My first scan was at Menou pools for the reported Ruddy Shelducks but they weren't present. The first notable species of the day was a group of 7 White-fronted Geese at the Sewage Works...here's 5 of them...
they spent the day in the adjacent fields before returning at dusk. I also found 5 Ferruginous Ducks. Unfortunately they were way over the far side but I managed to grab a record shot of 4 with a Gadwall and a Shoveler...
Next some migrants. 3 Swallows! No big deal I'm sure but it was nice to see some...in January! As I was leaving I noticed a Pipit fly up into a bush...Red-throated. It was time to head back for breakfast.
Today we were travelling east towards Cape Greco to try a few sites. As we reached Menou Pools I decided to have a quick scan to see if the Ruddy Shelducks had dropped in. No RS but as I parked some decent sized birds flushed from the marsh...
Fortunately they landed close by...
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| Stone Curlew |
I reckon we spent around 4 hours east of Larnaca before giving it up and returning to the local area. I stopped off briefly at Oroklini Marsh and I'm glad I did as there were 5 Med' Gulls in front of the hide. The hide unfortunately faces South so the birds are backlit. Still, here's a couple I like...
The Stone Curlews were still present on our return.
I scanned the individual pools for the special Shelducks but still no joy so I headed for the hide for the last hour to see what might come in to roost.
It was soon going up for 5 (sunset 5.10). A small roost of ever-changing Gulls was present but I couldn't see anything "unusual". A female R.C.Pochard was notable.
4.51pm.
Another scan.
Out of nowhere...again, way over the far side...TEN RUDDY SHELDUCKS...
Another example of why I love my hobby. In a word...SURPRISE!
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