We headed up around 9, arriving at Platres (3,900 feet) around 10.30.We parked by the Trout Farm and I went for a stroll while Louise did her puzzles (the same book she bought at the Airport!). I could immediately hear a Mistle Thrush singing. Try as I may I couldn't see it. Eventually I heard three birds...but saw none. In this micro-climate I was hoping to see other "British" birds to add to my Trip List.
I soon came across a "Cyprus" Coal Tit, a common bird "up here"...and distinctive...in call and looks...
I was contiually "trunk checking" for ST Treecreeper...makes a change from "reed checking"! Next a Chaffinch...
It was like being back home...well, not quite. Then...the familiar alarm call of...a Blackbird! There's a limited number of Species available but looking for them is fun.
I returned to the car park and started to survey the Trout Farm. The bird that always springs to mind is...
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| Grey Wagtail |
This was probably my only shot at this Species so I was relieved to pick it up so quickly. I then walked around the back of the building and stood in the shade for a while...
I was hoping for a Wren...and I got one...blasting out its powerful song. I then noticed a movement in a tall tree...
Not something you see every day...
We then continued skywards to Troodos Village (4845 feet). It was a beautiful day. We decided to head here due to the forecast of 26C on the Coast. It was 17C here so the plan had worked...partly. There was a much stronger wind than had been suggested!!
While not spoiling the Birding "on top", it certainly affected it. We decided to head for a sheltered picnic site for lunch...hopefully...
It wasn't too bad. As we settled down to enjoy our lunch a bird perched on a fence...
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| Masked Shrike |
As you can see...an odd pic, due to the fact I'd not changed my settings from last nights Scops Owl outing! I left Louise to read and headed for the Botanical Gardens just a mile down the road. After around 10 minutes I picked up 3 Crag Martins circling...the Crag! I also heard another Mistle Thrush. I returned to the Picnic area and slowly drove the tracks hoping to pick up the Shrike again as I figured it was "on territory". Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the jewel on a small branch...
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| Basking in the sun |
As already mentioned, the brightness here is amazing and can change the appearance of Birds. Fortunately the Bird remained for some 5 minutes, allowing me to get a better shot from the car...
I'd achieved my target of seeing a Migrant (at Cape Greco) and a Bird on its Breeding grounds. We returned to Troodos Village and had a coffee, Louise remained for a wine and I started my rounds of the Village...more trunk watching...more failure! I couldn't even find a Jay. I returned to the Cafe/Bar at 5 before returning to my search. The wind was even stronger by now. I then saw a couple of Jays on a bin!
The camera wouldn't "grab". As I approached the Village centre again I saw another...this time it did...
I worked hard for this one. Still no STT. More Swifts were appearing as 6 approached. I had another 4 definite Pallids. Another bird flew swiftly into a nearby tree...
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| Blackbird |
Looks slightly...different? Larger "billed"?
Finished off with a Cyprus Wheatear which Louise found by the car, while I was in the bushes! So, 8 new birds and 3 dips...
Short-toed Treecreeper
Siskin
Crossbill
Considering the near Gale force wind I was happy with my haul. Another great day...which got even better late evening...
The Yellow-browed Warbler I saw on the Headland has been re-identified on call as a Hume's...a FIRST for Cyprus no less!
Trip Total 144
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