Cyprus Birding Tours

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Tag Archives: Cretzschmar’s Bunting


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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report: Day’s Guiding around Paphos, 16th March 2015

A day out with Pat and Chris looking for regional specialties and migrants stared at Geroskippou where we found Isabelline Wheatear , Red-rumped Swallow and Eurasian Hoopoe. Moving on to Paphos Sewage Works, we quickly found our target species with at least eight Spur-winged Lapwing visible from the road. Offshore we found five Armenian Gull floating in the bay and a the first of the day’s many Corn Bunting were found when a large flock flew out of the reeds there. European Serin were plentiful flying around the area and we saw one, maybe two, Hawfinch flying with some Chaffinch while four Cattle Egret were feeding in the fields. Another Hawfinch was with a finch flock on the approach road to Asprokremmos Dam. In the area behind the dam we found two male Cyprus Warbler, several Sardinian and Spectacled Warbler, two Red-throated Pipit, at least two Eurasian Hoopoe, two Little Owl, four Eastern Black-eared Wheatear and some Chukar. Up to eight Alpine Swift were flying overhead with a group of hirundines which included many Barn Swallow and Common House Martin. A flock of ten migrating Grey Heron flew over the dam heading north.

Heading towards the sea at Mandria we stopped to look at a group of at least ten Red-rumped Swallow mixed with other hirundines and then found three more Hawfinch near an olive grove. Close to the beach we saw three Isabelline Wheatear and at least six Northern Wheatear. Two small flocks totalling around thirty Greater Short-toed Lark were feeding in the area as were Serin, Linnet, Goldfinch and Spanish Sparrow and a lone Little Ringed Plover. We spent some time trying to locate a calling Black Francolin but only saw it fly away from us together with a flock of nearly a hundred Corn Bunting.

As we headed to the last stop of the day at Anarita Park, we stopped just before Agia Varvara when a Great Spotted Cuckoo flew by. We were able to relocate it and watch it through the ‘scope before it flew out of sight. We rounded off a good day’s birding with some new species at Anarita Park – Ruppell’s Warbler, Cyprus Wheatear, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Blue Rock Thrush, Lesser Whitethroat and Cretzschmar’s Bunting – as well as yet more Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, many more Corn Bunting and a great view of a Cetti’s Warbler unusually out in the open. As the sun set I returned Pat and Chris to their hotel after an enjoyable day’s birding.

Total number of species seen  – 59

Great Cormorant, European Shag, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Common Kestrel, Chukar, Black Francolin, Spur-winged Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Yellow-legged Gull, Armenian Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Little Owl, Common Swift, Alpine Swift, Eurasian Hoopoe, Greater Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Common House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, White Wagtail, European Robin, Western Black Redstart, Common Stonechat, Isabelline Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Cyprus Wheatear, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Blue Rock Thrush, Song Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Ruppell’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Eurasian Blackcap, Common Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Common Chaffinch, European Serin, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Hawfinch, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Corn Bunting


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Fall of migrants today at Cape Greco, 13th March 2015

After being confined to Nicosia for several days and feeling frustrated at the birds that were being seen elsewhere I headed for Cape Greco today. There were many Ruppell’s Warbler – almost one per bush and probably even more Chiffchaffs. There were also good numbers of Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler around. Many were seen coming in off the sea as were Tawny Pipit and Greater Short-toed Lark. Double figures of Cyprus, Northern and Isabelline Wheatear as well as a male Finsch’s Wheatear and a dark throated and pale throated male Eastern Black-eared Wheatear. I also saw at least twenty Cretszchmar’s Bunting, eight Eurasian Hoopoe. plenty of Lesser Whitethroat, a Cyprus Warbler and a male Common Redstart, a male Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, a Wryneck and a Great Spotted Cuckoo.


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Agia Napa and Larnaca area this morning, 3rd September 2014

Went to Agia Napa Sewage Works and Football Fields and then Oroklini and the Larnaca coast this morning. Really pleased to catch up with the male and female Cinereous Bunting that had been reported at the Agia Napa Sewage Works on Saturday. They don’t usually hang around but these birds are an exception to that. There were also several Ortolan and Cretzshmar’s in the area. I counted thirteen male Red-backed Shrike around there as well as nine females and one juvenile. There were many Willow Warbler and Lesser Whitehthroat and I also saw two Common Whitethroat, an Eastern Orphean Warbler and a couple of Eastern Olivaceous Warbler. European Bee-eater were flying over and there were two Eurasian Hoopoe, seven Spotted Flycatcher and a juvenile Common Cuckoo. All Masked Shrike seen were adult and there I only saw one Lesser Grey Shrike.

At Agia Napa Football Fields though there were at least twenty one Lesser Grey Shrike and just a few female Red-backed Shrike. Six Pallid Swift were flying over and there were also a couple of Whinchat. The water has nearly all gone from Oroklini Marsh but as I approached I saw a Great White Pelican flying over the motorway and it landed in the water as I parked. There were also over forty Spur-winged Lapwing on the mud together with several Common Ringed Plover, a Little Ringed Plover and some Little Stint.

On the fields next to the Larnaca Desalination Plant there was a flock of at least three hundred Yellow Wagtail feeding together with a Whinchat and an Isabelline Wheatear.

Spotted Flycatcher Agia Napa Sewage Works 3rd September 2014 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours

Spotted Flycatcher Agia Napa Sewage Works 3rd September 2014 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours


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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report: Two Mornings Guiding around Paphos 25th & 27th August 2014

Two early starts on Monday and Wednesday in order to take out Simon who was staying in Latchi. That way we managed to beat the worse of the late August heatwave and caught up with several good species as well. On Monday 25th August we started behind Neo Chorio near the Smygies picnic site and had great views of around seven Cretzschmar’s Bunting. One even sang on the top of a pine tree in front of us – a lifer for Simon that I had not been optimistic of finding. We also found several Cyprus Wheatear, a male Red-backed Shrike and a couple of Masked Shrike. Willow Warbler, Lesser and Common Whitethroat were around but the best warbler was an Eastern Orphean in a carob tree. Several Red-rumped Swallow were migrating over the area during our time there and a flock of nearly 50 Purple Heron flew over heading SW. We were pleased to pick out a Little Owl in the distance as we were searching the some noisy Chukar who were not so easy to see.

Visiting the area behind Arodes village we were treated to the first of the many Lesser Grey Shrike we saw on both mornings. We had six of them sitting in a group together on some electricity wires. A great sight. More were seen on the road between Kathikas and Akoursos. Another male Red-backed Shrike was at Akoursos where we had brief glimpses of a male Cyprus Warbler skulking in the bushes.

To get a better view of the Cyprus Warbler we headed straight to Asprokremmos Dam on the Wednesday morning where we found at least one male – which Simon was able to get a record shot of –  and yet more Lesser Grey Shrike and several female Red-backed Shrike. A Whinchat was also present and two male Ortolan Bunting flew in and landed in front of us before flying off again. It was good to be able to compare them with the Cretzschmar’s we had seen on Monday. Finally Simon got good views of Chukar here with at least five perched on a ridge in full view. There were several Eurasian Hoopoe in the trees near the car park and two Spectacled Warbler were near the mast.

We made a quick detour to Petra tou Romiou and were treated to a couple of minutes fly-past from two Eleonora’s Falcon and then we headed inland over Minthis Hills towards Tsada and then over to Evretou Dam. Two Long-legged Buzzard were flying over Minthis Hills and yet more shrikes were perched on scattered bushes.

It was very hot by the time we reached Evretou Dam – our last point of call. Single Little Egret, Glossy Ibis and Green Sandpiper were on the water’s edge and an adult European Roller was flying around. At least two Yellow Wagtail were feeding on the drying mud. The orchards held many Willow Warbler with double figures in one carob tree alone.

I drove Simon back to Latchi pleased that we had managed to see most of his target species – Black Francolin let us down. Two enjoyable mornings’ birding.

Full species list – 41

Little Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Eleonora’s Falcon, Chukar, Green Sandpiper, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Little Owl, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Whinchat, Cyprus Wheatear, Zitting Cisticola, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Masked Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Ortolan Bunting, Cretzschmar’s Bunting

 


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Akamas area today, Monday 25th August 2014

Plenty of Lesser Grey Shrike in the Akamas area this morning with several Red-backed Shrike, a Whinchat, Eastern Orphean and Willow Warbler, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Hoopoe, Red-rumped Swallow, Lesser and Common Whitethroat. Off shore at Latchi were several flocks of Purple Heron throughout the day totalling over 200 individuals, a few Grey Heron, three Squacco Heron, seventeen Black-crowned Night Heron, over 200 Garganey and ten Northern Pintail. At Droushia nearly twenty Alpine Swift passed over at midday and at dusk a European Nightjar and two Scops Owls were near Smygies picnic site.


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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report – Day’s Guiding around Limassol 10th June 2014

Last autumn I had taken Terry and Sarah out for a morning in the Paphos area. This time they chose a day around Limassol with target species Cyprus Warbler and Greater Flamingo. We were lucky with the first target at Kourio Stadium. At least two and maybe three male Cyprus Warbler were singing there and we were able to see two of them really well. We also caught up with a family party at our last stop at Prastio Kellakiou.

At first it appeared that all the Greater Flamingo had left Akrotiri Salt Lake and the high numbers of over summering birds of the last two years had misled me into thinking we could find the same this summer. We scanned the edges of the lake in the haze and could see some movement in the area behind the Zakaki Marsh although it wasn’t clear which species were involved. So we headed as close to the area as we could by car and then walked. There were a few Greater Flamingo on the shore opposite us but in the haze were only just visible as Flamingos.  On cue however four – an adult and three immature birds – appeared from behind the reeds and paraded in front of us much to Sarah and Terry’s delight and my relief!

Other highlights of the day included hunting Eleonora’s Falcon over Phassouri Reed Beds; a male Spectacled Warbler and a young Kentish Plover together with a female sitting on a nest at Akrotiri Gravel Pits; good views of Black-winged Stilt, Ferruginous Duck, Little Egret, Squacco Heron, Black-headed Wagtail, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Spur-winged Lapwing and an unseasonal White Wagtail at Zakaki Marsh; and Black-headed and Cretzschmar’s Bunting, the Cyprus Warbler family, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, European Serin and Masked Shrike at Prastio Kellakiou.

Species seen – 55

Little Grebe, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Greater Flamingo, Mallard, Ferruginous Duck, Common Kestrel, Eleonora’s Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Chukar, Black Francolin (h), Common Moorhen,  Eurasian Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Spur-winged Lapwing, Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Yellow-billed Gull, Little Tern, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove (h), Common Swift, Alpine Swift, European Roller, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Sand Martin, Common House Martin, Black-headed Wagtail, White Wagtail, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Great Tit, Masked Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Common Chaffinch, European Serin, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Black-headed Bunting.


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Panagia Stazousa, Larnaca this morning 9th June 2014

Back in Cyprus after a couple of weeks away, I went to Panagia Stazousa and Pyrga this morning. Found at least six European Roller, two Eurasian Hoopoe, a pair of Long-legged Buzzard with two young on the nest, a couple of Cretzschmar’s Bunting and several Masked Shrike. There were at least two Cyprus Wheatear family parties as well as several singing males. I heard a Cyprus Warbler and several Eastern Olivaceous Warbler singing. A Eurasian Scops Owl called briefly and a Little Owl disappeared quickly into its nest hole as I drove past. As well as many Barn Swallow there were also at least four Red-rumped Swallow. Two juvenile Great Spotted Cuckoo were being fed by Magpies. The only species missing from visits there this time last year was European Bee-eater.


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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report – Day’s Guiding Paphos, 22rd May 2014

It was Esther and Marcel’s first birding trip in the eastern Mediterranean so they were keen to see as many regional species as possible. We started well at Petra tou Romiou where at least twenty Alpine Swift were flying noisily around. After a longer wait we had good views of four, maybe five Eleonora’s Falcon and their aerobatics. One of the birds was a dark morph so we had the chance to compare both plumage types. A couple of Chukar was on the slopes and several Yellow-legged Gull were on the cliffs. As usual the local Western Jackdaw were everywhere. We saw both male Sardinian and Cyprus Warbler but couldn’t locate the calling Cyprus Wheatear.

At Asprokremmos Dam we were treated to great views of a pair of Cyprus Warbler with two maybe three young moving around some bushes. A male Spectacled Warbler was singing nearby and we later saw at least two family parties of that species. A couple of male Sardinian Warbler were also singing in the car park area. A lone Squacco Heron was on the water and near the mast we found a late migrating Whinchat. A pair of Red-Rumped Swallow were near the pump area and a drive along the canal as we left the area allowed us to see a pair of European Roller and twelve European Bee-eater.

We made a quick visit to the Sewage Works where our target species was the Spur-winged Lapwing. Three were present on the edge of the pools and were very obliging. On to Anarita Park where ten days after my last visit all the migrating raptors and falcons had moved on. We did however find many Common Kestrel probably glad to have the area to themselves again. Two of them quickly chased off a single Eleonora’s Falcon flying high over the road. As we ate our lunch we were treated to an adult Bonelli’s Eagle floating to the north of us and a pair of Red-rumped Swallow and two Little Owl kept a close watch on us. We found a singing male Cyprus Wheatear and at least one European Roller.

Heading towards Kannaviou we went via Minthis Hills. We found another Roller and two more singing male Spectacled Warbler. New for the day were the several singing Corn Bunting and after hearing at least three Cretzschmar’s Bunting we finally saw an impressive male close to the track as we drove through. Our timing at Kannaviou was perfect as we missed what appeared to have been a heavy downpour.  A lone male Mallard was on the water so we quickly focused on the nearby fields and plantations. We saw family parties of Cyprus Wheatear, Sardinian Warbler and Common Linnet on one slope and heard a couple of calling Black Francolin. The Francolin remained hidden in the tall grasses but many Corn Bunting were singing. There was no sign of the Black-headed Bunting though much to my disappointment.

In the forested area we saw a couple of Eurasian Turtle Dove and could hear others ‘purring’ in the pines. After hearing several Eastern Olivaceous Warbler we finally spotted one in a conifer and were able to follow it as it flitted from branch to branch. Several male Spanish Sparrow were collecting nesting material and four European Serin were seen together with the many European Goldfinch and Greenfinch that are always in the area. A male Masked Shrike flew into the open and perched on a low branch and we finished our time there watching him. As we drove back to Coral Bay a Long-legged Buzzard flew across the road near Psathi. A great sight on which to finish a really enjoyable day out.

Species seen – 43

Squacco Heron, Mallard, Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Kestrel, Eleonora’s Falcon, Chukar, Black Francolin (h), Spur-winged Lapwing, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, Little Owl, Common Swift, Alpine Swift, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Common House Martin, Whinchat, Cyprus Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Great Tit, Masked Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow,  House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, European Serin, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Corn Bunting


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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report – Day’s guiding around northern Paphos 15th May 2014

This day out had been scheduled for May 6th but after two hours in the pouring rain and driving through low cloud we had abandoned it and rearranged our trip for the following week. A much brighter and warmer day yesterday, although we had probably missed out on several migrants that could still have been around last week.

Carl, Riss and I headed to the track heading towards Tsada Golf course and driving towards the village we stopped as soon as we saw a Great Spotted Cuckoo being chased over the ridge by a couple of Magpies. The cuckoo disappeared from view but we stopped there to watch singing Corn Bunting, Spectacled Warbler and Cretzschmar’s Bunting. Both the Buntings were seen with caterpillars and insects in their bills and were obviously breeding in the area. In the distance we could see a juvenile Bonelli’s Eagle but unfortunately it flew out of sight without coming closer to us.

We did however get another chance to see Great Spotted Cuckoo as we crossed the countryside to get to Kathikas and Arodes. A pair was being chased by yet more harassed Magpie as we approached Kathikas. Behind the village of Arodes we found a couple of European Roller, more Corn Bunting, a Woodchat Shrike and two singing male Black-headed Bunting. They were unfortunately too far away for Carl to take a photo of but luckily we found another two by the roadside later which he was able to get closer too.

We then spent a couple of hours around Smygies. Migrating Bee-eaters treated us to several displays of aerobatics and we spotted a single female Red-footed Falcon passing high over the area. Cretzschmar’s Bunting were singing and we managed to spot a couple of males but the singing Serin were harder to pick out high in the trees. Singing Eastern Olivaceous Warbler were also spotted flitting amongst the trees but we couldn’t see the calling Turtle Dove, Golden Oriole and Scops Owl that were heard calling briefly. Cyprus Wheatear and Masked Shrike were easier to see.

We were pleased to see a Long-legged Buzzard as we drove through the village of Psathi on the way to Kannaviou Dam. There Carl was pleased to finally see a Eurasian Turtle Dove – one of several lifers for him during the day. We found two more Black-headed Bunting and found the Coal Tit – one of Cyprus’ endemic sub-species in the forest there.  As usual at this time of year there were several Masked Shrike, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler and Cyprus Wheatear present. The Dam itself had many House Martin, Barn Swallow and Common Swift feeding around the wall.

We will never know what other species we may have seen if we had visited ten days earlier as originally planned but we had an enjoyable time watching those around yesterday.

Total species seen – 40

Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Kestrel, Red-footed Falcon, Black Francolin, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Eurasian Scops Owl h, Common Swift, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Barn Swallow, Common House Martin, Cyprus Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Golden Oriole h, Red-backed Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, European Serin, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Black-headed Bunting, Corn Bunting

Corn Bunting with food for young Tsada track May 16th 2014 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours

Corn Bunting with food for young Tsada track May 16th 2014 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours


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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report – Day’s guiding around Akamas 14th May 2014

A delayed start to our day due to a nasty accident on the road to Polis, meant that Janice and I headed quickly to the area behind Neo Chorio village and the Smygies picnic site. The first of several small flocks of European Bee-eater that we would find throughout the day passed over our heads continuing their journey northwards.  The only other passage migrant we found there was a Spotted Flycatcher.  We did however get great views of several migrant breeders – plenty of Cyprus Wheatear, a male Masked Shrike and at least four Cretzschmar’s Bunting. The Cretzschmar’s could be heard singing throughout the area and one very kindly flew and perched on a bush next to us.

We drove to the deserted village of Androlikou finding several European Roller as we passed the gorge. There were yet more Cyprus Wheatear and migrating Bee-eater as well as a Woodchat Shrike. We spent a while watching a calling Eurasian Hoopoe outside the village. It was oblivious to us as we amazed at its ability to call and hold a caterpillar in its bill at the same time. Behind Arodes village we found more Rollers, several family parties of Sardinian Warbler and a couple of Spanish Sparrow.  There was also both a male and female Red-backed Shrike but the stars of the area were two singing Black-headed Bunting.

Another Black-headed Bunting was on the wires outside the village of Kathikas as we passed through it to Kannaviou Dam. The only waterbird on the dam was a single Little Grebe but that wasn’t the reason for our visit there. The area is great for migrant breeders and we were not disappointed finding Eurasian Turtle Dove, more migrating Bee-eaters, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, many Cyprus Wheatear, several singing Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Masked Shrike, Cretzschmar’s Bunting and another Black-headed Bunting. We also found a Coal Tit – one of the Cyprus endemic sub-species.

As we drove back to Latchi to return Janice to her hotel, we stopped for a quick view over Evretou Dam. A lone Yellow-legged Gull flew around the shallow end and one of the long staying Northern Pintail was still there.  No other birds to add to our day list which includes great views of most of Cyprus’ migrant breeders.

Total species seen – 39

Little Grebe, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Common Kestrel, Black Francolin, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, Common Swift, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Common House Martin, Cyprus Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, European Serin, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Black-headed Bunting, Corn Bunting


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Birds seen on Tsakistra/Kampos road today 4th May 2014

Spent nearly five hours taking part in the BirdLife Cyprus Forest survey this morning along the road from Gerakies to Selladi tou Marouliou via Tsakistra and Kampos. Lovely scenery and weather and some good forest birds including Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Cyprus Wheatear, Masked Shrike, Common Nightingale, Eurasian Scops Owl, Red-rumped Swallow, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Winter Wren, European Jay, Woodlark, Coal Tit, Serin and lots of European Chaffinch. A surprise find was a male Black-headed Bunting at the site of my first point count.

View outside Kampos 4th May 2014 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours

View outside Kampos 4th May 2014 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours


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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report – Days Guiding Pissouri and Troodos Foothills 25th April 2014

A visit to some different sites today with Steve and Julie concentrated on finding his two target species – Eleonora’s Falcon and Black-headed Bunting – but also produced some other interesting sightings.

We started our search for the Eleonora’s Falcon at Petra tou Romiou where we found several Alpine Swift, singing Cyprus Wheatear and Warbler and heard Chukar. Unusually we also heard a calling Scops Owl. More Alpine Swift were at Pissouri where we had great views of a male Cyprus Warbler, heard but couldn’t see a Black Francolin and Steve spotted a Hoopoe flying over the area. Our first Eleonora’s Falcon was seen by the roadside on the way between Pissouri and Avdimou. We had stopped to watch four European Rollers that were on roadside wires and an Eleonora’s Falcon flew nearby.

At Avdimou Bay we found several Cyprus Wheatear and a fly-by migrating Lesser Black-backed Gull of the fuscus race (Baltic Gull) was a good surprise. Arriving at Kensington Cliffs we were quickly treated to the aerial show of at least six Eleonora’s Falcon. We spent at least half an hour enjoying them and also saw one of the local Peregrine Falcon, a migrating juvenile Western Marsh Harrier and up to ten Alpine Swift.

One of our targets enjoyed, we then headed inland to see if Black-headed Buntings had arrived on their territories in the Omodos area. On the way we saw another Roller and pairs of Great Spotted Cuckoo and Turtle Dove. We sat and enjoyed the scenery in a valley outside the village. We could neither hear nor see any Black-headed Bunting but were treated to a pair of Long-legged Buzzard flying over the area – one of which had a rat in its talons and we assumed they were off to feed it to their young somewhere nearby. We also saw a Peregrine Falcon and a couple of Red-rumped Swallow and European Serin. Both Sardinian and Cyprus Warbler were heard and seen and Cyprus Wheatear were on territories. Several Eastern Olivaceous Warbler were singing in the thick vegetation but we couldn’t succeed in our attempts to actually see one. As we left I finally heard a singing male Black-headed Bunting and we managed just brief views of it as it flew away and out of sight over a ridge.

We headed back towards Limassol and then back inland to the east of that town to Prastio Kellakiou where I hoped we may find Black-headed Bunting. We were in luck and heard at least one as soon as we arrived. In the end there were three singing males and we managed much better views of them than at Omodos. We also found at least six Cretzschmar’s Bunting, several of which were singing, and two pairs of Masked Shrike. The area was full of Spanish Sparrow and a group of at least twenty European Bee-eater flew over.

An enjoyable day with some great bird watching moments – quality rather than quantity summing up the day.

Forty six species seen

Western Marsh Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Eleonora’s Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Chukar, Black Francolin, Lesser Black-backed Gull (Baltic Gull), Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Eurasian Scops Owl (heard), Common Swift, Alpine Swift, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Common House Martin, Cyprus Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap, Great Tit, Masked Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Common Chaffinch, European Serin, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Black-headed Bunting