Cyprus 25 - Day 8

Late report on Day 8 due to a unscheduled meal out by the Harbour at (funnily enough) The Harbour. Highly recommended!

A last minute decision yesterday. Due to it being Sunday I decided to give my original thought of a walk around the Headland a miss. The thought of dodging all the Grockles didn't appeal. Conversely the thought of no rush hour traffic at Limassol did. We left at 9.

As we were approaching Limassol a message on the WhatsApp...

c 40 Cranes over Mandria (which we'd passed 20 minutes earlier).

The Demoiselles were seen by many in the Area. Would have loved to have been one of them! Maybe next time?

We arrived at My Mall around 10.30 and after a coffee I headed for famous Lady's Mile Area...

I gaveit an hour but to be honest it was VERY quiet with a lone Black-headed Gull at the Start and groups of Dunlin and LRP's along the way. The highlight being the addition of Kentish Plover which is almost guaranteed here

On my way back I stopped at the Zakaki Hide which I'd visited in previous Years. This was my view on climbing the steps...

VERY sad. I've had all 3 Crakes walking around this Hide in the past! Hopefully some maintenance will occur? I did add Reed Warbler and Chiffchaff...just...

After Lunch we spent the afternoon down at Phassouri Reed Bed (Old School as always). This is a superb Reserve with an extensive reedbed and damp meadow habitat which is rare on Mediterranean Islands. I visited two areas, one at the West end and one at the East. The first session (1hr) produced a nice selection of Ducks and Waders. The highlight being a brief appearance of a quality duo...

Marsh Sandpiper

Spotted Redshank

Nice size comparison

They were only present for 5 minutes...or at least in my view.

We then moved down to the Eastern Area and I spent till dusk here enjoying some quality Birding in Idyllic Habitat...at least for me! As the shadows lengthened, Birds came into roost. First a lone Spoonbill...

Then 4 Glossy Ibises...

Black-winged Stilt, Snipe, Cattle and Little Egret were also added. Earlier a message had reported a couple of CITRINE WAGTAILS from the "start" of the Marsh. I wasn't sure which  end this was, as it depends where you start I guess. Anyway I'd a;ready had a good look at the West end and there were plenty of White Wagtails around, so I kept checking them while enjoying the rest of the Birds. It was now approaching 5.30 and I hadn't had any luck and was starting to think I'd had my chips when...

The Bird showed for 5 seconds during my 90 minute watch. Capped off a magical afternoon...

Trip Total - 89 Species