Cyprus 26 - Day 13

7am

Unlucky for me...it looks like! Been down at Timi Beach for a couple of hours. No sign of the Trumpeter Finch. You can see it's a Big twitch! to be fair most had seen it already while I was out East. Can't win 'em all...

... or maybe you can? 2 conclusive flight views on departure, a different slant. My 7th Cyprus Tick of the Trip.

As you can see atmospheric dust is an issue today, so we're heading for the hills.

One of the sadder, nay heartbreaking sights...

Around 11 we headed North towards the Akamas Peninsular, diverting to one of Louise's favourite Coffee shops at Stroumpi on the way! A message came through informing me there had been a fall around Androlikou which was handy, as I planned to visit there anyway! The route is interesting as you can quite easily end up in the gigantic working quarry if you're not careful. Once through the Village we immediately saw a Birder by the roadside. I presumed it was the chap who'd put the message out but it wasn't! He said he'd seen all 3 Ficedula Flycatchers. He was just leaving, so we pulled over for a rest and a good look.

The area was quite open and the trees were well spaced with some dead branches, ideal for Flycatchers to perch and hunt from. I'd had great views in Aspro' Dam Wood BUT it's quite shaded in there; the light was better here, even with the Dust, which was nowhere near as thick at c2,000 ft. I was hoping to get better views (and pics) of Collared Flycatcher and I was in luck as a beautiful Male emerged from a nearby tree.

I drove up and down the area a few times and on one occasion I saw a distinctive shape in the lower branches of a tree. I'd found another Blue-cheeked Bee-eater!!! Despite searching for some time I didn't see it again. At the same time another Bird flew across behind it. A Roller! This or another was seen later. Amazing stuff!!

I ended up seeing all three Species well in an incredible couple of hours. As I said I visit this area every Year but this was far the "Birdiest" it has been for me. As a Beaumont Birder once said as he entered Sabine Woods in Texas..."I hear it's poppin'.

We did move down to the Goat Farm later and I did see another Ficedula briefly but the main sighting here was a singing Serin (Trip Tick) which alighted in a nearby tree briefly.

We left the area at 4 and headed for Lidl to get some supplies before having a quiet evening in, hence the write up.  As always, I'm trying to get the balance right but the priority is...having a "good time"... right?

I hope to post a few photos tomorrow. We've done a fair bit the last few days! I had to choose between "totting" and "editing" tonight. Made sense to do the latter, it's quicker and easier! It also helps plan future days.

Stay Tuned...

Trip Total  - 118 Species

Cyprus 26 - Day 12

Heavy rain overnight tempted me to rise early (6.20) and see if anything has been "brought down". The Hotel forecourt was flooded and there were still plenty of menacing clouds around.

I gave it 15 minutes but there was no sign of the BCBE. He/she obviously didn't fancy the storm!

I headed down to Spiros Pool and immediately noticed the Little Tern on the same post. No sign of the White-winged or Little Gull. Amazing numbers (at least to me) of Black-winged Stilts (c50) at close quarters in surreal light...

The Ruff numbers were still impressive (c70), maybe the same birds? 

The weather didn't improve so I headed for the Hide at the Sewage Works. The track was a challenge due to the torrential rain but I made it. Once settled I scanned and was delighted to see a flock of Pintail especially as I hadn't seen any on my previous visit. A bonus Trip Tick. This was followed up later when I managed to pick out a pair of Gadwall. The sp Black-necked Grebe was still present as were c20 Garganey.

I checked once again for the Star visitor on my way back for breakfast but no sign. A VERY special memory indeed.

After checking out we headed for Kivisili, a Site for Lesser Kestrel. You may remember I've visited here previously. Last year I had amazing views of multiple birds on wires and in flight. This year I wasn't so lucky, I had flight views at mid-distance and it was I interesting to compare nizz with "our" Kestrel. Tricky? I also found a Woodchat Shrike and a singing Eastern Sub-alpine Warbler. We had a pleasant couple hours in the vastly improved weather allowing Louise to read in the sunshine.

Around 2.30 we started our journey back to Paphos to hopefully avoid the Limassol traffic. 

... We did... and we're now heading to Mandria. A drink for the good lady and a Trumpeter Finch twitch for yours truly at Timi Beach. Yet another potential Cyprus Tick...

No luck with the Finch, possibly because of the classic onshore afternoon breeze. Also a Bimaculated Lark (which I saw and photographed) was found at the same spot, so there was unintended disturbance. I'll try again in the morning. I did bump into Ian and Kate Bloomer who told me they also "needed" the TF.

Late news on the WhatsApp regarding an influx of Lesser Kestrels today. Maybe I was a day early, although I was later than the previous 2 years...if that makes sense!?

I'll do a "tot up" tomorrow to see how I'm doing at half time, then decide on tactics for the second half. Hopefully I won't get subbed!?

Stay tuned...

Cyprus 26 - Day 11

Checked to see if my friend was still present first thing (6.45). Positive news which I relayed to the WhatsApp group. I then drove around the corner to the farm fields and had flight views of a Calandra Lark. Can't complain, 5 minutes from our Hotel! 

After an excellent breakfast we headed back down to Spiros Pool/Beach on a report of 2 Squacco Herons. No sign but immense compensation in the form of a White-winged Tern. Only my second record, both self-found. It ended up on the beach next to the continuing Little Gull! I got some wonderful close views of Flamingos on the water and in flight. Finally 6 Avocets dropped in to complete an excellent hour.

On our way to our second visit to Cape Greco we stopped off again at Oroklini Marsh.As we pulled into the car park I saw a familiar small bird with a red breast. Yep, a Robin! Another Species that wasn't on my Radar. A quick check of eBird revealed it's not that unusual but that didn't spoil the moment.

After a Zorbas latte and apple pie we headed towards Cape Greco stopping off at a Site for Audouins Gull. The fishermen enjoying the holiday put paid to my chances this time. I did add Glossy Ibis to the Trip List with c50 moving East offshore.

As we arrived at CG I heard thunder which was followed shortly afterwards by rain. My second target was Raven and as I write, I'm hoping for a sighting, once the rain passes.  

..................

No luck with any targets at Cape Greco in poor weather. I did see a female Redstart and had great views of a Lesser Whitethroat while dipping on Cyprus Warbler.

However, after dropping Louise off at the Hotel, you don't need 3 guesses where I headed. I scanned the bushes; the light was poor and I couldn't see anything. I then decided to check the wire I first found it on...

6.35

A great finish. We're back over to Paphos tomorrow. Stay tuned...

Cyprus 26 - Day 10

Still buzzing about yesterday evenings find... understandable I think you'd agree!!! 

More on yesterday first...

I had a fine time early to mid-afternoon at Cape Greco Wood. Obtaining great views of Collared and Semi-collared Flycatchers. I even got both in one shot! I also added Nightingale and Redstart (female) to the Trip List, always a bonus. On the way a brief stop at Oroklini Lake produced excellent views of Red-crested Pochard (including mating) and Purple Heron

Today...

The BCBE was still present this morning, although I couldn't find it initially. I nipped down to Spiros Pool to add Little Tern to my Cyprus List before breakfast. I bumped into Peter Bromley who'd put the news out. Cheers! It was good to see him again. The Bee-eater showed well again late morning and I got more pics and video.

Posting this from the Hide at Larnaca Sewage Works mid-afternoon while Louise has a read in the wonderful weather today...

Added Spectacled Warbler on the track and another Cyprus Tick, namely Little Gull back at Spiros Beach. My luck continues. I've just had prolonged close views of a Peregrine terrorising the Wildfowl which included a good number of Ferruginous Ducks with a few Garganey mixed in. I also saw my first Mallards of the trip! Now a summer plumage Black-necked Grebe appears followed by a drake Pochard. Quite a few Lesser Whitethroats around the Hide and a Green Sandpiper resting on the waters edge. c50 Ruff have just "gone over" (4.45).

"My" Blue-cheeked Bee-eater still present this evening. It was great to show the Birds to a Dutch couple who I met in the Hide. It didn't show for 20 minutes but when it arrived the joy on their faces was tangible. Loved it!

I'm not downloading photos during our stay out East but hopefully I'm giving a flavour of our visit. I'll add some when we return to Paphos on Friday. Stay tuned...

Cyprus 26 - Day 9

Just approaching our Hotel at Perivolia this evening when we were greeted with a road closed sign. Google maps sorted us out to come in another way. Nearly there when I noticed a distinctive shape on a wire. Always dreamed of finding a Blue-cheeked Bee-eater.

If you're a Birder...you get it!

Cyprus 26 - Day 8

Recharged the batteries this morning with a lie-in to coincide with the "clock change". We followed up with a Full English at Karlina to set ourselves up for the day.

I'm decided to take Louise up to Nata Ford, as the River would look better due to the recent rains. It's only 30 minutes from our place. 

On arrival we had the usual decision of where to set the Good Ladies stall out. It was quite windy. We tried a few spots either side of the Bridge. As we were turning onto a track Louise shouted "What's that"?. I looked at what I thought was a dead Palm leaf... until I noticed it had legs...

Remarkably, it lingered long enough for me to get some clearer pics with the window down. After yesterday's LEO I was definitely pushing my luck. All the sweeter to FIND it...

It's a beautiful spot, especially this Year as it's so green with plenty of water in the River. I heard Black Francolin but no sightings. My target Bird was Red-rumped Swallow but I didn't see any Swallows. I was going to try another spot on our way back but Google had other ideas this time.

After dropping Louise off I headed for Mavrokolympus Reservoir...

 My target here was Cyprus Warbler as I'd seen it here last year. A Woodchat Shrike had also been reported, which is my favourite in this family. On arrival I was pleased to see a dry and relatively smooth track leading around the Res'. I wasn't as pleased to see some threatening clouds. There were plenty of Hirundines around, including at least 50 House Martins, my first of the Trip. As I started to drive the track I remembered the spot where I'd had great views of the Warbler. I gave it 45 minutes but it was dead quiet. I looked across the water and saw 3 Black-winged Stilts and some Ducks which turned out to be Garganey (6)...

I moved on and had another glimpse of a Cretzschmar's Bunting, again to quick for me! Evebtually I turne dand headed back along the track. Around halfway I saw a Bird in the top of a Bush that could only be a...Woodchat Shrike...

I passed a couple who I'd seen the previous day at Mandria. He'd managed to see a WS some distance up the track which made us think there could possibly be 2 Birds? He also had more luck than me with the Warbler! More evening light means more late opportunities...not too late of course! I reckoned I had just enough time to try for the reported RRS at the Motorway Pools. I arrived at 6.15 to see large numbers of Swallow sp on the Wires. It took a while but eventually I had one in the right position...

...or nearly...

There was also a report of a Little Bittern here BUT my time was up. Another potential Cyprus Tick lives to fight another day. As previously stated we're off to Larnaca tomorrow. Stay tuned...

Trip Total - 81 Species

Cyprus 26 - Day 7

 I've changed my mind regarding adding photos to yesterdays Post. If I don't have time on a particular day due to circumstanses I'll start with them the next day...It's easier and less time consuming.

So, here's a Semi-collared Flycatcher (proper) pic...

Interesting to see the difference in white on the collar as the Bird has its head tilted! I have more BUT that's enough for now.

As previously stated I was chuffed and amazed that the camera "locked" onto the Bonelli's Eagle at such height...

...lastly the Turquoise Dream Bird...

...and gone...

Those wings!

I only had a few seconds!

My previous March Trips meant I had no chance of seeing this Species...or so I thought?! Last Year's "last day" Bird was exciting (April 6th). To see one in March is amazing. The same scenario applies to the Ficedula Flycatchers. Always hoped for one in March but never succeeded, Of course this Year I've move our "window" and they're turning up everywhere!

A deliberately leisurely start this morning (after another meal at the Harbour) down at Agia Varvara looking for the elusive Crakes. It was a pleasant morning and I had a chat with a few other Birders but couldn't see any although others had Little. I did add Common Sandpiper and a well camouflaged Snipe...

...to the Trip List.

I drove the full length of the Valley out of curiosity rather than anything else. I didn't see anything of note. I then decided to head back up to Anarita Park. I must admit possible "seconds" of the Roller did influence this decision. No luck there but I did see a cracking Eastern Black-eared Wheatear (dark-faced)...

I then had an alert on the WhatsApp. As I read it I noticed the message above which I'd somehow missed?

Ian Bloomer... Long-eared Owl at Mandria Picnic Site

My word! 10 minutes later I was approaching the Site and I could see Ian and Kate's car. I also saw Jonathan Wasse on closer approach. I parked behind his car and he told me the positive news that the Bird was still present...

Definitely a Species that wasn't on my Radar. The "Magic of Migration" right here! Ian has been here 10 years and it's only his 2nd record. Kate's keen eye strikes again. It was good to catch Jonathan before his departure this afternoon. He said he was happy with his visit.

A phonomenal First Week over and it's been way better than anticipated. Hopefully much more to come. 5 Cyprus Ticks and a Lifer!

I'll do some totting up tomorrow...

Stay tuned...

Cyprus 26 - Day 6

Short one tonight as we've been out for a meal. So a summary on the phone.

This morning I headed for Asprokremmos Dam Wood again after a message from Colin Davis at 7.35 informing the group a SEMI-COLLARED FLYCATCHER was present. I was determined to see and photograph this Species. On arrival Colin was the only Birder there. He told me where he'd seen it, then left shortly afterwards. I was on my own, which was fine.

The next couple of hours came and went with a few more Birders arriving. I covered all areas of the Wood but didn't see anything except for numerous Eastern Bonelli's Warblers and a couple of Hoopoes.

I returned to my original position and waited some more. Then...a flash of Black and White!

I moved my car onto a clearing nearer to the sighting, hoping it would return...whatever it was! Now then, Ficedula Flycatchers can be confusing...at least to me...and Merlin come to that!

Quality, length and angle of view can influence ID. Especially when you don't get much opportunity to see some of them. Looking at images of SEMI-COLLARED seems to show some variables?

Anyway I feel confident in posting this BOC for now...

I have some decent pics but they'll have to wait. I was elated to finally photograph this Species. My perseverance has paid off. Chuffed!!!

I still had some time before lunch, so If drove over the dam before U-turning and coming to rest in the middle. A male Marsh Harrier was performing well at Dam height. I looked higher for my target. After around 20 minutes I saw a speck in the clouds. I tried to follow it with my Bins before switching to my Camera...

Bonelli's Eagle 

Remarkable what a camera can "pull" from such a huge distance!

After lunch we headed for Anarita Park on the strength of a message regarding a Roller. Always a star bird. If you remember it was the last Bird I saw on my 25 Trip. On arrival and after settling Louise up in a favourable spot On started to search for the Bird. Other Birders had the same idea including a couple of Tour Buses. I drove the tracks...and then...in the top of a solitary bush...

A true beauty 

You'll appreciate the lack of time to complete tonight's post but I wanted to give a flavour of each day if possible. I'll add more detail and pics tomorrow hopefully. Another Top Cyprus Day.

Stay tuned...

Cyprus 26 - Day 5

A really enjoyable and unpredictable day today culminating with yours truly obtaining a Lifer!!!

Left at 6.30 and arrived at the outskirts of Limassol an hour later...to meet the jam I was hoping to avoid. Google maps did the business again and combined with local knowledge we were on Lady's Mile at 7.50.

Normally dusty tracks are muddy this Year but completely drivable as firm below. I had my best ever view of a Kentish Plover. A couple of males, one "further on "than the other?

Stunner!

After a Costa breakfast at My Mall (which it certainly isn't) I left Louise for a mooch and headed down the West side of the Peninsula to Agios Georgios Church (after a quick look on the Salt Lake)...

I drove around the back and waited. It paid off eventually when I had a brief view of a Cretzschmar's Bunting and a female Blackcap. I then noticed a movement to my right by the wall? Eventually the culprit emerged...

I watched the Bird perform fora good 20 minutes. By far my best ever views of this Species...

I had a drive up onto the plateau, the view was breathtaking...

...but all I saw was this pale female Stonechat...

I returned to My Mall for lunch with Louise. As already mentioned the wonderful Phassouri Reedbed is inaccessible this Year due to Foot and Mouth...a huge blow, as this is my favourite Site on the Island! This situation coupled with my earlier Birding meant I was thinking of heading back to Paphos...nothing to do with the DESERT FINCH that had been seen again this morning. A potential Lifer? The Bird had been first seen yesterday afternoon BUT I'd promised to take Louise to Limassol, so that was that. Would my delay prove fatal? 

It's not often I get Trip Ticks on the Motorway. Today I got 2! As we passed Episkopi a Griffon Vulture flew South towards Kensington Cliffs!!! Definitely one to remember. Further along a Chukar was feeding in the hard shoulder!

We arrived at the Site around 3pm...

St Nicholas Church at Sunset Point

I could see a couple of Birders but there was no focus and they soon drifted off. The wind had picked up and things were looking bleak.I scanned the bushes but couldn't see anything. Then more Birders appeared...and yet more!? It had to be a Tour Group. The leader was obvious and he set about covering the area. After around 10 minutes the group formed a crowd and they were pointing to a solitary bush some 60 yds away. The Bird was associating with Greenfinches and eventually I connected with the help of the friendly Group Leader...

Trumpet moment: This pic was remarkable considering the wind and the fact I was using one hand!!!

I've put it away again now.

We ended up at Mandria for the traditional celebration at the Beach Bar. Before the drink though I did a circuit. A Woodchat Shrike had been reported at the Picnic Site...

Always reminds me of my Cream-coloured Courser/Male Caspian Plover double here

...but I couldn't find it. Probably moved on to get out of the wind. There was a fine male Northern Wheatear present though...

5 migrating Great White Egrets was a nice bonus...

As I was returning to the Beach Bar I noticed a couple of Hooded Crows harassing something. I lifted my Bins to see 2 Stone Curlews out in the open! I couldn't get a decent shot of the interaction...as you can see...

... but when things settled down I got some better ones in the late afternoon sunshine before they drifted off into the long grass...

Helluva Day!

Trip Total - 65

Cyprus 26 - Day 4

*I've added some photos to yesterday's post*

Steady morning after last night's treat. I headed down to Agia Varvara via my Stone Curlew Site (thanks again Dan). Sure enough, they were "in situ" as I parked the car and used it as a "Hide"....as I frequently do...

Smart against the green background...I thought. There were 4 Birds actually and they were mobile. Eventually I got a better view of one...

Always nice to see this unusual looking Species on a Trip.

Things were quiet when I reached the Valley but I did see a Long-legged Buzzard distantly...

Never been greener?

No Crakes were seen.

I'd gone there hoping to see the SEMI-COLLARED FLYCATCHER that was seen yesterday afternoon. No luck there. I did have a significant Sighting though in the form of Colin Richardson (who'd had the same idea regarding the Flycatcher! It was great to see him again. We had a good chat before going our separate ways. Hopefully I'll see him again during the Trip? Plenty of water in the Lower Ezousas...

On the way back for lunch a message informed me that a male COLLARED FLYCATCHER had been seen by the Archaeological Site. The finder had left a PIN so as it was handy I gave it a go. On arrival I saw a few Birders looking focused...on the other side of the exit turnstile! They soon dispersed though and I couldn't see anything through the fence. I'm not having much luck with the Ficedula family...yet.

This afternoon I tried Asprokremmos Dam...in the rain. Remarkably I managed decent pics of Eastern Bonelli's Warbler despite the dull and wet conditions...

The rain eased and we had a quick look from the Dam Wall...

Unsurprisingly fuller than usual which is good news but no "edges" for the Birds! We eneded up (or thought we had) at Mandria. Today is a Bank Holiday... hence the rainiest day so far! We did a circuit seeing very little...then a message...

Male SEMI-COLLARED FLYCATCHER Aspro' Dam Wood

Oh dear. We went back and spent till 5.45 but no sign of the Bird. I did see a rather bedraggled EBW in the twilight...

We're off to the Akrotiri Peninsular early doors tomorrow for a full day out. Stay tuned...

Trip Total  - 57 Species