Cyprus 25 - Days 19 and 20

Day 19 (April 3rd)

Sensational News early doors when news broke of a Visitor from Africa...a LESSER MOORHEN!!! On reflection, taking a look at records on eBird a few have made it North of the Sahara with records in Spain, Corsica, Morocco and Egypt. The Bird ranges South to South Africa! So, following on from the amazing DIDERIK CUCKOO record of March 2023 I've been fortunate enough to see a couple of Firsts for Cyprus during my chosen "Window".

Circumstances favoured me during my visit to Agia Varvara despite the gathering admirers who were tolerant of my intrusion. I didn't linger but managed some pics in my fleeting visit. It was also nice to re-acquaint with some familiar faces.

The Bird is still present.

To be honest the rest of the Day was fairly uneventful as I tried some well known Sites on the Akamas Peninsular without much success. It was nice to see Serin at the Baths of Aphrodite Campsite...

Day 20 (April 4th)

After my dawn visit to the reported "Rubythroat Sp" location ended in predictable failure, I was buoyed by the continued presence of 5 Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters at the Lower Ezousas. I was there for 6.30...

Migrating Swallows

...and they looked great in the early morning light...

My trip over to Akrotiri didn't result in a connection with a "fall" but I did stumble on an interesting female Wheatear at Agios Georgios Church (glad to find something here after all my efforts). After consultation with some locals it seems it was an Eastern Black-eared...

On returning to the Paphos area I couldn't resist another peep at the BCBE. Unfortunately there was no sign of them in their previous location. I checked the WhatsApp and saw I'd missed a message with a PIN which gave an updated location nearby. The location was the entrance road to another section of the Sewage Plant which wasn't ideal. I scanned the wires and sure enough a single Bird was present. I positioned myself to the side of the road and the next 30 minutes were sheer bliss...

The comings and goings of the Sewage Tankers was less than optimum BUT the views and the quality of the Bird more than made up for it!!!

Impossible to become blase about this Species, even though I did see one on the Jolly Roger in Paphos Harbour some years ago!!!

Rain!

Yes, we finally got some. I opened the curtains at 7 to see a wet road, quite a novelty of late. The local Wood Pigeons were loving it...

Snapshot through the Windscreen

Pure Joy!

I'd looked at the Forecast last night that suggested I'd be better inland...any excuse. I arrived at Duff at 9.45 after a slight delay at the Petrol Station where I had chat with another customer regarding ageing Dogs.

Haydn was already in the Hut. Conditions were overcast but it wasn't raining (it rained all the way to Howden) and it promised to get brighter. There was no wind of note. The emergent vegetation wasn't letting us down BUT there were still open areas of water and plenty of aerial activity to keep us interested.We had a good 3 hours watching what came, went and appeared. 

I eventually heard the Cetti's Warbler (79) Haydn had commented on several times! I also got a brief glimpse of a Sedge Warbler (80). Blackcaps were in evidence around the Hide but I kept missing them until they eventually perched in some nearby snags...

2 different Males. A female was also present

We had stunning views of a gorgeous Male Sparrowhawk which perched on a post by the Riverbank for a while...

Haydn had an Egyptian Goose on his Patch earlier which was a Site Tick. A couple eventually did the decent thing here late morning. He also had a lone Black-tailed Godwit in flight briefly and we both heard a Water Rail call briefly. A few Swallows (c6) came and went but the hoped for Sand and House Martins didn't materialise. We left around 1.30.

On the way home I detoured via Patrington Haven to see if any Avocets were present. I'd gone down there last week but there was hedge planting taking place...nice to see. Quiet today and a few scans revealed at least THIRTY Birds present on the 3 Islands I checked. Great stuff!

Strong Southerly tomorrow?

Ring Ouzel

As previously stated I like an "early window" for my Cyprus Trip (more on that in my review). Today backed that up when Richard found a male Ring Ouzel on Snakey Lane (I'd been down earlier!). I passed him on my way down and he said it had flown into a tree. On arrival the Bird was sticking out like a sore thumb on the grass in front of East Field Farm. As you know the Thrush Family is my favourite so the chance of good views and some pics of the "Mountain Blackbird" were just too good to miss.

The Bird fed happily on the copious supply of worms available in the grasses...

H.49

...and eventually came reasonably close to my car on occassions...

A superb Bird

 

Seen far better than on most occassions in Breeding Habitat? This is my 7th record for the Village.

It was accompanied by a lone Redwing (H.50)...

Another Superb Thrush!

Cyprus 25 - Later Days (17, 18)

Settled back in now. Still adjusting...we all do after a Foreign Trip...don't we? The last few days were affected by logistical and technical problems regarding Blogging, so I thought I'd put a bit more meat on the Bones of the final few days and add photos before doing an overall Summary.

Day 17 (April 1st)

A better view of a Stone Curlew early morning...              

The Sewage Works provided wonderful views of huge numbers of Yellow Wagtails in various confusing plumages. A few Years ago I used to try and assign them to races...now I just enjoy them! They ranged across a variety of crops and fields but were usually fairly easy to view with patience. They didn't linger in the newly ploughed field and were difficult to see in crops but they would land on the road on occasions...

...and perch at the field edges...

Early afternoon had me on the Eastern side of Anarita Park where I re-located a Rock Thrush which fortunately perched briefly on a rock some 40 yards away...

Always a highlight of the Trip.

I saw my first Little Crake later in the afternoon at Agia Varvara...

Day 18 

As already stated I started at the Rock Thrush Site...you can't have enough of this Species! I was  there at dawn and was the only Birder present. There was no sign of the Bird but a couple of Great Spotted Cuckoos were providing great entertainment nearby. I hadn't had much luck with this Species on my last visit (or any visit come to that) but this morning things changed. They were feeding on caterpillars in a ditch by the side of the road and were oblivious to my car. Brilliant to observe the mating ritual at such close quarters...

They really are superb...

On arriving at Phassouri Reedbed to negative news of BCBE I was compensated in spades by my biggest ever flock of Collared Pratincoles (c60)...

A sample

Undoubtedly one of my favourite Waders. So elegant and charismatic. To see such a large number on this date was a massive bonus. One would have done! The flock made frequent flights low over the Marsh during my visit and single Birds hawked insects at some height on occasions. I saw my only Garganey of the whole trip here...

They occur on passage in large numbers in Episkopi Bay but I didn't see any there, not that I looked for long!

A group of Foreign Birders put me on the Temminck's Stint they'd found, which was a Cyprus Tick...

Hope they're correct lol!

A few Little Stints were also present.

Lunch was taken at Agios Georgios Church where I finally saw a Woodchat Shrike in the nearby scrub...

A beautiful Bird which eventually perched up for me although the light was harsh and the aspect less than ideal. No complaints though. It was satisfying to finally catch up with one. I also had close views of the captivating Tawny Pipit from the car...

Something about this Species?

My long morning finished in spectacular style. As I returned to Phassouri Reedbed I could see a small group of focussed Birders. On inquiring I was told they were looking at 3 Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters!!! Quite a finale to my long morning. The Birds stayed fairly distant but I had great views through the Scope despite looking South...

I did fluke a flight shot...

After returning to the Apartment for lunch we headed down to Agia Varvara to try for the Baillon's Crake that had been reported there. The Bird eventually showed well although I was lucky to get a decent shot as the Bird was mobile...

...and a Spotted appeared as we were leaving...

Chuffed to connect with all three.

Day 19 and 20 details next...

Wryneck - York Area Tick 240

I had my first outing after the Holiday yesterday. Guess where I went?!

I met Haydn in the Geoff Smith Hide just after 10 and we enjoyed a good selection of Species. Thankfully there's still a decent amount of visible water. The first surprise was a distant Peregrine perched on a fence post. It remained throughout. Other Raptors present were Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard and Kestrel. Haydn picked out 8 Pink-footed Geese and a nearby Egyptian Goose. A Blackcap was singing nearby as were Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. Great to hear Curlews singing also.

I'm guilty these days of not always checking my messages as soon as the alert sounds...unless it's a MEGA of course!  Anyway, around Noon I took a look at the morning highlights...

North Yorkshire, Wryneck, Skipwith Common along Sandy Lane

You may remember that Skipwith Common is Haydn's Patch! I turned to him and gave him the News. He looked stunned and didn't react immediately, as if he couldn't believe it. Time to move. I told him to go ahead and I'd meet him there. I saw my FOY Swallow as we left. I knew the area the Bird had been seen in and was confident I could make my way there. When I arrived, I found Haydn and he informed me the Bird had been seen but not by him. Chris Gomersall and Oliver Metcalfe had seen it before he arrived. We all continued to search for the Bird. There were quite a few people about due to the Easter Holidays but it wasn't too busy. I remained on the track hoping it might pop out. I then saw Chris further along and he gave a light whistle and waved his hand. I made the 30 yards to where he was stood and there in the bushes was the Bird!!! Haydn appeared and also saw it, as did Oliver.

The Wryneck was in view for some 45 seconds before dropping down and wasn't seen again at that spot. Haydn and I had a prolonged flight view (which was nice) later but we didn't see it again before we left around 2. So, a MEGA Patch Tick for Haydn and a YA Tick for yours truly. So lucky that I chose this day to travel over and for Haydn to have the day off work!

This event has definitely re-foccused me regarding British Birding after my Trip. With the lumping of the Redpolls my Total for the York Area stands at 240.

*I'm still in the process of completing my Cyprus Trip Report and hope to finish it this Weekend. Stay tuned...

Cyprus 25 - Day 22

Just about to take off. Just had a morning I wouldn't believe myself! A brilliant finish that needs the write up it deserves... hopefully!

Cyprus 25 - Day 21

Just for the record. Another top day at Akrotiri. Last full day was special. Meal out with the good lady took rightful priority. Chuffed to find a couple of White-winged Black Terns. Details to follow.

My dream final Bird has been seen today. An early Roller. That's me sorted for my last session in the morning.

Trip Total - 140 Species 

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...

20.07

The afternoon got away from me! Only Birds of note on the Pebbles were half-a-dozen Greater Short-toed Larks...BUT I'm pretty sure I saw a rather large Turtle?|  While having a bite at Phasourri Reedbeds I was looking through some photos and one in particular was bothering me. It was a female that looked...different. The amazing light here can change the appearance of some Birds and affect the images when downloaded. I contacted Jane Stylianou  and Peter Bromley and they confirmed my suspicions that it was indeed a female Eastern Black-eared Wheatear.

I headed back to the Paphos Area around 1. I decided to try for the Bee-eaters again and hope I might see something else whilst in the area. I returned to this morning location but there was no sign of them. I checked the WhatsApp and noticed someone had posted an updated location nearby. Unfortunately it was on the road to another part of the Sewage Plant used by Tankers! I scanned down the approach road and sure enough I could see a couple of Birds on the Wires. I drove down and fortunately there was enough verge to park on. The next 15 minutes was special as I watched the 2 Birds catching bees and returning to the wires in bright sunshine. Magic! They then suddenly departed to the West. I struggled to get position in the car but managed some pics eventually.

I then headed up to Asprokremmos Dam (without much conviction) to try for a couple of Fidecula Flycatchers. I never seem to have much luck here...but I keep trying. True to form I didn't see anything but I did have another chat with Jonathan Wasse.

I finished at Mandria not seeing Citrine Wagtail or Caspian Plover.

It's been a very long, enjoyable day but that's it from me.

Trip Total - 135 Species

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