Went to Limassol to try and find the Pied Kingfisher that was seen around Limassol port last week but although I was unlucky with that I had an enjoyable day out. In the canal close to the port I watched a Water Rail creeping through the reeds and also found several Cetti’s Warbler, two Little Egret, two Grey Wagtail, several Water Pipit, a Common Snipe and a Common Kingfisher.

At Zakaki there were plenty of Black-headed Gull, Common Teal and Coot but the highlight of the day occurred there when two Peregrine Falcon flew over hotly pursued by a Merlin. One of the Peregrines and the Merlin even seemed to grapple at one stage. It was unclear why this was happening but am guessing it could have been a squabble over prey. The Merlin was being very aggressive towards the other two larger falcons.

There were several Marsh Harrier and a Hen Harrier as well as a couple of Common Buzzard at Phassouri Reed Beds. I heard a Water Rail there but couldn’t see it and found six Reed Buntings feeding on the reeds. In the Gravel Pits area the hunting Hen Harrier put up the two Eurasian Curlew that have been there since the new year.

I went to Germasogeia Dam in the late afternoon stopping there to walk around the Finikaria end of the dam. There were twelve Crag Martin flying around the area and a Long-legged Buzzard perched on a tree. I also saw a Peregrine Falcon as well as a Little Owl and more Water Pipit, Common Snipe and Grey Wagtail, as well as mixed flocks of finches – Linnets, Serin , Chaffinch and Goldfinch – and some Corn Bunting.