Army Ornithological SocietyBlog Category | Overseas Birding
Cyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 11 Jan 15
Bittern at Phasouri Reed Beds on 9 Jan.
Nightmare! A massive weather system fell over Cyprus for the first 3 days of the week making getting out very difficult. As I’m getting soft and becoming a fair weather birder, I was unable to get out much in the first half of the week. On Tuesday in between down pours, I got to Paralimni Lake for the first time in at least 6 months. After the recent storms, the lake was the fullest I’ve ever seen it with c50 Greater Flamingos taking up residence. A Grey Heron and at least 6 Little Egrets were present. Not an easy site to observe due to distances, it’s necessary to view from a number of areas involving driving around the 10 mile site. As I observed a pair of smaller gulls hawking the water proved to be the first Little Gulls of the year obviously blown in from the sea in the fairly violent (for Cyprus) storm. A Marsh Harrier disturbed the waders and a Kingfisher flew in front of me from the tamarisks surrounding the lake. As I observed the waders, Kentish Plovers were in the majority but as I scanned 3 Greater Sand Plovers and 2 Grey Plovers were present and they had also obviously come in from the coast to avoid the weather. 2 Ringed Plovers and a lone Redshank were also seen before I departed for home.
With news that Koprulu in the north was full of water, I visited on Wednesday afternoon. On route I stopped briefly on the road at Guvercinlik to view a very large flock of Skylarks and Calandra Larks. The site looks excellent and if managed will become a significant wetland. 23 Pochards were present with a couple of Shelducks and hundreds of Shovelers, Mallards and Teal. A single female Marsh Harrier hawked the bund line and at least 45 Greater Flamingos were feeding. As I scanned I scoped 143 Lapwings and with them was a single Golden Plover. As I left the site I scoped a huge mixed flock of Skylarks and Corn Buntings that contained at least 7 Calandra Larks. A beautiful male Hen Harrier flushed them as I watched. I continued to Fresh Water Lake South, where a Great White Egret remained along with 3 Ferruginous Ducks. Cattle Egrets and Cormorants gathered for the roost and at 1645 as the light was fading the over-wintering pair of Glossy Ibises flew into join the Cattle Egrets. Circa 5000 Starlings made a remarkable “Whhhooosshhh” as they flew to roost and with the light finally disappearing I retired for the day.
So it was Thursday soon enough and needing some shopping I stopped at Paralimni Lake which is actually full of water and looking pretty good. A Great White Egret was present along with commoner Grey Herons and Little Egrets and at least 45 Lapwings were quite vocal. 2 Marsh Harriers flushed some waders but they were too far away to identify but it did alert me to the presence of an adult Common Crane which had been previously reported. As it was getting dark I returned home.
Friday and I had to take Deb to the clinic in Limassol which allowed for a long weekend in Paphos and some birding en route. 3 female type Reed Buntings were at Zakaki Marsh which was a year tick but the Striated Heron remained unseen and is becoming more difficult to see as its stay continues. A Moustached Warbler and Chiffchaff were also seen before departing. Onto Phassouri Reed Beds after a Cyprus Sandwich for lunch. At Phassouri a pair of Common Buzzards were new arrivals and a Song Thrush flushed from the reeds. A Kingfisher fished in the now fairly large pools and a 2nd or 3rd year sub-adult Bonelli’s Eagle was mobbed by the small Buzzards in comparison. We departed along the back road for Episkopi but not before I had nearly run over a Bittern* running along the road and pausing to adopt an outstretched neck posture as if it was in the reed bed. I had heard several people say they’d seen a Bittern along the road but I never thought I’d actually see it for myself. With it clearly confused and posing for the camera – churlish no to, I grabbed a couple of shots through the windscreen and under the circumstances they came out pretty well. Regaining its sense, it soon flew over the reeds and landed deep within. At Kensington Cliffs another Buzzard hung in the wind and 2 Griffon Vultures drifted by. With the year tick in the bag I journeyed to Asprokremnos Dam in the hope of seeing a Great Crested Grebe that had been previously reported. No Grebe but a spectacular booby prize with 21 Ruddy Shelducks newly arrived in the storms. I phoned Colin Richardson immediately who went to see the large flock of ducks, which proved to be a good decision on his part. Prior to booking into the hotel the only bird of interest at Paphos Headland was a Common Sandpiper and at Kalafos Beach a Kingfisher was present.
On Saturday, I did a quick walk along the Paphos Headland turning up 2 Greater Sand Plovers and 61 Golden Plovers and a Common Buzzard flew past heading west, but nothing else. I met Colin Richardson for a day out, quickly adding 30+ Hawfinches, which was a good count and good numbers of Wood Larks in the Armou Village and Hills area. There had obviously been an influx of Serins, Common Buzzards and Song Thrushes were present in large numbers. As we drove through Episkopi in the Ezouzas Valley, we stopped at a rock face and heard and saw a singing male Blue Rock Thrush and a male Peregrine. Onward to a wooded area overlooking a water course and with a little encouragement 3 Siskins (a male and 2 females were observed). In the Marathounta Hills area more of the same with 3 Hawfinches drinking at a puddle and the addition of a cracking male Finsch’s Wheatear. I had lunch with Colin and visited Asprokremnos Dam once more. It was a good job Colin had gone to see the Ruddy Shelducks yesterday as they had left the site. I did catch up with the Great Crested Grebe and 2 beautiful ghost like male Hen Harriers hawked the fields above the dam. Stopping at Kalafos Beach, Paphos once more I eventually caught up with a lone Turnstone, perhaps the only one on the island at present. 2 Shags flew by and at least 10 Yellow-legged Gulls drifted past on the way to roost, which ended the day.
We travelled back from Paphos on Sunday stopping along the way. With nothing doing in the Paphos area I proceeded to Zakaki Marsh. Pulling up at the white railings – there it was, the Striated Heron*. A year tick, but now playing hard to get and not seen as frequently as it used to be. A Kingfisher zipped by but it was the gull roost that occupied most of my time. Amongst the Black-headed Gulls, were good numbers of Armenian Gulls* of different ages. On to Finikaria, a seldom visited site but a place where resident Crag Martins routinely feed in the winter. When conditions are harsh in the mountains, they descend to more favourable altitudes to feed. With snow falling in the Troodos range today was no exception and 3 of this difficult to find resident were hawking over the Germasogia Dam. There was little else here, so I drove to the Larnaca area. On the sewage works the target bird was found in the form of 10 Greater White-fronted Geese. A Black-necked Grebe was present and good numbers of gulls but nothing to write home about. Another Black-necked Grebe was at Oroklini with 24 Flamingos and the usual commoner wildfowl. We stopped at Dolphin Rocks – Oroklini for a coffee and I photographed an adult Mediterranean Gull* and my first Sandwich Tern* that I’ve been able to get close enough to. 3 adult Armenian Gulls were also loafing as we departed. A brief final stop at Akhna Dam brought a Great White Egret and another Common Buzzard. Unfortunately, the mindless hunters were out – although shooting Song Thrushes, Corn Buntings and Skylarks and allowing them to drop in the water and reed bed has little to do with hunting to my mind and is just stupid, narrow minded destruction and killing for the sake of it. But a Cypriot would say I am uncultured and untraditional – they really do make me sick!
Highlights of the Week: A couple of Little Gulls and Koprulu returning to its former 2013 glory: as it was dry last year. However, actually seeing the Bittern in the road was a great moment. In a week of good birds 21 Ruddy Shelducks and 30+ Hawfinches are also worthy of mention.
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 28 Dec 14
This report covers 2 week’s worth of activity. With Christmas upon me, birding was limited. On Mon 22nd, I had been informed that a Great Black-headed Gull had been found the previous day in the Larnaca area. I set off in search and as I approached the airport’s south pool, a lone good stood motionless. Quickly scoping it with no other gulls in sight at the time – there it was a 1st winter Great Black-headed Gull* – result and taking the year list to 262 (with Mentries’ Warbler pending). Circa 180 Greater Flamingos were in the area as were a good number of Black-headed Gulls. At the sewage works a female Tufted Duck was the highlight and the 8 Greater White-fronted Geese were still present. About 30 Skylarks were flying around and a lone Red-throated Pipit called as it passed overhead. On Spiro’s Pool 9 Dunlins were in the company of a Little Stint and a male and female Black Francolin were seen. A Sandwich Tern flew by over the sea. With nothing else doing, I looked at the star of the day before proceeding to Dolphin Rocks, Oroklini where 2 adult Armenian Gulls were with a couple of 1st winter Caspians and good numbers of Black-headed Gulls.
On Tuesday I ventured over the to the north and managed to see a Water Rail, rather than just hearing one.. 41 Spur-winged Plovers were present and the 2 Glossy Ibises continued to roost with the numerous Cattle Egrets. A single drake Ferrruginous Duck wasn’t obvious but a Great White Egret was. A Kingfisher flitted around as did a Great Tit and the Starlings flying to roost numbered a staggering (for Cyprus) c8000. Earlier at Oroklini Marsh, a pair of Red-crested Pochards were new arrivals and a pair of Marsh Harriers flushed the numerous wildfowl 80 or so of which were Shovelers. 39 Greater Flamingos remained in situ but there were few passerines to speak ot.
I ventured over to the north again on Christmas Eve and on Gulserin Pond (now very wet) 142 Greater Flamingos were present with c450 Teal. An adult Armenian Gull was with the Black-headed Gulls and 6 Shelducks were unusual for the site. 14 Spur-winged Plovers rested on the exposed mud and 2 Bluethroats hopped in and out of the reed beds. 2 Black-winged Stilts were inconspicuous before I moved along to Clapsides Beach. In the surf, a Curlew waded and on the rocks a single Cormorant rested. Gulls were present in good numbers with 12 adult Armenians and 2 1st winters along with 4 Caspian Gulls. Silver Beach held another 2 Curlews with 4 Redshanks, 7 Golden Plovers, 4 Lapwings a Green Sandpiper and a Grey Heron. Finishing at Fresh Water Lake South brought a drake Pochard which was unusual with 4 Ferruginous Ducks 3 Night Herons were present (1 Adult and 2 1st calendar years). That was it until the 28th when driving past Dasaki Achnas c70 Stone Curlews alighted from the roadside fields. Reaching Larnaca, there was no sign of the Great Black-headed Gull but an adult Siberian (Heuglin’s) Gull was present with Armenians, Caspians and Yellow-legged. At Larnaca Sewage Works, 4 Black-necked Grebes were near 4 Wigeon and the only other bird of note was a forlorn looking Cormorant. On Spiro’s Pool c300 Golden Plovers were present with a couple of smaller waders. The Kittiwake* was still present at Larnaca, McKenzie Beach Marina along with an adult Armenian Gull.
Returning home, the drake Red-crested Pochard was still at Oroklini Marsh and a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull was also present. A drake Pintail is always an impressive sight and a lone Black-winged Stilt looked lost. I finished off at Fresh Water Lake South where 3 Green Sandpipers were the highlight with 3 Great White Egrets coming second. Counting the roost consisted of c435 Cattle Egrets harassed by 2 Marsh Harriers and a remarkable c9000 – 9500 Starlings. The 2 Glossy Ibises made a late appearance and that was it for the year.
On the 29th I flew to Istanbul for the New Year and returned on 2nd Jan 2015. The birds were much the same as my previous visit but I did add a Sparrowhawk and manage to get Alexandrine Parakeet on my 2014 and 15 year lists prior to my departure. Against my better judgement, I went for a Turkish Bath in Istanbul and to be honest felt dirtier than when I went in, not to mention defiled and violated – enough said but when dressed in a VERY SMALL wrap and with a not particularly good looking chap brushing your scrotum as he massaged my thighs, all was not well in my rose garden and I continue to have nightmares and flashbacks. It is no laughing matter and not a good way to start the year!
Back to Cyprus and on the 3rd I was determined to start the year list and ended on 62 species for the day. Ayias Trias had a single Greater Sand Plover and 5 Grey Plovers whilst at Cape Greco the highlights were 2 male Blue Rock Thrushes and a female (dark throated) Finsch’s Wheatear. An adult Audouin’s Gull and Common Kingfisher were at Kermia Beach whilst 2 Common Sandpipers were on the lagoons at Ayia Napa Sewage Works. Another female Finsch’s Wheatear was along a line a rocks towards Ayia Napa Football Pitches and at Ayia Thekla a Dunlin was with Kentish Plovers and a Common Sandpiper. The Spanish Sparrows appeared on cue and a small flock of Linnets was a surprise. In the afternoon in the north at Gulserin an out of place Wood Sandpiper was a bonus with some more expected waders although the Black-winged Stilts had increased to 6. At Silver Beach a Curlew was an addition to the list as was a Spotted Redshank with 8 Common Redshanks. A quick stop at Fresh Water Lake North added wildfowl including Pintails, Wigeons, Gadwalls and Mallards. At the south lake the Glossy Ibises and Night Herons let me down for the new year but a Great White Egret, Marsh Harriers, a male Peregrine and a lone drake Ferruginous Duck had read the script.
On the 4th the day before returning to work (deep joy) I went to Larnaca and onward to the Limassol area. A 1st winter Med Gull was at Oroklini with 49 Lapwings, 2 Water Pipits, 2 Black-winged Stilts and a male Bluethroat. At Larnaca Sewage Works I added Black-necked Grebe and 3 Tufted Ducks (2 drakes) and on Spiro’s Pool Golden Plovers and a very surprising Avocet. At least 4 Black Francolins called but could not be located in the thick vegetation and off shore on a buoy 2 Shags loafed. Circa 80 more Golden Plovers were in the airport fields and a single Curlew flew over. Next stop Phassouri Reed Beds. I was greeted with a female Blackcap and 2 Marsh Harriers over the reed bed. A Water Rail showed well and a couple of Water Pipits flushed calling. Snipe and Kingfisher alighted as I walked the reed bed and a Common Buzzard landed in a tree (they have not been that numerous this winter – so a good bird). A Moustached Warbler took a bit of patience but it eventually gave itself up briefly. Armenian and Black-headed Gulls were at Lady’s Mile with a single adult Slender-billed Gull being amongst them. Akhna Dam offered little on the way home but a ringtail Hen Harrier was a welcome addition to the list. Finally stopping at Vrysoulles the Little Owl was sitting in its usual roosting hole and another Buzzard flew form a nearby tree bringing the year list to 90.
Great Black-headed Gull at Larnaca Airport Pool South on 22 Dec
Highlights of the Week: A last minute addition to the Cyprus year list with a 1st winter Great Black-headed Gull at Larnaca Airport Pool South.
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 21 Dec
Blue Rock Thrush at Cape Greco Army Post Cliffs on 21st.
After a lay off of a week with no birding, I managed to get back into the saddle on Thursday 18 Dec. Dodging another festive celebration, I thought I’d better regain some birding credibility and add a few records to the monthly tally. I visited what is known as the Famagusta Wetlands. These are basically, all the sites in the north around Famagusta that contain water in the winter.
Silver Beach was very quiet so I moved along to Clapsides Beach where I was met with 4 Grey Plovers on the beach and another 2 on the rocky outcrop. A Grey Heron waded in the surf and was close to a good number of Armenian Gulls with an adult Slender-billed and 1st winter Mediterranean Gull also being present. At Gulserin Pond 59 Greater Flamingos were present with a pair of Pintails, 1 Snipe, 2 Black-winged Stilts and 4 Spur-winged Plovers – not exactly heaving. The not often visited Fresh Water Lake North, as it’s very difficult to view currently looks exceptional and has a lot of potential. Good numbers of wildfowl were present with 11 Gadwalls which is a very high count along with Widgeon, Teals, Mallards, Shovelers and 14 Pintails. C250 Greater Flamingos were also present but there must be outer interesting things here that remained out of sight.
My final stop was at Fresh Water Lake South as I wanted to count the roosting species. The Cattle Egrets reached a credible 362 with 1 Great White Egret and the usual pair of wintering Glossy Ibises. 82 White Wagtails flew to roost and a massive c5650+ Starlings. 79 Cormorants roosted in the eucalyptus, a Water Rail was heard and a single Little Egret made an appearance. Grey Heron numbers have reached 22 and a Peregrine did a fly through. Only 9 Spur-winged Plovers were present and were the only waders present. 7 drake Ferruginous Ducks were looking very appealing and a Kingfisher fed from a dead snag. The usual wintering passerines were present but that was it for the day and it was good to be out. Friday at Akhna Dam was a washout with a very heavy thunder storm stopping proceedings and all I managed was 2 Redshanks and a Little Stint before retiring to the bar.
On Saturday afternoon we visited the Famagusta Wetlands in the north. Gulserin Pond held good numbers of Flamingos and Black-headed Gulls and amongst them was a breeding plumaged Slender-billed Gull complete with a pinkish was to the breast. 3 Black-winged Stilts were a surprise but 3 Spur-winged Plovers were expected. At Clapsides I paused before reaching the beach to photograph a male Kestrel* and at the beach another 2 Slender-billed Gulls, an adult and a 1st winter were present along with a good number of Armenian Gulls (7) of differing ages. A Curlew rested on the rocks and 2 White Wagtails were on the beach. Moving along to Silver Beach, another Curlew* passed overhead and on the marsh 8 Redshanks were joined by a Green Sandpiper and a Greenshank. 9 Teal had taken up residence and a Meadow Pipit and 2 Woodlarks called as they went. Stopping briefly at Fresh Water Lake North – I have found a place to wade in wellies, revealed 4 Snipe, a Marsh Harrier a Great White Egret and c30 Spur-winged Plovers. Viewing is still difficult but when the water resides a little this new viewing area should prove fruitful; I’m thinking Feb/Mar time. Finally at Fresh Water Lake South, 8 Ferruginous Ducks were looking very handsome, whilst a Kingfisher was seen and a Water Rail Heard. The regular birds were present although because it was too early for the roost, in reduced numbers. 42 Cormorants were joined by 15 Grey Herons and 2 Great White Egrets.
An early rise on Sunday morning saw me heading for the Cape Greco area for the first time in months. I drove via Ayias Trias to find 3 Greater Sand Plovers, 3 Grey Plovers, a Kentish Plover and Kingfisher on the rocks. As I was departing a Shag flew by and 2 adult Audouin’s Gills paused briefly on the rocks before continuing east. At the Cape’s Picnic Site, several Spectacled Wablers, Sardinians and a single Cyprus Warbler were all singing. My first Greenfinches of the month were obvious and 2 Song Thrushes were their usual flighty selves. I continued along under the Army Camp Cliffs to be welcomed by good numbers of Stonechats, Spectacled Warblers and Chukars. As I continued at least 5 Black Redstarts were noted and then 2 male Blue Rock Thrushes* were looking cracking. A little further and I was pleased to find a pair of wintering Finsch’s Wheatears. A flock of c40 Linnets was the largest I’ve ever seen in the east of the island which was a surprise. A single Chiffchaff kept the monthly figures on the increase. At Kermia Beach another adult Audouin’s Gull was loafing and a lone Greater Sand Plover hid amongst the rocks. Ayia Napa Sewage Works was mobbed with hunters – more shotguns than birds, however I did add my first Common Sandpiper of the month on the lagoons with some more Chiffchaffs but there was little else of not amongst the echoes of many shotguns – A very sad nation!
As I continued around the back of the football pitches, I paused at a site I’d discovered in previous years for wintering Finsch’s Wheatears and there sat on a rock was a dark throated female which was a result – I don’t give much for its chances with the amount of shooting however. Driving to the coast at Ayia Thekla, I was pleased to find good numbers of Corn Buntings, a small flock of Spanish Sparrows and on the rocks 74 Kentish Plovers, 6 Greater Sand Plovers, 6 Dunlin and 2 Common Sandpipers – a good day for Sand Plovers. There was also another sizeable flock of Linnets further along the coast towards Potomas Liopetri.
After picking up Deb we headed for Larnaca, Jumbo, Lidl, Lunch and of course Oroklini Marsh. The marsh held 46 Greater Flamingos and a Marsh Harrier circled above. At least 300 Black-headed Gulls were present but nothing unusual was amongst them. Circa 50 Spur-winged Plovers was a good count and as I moved to the south side of the marsh, I flushed 2 Redshanks and a flock of 42 Lapwings – so that’s where they were. A Peregrine flushed the wildfowl and as I watched I spotted a Long-legged Buzzard circling high above. Having lunch at the Dolphin Rocks café allowed me to scope the loafing gulls which were all Black-headed with the exception of a 2nd year Armenian, 2 1st year Caspians and a Sandwich Tern resting on the rocks.
On the way home a brief stop at Akhna Dam revealed the presence of 4 Redshanks, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Cormorants and at least 5 Crested Larks. Not a bad day and a good end to what was a fairly birdless week to begin with.
Highlights of the Week: C5650+ at Fresh Water Lake South was an impressive count. A wintering pair of Finsch’s Wheatears is always a good find.
If you are planning a visit or require more info please feel free to contact me at: birder639@yahoo.com
Mark Easterbrook
CommentsCyprus Weekly
Birding Highlights for the Week Ending 14 Dec
A year ago this week Little Bustard at Geri in the Buffer Zone.
No play on Monday and a brief visit to Akhna Dam on Tuesday produced a Reed Bunting that was the first for the site this winter. 7 Redshanks, 7 Dunlins and a Temminck’s Stint were present with 2 Grey Herons and 41 Coots, however 20 Water Pipits was a good count with a similar number of Meadow Pipits and White Wagtails. C60 Corn Buntings were in the fields with a handful of Stonechats in various places but that was about it on a wet, dull and thundery day.
On Wednesday the 9th I visited Gulserin Pond, which now has water once more. 28 Flamingos were present along with a handful of Spur-winged Plovers and a Snipe. A sizeable Black-headed Gull flock was roosting and 3 Redshanks fed along the edges of the water. Moving onto Clapsides Beach, nothing was on the marsh, however, on the rocky outcrop looking from the beach a flock of at least 100 Golden Plovers were roosting with 3 Grey Plovers foraging amongst the rock pools. A good flock of Dunlins also roosted and on the beach, Kentish Plovers, Ringed Plovers and a few Little Stints ran around. A single curlew was in the surf and a Slender-billed Gull was the only gull that was present. Silver beach also had 21 Flamingos present along with a lone Golden Plover. I stopped at Fresh Water Lake North, which looks like an excellent site but it’s very difficult to get into a position to view anything. Anyway, I found a pile of rubbish and balanced on top with my scope and found some good birds but there must be lots of occurrences that go unrecorded here. Wildfowl were in good numbers including, Pintails, Widgeon, Shovelers, Teal and Mallards. 38 Greater Flamingos were present and a good winter count of 8 Black-winged Stilts was notable.
My final stop of the day was Fresh Water Lake South. Always worth a visit and probably the best wetland on the island at the moment, notwithstanding the potential of the North Lake. Herons were the flavour of the day with 2 Great White Egrets, 9 Grey Herons, 14 Night Herons, 2 Little Egrets and c450 Cattle Egrets which were joined by the 2 wintering Glossy Ibises. A couple of Kingfishers chased each other, c600 Starlings flew to roost and a couple of Snipe hid in the undergrowth. Finally a good count of 66 Cormorants roosted in the eucalyptus and a Water Rail was heard.
The rest of the week was a washout due to heavy rain, work commitments, seasonal festive activities, the inevitable hangovers and Deb’s Birthday on the 14th, so consequently the longest period without any birding since being on Cyprus commenced.
Highlights of the Week: In a week full of dulls and personal inactivity, wintering Grey Plovers and a Slender-billed Gull were good records.
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 Dec 14
1st Winter Kittiwake at Larnaca Sea Front – McKenzie’s Beach Marina on 7 Dec (The 7th Record for Cyprus).
Monday and a long day prevented any birding once more. On Tuesday I managed to get to Fresh Water Lake South for about 45 minutes as dusk which was productive. 7 Night Herons were in the usual roost and the 2 wintering Glossy Ibises joined the Cattle Egret throng at dusk. Cormorants numbered 61 (the biggest count so far this winter) and 7 Ferruginous Ducks were present. A few Redshanks were amongst the numerous Spur-winged Plovers and several Kingfishers were very vocal.
A quick visit to Akhna Dam on Wednesday and the Little Owl was back in its favourite roost with a Great White Egret and 5 Redshanks on the dam was about it. A Grey Wagtail flew over the road at Ay Nik, however it was all pretty dull. On Thursday, came the news that I’d been selected for promotion to Major, so the obvious happened – no birding. On Friday, I was busy so didn’t manage to get out. Saturday 6th and I went on a KUSKOR field trip in the north in the hope of finding some Rock Buntings at Five Finger Mountain. The search was unsuccessful but there were numerous Black Redstarts, Sardinian and Cyprus Warblers with a good sprinkling of Song Thrushes. C90 Cormorants passed overhead and above the peaks a pair of Peregrines chased each other. As we were leaving a female Hen Harrier passed overhead. Onto Buffavento Castle where a Raven was a good sighting (they are becoming very difficult to find), with many Kestrels a Sparrowhawk and a Goshawk over the peaks. A few Blackbirds were present with the usual Sardinian Warblers. At Tashkent the search for Finsch’s Wheatears was successful with 2 being seen and a supporting cast of Black Redstarts and Stonechats.
We continued to a seasonal wetland at Sinirustu where a couple of Widgeon, Mallard and Teal were joined by a single Shoveller and several Little Grebes. The biggest surprise here was loan Greylag Goose – the first of the winter. Koprulu was a shadow of its former self but did provide views of 3 female Marsh Harriers and some Mallards and Teal, whilst in the fields Corn Buntings, Skylarks and Crested Larks flew away from the car. We finished the day at Fresh Water Lake South where a respectable c50 Cormorants were seen. The 2 Glossy Ibises came to roost, joined by 4 Great White Egrets and an impressive count of 23 Night Herons were in the roost. 11 Ferruginous Ducks flushed and c3000 Starlings were in a mermeration. Gulls of mainly Black-headed types with a few Yellow-legs and Caspians bathed before flying to roost. A wintering Spotted Redshank was with a handful of Common Redshanks, 4 Green Sandpipers were on the muddy fringes and a good count of 74 Spur-winged Plovers were in the majority. The only Snipes of the day were seen and as we were departing a Sparrowhawk did a fly though.
An early start of Sunday saw me driving to Asprokremnos Dam near Paphos in search of a previously reported possible 7th record of Scaup for Cyprus. The bird, a female looked convincing but a hybrid or strange Tufted Duck had not been ruled out. In any event it was gone but a male Pintail was amongst a sizeable flock of Teal, Mallards and Cormorants. A pair of low flying Bonelli’s Eagles was a bonus and a Great Tit and Sardinian Warbler was seen on the hillside as I watched. Whilst there I spoke to Colin Richardson who’d found the bird and he told me of a White-headed Duck and Kittiwake in the Larnaca area. I waited and searched for another half and hour before heading east. Arriving at Larnaca c200 Greater Flamingos were on Kiti Pool and on Larnaca Airport Pool South a few gulls, mainly Yellow-legged, and Caspians were joined by 2 Med Gulls – an adult and 1st Winter. At the sewage Works 12 Flamingos were present with the 8 wintering White-fronted Geese. A couple of Cormorants loafed with a Shelduck in close proximity. 3 Ruff and a Redshank were on the black plastic surround and careful searching produced a drake Pintail and 2 Black-necked Grebes. A pair of calling Curlews passed over the lagoons and 2 Black-winged Stilts were feeding near 4 Widgeon. Sadly, no sign of the White-headed Duck, so 2 dips in a day – not good! C150 Golden Plovers were on Spiro’s Pool but with nothing else for it, I decided to got to McKenzie Beach Marina in search of the previously reported Kittiwake for my 3rd dip of the day. As I looked amongst the yachts, remarkable there was a 1st winter Kittiwake* washing – the 7th record and a Cyprus “tick” for me - I was delighted so took a few decent photos of the bird. It washed for about 10 minutes as I watched and then gone over the breakwater and out to sea – so a stroke of luck to end the day. Heading for a celebratory KFC, I stopped at Dolphin Rocks, Oroklini where c150 Black-headed Gulls were joined by a single Yellow-legged Gull and on the rocks a pair of Sandwich Terns.
The day had ended in success with my 261st bird of the year and number 312 (with one pending on my Cyprus List).
Highlights of the Week: The 1st winter Kittiwake at Larnaca Seafront, McKenzie Beach Marina, constituting the 7th Cyprus record and a bird I didn’t imagine I’d get on my Cyprus List.
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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