Cyprus 23 - Day 11

Summer time is here...at least in Cyprus! Apologies to folks back home.

Phil picked me up just after 8 and we entered the Archaeological Site as it opened at half-past. Very quiet both bird and people wise today. A Purple Heron flew over just before we went in and was one of the highlights of the session. A nice early addition. We covered a fair area again; not bad for two Pensioners!

The most productive area was the ruins below the Lighthouse...

where we had Blue Rock Thrush...

and Eastern Black-eared Wheatear...

...virtually side by side! While Phil was waiting for another opportunity to photograph the Eastern Sub-Alpine Warbler we saw on our previous visit (it didn't show or had  moved on)I had a stroll along an adjacent path. I spotted a bird some 80 yds away in a bush that looked "different". It appeared to have a reddish throat? It was only there for a minute but I managed a couple of shots. Glad I did, as later scrutiny revealed the bird was indeed a Wryneck...

A decent spot...even though I say so myself lol!

After lunch Louise and I drove up to Asprokremmos Dam...

Another attempt to "get" my Flycatcher/s. Still no luck there BUT I did get great views and a decent pic of an Eastern Bonelli's Warbler in the Woods...

The flycatching behaviour of this species helps locate/identify it but it's a VERY active bird, so I was pleased with this effort.

Next onto Mandria Beach Bar where Louise had a glass of wine and I had a brief Seawatch. Nothing was seen. I also had a drive around Lark's Corner where I saw yesterdays Collared Pratincole. The field was also full of Yellow Wagtails. None today, as the field had settled after being ploughed!

We finished off at Anarita Park which was more Birdy than on our last visit but nothing new was added. Nice to see more Wheatears and a lovely Cretzschmar's Bunting in the sun. Unfortunately all the birds were in front of the car on a narrow track, so no photos were obtained. I was hoping for an early Lesser Kestrel...like the one on Scilly!!!

A transitional day with the clock change. Nearly half-time now, so time to concentrate on new Sites and Species. We're heading West for the first time tomorrow to try the Baths of Aphrodite...maybe I'll get my SEMI-COLLARED FLYCATCHER there?

Trip Total 111

Cyprus 23 - Day 10

 Must remember the Clocks go forward tonight. Means I can Bird sooner tomorrow.

A slower day today after yesterdays (exciting) madness. We left the apartment at 9 and arrived at Agia Varvara 30 minutes later. Baillon's Crake was the Target Bird. I'd checked with Colin Richardson (the finder) as to which of the three nearer pools he'd seen it on. He kindly replied that it was the nearest from the road.

I set up my scope and started to scan. A lone Green Sandpiper was my first of the Trip. A Black-headed Wagtail was also present briefly. A Birder appeared, it was Alan Crane who stays in Mandria. He gave me some useful information on the Site, which was much appreciated. He was also looking for the BC. After he left another Birder appeared and walked up the pools. When he returned he told me he'd had a brief view of a Crake that he considered to be a female Little. I thanked him and made my way to an area I could view the spot from. After some 30 minutes I got a brief but unsatisfying glimpse. I to thought Little Crake female. I didn't see it again. However, I DID add Reed Bunting (male)...a BIG surprise, as they are scarce on Cyprus.

Zitting Cristicola is a common bird here and can be frequently heard "zitting"around. Getting a good view of one can be difficult. Today I got lucky when one perched long enough, and close enough, for me to get a decent photo...

A Kingfisher then zipped past. I guess if you stand somewhere long enough you'll eventually see something. My Mantra for the Trip...most of the time!

Time for our picnic lunch. It was another beautiful day (21C) as we sat in the shade of an Acacia. The relaxation was quelled when I received a message from Jonathan...

Collared Pratincole at Larks Corner, Mandria. 

Would it wait for me? We were there in no time and as I turned the corner I could see Jonathan talking to what turned out to be a couple from Yorkshire! Another couple appeared to be looking at the bird in the ploughed field. They gave me directions and I could then see it distantly...

After a short while it took off (which I was hoping for) and started to fly around the area calling...

I managed a half decent pic...

Collared Pratincole

A superb Bird and one I was hoping to just catch at the end of my trip (April 7th). eBird reports show they turn up in early April, so this one is early and a much welcome bonus for me. Handy also. It flew around for a while longer then it was gone. Bird of the day...so far.

The Yellow Wagtails had also arrived in force. Many races present, a mind-boggling array of plumages. I just enjoyed them in the afternoon sunshine...while Louise had a large Sauvignon Blanc at the Beach Bar. Everyone was happy!

feldegg

Then a surprise. A couple of Mediterranean (Lesser) Short-toed Larks briefly, close by the car. A Cyprus tick! A few tour companies had arrived. A shout went up...SANDGROUSE! A fast disappearing bird was just about captured in the heat haze...

I rejoined Louise at the Beach Bar and we then left for Agia Varvara once again for a second stab at the Baillon's. As I arrived, so did one of the groups (Heatherlea). The leaders were sound and they told me if they saw anything they'd let me know, although I would prefer to find it myself. Despite a good hours searching of all three pools the bird wasn't seen. A Sedge Warbler was though, for another Trip tick...

Half a dozen or so Alpine Swifts zoomed overhead, some coming quite low over the water, giving fantastic views. Far too fast for me to get a pic though! The group moved on and I gave it till 5.30 before leaving. A bonus Long-legged Buzzard (another first) over the car as we left, completed another great day on the Island.

I have some more photos to share (not too many). For example; from my Trip to Cape Greco. I may fit them in here or share them on return. After all...it's the Birding that matters most...right. With the exception of the good lady of course!

Trip Total 108

Cyprus 23 - Day 9...DIEDERIK CUCKOO

 Woke before the alarm, which is usual when I'm excited! This meant I left the apartment at 3.30am. I sailed through to Lake Paralimni (112 miles/2 hours) and found the spot I'd been given by Matt Smith and Colin Richardson. It was approaching 6 as I started to walk the pavement along the edge of the Lake. My first thought was how much water was in it this Spring. I can remember walking out into the middle of it in 17 and 18 for Caspian Plover and Citrine Wagtail.

There was no-one else around which didn't concern me initially as I was a tad early. The weather was fair if a little cool but I had decent attire and things were fine. Much scanning of the Tamarisks ensued. I walked up and down checking all bushes for a good quarter of a mile. The usual dog walkers, joggers and walkers were in evidence and I got a few strange looks as well as the odd good morning/kalimera.

By 6.45 I was beginning to wonder. Surely someone else would be trying for this MEGA bird? I messaged Matt Smith to see if he'd arrived yet. I was sure I was at the right spot given the co-ordinates. It passed 7 and no sign of the bird, any other Birders or a reply from Matt.

7.15...a Tweet...DIEDERIK CUCKOO relocated!!!

WHERE?

This time I rang Matt. I'm never totally convinced by codes when abroad but it started ringing...and he answered. He was here and he'd seen it! A muddled conversation ensued as we tried to determine my location in relation to his. Eventually I suggested we met back at the main road by the shop Beauty Line as I figured he'd know where that was. He did and I set off. As I was making my way there a car appeared at a junction, it was Matt! A quick U-turn and U I was following him back to "the spot".

On arrival 6 Birders were present, 2 of which had connected. I thanked Matt for taking the time to come and get me and we started to walk to where they had seen it. He told me it had been calling frequently which gave me some optimism. 20 tense minutes past and there was no further sign of the CUCKOO.

Then Matt heard it (my hearing isn't the best) and we crossed the street to scan. The area was a mixture of housing and rough land with plenty of bushes and shallow pools. At least three Bluethroats were seen...my first.

A bird flew straight and direct...it was the DIEDERIK CUCKOO!!! A flight view only but better than no view. The small group followed in the direction it flew but it had disappeared again. Another call and this time it landed on a wire...

7.50

I wasn't expecting that...but I'll take it. It flew again and yep...it disappeared...again. At 8.05 one of the group found it in one of the "pits". Unfortunately it was in the far corner amongst some branches...

You can see more detail and colour here including the red eye. I was hoping for better but to be honest the fact I'd SEEN it was enough. I was elated!!! A second for Cyprus and only the fifth record for the whole of the Western Palearctic! I'd never heard of it before. An African species with a widespread distribution over most of the Continent. It's also found in the Southern Arabian Peninsular. The previous Cyprus record was in 1982. Following on so quickly from the BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE I'm thinking my luck is definitely IN. 

A few admirers drifted away (maybe to work) but Matt remained trying to re-locate it with me. I'd messaged Jonathan Wasse and I was pleased to see he'd appeared and connected. It called and appeared again, clinging onto a metal rod...

Not wanting to dismiss other Species, here's a pic of a Wood Sandpiper in one of the pits we passed...

...and a distant Bluethroat...again...my first...

Back to the Star Bird.

It was now nearing 9. We relocated it on call once again in a different area. It had the uncanny knack of staying partially hidden but we kept our distance and just enjoyed the views we had...

It was gorging on Caterpillars of which there were plenty...

A remarkable occurrence...the effort had been worthwhile...

I was the last to leave at 10.30. I then remembered that Jane Stylianou (Cyprus Bird Recorder) had given me a couple of Sites for Audouin's Gull in the area. Mindful I had to return to Paphos as I'd used up all my credit with Louise, I quickly headed for the first site at Trinity Beach...

No joy. Onto Kermia Beach near Ayia Napa. I'd had trouble finding access here but with Jane's excellent directions I manage to find the car park and the path. I walked East behind the Hotel and I could see a few Gulls on the rocks!? 

Never presume! It was overcast now but I was reasonably confident. Eventually I was close enough to get a decent look...

An excellent bonus to the trip. Quite a morning!

An elegant Gull

Flushed with success I cruised back to Paphos hardly noticing the journey. The day belonged to the CUCKOO though...

Trip List 102

Cyprus 23 - Day 8

Day 8 already

Good day on the Akrotiri Peninsular today. Phil picked me up just before 8. It was nice to be a passenger for a day. Louise drives enough at home.

We made it to Zakaki Hide for 9 and had a good hour there. I eventually found us a Little Crake at the far end of the "open area". It was only in view for a few seconds. Glad I took my scope. Other additions were Kingfisher...

Snipe, Reed Warbler...and while I was looking to the side of the hide for the LC I found...this...

My first Yellow Wagtail and my favourite variety...Fledegg! We also sneaked a first brief view of a Black Francolin...after hearing many...

We then checked the pools at the top of Lady's Mile for "unusual" Gulls but a single Yellow-legged was all we could find. We did have great close views of Greater Flamingos though...once they lifted their heads...

Still trying to figure this one out!

Didn't quite fit it in but nice wings!

Plenty of Kentish Plovers on Lady's Mile...

I also added Sanderling and Dunlin.

We then drove to the bottom end and across to Bishop's Pool. I frotunately remebered how to weave through to it. It had change quite a bit over 5 Years. Eventually the Target Duck popped out. 3 Males...

Ferruginous Duck

Lunch was had at Agios Georgios Church. A quick scoot around was rewarded with this cracking male Redstart...

Blackcap was also added. A Little Stint was spotted as we drove down the Gravel Pits. We also had better views of Kentish...

We made our way to the Coast and I finally saw a flock of Garganey off the Fish Farm...

Distant and hazy BUT a first for me and VERY pleasing.

Onto Akrotiri Marsh aka Phasouri Reedbed. A pleasant 30 minutes here added Cattle Egret...or is it Horse...

Some summer plumaged Ruff (10) were also present, a couple with white heads. Also 4 Black-tailed Godwits and 3 Spour-winged Plovers.

Then a message...

BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE still present at Mandria this afternoon. Phil was interested. We decided to return West. 40 minutes later due to the excellent Motorway we were back in Mandria. I decided to try the original area. We spotted a couple of cars down a track. As we approached we could see someone pointing a camera downwards!? A quick look through the bins revealed the Bird on the track right in front of us!!!

A slightly better view of this superb bird.

As we were returning to Paphos I received a WhatsApp message off Richard (thanks pal) informing me of something even rarer!

Diederik Cuckoo at Lake Paralimni late afternoon 

Trip Total 99

Cyprus 23 - Day 7

Back to Day 6 first!

Briefly the route was...(Trip additions only mentioned)

- Perivolia Fields (9.30 - 10.15)...Calandra Lark, Zitting Cristicola.

- Meneou Pools (10.30 - 11)...Black-winged Stilt, Greater Flamingo (c200), Coot, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Skylark.

- Larnaca Sewage Works  (11.15 - 12) - Redshank(2), Greenshank, Pintail, Spectacled Warbler.

- Oroklini Lake (12.45 - 1.30) - Red-crested Pochard (male), Black-necked Grebe, Moorhen.

- Cape Greco (2.30 - 5) - Cyprus Warbler, Cyprus Wheatear, Finsch's Wheatear, Cretzschmar's Bunting.

The last couple of hours were superb as I had interest continually from Warblers) plenty of Ruppell's and Spectacled), Wheatears and a pair of Blue Rock Thrushes.

On to today...

Phil and I spent the morning in the Archaeological Site form 8.30 to 12.15. We covered some ground and saw some "good stuff". Again additions were...

Night Heron (7)

Stone Curlew

Glossy Ibis - 3 flocks numbering over 50

Sparrowhawk

Eastern Subalpine Warbler

Willow Warbler

Now for the REALLY exciting bit!!!

Around 2.30 I received a call from Ian Bloomer informing me he'd just found a BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE at yep...Mandria!!! Fortunately we were heading that way after lunch. He gave me excellent directions and we soon arrived to join him and Kate. The bird was still present but flighty! Kate got me on it through her scope and I managed a few pics before a plane coming into land flushed it. It wasn't seen again despite searching the rest of the afternoon. I was the only one to see it except for Ian and Kate of course!

So, I'd managed another Rarity on my visit...

I have a few snaps to show you but it's heading up for 10 here and I've had it. I'm off to the Akrotiri Peninsular tomorrow with Phil for the day. Should be good fun. Stay tuned...

Trip Total 85

Cyprus 23 - Day 6

Long day, so no write up. Just sending brief highlights from another excellent day at the East of the Island...we're still there (5.30pm)!

Time to treat the Boss.

Perivolia Farmland 

Calandra Lark (6) in stubble field. Really chuffed to find these.

Cape Greco - below Southern Cliff

Cyprus Warbler 2

Ruppell's Warbler 4

Spectacled Warbler  2

Cretzschmar's Bunting 2

Cyprus Wheatear

Finsch's Wheatear

Blue Rock Thrush pair

Worked out well...

Cyprus 23 - Day 5

Where should I go Birding today? I know...how about just having a walk from the apartment along the front. This strategy had a dual purpose, as I was also doing a recce for Louise to enable her to hopefully get some exercise. After an iffy start I found the path that enabled Birding and exercise. The weather was more Cypriot today...

I walked a good mile to the rear of a Hotel we had stayed at previously during a Winter visit...

King Evelthon

Nothing of note seen on the outward leg. As I returned, I crossed a stream and a bird flicked by, then back again fortunately landing in view...

Common Sandpiper

A slight issue back at the Ranch meant she couldn't join me as soon as anticipated so I hung around a scrubby area next to the Venus beach Hotel. I soon picked up the sweet and powerful song of a Nightingale (unsurprisingly no pic'). Crested Larks were more in evidence, singing in the sunshine...

Then I picked up what was definitely a Warbler flitting about in a lone bush...but which one?...

Slightly clearer...

It then flew to a larger group of bushes and disappeared. Fortunately in March there are few people around so I placed myself to the side of the bushes and hoped it would return to the single shrub.

He then popped up on top and started belting it out...

 

He remained in the same spot for a couple of minutes...maybe enjoying the Weather...

I shall return.

The middle of the day was spent doing some necessary shopping (love it!?). We eventually found the good lady a camping chair...quite an experience! 

To relieve the stree we headed for Aspro' Dam for our packed lunch. We found a spot in the shade and relaxed. I then saw a Birder arrive, it was Jonathan Wasse again. Funny how Birders seem to keep meeting each other at these remote spots...not!

We had a walk to a clearing which gave us a great view over the Reservior and surrounding hills. We soon picked out some Alpine Swifts (c6), some giving great views over our heads.Then a cc Marsh Harrier.

A car then appeared along the track. It was Ian and Kate Bloomer. Yet more acquaintances renewed. Really great to see them both. They now live on the Island after previously visiting intermittently. I'll be picking their brains later!

Jonathan then picked up a large Raptor...way up high over the water...

Bonelli's Eagle

Another Species high on the "most wanted" list...notched! 

We finished off at Timi Beach were I added Black-headed Gull (a single bird flying West) to the trip list. A couple of Yellow-legged Gulls stopped by to preen on an offshore rock...

The day belonged to the Ruppell's though...

Love the pose and setting...hope you do too. BIG day out over the Eastside tomorrow...

Trip Total 57