Picking up Pauline and Michael for the first of two days out we headed from Polis to the Paphos Archaeological site which we explored for more than two hours. Our highlights were a male Collared Flycatcher, a couple of Hoopoe, one maybe two male Subalpine Warbler, a male Rüppell’s Warber, several Lesser Whitethroat, a Common Whitethroat, two Common Nightingale, three Purple Heron and two Red-throated Pipit. The usual Isabelline and Northern Wheatear were around the ruins and in with the Yellow Wagtail flock we found a superciliaris form. Three Purple Heron were seen flying over.
Pauline was able to get quite close to the Cattle Egret and Spur-winged Lapwing at the Sewage Works and take photos of two of her day’s target species. While we ate lunch at Mandria a Eurasian Hoopoe flew in off the sea and gave more photo opportunities. We also found more Northern and Isabelline Wheatear as well as five Greater Short-toed Lark, a couple of Eurasian Skylark, several Meadow Pipit and Black- and Blue-headed Wagtail. A calling Black Francolin kept itself well hidden.
A late afternoon visit to Anarita Park produced a distant flying Long-legged Buzzard, a male and female Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Cyprus Wheatear and a Little Owl. There was a flock of at least fifty Corn Bunting as well as many single singing birds. As we left I heard Great Spotted Cuckoo and we found a mating pair. One flew off while the other stayed feeding in a flower filled field ignoring the car from which Pauline managed to take many photos.
Our next day out will be in April and it will be interesting to see what different/extra species we will come across two weeks later into the spring migration period.
Total birds seen – fifty two:
Cattle Egret, Purple Heron, Common Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Chukar, Black Francolin, Spur-winged Lapwing, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Little Owl, Eurasian Hoopoe, Greater Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Eurasian Skylark, Barn Swallow, Common House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, Blue-headed Wagtail, Black-headed Wagtail, superciliaris Yellow Wagtail form, White Wagtail, Common Nightingale, Western Black Redstart, Common Stonechat, Isabelline Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Cyprus Wheatear, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Subalpine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Ruppell’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, Eurasian Blackcap, Common Chiffchaff, Collared Flycatcher, Great Tit, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Corn Bunting.
Out with Carl, Riss, Tony and Orysia again and this time I decided to try and see what was around at sites north of Paphos. We started at Cape Drepanum where the tall crops at the moment mean that the flocks of Yellow Wagtail were mostly hidden from view although several bright male feldegg were seen. Two small flocks of Grey Heron were seen heading north over Yeronissos where there were many Yellow-legged Gull on the breeding colony. There were a few Northern and Isabelline Wheatear around and several singing male Sardinian Warbler caught our attention.
A larger sylvia warbler then flew by and after it landed it was identified as a female Ruppell’s. Nice but a male would have been better. After a few minutes we got our wish and a male also appeared. It is possible that there were actually two males around as it seemed to cover a lot of ground. A male Subalpine Warbler was then discovered in vegetation just a metre away from where we stood. We were able to watch it for ages and Carl get some close photos. A male Black Francolin was calling and we were able to watch him and some singing Corn Bunting through the ‘scope. There was no sign of the Blue Rock Thrush we had seen from the car as we drove into the area but as we left we found another male Subalpine Warbler near the car park.
On the edge of the Akamas we found a dark-throated male Eastern Black-eared Wheatear and then we headed inland on the road leading to the village of Akoursos. Here we had the chance to hear male Cyprus Warbler singing and appreciate the difference between its song and that of the Sardinian Warbler. We also had good views of at least three of them and again Carl was able to get some photos. A Long-legged Buzzard also flew over.
We headed further north stopping behind the village of Arodes where we spent some time watching a very flighty and noisy flock of European Serin. In the deserted churchyard there we found three Hoopoe. It was very quiet on the ridge outside the village of Droushia and the only birds of note were a Black Redstart, some Chukar, more singing Corn Bunting and of course the many Western Jackdaw that are always present there. As we left the village a low flying female Hen Harrier passed over the vines and out of view.
Another Hen Harrier was seen near Kathikas as we headed across country to Evretou Dam. Unfortunately a couple of families having a barbecue accompanied by music there probably reduced the species we came across. We did have more Serin, Corn Bunting and Isabelline and Northern Wheatear. On the Dam itself were two Yellow-legged Gull, a Northen Pintail drake and several Coot, and four Green Sandpiper were feeding on the opposite edge. We disturbed a Great Spotted Cuckoo as we walked near the deserted houses but we couldn’t relocate it. Two Long-legged Buzzard flew over as we returned to the car and headed back.
Thanks to everyone for a great day out and to Carl for allowing me to use his photos here.
Species list:
Grey Heron, Northern Pintail, Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Chukar, Black Francolin, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Green Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Common Swift, Eurasian Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Blue-headed Wagtail, Black-headed Wagtail, White Wagtail, Western Black Redstart, Common Stonechat, Isabelline Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Subalpine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, Rüppell’s Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Common Chaffinch, European Serin, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Common Linnet, Corn Bunting
Subalpine Warbler Cape Drepanum March 19th (c) Carl Hughes
Cyprus Warbler Akoursos March 19th (c) Carl Hughes
Found two male Desert Wheatears in the Paphos area yesterday. One was at Mandria and had been present for a few days. The other was at Paphos Headland.
Two days birding with Paula and Jack over from Canada for a couple of weeks. Paula’s wish list had contained several passage migrants which unfortunately the timing of her visit wouldn’t allow for – infact the only spring migrant we saw were Barn Swallow. It was interesting to take out a couple with little experience of European species and therefore did not tire of the many Common Stonechat and Crested Lark we saw which we take for granted here.
We spent Monday in the Limassol area starting at Germasogeia Dam where we were able to see Common and Long-legged Buzzard and a pair of Bonelli’s Eagle. Flocks of Chaffinch, Linnet, Serin, European Goldfinch, Spanish Sparrow and Meadow Pipit were around and several Great Cormorant, Common Coot and Common Teal were on the water. There were plenty of Common Stonechat and Chiffchaff but although we could hear singing Song Thrush and several flew quickly past us, none would stay still in the open for Paula to get good views of them.
It was very windy on the Akrotiri Peninsula and there were not many small birds out in the open. We did find the long-staying young Common Crane which is now acquiring adult plumage and had brief glimpses of a couple of Water Pipit. At least eight Cattle Egret were present together with a single Little Egret. Two flocks of Rock Dove flew over. A couple of Western Marsh Harrier were flying over the area and we disturbed a perched Common Buzzard which flew off in front of the car. On the coast there was a large flock of at least fifty European Greenfinch. On Lady’s Mile we found three roosting Common Ringed Plover and three Kentish Plover as well as a Little Stint. There were four adult Armenian Gull and around twenty juveniles on the sea together with over a hundred Common Black-headed Gull.
We tried out the new hide overlooking Zakaki Marsh but the wind made viewing unpleasant. There were a couple of Teal together with some White Wagtail, a Water Pipit and a Green Sandpiper. I heard a Common Snipe fly off but we were unable to see it. We headed to Kensington Cliffs to finish the day where a single Griffon Vulture rose up from the cliffs to greet us. We spent some time watching it having found a relatively sheltered viewing point. Paula was pleased to get her first view of Common Woodpigeon on the trees there but only I was able to see the European Shag heading east over the bay.
A trip around Paphos was planned for Wednesday and we started with a walk around the Headland. The sea was calm and we had no wind, so we were optimistic of seeing a few more of our target species. A male Western Black Redstart was the first bird we found. There were several Eurasian Skylark flying over the area and we watched a singing Corn Bunting, a male Sardinian Warbler as well as Linnets and Meadow Pipit. I found a Red-throated Pipit but it was disturbed before Paula could see it. We found the Eurasian Golden Plover on the shore as well as the long-staying Dunlin. The four Greater Sand Plover were harder to find but we soon got the ‘scope on them. Each one had slightly different plumage, ranging from winter to almost in full breeding plumage.
At Paphos Sewage Works we were able to see five Spur-winged Lapwing but the star birds there were the large flocks of European Serin, probably two hundred birds in total, which were singing and flying around the area. We were pleased to get a good view of a Cetti’s Warbler which we had heard calling as well as a male Blackcap. The Song Thrush continued to refuse to allow Paula good views however. A Common Buzzard circled over the area and an army helicopter flying over and scaring the birds meant the six Cattle Egret landed in front of us. We spent most of our time at Mandria looking for Red-throated Pipit and were pleased to find a flock of about twenty as we were leaving the area. They came close to the car and we were able to sort out the ID differences between them and the Meadow Pipit. Flocks of Eurasian Skylark were everywhere – even coming close to us as we ate our picnic lunch. Eight Golden Plover were present but despite searching for an early Isabelline Wheatear reported early in the week we were unlucky. A female Hen Harrier flew over giving Paula and Jack the chance to compare it with the Northern Harrier they were more familiar with.
We headed inland and at Anarita Park were pleased to find two male Finsch’s Wheatear and a male Blue Rock Thrush and Paula was also able to get another look at a Chukar. A flock of Woodlark obligingly stopped on a boulder near the track as we drove past and we could compare its characteristics with the Crested and Skylark we had seen earlier. As no Cyprus Wheatear had been reported yet I hoped that we would be able to find an endemic Cyprus Warbler at least for Paula and Jack. We headed to Asprokremmos Dam where we luckily found a very smart male defending his territory. Unluckily only I saw the Little Owl in his cave nearby. On the water there were at least one hundred gull – probably Yellow-legged. We finished our day at Kouklia Soakaways were we saw two Moustached Warbler and heard at least one other.
Although our Monday had not been as productive as we had hoped, Wednesday made up for it and I would like to thank Jack and Paula for their interesting company.
68 species:
Great Cormorant, European Shag, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Common Shelduck, Eurasian Teal, Mallard, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Western Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Kestrel, Chukar, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Common Crane, Common Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Eurasian Golden Plover, Spur-winged Lapwing, Little Stint, Dunlin, Common Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Common Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Armenian Gull, Rock Dove, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Little Owl, Crested Lark, Woodlark, Eurasian Skylark, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, Water Pipit, White Wagtail, European Robin, Western Black Redstart, Common Stonechat, Finsch’s Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Song Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Moustached Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, 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, Corn Bunting.
Joined the BirdLife Cyprus field trip around Armou and the Ezousas Valley. Lots of finches around, some Woodlark and thrushes. Most interesting were the seven species of raptors that we saw – Common Kestrel obviously but also a male and a ringtail Hen Harrier, several Long-legged Buzzard, a Common Buzzard, a female European Sparrowhawk and a male Peregrine Falcon. But the stars were the two adult Bonelli’s Eagle and another young one that were in the Ezousas Valley.
Visited Anarita Park this afternoon to see if could relocate the Red-fronted Serin that had been found there on Friday. Went with the local birders who found it but we had no luck. There were several small flocks of finches around – mainly European Serin and Goldfinch with a few Chaffinch and Greenfinch as well as at least thirty Corn Bunting. We had good views of a male Finsch’s Wheatear, one of the area’s resident Little Owls and a male Hen Harrier so they made up for it. Two Long-legged Buzzard were soaring in the distance over Anarita village.
In the morning I had visited the Paphos Headland. There were forty nine Golden Plover, four Greater Sand Plover and a Dunlin on the coast and in the archaeological site I found at least eleven Woodlark, a couple of Common Starling and the usual winter visitors – Eurasian Skylark, Common Stonechat, Black Redstart, Meadow Pipit, Common Chaffinch, Song Thrush and resident Common Linnet, Sardinian Warbler and Spanish Sparrow.
A day of Cyprus winter birding with Angela and Ronald around Paphos. On our way to Evretou Dam we passed over the Tsada/Minthis Hill track and stopped to watch flocks of finches – Serin, Linnet, Chaffinch. Greenfinches and Goldfinches as well as several singing Corn Bunting. Near the deep end of Evretou Dam two Long-legged Buzzard were soaring and they passed over us later when we arrived at the shallow end. On the dam we found Grey Heron, Northern Shoveler, Common Coot. Great Cormorant and Little Grebe. A stop in orchards along the stream which runs parallel to the track from Skarafos Bridge gave us good views of male and female Blackcap, Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Sardinian Warbler, European Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Chaffinch. A rail-type species flew into the deep vegetation too quickly for us to get any ID pointers.
Heading south back into Paphos we saw a couple of Common Buzzard near the road side. Our next stop was Anarita Park where we were able to get good views of three male Finsch’s Wheatear – one of them obligingly close to where we ate our lunch in the winter sunshine. Two large birds of prey flew low into the area in front of us and landed on a slope. The local Magpie population headed straight towards them and we were pleased to see an adult and a juvenile Bonelli’s Eagle. They stayed for about fifteen minutes until flying off heading north. A Little Owl sat perched on a rock watching us throughout our stay while many Stonechat, a couple of Western Black Redstart, a Chukar and seven Woodlark were also seen.
At Paphos Sewage Works we found at least fifteen Spur-winged Lapwing as well as six Cattle Egret and more flocks of finches as well as many Meadow Pipit, several Spanish Sparrow and some Eurasian Skylark. At least 300 Common Wood-pigeon were in the area as were many Hooded Crow. The best bird of that location though was an impressive male Hen Harrier that flew over the alfalfa fields putting all the small birds to flight. The surprise of the day was also seen there – a single Barn Swallow – an early sighting for the west of the island.
At Asprokremmos Dam we checked the large flock of Yellow-legged Gull on the water and were able to pick out a couple of adult Caspian Gull although there may well have been more. A singing male Cyprus Warbler held our attention for a while until the setting sun meant it was time to return Angela and Ronald to their hotel in Kato Paphos. Some good birds on a warm winter day and thanks to Angela and Ronald for their company.
Forty nine species seen:
Little Grebe, Great Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Northern Shoveler, Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Kestrel, Chukar, Eurasian Coot, Spur-winged Lapwing, Yellow-legged Gull, Caspian Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Little Owl, Crested Lark, Woodlark, Eurasian Skylark, Barn Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, European Robin, Western Black Redstart, Common Stonechat, Finsch’s Wheatear, Eurasian Blackbird, Song Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Sardinian Warbler, Cyprus Warbler, 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, Corn Bunting.
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