Cyprus 25 - Day 15

11.40

I've spent the morning seeing very little (just to balance out the successes). I had an hour back at the Dam but no sign of the SCF. I did have nice flight views of Great Spotted Cuckoo and a couple of nice chats... with Birders.

I'm now at Mandria not seeing Bimaculated Lark and Woodchat Shrike. Onward...

17.20

Just enjoyed great views of the Bimaculated Lark, patience (my strong point) paid off. Earlier I had a wonderful hour near the Sewage Works with c400 Yellow Wagtails in various confusing plumages?! Never tire. As I was enjoying them I caught sight of a large flock of Birds in the distance over the Lower Ezousos. Purple Herons, lots of them (c50). Always a great highlight observing visible migration. We drove down the tracks to the sea and watched them land in the reedbed, some perching on the tops of reeds! Amazing!

18.20

Late report of Desert Wheatear at Timi Beach. Louise hadn't finished her Prosecco so I made the 20 minute trip. No Bird or Birders but I figured out the smoothest way there. Might try tomorrow. Time for Mandria Fish and Chips now. Highly recommended.

Trip Total - 114 Species 

Cyprus 25 - Day 14

12.20

Started the day near the Airport on a report of 2 BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATERS. No further sign.

Then...

2 CASPIAN PLOVERS at Mandria 

10 minutes later I was looking at them in the harvested Potato field I mentioned earlier...

Also reported in the area but not seen by me...Bimaculated Lark, Woodchat Shrike and Gull-billed Tern. Also 16 Griffon Vultures flew West past Asprokremmos Dam! Now, I would have LOVED to have seen that!

19.30

Back at the Ranch now, two weeks completed and time for a recap and some reflections. First though, this afternoons highlight, which was a visit to the Asprokremmos Dam Wood for an attempt at the Male Semi-collared Flycatcher. I saw the Bird briefly on two occasions but alas, no photos were possible. Birder numbers are increasing now.

I did get another view of the Caspian Plovers...

Unfortunately the viewing was into the sun and the Birds moved away eventually...

I should have followed up my theory!?

Now is the time to focus on how to spend the remaining week. I plan to visit the Akamas Peninsular at least once and I'll definitely return to the Akrotiri Area. It would take something VERY special to tempt me back "out East". The forecast is for some unsettled weather midweek which is great for me...less so for Louise! 

My dream as always is to FIND something Rare. I'll "cherry pick" other Birders "finds"...depending on Species but my main aim is to discover something special. I'm trying!

Target Birds

Garganey

Spotted Crake

Little Crake

Baillon's Crake

Squacco Heron

Purple Heron

Little Stint

Jack Snipe

Goshawk

Barn Owl

Cyprus Scops Owl

Little Owl

Kingfisher

Cretzschmar's Bunting

Eastern Bonelli's Warbler

Blackcap

Eastern Subalpine Warbler

Bluethroat

Pied Flycatcher

Collared Flycatcher

Redstart

Rock Thrush

Eastern Black-eared Wheatear

Possible 

Demoiselle Crane

Griffon Vulture

Greater Sand Plover

Cream-coloured Courser

Pallas's Gull

Gull-billed Tern

Short-eared Owl

Wryneck

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

Woodchat Shrike

Masked Shrike

Hawfinch

Desert Wheatear

Plenty still to go at...

Regarding the Blog. I'll continue to Post daily and add some photos to brighten things up. However, I don't have the time to sort through them (I don't take THAT many), so I've decided to write an overall report on return, in which I'll post some of my better efforts and hopefully pass on some useful information if you're planning a Trip. Phew...I feel more relaxed already!

Cyprus Ticks

Slavonian Grebe 

Common Raven

Life Total - 225

Trip Total - 111 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 13

12.50

Checked out of our Hotel now as we prepare to make the journey back to Paphos. We love the place and it's ideally situated for Birding the area South of the Airport. Unfortunately this year it was inundated with Italian students doing what Students do...make noise! This meant sleep was limited the past few nights. Never mind.

I had an hour down at the Sewage Works Hide before breakfast on the strength of news of a flock of Avocets (scarce here) flying around and a Whiskered Tern through. No sign of either but 21 Common Shelduck dropped in for a drink briefly. They were only present 5 minutes! I also added Common Sandpiper to the Trip List.

I've just returned do Bird the area before we leave. I'm going to have another crack at Kivisili for Lesser Kestrel on the way back. I've just cleaned my optics!

17.50

Just had a magical couple of hours at Kivisili. I definitely DIDN'T see any on Tuesday BUT boy did I see some this afternoon!!! Great fun driving slowly around the deserted roads enjoying them hunting and perching on the wires. Common Kestrels were also present and the females were tricky...at least for me. At one time I counted FIFTEEN birds in close proximity. The LK had almost certainly just arrived. This is backed up by a report of EIGHT coming "in off" at Cape Greco this morning!

I also had cracking views of a Long-legged Buzzard with a Marsh Harrier for size comparison.

I'm writing this on my phone as we travel back to Paphos. I have photos but it won't be possible to post anything tonight as we're going out for a meal. After all the Birding takes priority, doesn't it? After Louise of course!

Trip Total - 109 Species 

Cyprus 25 - Day 12

7.56

A "live moment" this morning. I had 30 minutes at the Calandra Site with no joy. 

There are certain Species that you hope to see but can't target, you just havet to get lucky. I've just had one such moment. As I was enjoying the Spectacled Warbler around Larnaca Sewage Works a grey ghost flashed past over the bonnet of my car...

A superb male PALLID HARRIER!!!

8.27

Same spot. This is getting silly now. I've just had Spectacled, Ruppells and Orphean Warblers in the same bush!!! I have photos of all 3. A truly exhilarating morning far beyond my expectations. Definitely worth getting up for.

Cape Greco has a lot to live up too...

Just got back. Had a great day and added Raven to my Cyprus List...BUT have to admit...I've had it. Also we're staying in a Hotel where the Internet speed is slow. I wrote a prelude on my phone which has disappeared into the ether and I'm certainly not starting again now! I can't do the day justice now, or edit my photos, so I'll catch up when and if I can.This has nothing to do with the statement below.

Footnote: I received a message from a friend this afternoon, pointing out sensitively that I'd made a couple of errors. Hard to believe I know...lol! The conversation was obviously private but I VERY much appreciated the "heads up, You know who you are. As always I'm trying to balance the Holiday with the Birding and Blogging... and Louise of course (she's still talking to me), not always easy with the travel, logistics and dubious technology. No excuses just facts. Maybe the old boy's pushing to hard? Thanks again and thanks for taking the trouble to read my Blog...which applies to ALL FOLLOWERS.

As one of my heroes once said "A man's got to know his limitations!"

Goodnight!

Trip Total - 105 Species 

Cyprus 25 - Day 11

I was in position at 6am, 1 mile from our Hotel in Perlovia. Handy!

As you know, it's not my first visit here to try for Calandra Lark. This is the only reliable Site on the Island as far as I'm aware? The Barley was high (just a tad ahead of England)

but there were a couple of strips of stubble. I wonder?

After around 20 minutes I picked a Bird up showing the diagnostic dark underwing as I'd done on previous visits. I reckon I saw 3/4 Birds in 45 minutes. They all disappeared into the Barley.

There were plenty of Crested Larks around singing, displaying and squabbling. I kept checking them in hope...and...it eventually paid off...

Couldn't believe it!!!

Right up there as a personal sighting to see one on the deck.

I moved onto the Sewage Farm approach road to try for a pic of my next target Bird. I rolled along slowly scanning both sides of the track. I stopped halfway along and turned the engine off....

Finally, I checked out the Desal fields before returning for Breakfast. Nothing unusual but fabulous views of this "fresh in" Hoopoe...

Late morning I had another session in the Hide but it was much quieter than yesterday. I'd originally planned to head out to Cape Greco for the afternoon but little info or wind meant we headed for Kivisili to see if any Lesser Kestrels had arrived. I saw plenty of "our" Kestrels but couldn't turn one into a Lesser. I had some on the 28th last year? They have been seen on Cyprus by this date.

I finished the day off back at Pervolia Fields pushing my luck for another sighting which unsurprisingly I didn't get. I've talked Louise into staying East till Friday as East Winds are forecast the next couple of days?

A few "catch up" images from yesterday...

Water Pipit

Lesser Whitethroat

Sardinian Warbler

...and last but not least...Slender-billed Gull...

Trip Total - 103 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 10

I thought the early start to avoid the Limassol traffic was a smart move. The traffic as we passed through at 7.30 seemed strangely light? Anyway, we weren't complaining. As we approached Larnaca it was time to sort a Cafe out near to where I wanted to start Birding (always an essential part of the day). Googling answered the light traffic puzzle, it's Greek Independence Day...a National Holiday!!!

Cafes in the area were registering as closed. As we passed through Kiti we found one open. Refreshed we headed for Larnaca Sewage Works...as you do.

It was a pleasant 22C with little wind. I made my way up to the Hide and Louise set her stall out to read and puzzle. I spent a wonderful couple of hours enjoying a variety of Species both on the water and around the Hide. Highlights...

Water Pipit 

Eastern Bonelli's Warbler 

Nightingale 

We drove up to Oroklini and Zorbas for lunch. I checked out both Hides and saw my first Flamingoes of the Trip. What amazing Birds they are!

I tried for Audouin's Gull on the front but it was very busy and no Gulls were seen.

Our final stop was at the Tekke Mosque by the Great Salt Lake in Larnaca. This is the best area to see Slender-billed Gulls. I've seen them in past years but always struggled to get close views. Today that all changed. As we drove the road to the Mosque I noticed some gulls on the southern small pools. 

Long day and meal at Hotel. Photos to follow...

Trip Total - 101 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 9

A slower day today, both in distances covered and Bird news, which fitted in well with our plan for this week. We're heading East early tomorrow for our traditional "couple of nights" at Larnaca. It gives me time to "work " the area properly without doing the distance.

We had a walk out to the Headland this morning...

Louise carried on to end and I watched from the corner. It was VERY quiet. I remember last year when Red-throated Pipits were walking around my feet and Greater Sand Plovers were present...Click here. As we know, every Year/Day is different. Part of the intrigue. I did see my first Linnets of the Trip.

After a Costa Coffee we returned to the apartment. Louise wanted a relaxed afternoon in preparation for tomorrow and I Birded locally. 

I started at Paphos WTP picking up a couple of Goldfinches on the approach road.  My theory on the freshly tilled field blew up in my face with not a single SW Plover to be seen! A lone Green Sandpiper remained on the diminishing pool. Next, it was Asprokremmos Dam hoping for a Raptor or two. On the road up I took the opportunity to photograph a Laughing Dove...

No joy with Birds of Prey but a pair of Great Crested Grebes were still present and I picked out 3 Baltic Gulls among the Yellow-legged...

Remarkable really considering the distance and heat haze!

I finished back at Mandria repeating my routine around the Fields and Coast. This time my theory produced with c30 Wheatears in the freshly harvested potato field. Mainly Northern but the odd Isabelline was present...

Another comparison shot. Note the upright stance of the latter.

Much potential here

I watched a Northern come "in off" and land in a Tree...

As the sun was setting I had another look at the lingering Yellow Wagtail flock. Still Hundreds present but very elusive and mobile in the greenery. I managed one passable pic...

Early start tomorrow...

Trip Total - 92 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 8

Late report on Day 8 due to a unscheduled meal out by the Harbour at (funnily enough) The Harbour. Highly recommended!

A last minute decision yesterday. Due to it being Sunday I decided to give my original thought of a walk around the Headland a miss. The thought of dodging all the Grockles didn't appeal. Conversely the thought of no rush hour traffic at Limassol did. We left at 9.

As we were approaching Limassol a message on the WhatsApp...

c 40 Cranes over Mandria (which we'd passed 20 minutes earlier).

The Demoiselles were seen by many in the Area. Would have loved to have been one of them! Maybe next time?

We arrived at My Mall around 10.30 and after a coffee I headed for famous Lady's Mile Area...

I gaveit an hour but to be honest it was VERY quiet with a lone Black-headed Gull at the Start and groups of Dunlin and LRP's along the way. The highlight being the addition of Kentish Plover which is almost guaranteed here

On my way back I stopped at the Zakaki Hide which I'd visited in previous Years. This was my view on climbing the steps...

VERY sad. I've had all 3 Crakes walking around this Hide in the past! Hopefully some maintenance will occur? I did add Reed Warbler and Chiffchaff...just...

After Lunch we spent the afternoon down at Phassouri Reed Bed (Old School as always). This is a superb Reserve with an extensive reedbed and damp meadow habitat which is rare on Mediterranean Islands. I visited two areas, one at the West end and one at the East. The first session (1hr) produced a nice selection of Ducks and Waders. The highlight being a brief appearance of a quality duo...

Marsh Sandpiper

Spotted Redshank

Nice size comparison

They were only present for 5 minutes...or at least in my view.

We then moved down to the Eastern Area and I spent till dusk here enjoying some quality Birding in Idyllic Habitat...at least for me! As the shadows lengthened, Birds came into roost. First a lone Spoonbill...

Then 4 Glossy Ibises...

Black-winged Stilt, Snipe, Cattle and Little Egret were also added. Earlier a message had reported a couple of CITRINE WAGTAILS from the "start" of the Marsh. I wasn't sure which  end this was, as it depends where you start I guess. Anyway I'd a;ready had a good look at the West end and there were plenty of White Wagtails around, so I kept checking them while enjoying the rest of the Birds. It was now approaching 5.30 and I hadn't had any luck and was starting to think I'd had my chips when...

The Bird showed for 5 seconds during my 90 minute watch. Capped off a magical afternoon...

Trip Total - 89 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 7

Just got back from Cape Greco...

News of a CRIMSON-WINGED FINCH yesterday had me considering an attempt and the urge built during the day. Not just a Cyprus Tick but a Lifer!!

I considered a dawn arrival but that would have meant a 3am departure which wasn't going to happen, especially on holiday. I left at 5.30, arriving just before 8. As I made my way carefully in the car over some dodgy rutted tracks I noticed a car infront of me. I pulled up alongside and blow me down it was Steve Webb and his Wife who live the next Village to me!!! The Birding World......

After sharing the joke we continued negotiating the tracks and eventually ended up at the PIN which Peter Bromley had posted yesterday. As we got out of our cars it was disappointing to see Hunters training their dogs. Also there were nets up which initially we thought were trappers. Not a great start.

A message had informed us the Bird was still present but we couldn't see anyone else? We decided to have a walk around. I grabbed my crutch!

We covered a fair area...

...and saw Ruppells, Spectacled, Cyprus...

...and Sardinian Warblers. We also saw Cyprus...

and Isabelline Wheatears...

No sign of the Finch though. Around 10 I bumped into one of the "trappers" who turned out to be a ringer from the university! This was good news but slightly tainted when he told me they'd seen it briefly earlier! We continued our vigil.

Bird activity dropped of by Noon with very little seen. I had a couple of further conversations with Andy Rollie (of DIDERIK CUCKOO fame) and Nick Brooks (the finder). Steve decided to explore other areas and I stuck it out till 3 before heading back. I did have a brief search for the lingering Isabelline type Shrike around the car park but no joy either. I did see a lone Alpine Swift for the Trip List and another Red-rumped Swallow.

Obviously disappointed after putting the effort in. My only consolation being I don't think I would have connected if I'd gone for dawn, due to the confusing circumstances. That's what I'm telling myself anyway! Can't win 'em all and I was due a dip after the DIDERIK CUCKOO, ASIAN DESERT WARBLER and BAR-TAILED LARK.

Trip Total - 76 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 6

Friday started at Asprokremmos Dam, my first visit...

An impressive sight I think you'd agree. I checked out the enormous reservoir with my bins and eventually picked out a couple of specks in the far distance that turned out to be the Species I was looking for...

Great Crested Grebes

One of SIX Hoopoes in the car park area...

I then dropped down to Mandria to search for the reported Tawny Pipit, a bird I've always liked and haven't seen that many of. I gave it an hour searching the bowl and surrounding tracks but I couldn't find it. However significant compensation was found when this little chap materialized right at the side of my car...

It was walking around on the sand, picking away at insects with no water in sight!

After lunch we returned to the Sewage Works (how romantic). I wanted to check out the ploughed field. Sure enough they had tiller it fine and it now looks ideal habitat for the coming weeks.I could now see 12 Spur-winged Plovers...clearly! Unfortunately the first pool was now dry as the Tractor was no longer there. More luck at the second though, which still has water and produced a Trip Tick...

Nice comparison

Another Site worth repeat visits.

We finished off back at Mandria. Unfortunately the Beach Bar was closed due to low temperature (for here) but Louise sat on a sheltered spot and did her puzzles while I had another look around the area. 

A potato field was being harvested giving yet more improved habit for tired migrants. After around an hour I'd covered a multitude of tracks with no significant sightings. I then saw a movement at the side of the car...

I'd found it!!! This Species goes into the "you should see but could easily not see" catagory!

Luck or earned? Whichever, I was elated with this find/re-find. I spent a wonderful 15 minutes with this cracking Bird before returning to the Beach Bar...

As we left I noticed a cloud of Birds in the field to my right. More Yellow Wagtails... hundreds of them! I never tire of this spectacle. The day was finished off nicely when a Quail decided to "whet-its-lips" on departure.

Trip Total - 71 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 5

The "unsettled spell" continues. This meant another trip to the Mall for the good lady. This time though, it was going to be My Mall at Limassol.

We had an easy start and left at 9. As we entered the A6 (the excellent arterial dual carriageway across the Island)...a message that the Yellow Wagtail flock was still present. I bravely mentioned it to Louise and 15 minutes later we were in Mandria...I chose well!

However, after last nighs blank I needed some precise directions. I messaged David Bradnum again and he kindly sent me a "pin". When we reached the spot, I could see a large weedy field on one side and an orchard on the other. No Birds.

Aware that the Mall was waiting (you know how it is chaps) I asked for 15 minutes. We waited. Then up they went... hundreds of them!!! The problem was they were at the far end of the weedy field (c80yds) and could only be seen in flight. My limited time window was diminishing. A plane appeared in the distance and was obviously coming into land? As it went over the field the whole flock took off and flew past our car...an unbelievable flash of colour. There were hundreds!

Some of you will be familiar with this spectacular spectacle and you may have seen it here? I've had the pleasure on a few occasions but it's still VERY special. Fortunately a few landed around the car allowing me to get the photos I'd hoped for. None better than this...

We drove to Limassol arriving at the Mall on 11. I dropped her off and continued to Larnaca. I had 5 hours. An hour each way left me 3. My target was the wintering Slavonian Grebe which would be a Cyprus Tick. It was seen on Tuesday by Jane, so I reckoned my chances were good? Firstly though I needed coffee and apple pie, so I headed for the Oroklini Bakery. Zorbas...what a surprise! Highly recommended.

I took it down to the Marsh car park to enjoy, the headed up the steps to the Hide. I estimated a 20 minute watch, as my main priority was the WTP for the Grebe. The water level was higher than I ever remember and there were large numbers of Duck present, especially Shoveler, of which there were hundreds. I started to see Red-crested Pochards...

By the time I left I'd seen at least 8 Drakes and a couple of Females. A male Marsh Harrier quartered the Reserve...

Oroklini Marsh is right by a road but the Birds don't seem to mind! It's a great spot but the Hide does face South. I also saw a couple of Ferruginous Ducks at the far end. Pintail...

and Gadwall were Trip Ticks as was Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe and Coot. A Cetti's Warbler scratching away in the reeds was yet another addition. Very enjoyable if brief. Time to go.

I drove around the Larnaca by-pass and 30 minutes later I'd reached the Sewage Works Hide. It was cool...and I'd left my Fleece in the apartment (schoolboy error). Still, living at Holmpton on the North Sea this was still a nice day!

I started to scan and eventually picked out the Star Bird, albeit distantly, with my 'scope. This was my 224th Species for the Island. The only other thing of note was the presence of a couple of Red-rumped Swallows resting on the causeway giving stunning views...

A nice comparison

/ 

Surprisingly (or not) NO Flamingoes were seen. Could have been something to do with the 13c North Wind!

Trip Total - 67 Species