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...
Stay tuned...
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