and on Friday, I was unable to get out, so the week and month ended with a bit of a whimper. Considering 169 species were seen last October and only 127 this year, it was a pretty poor October with slim pickings.
Highlights of the Week: The 1st Record of a Striated Heron (Little Green/Mangrove Heron) for Cyprus.
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
Comments
Follow us:
