We had a relaxing morning in ideal conditions up at Mavrokolympos Dam this morning as I made my second attempt for Cyprus Warbler. I parked the car, Louise read (behind it) and I waited...and waited. A decent flock of Swallows was present and included a single House and Sand Martin (my first). I tried to turn it into a Crag but it was too small. The speed of the group as they fed at extremely close quarters was phonomenal, making field marks impossible to see...at least for me!
After around 30 minutes a noticed the branches of a Bush moving (always a good sign). Then I got a few fleeting glimpses. I intended to stay at this Site till lunchtime to allow her to make the most of the calm conditions.
Eventually, a pair performed brilliantly as they moved around their territory on both sides of the track...
As we were relaxing pre-lunch, a message...
EGYPTIAN VULTURE over Anarita Park
Cheese sandwiches and crisps quickly packed... off I went. On arrival (30 min...u
tes) no Bird...or Birders? I decided to take a high vantage point over the Park and scan. I had great prolonged views of Long-legged Buzzard and 4 Red-rumped Swallows drifted by.
Then. a BIG Bird appeared, a VULTURE, a great sighting, unfortunately it was a Griffon. Still a magnificent sight...
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| Side window classic! |
...but not the Cyprus Tick I was hoping for. My second record of the Trip northern at the traditional Kensington Cliffs Site which was handy as I didn't fancy the scramble.
Unbeknown to me the good lady had made the 2 mile walk to the Mall and Costa... motivation! I picked her up around 3 after abandoning my vigil. We returned to Mandria and I searched for the Desert Wheatear while Louise opened the Prosecco.
The tilled field off Larks Corner is a magnet for Wheatears, Wagtails... and the occasional Pratincole! The rich red soil and the surrounding greenery looks a picture in the late afternoon sunshine.
After a short time I found him, he stuck out like a sore thumb among the numerous Northerns. I managed a record shot...
...before I received another message...
Gannet/Booby west past Sunset Point
Back to the Beach Bar! Messages were coming through regarding ID and location so I waited as I didn't want to disturb her unnecessarily...if you get my drift.
Turned out it was a Gannet...in fact there were 2!!
Another great day with a few twists. Troodos tomorrow morning, it will be a lone assault.
Stay tuned...
Trip Total - 141 Species
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