cyprus trip reports | Cyprus Birding Tours

October 15, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report: Days Guiding Paphos 15th October 2015

Pat, Val, Paul, Anne and I headed straight for Paphos Headland where a walk along the coast line produced four Greater Sand Plover, a Eurasian Golden Plover, a Whimbrel, a Ruddy Turnstone and two Common Sandpiper. Two Common Kingfisher squabbling over territory was great to see and we also found a Tawny Pipit in the scrub as well as a Zitting Cisticola and several Spanish Sparrow sitting in a couple of bushes. Two Northern Lapwing flew over – an unusual location for them.

Our next stop was the Ezousas Valley near Agia Varvara where we found many Willow Warblers, a Eurasian Sparrowhawk, two newly arrived Common Stonechat, a couple of Chukar and a distant Cyprus Wheatear. A couple of the Soakaways still held water but the only birds we found on them were a couple of Common Moorhen and a young Grey Heron. At Paphos Sewage Works we quickly found at least six Spur-winged Lapwing but it took us a bit longer to find and get decent views of the three Red-throated Pipit that we could hear feeding in the fields with the many White and several Yellow Wagtail. A juvenile Red-footed Falcon was migrating overhead as we left.

The three Red-throated Pipit in the fields near the sea at Mandria were more obliging and we had great views of them – still mainly in breeding plumage. We found three Northern Wheatear, a Tawny Pipit and a Whinchat, and then watched a Long-legged Buzzard fly over and perch on the top of a tall conifer while being mobbed by Hooded Crows. Two Eurasian Sparrowhawk were flying over as were four Northern Lapwing. We were especially pleased to spend some time watching at least 35 Eurasian Stone Curlew on a ploughed field.

We then went to Petra tou Romiou and were treated to a flying display by four or five Eleonora’s Falcon. Another Eleonora’s Falcon gave us a surprise at Kouklia Soakaways when it flew up from the water in the river bed there. A Long-legged Buzzard was also flying in the valley and we saw another of those on the approach road to the Asprokremmos Dam being pursued by a flock of Hooded Crow. Both darker birds than we had seen at Mandria. A male and female Cyprus Warbler played hide and seek behind the Dam but finally the female at least allowed us to see her well, the male giving only the briefest glimpses.

Our last stop was at Minthis Hills where we were hoping to get better views of the Cyprus Wheatear. We were very pleased to find one as soon as we turned into the area and then another a bit further along the track. Our final species were two Bonelli’s Eagle that gave us a great fly by and a fitting end to the day.

Total species seen 47

European Shag, Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Kestrel, Red-footed Falcon, Eleonora’s Falcon, Chukar, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Stone Curlew, Greater Sand Plover, Eurasian Golden Plover, Spur-winged Lapwing, Northern Lapwing, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Kingfisher, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Tawny Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Whinchat, Common Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Cyprus Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap, Common Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet

Eurasian Stone Curlew Mandria 15th October 2015 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours

October 13, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report: Day’s Guiding Paphos,13th October 2015

A day around Paphos with Phil who I had also taken out on his previous trip to Cyprus in 2012. Today was, to be honest, very quiet birdwise and although we found our targets of Greater Sand Plover and Cyprus Wheatear, the birds made us work hard to find them. It seems as if most of the migrants have moved through and/or out and the winter visitors have yet to put in an appearance in any great numbers.

We started at Paphos Headland where we located four Greater Sand Plover, a European Golden Plover and three Common Sandpiper on the rocky shore. Moving on to Agia Varvara we had distant views of a Cyprus Wheatear and better views of two Long-legged Buzzard, a juvenile Masked Shrike, two Common Snipe, two Northern Lapwing and a Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Another Long-legged Buzzard was gaining height over Paphos Sewage Works where we also saw a male Red-footed Falcon and watched several White and Yellow Wagtail on the recently cut alfalfa crop.

Mandria was quiet although it was the only location at which we found a few Barn Swallow. We watched four European Shag on the offshore rocks as we ate our lunch. A single juvenile Red-backed Shrike was also in the area. We made a visit to the water’s edge at Asprokremmos Dam where a flock of Spanish Sparrow landed close to us and in the distance we found a Grey Heron and Little Egret. A Spotted Flycatcher was in the car park area there and another was at Kouklia Soakaways. By now we were wondering where the birds had all gone to. So I decided to head inland to the track leading to the Tsada/Minthis Hills Golf course. We wanted better views of Cyprus Wheatear and luckily there we found two, maybe three and were able to watch them for a while. A male and a female Common Stonechat were also there as were several Corn Bunting and Chukar.

An enjoyable day none-the-less with a day’s total of 43 less than we would have hoped for but well earnt!

List of species seen: Little Grebe, European Shag, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Red-footed Falcon, Chukar, Common Moorhen, Greater Sand Plover, Eurasian Golden Plover, Spur-winged Lapwing, Northern Lapwing, Common Snipe, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Common Stonechat, Cyprus Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Masked Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Corn Bunting.

September 28, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report: Day’s Guiding around Paphos, 28th September 2015

For our second day out Pete, Julia and I spent our time around various Paphos birding sites with the main targets being Greater Sand Plover and the endemics. The first were found on the Headland where three birds were roosting on the rocks in the early morning sun. The endemics were a little harder although we finally had decent views of a male Cyprus Warbler at Asprokremmos Dam and found several Cyprus Wheatear at Minthis Hills. No rarities this time but we had a good selection of birds with interesting species seen including:

Paphos Headland – Greater Sand Plover 3, Common Sandpiper 1, White Wagtail 1 flew over

Agia Varvara Soakaways – Long-legged Buzzard 1, Common Snipe 1, Chukar 4+, European Bee-eater c20, Whinchat 4, Willow Warbler c20

Paphos Sewage Works – Spur-winged Lapwing 7, Common Cuckoo 1 (rufous phase), Yellow Wagtail (feldegg & flava mainly) 100+

Mandria – Long-legged Buzzard 1, Tawny Pipit 1

Asprokremmos Dam – Eurasian Hoopoe 1, Spotted Flycatcher 3, Red-backed Shrike 1, Whiskered Tern 4, Cyprus Warbler 1m, 1f, 1+ juv, Spectacled Warbler

Minthis Hills – Long-legged Buzzard 3, Northern Wheatear 1, Cyprus Wheatear 4, Corn Bunting 3

Full list of birds seen:

Little Grebe, European Shag, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Chukar, Common Moorhen, Greater Sand Plover, Spur-winged Lapwing, Common Snipe, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Whiskered Tern, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Cuckoo, European Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Tawny Pipit, Yellow Wagtail –flava and feldegg, White Wagtail, Whinchat, Northern Wheatear, Cyprus Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Corn Bunting

Cyprus Wheatear Minthis Hills 28th September 2015. (c) Cyprus Birding Tours

September 25, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report: Day’s Guiding Paphos 25th September 2015

It was good to meet up with Carl and Riss again and enjoy some friendly birding around Paphos. We checked out several locations that were new to them so they could visit themselves later in their holiday and found some good species on the way. It was much quieter than it has been over the last two weeks and we especially noted a big reduction in the number of European Bee-eaters around.

The star turns of the day were a male Western Marsh Harrier we saw with prey (probably a female Black Francolin) in its talons even though it then disappeared into an alfalfa field and defied all our attempts to relocate it; an Osprey we watched fishing at Asprokremmos Dam; and a lone male Red-footed Falcon on wires near the small church at Mandria.

Long-legged Buzzard were seen at Agia Varvara, Mandria and Kouklia Soakaways. We found a Cyprus and Isabelline Wheatear at Agia Varvara and several Greater Short-toed Lark and Tawny Pipit in the fields of Mandria where there were also many Yellow Wagtail, Whinchat and Northern Wheatear. In the wetter areas at Agia Varvara there were three Common Snipe. There we also heard a Water Rail and managed to see rather than hear two Cetti’s Warbler.

A juvenile Eleonora’s Falcon was perched in a tree at Petra tou Romiou where two Hooded Crow and three other Eleonora’s joined it for a while – it got a bit crowded! Other good birds included at least two Whiskered Tern on Asprokremmos Dam, two European Roller at Mandria, four Spur-winged Lapwing at Paphos Sewage Works and a Grey Wagtail at Kouklia Soakaways.

Species seen:

European Shag, European Honey Buzzard, Western Marsh Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard, Osprey, Common Kestrel, Red-footed Falcon, Eleonora’s Falcon, Chukar, Water Rail (h), Common Moorhen, Spur-winged Lapwing, Common Snipe, Whiskered Tern, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Greater Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Tawny Pipit, Yellow Wagtail inc feldegg and flava races, Grey Wagtail, Whinchat, Isabelline Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Cyprus Wheatear, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet

Red-footed Falcon Mandria 25th September 2015 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours

September 23, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report: Day’s Guiding around Akrotiri and Kouklia 23rd September 2015

The first of two day’s out with Julia and Pete was spent mainly around the Akrotiri Peninsula but the surprise of the day was found during a spur of the moment visit to Kouklia Soakways.

As we drove into Phassouri Reed Beds Julia noticed two birds at the edge of the field – a male and female Black Francolin. Moving on to the soundtrack of the day – the call of migrating European Bee-eaters – we saw several European Honey Buzzard fly over , a couple of Western Marsh Harrier and a female Red-footed Falcon. A male and a female Golden Oriole flew into a tall tree and we had brief glimpses of them. There were also several Eurasian Turtle Dove flying around together with several Yellow Wagtail. A lone Cattle Egret was present but the only waders we saw were two Common Snipe that flew over the area.

On the Gravel Pits we stopped near the church to watch a kettle of around fifty European Honey Buzzard on the thermalling up and disappearing into the clouds. We also had a Tree Pipit fly over calling and on one of the pools we found several Dunlin, Kentish Plover and a Common Sandpiper. We saw a couple of Whinchat and a Northern Wheatear as well as several juvenile Red-backed Shrike. We also had a single Lesser Grey Shrike on the road past Bishop’s Pool.

Lady’s Mile had Kentish Plover, a single Common Ringed Plover, several Dunlin and plenty of Little Stint. A Western Marsh Harrier flew over and then a juvenile Montagu’s Harrier. We were able to get great views of two Great Reed Warbler and several juvenile Yellow Wagtail (feldegg) from the hide at Zakaki Marsh due to the recent clearing work done by a BirdLife Cyprus volunteer. A hunting Western Marsh Harrier put a Northern Pintail, Garganey, Mallard, two Little Egret and a Grey Heron to flight.

After lunch we went to Kensington Cliffs where we were treated to a great flying display by around twenty Eleonora’s Falcon who were joined by seven Eurasian Griffon Vulture soaring over the cliffs and a single Long-legged Buzzard. We finally left as the Griffon Vultures headed inland and then back again behind the cliffs and out of sight.

We decided to pop into Kouklia Soakaways on the way back to Paphos on the off chance of a Bonelli’s Eagle. No luck with that but we had two, maybe three, Long-legged Buzzard, another Western Marsh Harrier and a Peregrine Falcon. Again there were many European Bee-eater and we thought at first we were looking at another one on the wires over the road as we were leaving. Suddenly it dawned that we had a Cyprus rarity in front of us – a White-throated Kingfisher – recorded less than annually. Unfortunately before we were able to even get a quick photo for the record it flew off into the nearby orchard. We had no luck relocating it but the views we had were unmistakable. A quick visit to Asprokremmos Dam added Spotted Flycatcher and Black-crowned Night Heron to the day’s list which contained some quality birds.

Species seen – 58

Little Grebe, European Shag, Black-crowned Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Garganey, European Honey Buzzard, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Western Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Red-footed Falcon, Eleonora’s Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Black Francolin, Common Moorhen, Common Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Dunlin, Common Snipe, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, White-throated Kingfisher, European Bee-eater, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Sand Martin, Common House Martin, Tree Pipit, Black-headed Wagtail, Whinchat, Northern Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet

September 21, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report: Three Day’s Guiding Akrotiri, Larnaca and Cape Greco 18th, 19th & 21st September 2015

Three great days out with Robert and Ruth visiting Akrotiri, the sites around Larnaca and those around Cape Greco. Although migration was not as busy as we would have expected at this time of September we still had some great birds while missing out on some usual sitters such as Zitting Cisticola! We had over 100 European Honey Buzzards on at Akrotiri on 18^th; displays by flying Eleonora’s Falcons at Akrotiri Gravel Pits, Larnaca Sewage Works and Kensington Cliffs; close views of Long-legged Buzzard at Panagia Stazousa; a probable Saker at Cape Greco (we are checking our photos); Temminck’s Stint and Marsh Sandpipers; six Eurasian Spoonbill at Larnaca Sewage Works; three Demoiselle Crane flying up over Lady’s Mile on 18^th; Gull-billed and White-winged Terns; Greater Sand Plover near Kermia Beach 21^st; more juvenile Red-backed Shrikes than we thought possible; several Cyprus Wheatear and a showy female Cyprus Warbler when the males let us down; and so many flocks of European Bee-eaters.

Highlights per location and date

Friday 18^th September

Phassouri Reed Beds – European Honey Buzzard c130, Sand Martin 100+, Red-rumped Swallow 20+, Ortolan Bunting 1

Akrotiri Gravel Pits – European Honey Buzzard c20, Montagu’s Harrier, Eleonora’s Falcon 2, Kentish Plover c15, Yellow Wagtail c60, Lesser Grey Shrike 1

Lady’s Mile area – European Honey Buzzard 2, Western Marsh Harrier 3, Demoiselle Crane 3

Zakaki Marsh – Spur-winged Lapwing 2

Kensington Cliffs – Eleonora’s Falcon 10+

Saturday 19^th September

Livadia ‘Jumbo’ Drainage Channel – Temminck’s Stint 1+

Meneou Pool – European Roller 1 juv

Spiros Pool – Western Marsh Harrier 1, Kentish Plover c60, Marsh Sandpiper 2, Eurasian Turtle Dove 10+, Lesser Grey Shrike 1, Spectacled Warbler 4+

Larnaca Airport Coast – Common Kingfisher 2, Sand Martin c50, Red-rumped Swallow 10+, Tawny Pipit 2, Northern Wheatear 1

Larnaca Sewage Works – Glossy Ibis 1, Eurasian Spoonbill 6, Greater Flamingo 10, Northern Pintail 2, Eleonora’s Falcon 1 flew over, Black-winged Stilt 2 juv, Spur-winged Lapwing c40, Yellow-legged Gull 8, White-winged Tern 1 juv

Pervolia Fields – Western Marsh Harrier 1m, Common Swift 1, Isabelline Wheatear 1

Kivisilli – Red-backed Shrike 1 male, Masked Shrike 1 juv, Western Marsh Harrier 1

Kiti Dam – Cyprus Wheatear 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1

Panagia Stazousa – Western Marsh Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard 2, Eurasian Turtle Dove 8, Pallid Swift 1, Cyprus Wheatear 5+, Cyprus Warbler 1+ glimpsed briefly, Masked Shrike 6+, Corn Bunting c50

Monday 21^st September

Cape Greco – European Honey Buzzard 4, Eurasian Hobby 1, probable Saker 1, Tawny Pipit 1, Cyprus Wheatear 3, Spectacled Warbler 2+, Cyprus Warbler 1f seen well and 2+ others seen briefly, Spotted Flycatcher 1, Masked Shrike 1

Kermia Beach – Greater Sand Plover 2

Agia Napa Football Fields – Cattle Egret c50, Long-legged Buzzard 1, Eurasian Hoopoe 1, Yellow Wagtail c50, Isabelline Wheatear 1, Spotted Flycatcher 2

Akhna Dam – Little Egret, Western Marsh Harrier 1, Eurasian Sparrowhawk 1, Spur-winged Lapwing 3, Common Greenshank 1, Gull-billed Tern 2

All species seen – 86

Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Teal, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, European Honey Buzzard, Western Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Long-legged Buzzard, Osprey, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Hobby, Eleonora’s Falcon, probable Saker, Chukar, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Demoiselle Crane, Black-winged Stilt, Common Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Spur-winged Lapwing, Little Stint, Temminck’s Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Common Snipe, Common Redshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Common Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Gull-billed Tern, White-winged Tern, Rock Dove, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, Laughing Dove, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Common Kingfisher, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Common House Martin, Tawny Pipit, Yellow Wagtail (feldegg & flava), Whinchat, Isabelline Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Cyprus Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Masked Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Ortolan Bunting, Corn Bunting

Eurasian Spoonbill Larnaca Sewage Works 19th September 2015 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours

Masked Shrike Panagia Stazousa 19th September 2015 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours

September 16, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report: Morning’s guiding, Paphos 16th September 2015

A few hours out with Jeanette visiting a few of the well-known Paphos birding locations to give her the chance to get several of her target species. We had a total of 40 species with great views of some migrating European Honey Buzzards as a bonus. Not bad for less than four hours and without visiting wetlands!

Highlights:

Paphos Headland – Greater Sand Plover 3, Whimbrel 1, Common Kingfisher 1, Greater Short-toed Lark 1

Paphos Sewage Works – Chukar 4, Spur-winged Lapwing 7+, European Bee-eater 12+, Yellow Wagtail inc feldegg and flava c50, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Red-backed Shrike 2, Spotted Flycatcher

Mandria – European Shag 1, European Bee-eater 1+, European Roller 5, Eurasian Hoopoe 1, Greater Short-toed Lark c20, Isabelline Wheatear 1, Northern Wheatear 6, Lesser Grey Shrike 2

Petra tou Romiou – Eleonora’s Falcon 3+, European Honey Buzzard 20+, Western Marsh Harrier 2, Eurasian Hoopoe 1

Asprokremmos Dam – Common Cuckoo 1, European Bee-eater c50, Tawny Pipit 4, Cyprus Warbler 2

Agia Varvara – European Honey Buzzard 4 pale juveniles

Full species list:

European Shag, European Honey Buzzard, Western Marsh Harrier, Common Kestrel, Eleonora’s Falcon, Chukar, Greater Sand Plover, Spur-winged Lapwing, Whimbrel, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Cuckoo, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Common Kingfisher, Greater Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Tawny Pipit, Blue-headed Wagtail (flava), Black-headed Wagtail (feldegg), Whinchat, Isabelline Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crown, House Sparrow, European Goldfinch

September 15, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tour Trip Report : Day’s guiding around Paphos, 14th September 2015

Rather a hotter day than we had expected and despite a disappointing show by migrating raptors we had a good day’s birding. It was the third time I was taking Terry and Sarah out and we headed straight for Agia Varvara, a new site for them. We were greeted by the sound of migrating European Bee-eaters – which was to be found wherever we went throughout the day. There was still some water in the river and we found a Sedge Warbler but could not see the Water Rail we had heard. Our lone European Honey Buzzard of the day was a juvenile bird seen in the area perched on a small tree. We saw two Cyprus Wheatear, two Eurasian Turtle Dove and the first of many Whinchat and Masked and Red-backed Shrike that were around throughout the day.

There were many Yellow Wagtail in the fields at Paphos Sewage Works – many juveniles and females but we also saw some male Black and Blue-headed. We counted at least fifteen Spur-winged Lapwing which included at least seven juveniles. There were several migrating Willow Warbler and resident Sardinian Warbler in the roadside vegetation and we also found a Eurasian Reed Warbler, a Eurasian Hoopoe and an Isabelline Wheatear which was sitting on the top of some hay bales.

The star birds at Mandria were eight European Rollers that were together on some wires to the west of the main beach. They were calling to each other as we watching and swooping down to feed on insects in the fields. Our attention was drawn to a kestrel nearby and on watching it through the ‘scope we realized we were looking at a male Lesser Kestrel. Our only Lesser Grey Shrike of the day was also in those fields. Again Whinchat and the other shrikes were plentiful and we also had four Northern Wheatear and yet more Yellow Wagtails. On the beach, avoiding the bathers were two Little Ringed Plovers.

Visiting the area behind Asprokremmos Dam we were pleased to locate a male and female Cyprus Warbler, a Spectacled Warbler and then a single Eurasian Stone Curlew in the shade of the carob grove. As we ate our lunch in the shade of the car park trees we watched a Eurasian Hoopoe, a Spotted Flycatcher and the many European Goldfinch that are always there. On the water we found a single White-winged Tern and disturbed a Purple Heron that flew off inland.

We finished the afternoon at Evretou Dam adding juvenile Bonelli’s Eagle, Western Marsh Harrier, Grey Heron, Common Greenshank and Eastern Black-eared Wheatear to our list. We also had good views of European Bee-eaters coming down to drink from the water until frightened off by the Bonelli’s Eagle, as well as three Cyprus Wheatear and another Northern Wheatear. Many Willow Warbler were feeding in the roadside orchards.

Driving back to Paphos we caught sight of a hovering large bird of prey – a Long-legged Buzzard. We spent some time just watching it as it hunted over the area near Stroumbi. A spectacular display to end our day.

Number of different birds seen 51:

Grey Heron, Purple Heron, European Honey Buzzard, Western Marsh Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Chukar, Water Rail (h), Eurasian Stone Curlew, Little Ringed Plover, Spur-winged Lapwing, Common Greenshank, Yellow-legged Gull, White-winged Tern, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Black-headed Wagtail (feldegg), Blue-headed Wagtail (flava), Whinchat, Isabelline Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Cyprus Wheatear, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sedge Warbler, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Masked Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch

August 28, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report: Two Mornings guiding around Paphos 26th & 28th August 2015

Two mornings around the Paphos area with early starts to avoid the lingering summer heat enabled Andy to see some target species and catch up with several early migrants.

Highlights from locations visited:

26^th August:

Minthis Hills – Cyprus Wheatear, Eurasian Hobby, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Red-backed, Lesser Grey and Masked Shrike, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, European Bee-eater

Arodes – Long-legged Buzzard, Eurasian Turtle Dove, European Roller, Red-rumped Swallow, Red-backed, Lesser Grey and Masked Shrike

Polis Chrysochou Bay – Garganey, Glossy Ibis

28^th August:

Paphos Headland – Greater Sand Plover

Paphos Sewage Works – Glossy Ibis, Eleonora’s Falcon, Spur-winged Lapwing, Eurasian Hoopoe, Yellow Wagtail, Red-backed, Masked and Lesser Grey Shrike, Spanish Sparrow

Mandria – Collared Pratincole 1, Eurasian Turtle Dove, Eurasian Hoopoe, Yellow Wagtail, Lesser Grey Shrike

Asprokremmos Dam area – Chukar, Cyprus Wheatear, Spectacled Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Woodchat Shrike

Total number of species: 46

Grey Heron, Glossy Ibis, Garganey, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Hobby, Eleonora’s Falcon, Chukar, Collared Pratincole, Greater Sand Plover, Spur-winged Lapwing, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Common House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Cyprus Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Willow Warbler, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Corn Bunting

Lesser Grey Shrike Mandria 28th August 2015 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours

May 21, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report – Day’s Guiding Akrotiri, Omodos and Panagia Stazousa: 21st May 2015

Our first stop was at Kensington Cliffs as Stuart and Frances were keen to see as many raptors as possible. We found at least five Eleonora’s Falcon sitting on cliffside ledges as we first scanned the area but then two dark morph birds flew in front of us shortly followed by several light morph individuals. We were treated to their aerial display during our time there with several Alpine Swift also flying around. Checking the rocks at the bottom of the western cliff face we found six Eurasian Shags. A single Baltic Gull was a surprise find in the bay and then we were pleased to see two Griffon Vulture fly up from behind the cliffs, circle over Episkopi Garrison and then head inland.

Pleased with our start we moved to Akrotiri where we visited Phassouri Reed Beds, Akrotiri Gravel Pits, Lady’s Mile and Zakaki Marsh. Far fewer migrants were around than when I had visited the area at the weekend –especially waders – but we still managed to get good views of European Bee-eater, Temminck’s Stint, Glossy Ibis, Squacco Heron, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Woodchat Shrike, Ferruginous Duck, Armenian Gull, Spur-winged Lapwing and Kentish Plover.

We then headed inland and ate our lunch in a valley behind Omodos. There we watched at least four singing Black-headed Bunting, two singing Cretzschmar’s Bunting, at least one Long-legged Buzzard, several Cyprus Wheatear, a Corn Bunting, two Red-rumped Swallow and several European Serin. On the way back to Larnaca we visited the Panagia Stazousa valley where we added Chukar, Eurasian Turtle Dove, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe and (Stuart and Frances’ bird of the day), a Little Owl to our day’s list of species.

A good variety of birds even considering that migrating species at Akrotiri were much reduced now as we move to the end of May.

Species seen – 54

European Shag, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Glossy Ibis, Mallard, Ferruginous Duck, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Eleonora’s Falcon, Chukar, Black Francolin (h), Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Kentish Plover, Spur-winged Lapwing, Temminck’s Stint, Baltic Gull (Lesser Black-backed Gull), Armenian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, Little Owl, 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, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Woodchat Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Common Chaffinch, European Serin, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Black-headed Bunting, Corn Bunting

Cyprus Wheatear, Omodos, May 21st 2015 (c) Cyprus Birding Tours

May 12, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report – Day’s guiding around Limassol, 12th May 2015

For our second day out this spring, I met John and Madeline at Avdimou and we headed for Kensington Cliffs. We stopped to watch a singing male Sardinian Warbler and then scanned the bay. We quickly found several Eleonora’s Falcon on the cliffs and then watched as others flew close to us and around the bay. On some rocks in the bay five Squacco Heron were resting. Both that species and strangely Common House Martin were present at most of the coastal sites we visited during the day. Spotted Flycatcher were also present in good numbers around the Akrotiri Peninsula and we found our first of the day at Phassouri Reed Beds where we also had at least five Squacco Heron, a Cattle Egret, several Little Egret, six Glossy Ibis , a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron, up to sixteen Wood Sandpiper and a single Ruff. Five Eurasian Turtle Dove flew over as did a Western Marsh Harrier. In the reeds were several Eurasian Reed Warbler and also a Woodchat Shrike, while two female Black-headed Wagtail were feeding in the footsteps of one of the grazing cattle.

The Gravel Pits were quieter but we did find a Purple Heron, Kentish Plover, Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher. In the gardens of Agios Georgios Church we found another Woodchat Shrike and at least five Spotted Flycatcher. Madeline located a yellowish warbler in one of the pines which then started singing. The ID was then obvious – an Icterine Warbler – the star bird of the day and a lifer for John and Madeline. We could see around a hundred Greater Flamingo on the main Salt Lake and spotted a Great Egret feeding at the edge with several Little Egret. A female Montagu’s Harrier flew over the area. We had our lunch in the shade of the trees near Bishop’s Pool watching European Bee-eater and yet another Spotted Flycatcher. As we drove on a male Golden Oriole flew in front of us.

There had been a clear out of waders on Lady’s Mile since I was last there although on the eastern end we found nearly twenty Common Ringed Plover, several Ruff, many Little Stint and some Wood Sandpiper. Another good find was a Little Gull and six Squacco Heron were migrating along the coast. At the Zakaki Marsh hide we watched more Wood Sandpiper and female Black-headed Wagtail. We also found another Squacco Heron together with six Little Egret and a Grey Heron. We then visited the east side of the Salt Lake to get better views of some of the waders we had seen there when watching the Greater Flamingo. The light and heat haze were against us but we did see four Little Tern, several Black-winged Stilt and more Ruff, Common Ringed Plover and Little Stint. In the distance we could see a hazy flock of terns feeding – it was impossible to ID them with any certainty but it is likely they included White-winged and Whiskered.

We then headed inland to our final location at Kellakiou. On the way a Collared Flycatcher was seen from the side of the road. At Kellakiou we found a couple of Cyprus Wheatear and a single Cyprus Warbler. Eastern Olivaceous Warbler were singing and European Bee-eater migrating over the area. Eurasian Turtle Dove, European Serin, Common Chaffinch, Spanish Sparrow and juvenile European Goldfinch were coming down to drink at a small pool of water. Four Red-rumped Swallow were also flying down to drink there. At least three male Black-headed Bunting were singing and we were able to get close views of two of them as well as of at least seven Cretzschmar’s Bunting. A lone Masked Shrike was seen flying across the valley. This great experience, both listening and watching both migrant and resident breeders setting up territories ended our day out.

Total species seen – 68

Little Grebe, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Mallard, Western Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Common Kestrel, Eleonora’s Falcon, Black Francolin, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Common Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Spur-winged Lapwing, Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gull, Common Black-headed Gull, Tern spp, Little Tern, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, Eurasian Scops Owl (h), Common Swift, European Bee-eater, Crested Lark, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Common House Martin, Black-headed Wagtail, Whinchat, Cyprus Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Collared Flycatcher, Great Tit, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Common Chaffinch, European Serin, European Goldfinch, European Greenfinch, Common Linnet, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Black-headed Bunting.

May 6, 2015
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Cyprus Birding Tours Trip Report: Day’s Guiding around Paphos, 5th May 2015

A great day out with John and Madeleine for general bird watching around Paphos. We chose a different selection of sites than those visited together in May 2014. Migration is definitely slowing down but we still found some migrating waders and herons as well as many colourful migrant breeders setting up territories.

Highlights per location:

Agia Varvara: Squacco and Purple Heron, Spotted Redshank, European Roller, Red-backed Shrike

Minthis Hills: Long-legged Buzzard, Cretzschmar’s Bunting, Spectacled Warbler, Corn Bunting

Kannaviou area – European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Red-rumped Swallow, Cyprus Wheatear, Coal Tit, Masked Shrike, Cretzschmar’s Bunting

Evretou Dam – Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Bonelli’s Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Wood Sandpiper, Common Redstart

Androlikou – European Roller, Cyprus Wheatear

Arodes – European Bee-eater, Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Turtle Dove, European Roller, Red-backed Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Black-headed Bunting

Total number of species seen: 55

Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Mallard, Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Chukar, Black Francolin, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Eurasian Turtle Dove, Common Swift, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Common House Martin, Common Redstart, Cyprus Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, 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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