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...
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| 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
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