7am
Unlucky for me...it looks like! Been down at Timi Beach for a couple of hours. No sign of the Trumpeter Finch. Can't win 'em all...
As you can see atmospheric dust an issue today so we're heading for the hills.
One of the sadder, nay heartbreaking sights...
Heavy rain overnight tempted me to rise early (6.20) and see if anything has been "brought down". The Hotel forecourt was flooded and there were still plenty of menacing clouds around.
I gave it 15 minutes but there was no sign of the BCBE. He/she obviously didn't fancy the storm!
I headed down to Spiros Pool and immediately noticed the Little Tern on the same post. No sign of the White-winged or Little Gull. Amazing numbers (at least to me) of Black-winged Stilts (c50) at close quarters in surreal light...
The Ruff numbers were still impressive (c70), maybe the same birds?
The weather didn't improve so I headed for the Hide at the Sewage Works. The track was a challenge due to the torrential rain but I made it. Once settled I scanned and was delighted to see a flock of Pintail especially as I hadn't seen any on my previous visit. A bonus Trip Tick. This was followed up later when I managed to pick out a pair of Gadwall. The sp Black-necked Grebe was still present as were c20 Garganey.
I checked once again for the Star visitor on my way back for breakfast but no sign. A VERY special memory indeed.
After checking out we headed for Kivisili, a Site for Lesser Kestrel. You may remember I've visited here previously. Last year I had amazing views of multiple birds on wires and in flight. This year I wasn't so lucky, I had flight views at mid-distance and it was I interesting to compare nizz with "our" Kestrel. Tricky? I also found a Woodchat Shrike and a singing Eastern Sub-alpine Warbler. We had a pleasant couple hours in the vastly improved weather allowing Louise to read in the sunshine.
Around 2.30 we started our journey back to Paphos to hopefully avoid the Limassol traffic.
... We did... and we're now heading to Mandria. A drink for the good lady and a Trumpeter Finch twitch for yours truly at Timi Beach. Yet another potential Cyprus Tick...
No luck with the Finch, possibly because of the classic onshore afternoon breeze. Also a Bimaculated Lark (which I saw and photographed) was found at the same spot, so there was unintended disturbance. I'll try again in the morning. I did bump into Ian and Kate Bloomer who told me they also "needed" the TF.
Late news on the WhatsApp regarding an influx of Lesser Kestrels today. Maybe I was a day early, although I was later than the previous 2 years...if that makes sense!?
I'll do a "tot up" tomorrow to see how I'm doing at half time, then decide on tactics for the second half. Hopefully I won't get subbed!?
Stay tuned...
Checked to see if my friend was still present first thing (6.45). Positive news which I relayed to the WhatsApp group. I then drove around the corner to the farm fields and had flight views of a Calandra Lark. Can't complain, 5 minutes from our Hotel!
After an excellent breakfast we headed back down to Spiros Pool/Beach on a report of 2 Squacco Herons. No sign but immense compensation in the form of a White-winged Tern. Only my second record, both self-found. It ended up on the beach next to the continuing Little Gull! I got some wonderful close views of Flamingos on the water and in flight. Finally 6 Avocets dropped in to complete an excellent hour.
On our way to our second visit to Cape Greco we stopped off again at Oroklini Marsh.As we pulled into the car park I saw a familiar small bird with a red breast. Yep, a Robin! Another Species that wasn't on my Radar. A quick check of eBird revealed it's not that unusual but that didn't spoil the moment.
After a Zorbas latte and apple pie we headed towards Cape Greco stopping off at a Site for Audouins Gull. The fishermen enjoying the holiday put paid to my chances this time. I did add Glossy Ibis to the Trip List with c50 moving East offshore.
As we arrived at CG I heard thunder which was followed shortly afterwards by rain. My second target was Raven and as I write, I'm hoping for a sighting, once the rain passes.
..................
No luck with any targets at Cape Greco in poor weather. I did see a female Redstart and had great views of a Lesser Whitethroat while dipping on Cyprus Warbler.
However, after dropping Louise off at the Hotel, you don't need 3 guesses where I headed. I scanned the bushes; the light was poor and I couldn't see anything. I then decided to check the wire I first found it on...
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| 6.35 |
A great finish. We're back over to Paphos tomorrow. Stay tuned...