I've been chewing over how to approach the Summary of my Trip. It's a balance between avoiding too much repetition and filling in the gaps I guess? I thought I gave it a "good go" keeping up with my daily Blogging, trying to vary my approach depending on circumstances. If you followed it you'd have seen I covered most Sites around the Island and undertook a few Twitches for Rarities. I added one Lifer, namely DESERT FINCH plus 8 other Cyprus Ticks...
Namaqua Dove
Curlew Sandpiper
Red-necked Phalarope
Little Gull
Little Tern
Long-eared Owl
Trumpeter Finch
Spotted Flycatcher
My Cyprus List now stands at 241 and my Trip Total was 157 which is my best. As always there were some surprising omissions, especially considering my later "window"?
Spoonbill
Squacco Heron
Whimbrel
Greenshank
Pallid Harrier
Little Owl
Scops Owl - never tried for it this time?
Kingfisher
Short-toed Treecreeper - again!
Other Species possible were...
Cuckoo
Water Rail
Spotted Crake
Golden Plover
Black-tailed Godwit
Jack Snipe
Spotted Redshank
Mediterranean Gull
Armenian Gull
Sandwich Tern
Pallid Harrier
Goshawk
Common Buzzard
Short-eared Owl
Eleonora's Falcon
Merlin
Red-backed Shrike
Hawfinch
Siskin
Ortolan Bunting
Reed Bunting
Woodlark
Savi's Warbler
Eastern Olivaceous Warbler
Crag Martin
Eastern Orphean Warbler
Starling
Bluethroat
Mistle Thrush
I was "on the cusp" for Golden Oriole and Black-headed Bunting.
The closure of Phassouri Reedbed was a huge blow but all other Sites were accessible. Our extra day "out East" was a good move as it felt we weren't as rushed and I had more time at the Sites. The WhatsApp Groups worked well as always and were handy to dip into when appropriate, as well as providing crucial "breaking news"...e.g. Long-eared Owl!
Great to renew a few acquaintances once again and meet a few new faces. The general atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly, adding to the experience.
The Weather was atypical This Year with cooler, unsettled conditions and quite a few Thunderstorms. Great for making Birds "stop off" and rest...not so great for Louise! Ironically certain Species arrived earlier this Year as they would as my window was later!! Examples being Roller and Ficedula Flycatchers. In previous Years I'd visited in the last 3 weeks of March and not had a sniff of these Birds. No matter, they were worth waiting for and I had great views this Trip.
As always I reflect on my "movements"! Lets face it, I always overdo it and I can push it at times but I just get wrapped up in the excitement. Energy levels aren't what they used to be as the Years roll by and there were certain Sites I couldn't get around e.g. The Archaeological Site...which was frustrating. I managed to access most areas in the car and I did walk some distances when possible...eg 2 walks to the Headland to dip Turnstone (still present). I was generally happy with how it went.
I still have a lot of photos to go through and I intend to post some of the better ones on here in the coming days. I'll try my best not to repeat. One aspect I need to reflect on is the location of our Apartment which is to the West of Kato Paphos. It's a great deal BUT it does take time each day reaching and returning from the Key Sites, which are mainly East of the Town? I have a plan for next Year...all being well!
Update: My plan has reached fruition. We'll be at Mandria next Year, all being well.
I STILL need Little Bittern and Great Reed Warbler. I was hampered in my belated attempts by access problems and confusion initially. I did have a couple of decent attempts but no joy. Always good to save some for next time!?
I think that will do for now. I'll try and post asap regarding photos and final thoughts. Stay tuned...
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