As promised I made my way down the track from Agia Varvara towards the Motorway Bridge around 10 this morning after a relaxing start to the day. I'd tried earlier in my visit but it was far to wet to risk the low section under the bridge. Thankfully this time it was much drier so I continued to the pools...
The vegetation was much higher now which obstructed the view. However I could see the well trodden areas where Birders had obviously been viewing from. I reached the viewing point and stated to look for Crakes. This was my first visit here.
Almost immediately I got lucky and spotted a male Little Crake near the far bank. It was actually swimming! Once it reached the bank it started to climb some reeds. Quite a performance. As I was "out in the open" things were a tad shaky but I managed OK. Ib then concentrated on the right hand bank where I knew the Baillons Crake had been frequenting. I saw a movement deep in the Reeds and eventually saw enough to confirm the Bird. I also saw a Sedge Warbler for a triple. No luck with the Little Bittern or Great Reed Warbler.
I drove back up the track and continued to the Top Pools, as I intended to stay in the Valley for the whole morning. As I passed the "dead orchard" I could see Birds flitting about but I wanted to check the pools first. More on that later. In arrival I scanned the 4 pools. The second pool turned up trumps with my best ever views of Little Crakes.,,
A pair performed brilliantly at close quarters. I have pics but no time to choose! Time had marched on now and I had to pick Louise up so I didn't have time to check the Orchard out.
After lunch we returned East of Paphos intending to head for Mandria. I was still thinking about the "dead orchard"...you know how it is. We arrived around 3, and found a spot to park. Louise set her stall out and I drove slowly up and down the track stopping at regular intervals...
The next hour was bliss as there was constant action as Flycatchers fed using the branches as vantage points. I estimated c20 Ficedula, male and female and c10 Spotted (which on checking later proved to be a Cyprus Tick)! I also got fabulous views of the superb Whinchat...
As we were leaving I heard the familiar scratching call of Great-Spotted Cuckoo. Louise sent me a gripping phone pic! I couldn't see any as she packed her stuff up. Then she spotted one again. The pair were too busy doing their mating ritual to notice us. I didn't get the moment like last year (if you remember) but still enjoyed prolonged close views of both Birds. Magic!
We finished off at the Beach Bar and watched c50 Glossy Ibis head West as the sun set...
Early to bed tonight as it's my Big Day out tomorrow. Stay tuned...
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