Cyprus 25 - Day 20

9.48

Started pre-dawn at the Elysium Hotel, 5 Star no less, on the strength of a report of a Rubythroat Sp!!! Highly unlikely I know but so was the LESSER MOORHEN. Still present this morning.

No Bird...and no other Birders?

I'm starting at Akrotiri and working my way back. However, my detour to the Sewage Works paid off when I was looking at 5 BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATERS!!!

I'm presently at Agios Georgios Church watching House Sparrows. Hopefully something else will show up?

11.36

Just left the Church area. Redstart my best. A pair of Birders left just before me and reported a couple of Wrynecks! Ah well, it's not all glory. Still love the Site. I'm now driving the pebbles by Episkopi Bay with the magnificent Kensington Cliffs as a backdrop (no Griffons there at present). It's a good spot for migrant Short-eared Owl and rare Larks...Oh...and...Cream-coloured Courser has been seen here...

Cyprus 24 - Day 19

Technical issues today, so no updates. Maybe a good thing?

First drive West this morning on the strength of a Blue-cheeked Bee-eater 20 minutes up the road. No joy for me and the other hopeful, who didn't hang around. Then a message...and a half...

LESSER MOORHEN Agia Varvara

New one on me but guessing African, which would be backed up by the Saharan Dust arrival yesterday (thoughts at the time). A steady drive (played it cool...ish) through Paphos had me there some 30 minutes later. I figured it wasn't going anywhere, anytime soon?!

A local celebrity list was already in place...unsurprisingly and included Colin Richardson. I was hoping to bump into him before I left and had said so on an email last night as he wanted verification on my Reed Bunting sighting there. He told me he hadn't see one there for 10 Years and he goes every day! Hope I've got this one correct (I have pics)?! Not the Rarity I had in mind but...

Anyway, I drove the track edging carefully past the admiring group (c30). Cheekily I stopped to talk to Mark Askew and asked if it was showing. He pointed out onto the pond and there it was swimming steadily across! I fired a few shots off and moved out of the way. Pity the sun had decided to hide. Fortunate circumstances indeed. A first for Cyprus no less!!!

The rest of the day was spent on the wonderful Akamas Peninsular. The scenery up there is breathtaking! First stop, well second after a coffee at Chryso's Coffee House in Stroumpi (highly recommended and excellent for grabbing a taste of the real Cyprus. Loud but fun. I had an hour at Evretou Reservoir having my usual dip of Bonelli's Eagle. I did see a distant Long-legged Buzzard. Helluva view though...

We moved onto the Baths of Aphrodite Campground. I drove the tracks while Louise read in the sun overlooking the Bay...

I finally added Blackcap and enjoyed great views of the cute Serins. I briefly visited Smigies Campsite and the Agios Minas Chapel but didn't do them justice to be honest as we were behind on time due to phone issues. I've never been keen on Coniferous environments. Final stop was Androlikou. I always visit the Goat Farm area hoping for a Ficedula Flycatcher...or two. No joy today but still enjoyed visiting the spot.

Late back and my Pass Out day tomorrow, so I better get some kip.

LESSER MOORHEN

Trip Total - 133 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 18

7.30

Couldn't resist another visit to Anarita Park to try for seconds of the magnificent Rock Thrush. No sign yet. I'll give it an hour before heading to Akrotiri.

No joy BUT incredible views of a pair of Great Spotted Cuckoos including copulating!!! I have some pics. I also saw my first Tree Pipit. 

14.30

I arrived at the East end of Phassouri Marsh just after 10. A few Birders present. No sign of any BCBE BUT c60 fresh in Collared Pratincoles a fine sight indeed. A team of young foreign Birders pointed out a Temminck's Stint to me and I viewed it through one of their scopes. Thanks lads! Little Stints were also present...my first of the Trip as were 3 sleeping Garganey. This really is a superb Site.

Next it was back to Agios Georgios Church. This time I finally got my Woodchat Shrike! I then drove the Gravel Pits but saw nothing! Finished back where I started. As I pulled up I could see concentrated focus. I wound the window down and asked what they were looking at..."3 BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATERS" was the reply!!!

I arrived back in Paphos for 2. I've had worse mornings...

18.18

After lunch we headed for Agia Varvara on the strength of a report of a Baillon's Crake sighting on the "Top Pools". Louise set her stall out to read in the sun and I scanned the pond. I bumped into Jonathan Wasse, a fellow Cyprus Stalwart. It was great to see him again. Eventually the Bird showed extremely well and as a bonus a Spotted Crake hopped onto a rock as we were leaving! That's the Crakes mopped up, which is a big bonus considering my present mobility issues. Another Tree Pipit was also seen.

We're out for a meal tonight so no pics. Quite a day!

Trip Total - 131 Species 

Cyprus 25 - Day 17

13.00

Better views of Stone Curlew this morning. Only saw one but it was actually walking around! 26c but strangely pleasant in overcast conditions.

More visible migration in the form of c30 distant Glossy Ibis and 5 Purple Herons.

More Yellow Wagtail enjoyment near Paphos Sewage Works. Many hundreds still present. I drove to Mandria to check out a report of a Woodchat Shrike but wasn't prepared to access the dodgy track to the PIN. Whilst there, I had a brief look for the lingering CASPIAN PLOVERS after they had been seen again. I couldn't find them which was understandable as they were in a different field!!

Rich soil producing superb potatoes!

News that the Rock Thrush is still at Anarita Park has my early afternoon sorted...

19.00

Success! I arrived to a group of 10 or so Birders with glum faces. Didn't look promising? I drove past the group and parked. Windows down...I heard a shout...there it is on the telegraph pole!!

Sure enough, there it was, albeit distantly...

ID Challenge?

Then it dropped, disappeared then re-appeared on a rock some 40 yards away. Lucky. I waved to the group but it flew. Eventually all present saw this cracking Bird. More pics on return.

Then I drove to Agia Varvara to do a touch of "Crakeing". On the way I saw a Great-Spotted Cuckoo on the road right in front of me! It didn't move but I couldn't get sorted quick enough and it would have been a p through the screen. Fortunately it flew a short distance and landed in a field allowing me some pics.

I drove up to the "Top Pools" and waited in the car...

As you can see the light was superb. No joy for 30 minutes. I tried all 4. I parked at the one that looked most promising, having more edging. Sure enough a Male Little Crake eventually appeared and performed brilliantly in the sunshine. I also saw a Reed Bunting which is rare here apparently.

I then headed for the Ezousos Valley near Episkopi. I intended to try for Barn, Cyprus Scops and Little Owls. I saw a pair of Long-legged Buzzards on the way. When I reached the Site I decided not to try on this occasion. Dusk was still quite a while away and the terrain was such that I didn't fancy a steep (and I mean steep) winding road back in the dark. I should have gone at the beginning of the holiday before the clocks changed. Silly me!

I'm off over the Akrotiri again early doors. Some good stuff seen there today including Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and Collared Pratincole. The Church I visited last time was teaming with migrants today. That's Birding!

I'll hopefully add a few pics later. Hope these updates aren't too confusing!?

Trip Total - 123 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 16

12.48

Stopped off at the M1 Pools West of Akrotiri...

Generally quiet but added Kingfisher (1/2) to the Trip List.

Tried the Eastern Hide at Phassouri Marsh hoping for a Crake or two...or possibly 3! 

No joy on that count but the hoped for Target Bird materialized in the form of a beautiful Squacco Heron...

Only present for a minute but I managed some pics. A stunning Bird! Other action came in the form of two flocks of Glossy Ibis totalling 18 Birds and a fly-by Curlew...my first.

We're staying over for the whole day and doing the full circuit of the Salt Lake. Fingers crossed...

19.45

Back at the apartment after a full yet relaxed afternoon. After dropping Louise at My Mall for a Retail Therapy session, I drove down Ladies Mile, around the Southern End of the Great Salt Lake...

...and stopped briefly at the viewpoint near the Akrotiri Base for a quick look. Heavy heat haze but it was clear hundreds of Greater Flamingoes were in residence...

I had an hour around Agois Georgios Church...

I saw my first Redstart almost immediately! I also had a brief view of another Eastern Orphean Warbler. The rest of the hour was spent watching Lizards and Passer Domesticus! A Hoopoe flew by as I left.

We spent the last couple of hours back at Phassouri. Still no Crakes but I couldn't think of a better place on the Island to spend late afternoon...

Alive with Birds! You can view from the fence and there's room for your car at a few places. I added Black-tailed Godwit (2) 

and Wood Sandpiper (3). At least 40 Ruff were present some in breeding plumage...

The lone Spoonbill remained...asleep...as they do...

...and was joined by a Great White Egret...

The Glossy Ibis were present in good numbers (28) and looked amazing in the late afternoon sunshine...

Black-winged Stilt

Spur-winged Plover

A time to remember...

*Just a reminder; you can tap and drag the photos for a closer view. They seem to "pull up" OK...you may be aware of that!

Techno Birder lol

Trip Total - 120 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 15

11.40

I've spent the morning seeing very little (just to balance out the successes). I had an hour back at the Dam but no sign of the SCF. I did have nice flight views of Great Spotted Cuckoo and a couple of nice chats... with Birders.

I'm now at Mandria not seeing Bimaculated Lark and Woodchat Shrike. Onward...

17.20

Just enjoyed great views of the Bimaculated Lark, patience (my strong point) paid off. Earlier I had a wonderful hour near the Sewage Works with c400 Yellow Wagtails in various confusing plumages?! Never tire. As I was enjoying them I caught sight of a large flock of Birds in the distance over the Lower Ezousos. Purple Herons, lots of them (c50). Always a great highlight observing visible migration. We drove down the tracks to the sea and watched them land in the reedbed, some perching on the tops of reeds! Amazing!

18.20

Late report of Desert Wheatear at Timi Beach. Louise hadn't finished her Prosecco so I made the 20 minute trip. No Bird or Birders but I figured out the smoothest way there. Might try tomorrow. Time for Mandria Fish and Chips now. Highly recommended.

Trip Total - 114 Species 

Cyprus 25 - Day 14

12.20

Started the day near the Airport on a report of 2 BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATERS. No further sign.

Then...

2 CASPIAN PLOVERS at Mandria 

10 minutes later I was looking at them in the harvested Potato field I mentioned earlier...

Also reported in the area but not seen by me...Bimaculated Lark, Woodchat Shrike and Gull-billed Tern. Also 16 Griffon Vultures flew West past Asprokremmos Dam! Now, I would have LOVED to have seen that!

19.30

Back at the Ranch now, two weeks completed and time for a recap and some reflections. First though, this afternoons highlight, which was a visit to the Asprokremmos Dam Wood for an attempt at the Male Semi-collared Flycatcher. I saw the Bird briefly on two occasions but alas, no photos were possible. Birder numbers are increasing now.

I did get another view of the Caspian Plovers...

Unfortunately the viewing was into the sun and the Birds moved away eventually...

I should have followed up my theory!?

Now is the time to focus on how to spend the remaining week. I plan to visit the Akamas Peninsular at least once and I'll definitely return to the Akrotiri Area. It would take something VERY special to tempt me back "out East". The forecast is for some unsettled weather midweek which is great for me...less so for Louise! 

My dream as always is to FIND something Rare. I'll "cherry pick" other Birders "finds"...depending on Species but my main aim is to discover something special. I'm trying!

Target Birds

Garganey

Spotted Crake

Little Crake

Baillon's Crake

Squacco Heron

Purple Heron

Little Stint

Jack Snipe

Goshawk

Barn Owl

Cyprus Scops Owl

Little Owl

Kingfisher

Cretzschmar's Bunting

Eastern Bonelli's Warbler

Blackcap

Eastern Subalpine Warbler

Bluethroat

Pied Flycatcher

Collared Flycatcher

Redstart

Rock Thrush

Eastern Black-eared Wheatear

Possible 

Demoiselle Crane

Griffon Vulture

Greater Sand Plover

Cream-coloured Courser

Pallas's Gull

Gull-billed Tern

Short-eared Owl

Wryneck

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

Woodchat Shrike

Masked Shrike

Hawfinch

Desert Wheatear

Plenty still to go at...

Regarding the Blog. I'll continue to Post daily and add some photos to brighten things up. However, I don't have the time to sort through them (I don't take THAT many), so I've decided to write an overall report on return, in which I'll post some of my better efforts and hopefully pass on some useful information if you're planning a Trip. Phew...I feel more relaxed already!

Cyprus Ticks

Slavonian Grebe 

Common Raven

Life Total - 225

Trip Total - 111 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 13

12.50

Checked out of our Hotel now as we prepare to make the journey back to Paphos. We love the place and it's ideally situated for Birding the area South of the Airport. Unfortunately this year it was inundated with Italian students doing what Students do...make noise! This meant sleep was limited the past few nights. Never mind.

I had an hour down at the Sewage Works Hide before breakfast on the strength of news of a flock of Avocets (scarce here) flying around and a Whiskered Tern through. No sign of either but 21 Common Shelduck dropped in for a drink briefly. They were only present 5 minutes! I also added Common Sandpiper to the Trip List.

I've just returned do Bird the area before we leave. I'm going to have another crack at Kivisili for Lesser Kestrel on the way back. I've just cleaned my optics!

17.50

Just had a magical couple of hours at Kivisili. I definitely DIDN'T see any on Tuesday BUT boy did I see some this afternoon!!! Great fun driving slowly around the deserted roads enjoying them hunting and perching on the wires. Common Kestrels were also present and the females were tricky...at least for me. At one time I counted FIFTEEN birds in close proximity. The LK had almost certainly just arrived. This is backed up by a report of EIGHT coming "in off" at Cape Greco this morning!

I also had cracking views of a Long-legged Buzzard with a Marsh Harrier for size comparison.

I'm writing this on my phone as we travel back to Paphos. I have photos but it won't be possible to post anything tonight as we're going out for a meal. After all the Birding takes priority, doesn't it? After Louise of course!

Trip Total - 109 Species 

Cyprus 25 - Day 12

7.56

A "live moment" this morning. I had 30 minutes at the Calandra Site with no joy. 

There are certain Species that you hope to see but can't target, you just havet to get lucky. I've just had one such moment. As I was enjoying the Spectacled Warbler around Larnaca Sewage Works a grey ghost flashed past over the bonnet of my car...

A superb male PALLID HARRIER!!!

8.27

Same spot. This is getting silly now. I've just had Spectacled, Ruppells and Orphean Warblers in the same bush!!! I have photos of all 3. A truly exhilarating morning far beyond my expectations. Definitely worth getting up for.

Cape Greco has a lot to live up too...

Just got back. Had a great day and added Raven to my Cyprus List...BUT have to admit...I've had it. Also we're staying in a Hotel where the Internet speed is slow. I wrote a prelude on my phone which has disappeared into the ether and I'm certainly not starting again now! I can't do the day justice now, or edit my photos, so I'll catch up when and if I can.This has nothing to do with the statement below.

Footnote: I received a message from a friend this afternoon, pointing out sensitively that I'd made a couple of errors. Hard to believe I know...lol! The conversation was obviously private but I VERY much appreciated the "heads up, You know who you are. As always I'm trying to balance the Holiday with the Birding and Blogging... and Louise of course (she's still talking to me), not always easy with the travel, logistics and dubious technology. No excuses just facts. Maybe the old boy's pushing to hard? Thanks again and thanks for taking the trouble to read my Blog...which applies to ALL FOLLOWERS.

As one of my heroes once said "A man's got to know his limitations!"

Goodnight!

Trip Total - 105 Species 

Cyprus 25 - Day 11

I was in position at 6am, 1 mile from our Hotel in Perlovia. Handy!

As you know, it's not my first visit here to try for Calandra Lark. This is the only reliable Site on the Island as far as I'm aware? The Barley was high (just a tad ahead of England)

but there were a couple of strips of stubble. I wonder?

After around 20 minutes I picked a Bird up showing the diagnostic dark underwing as I'd done on previous visits. I reckon I saw 3/4 Birds in 45 minutes. They all disappeared into the Barley.

There were plenty of Crested Larks around singing, displaying and squabbling. I kept checking them in hope...and...it eventually paid off...

Couldn't believe it!!!

Right up there as a personal sighting to see one on the deck.

I moved onto the Sewage Farm approach road to try for a pic of my next target Bird. I rolled along slowly scanning both sides of the track. I stopped halfway along and turned the engine off....

Finally, I checked out the Desal fields before returning for Breakfast. Nothing unusual but fabulous views of this "fresh in" Hoopoe...

Late morning I had another session in the Hide but it was much quieter than yesterday. I'd originally planned to head out to Cape Greco for the afternoon but little info or wind meant we headed for Kivisili to see if any Lesser Kestrels had arrived. I saw plenty of "our" Kestrels but couldn't turn one into a Lesser. I had some on the 28th last year? They have been seen on Cyprus by this date.

I finished the day off back at Pervolia Fields pushing my luck for another sighting which unsurprisingly I didn't get. I've talked Louise into staying East till Friday as East Winds are forecast the next couple of days?

A few "catch up" images from yesterday...

Water Pipit

Lesser Whitethroat

Sardinian Warbler

...and last but not least...Slender-billed Gull...

Trip Total - 103 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 10

I thought the early start to avoid the Limassol traffic was a smart move. The traffic as we passed through at 7.30 seemed strangely light? Anyway, we weren't complaining. As we approached Larnaca it was time to sort a Cafe out near to where I wanted to start Birding (always an essential part of the day). Googling answered the light traffic puzzle, it's Greek Independence Day...a National Holiday!!!

Cafes in the area were registering as closed. As we passed through Kiti we found one open. Refreshed we headed for Larnaca Sewage Works...as you do.

It was a pleasant 22C with little wind. I made my way up to the Hide and Louise set her stall out to read and puzzle. I spent a wonderful couple of hours enjoying a variety of Species both on the water and around the Hide. Highlights...

Water Pipit 

Eastern Bonelli's Warbler 

Nightingale 

We drove up to Oroklini and Zorbas for lunch. I checked out both Hides and saw my first Flamingoes of the Trip. What amazing Birds they are!

I tried for Audouin's Gull on the front but it was very busy and no Gulls were seen.

Our final stop was at the Tekke Mosque by the Great Salt Lake in Larnaca. This is the best area to see Slender-billed Gulls. I've seen them in past years but always struggled to get close views. Today that all changed. As we drove the road to the Mosque I noticed some gulls on the southern small pools. 

Long day and meal at Hotel. Photos to follow...

Trip Total - 101 Species

Cyprus 25 - Day 9

A slower day today, both in distances covered and Bird news, which fitted in well with our plan for this week. We're heading East early tomorrow for our traditional "couple of nights" at Larnaca. It gives me time to "work " the area properly without doing the distance.

We had a walk out to the Headland this morning...

Louise carried on to end and I watched from the corner. It was VERY quiet. I remember last year when Red-throated Pipits were walking around my feet and Greater Sand Plovers were present...Click here. As we know, every Year/Day is different. Part of the intrigue. I did see my first Linnets of the Trip.

After a Costa Coffee we returned to the apartment. Louise wanted a relaxed afternoon in preparation for tomorrow and I Birded locally. 

I started at Paphos WTP picking up a couple of Goldfinches on the approach road.  My theory on the freshly tilled field blew up in my face with not a single SW Plover to be seen! A lone Green Sandpiper remained on the diminishing pool. Next, it was Asprokremmos Dam hoping for a Raptor or two. On the road up I took the opportunity to photograph a Laughing Dove...

No joy with Birds of Prey but a pair of Great Crested Grebes were still present and I picked out 3 Baltic Gulls among the Yellow-legged...

Remarkable really considering the distance and heat haze!

I finished back at Mandria repeating my routine around the Fields and Coast. This time my theory produced with c30 Wheatears in the freshly harvested potato field. Mainly Northern but the odd Isabelline was present...

Another comparison shot. Note the upright stance of the latter.

Much potential here

I watched a Northern come "in off" and land in a Tree...

As the sun was setting I had another look at the lingering Yellow Wagtail flock. Still Hundreds present but very elusive and mobile in the greenery. I managed one passable pic...

Early start tomorrow...

Trip Total - 92 Species

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