Bob the Birder: Meanwhile back in Cyprus

Sunday, 19 May 2013

Meanwhile back in Cyprus

OK after a bit of, is it, isn't it? UK twitching there is some unfinished holiday blogging to tidy up. I've been going to Cyprus for years and even after the main migration is petering out in May there are usually still some great birds to be seen and the odd surprise. Remember I don't go out at the crack of dawn to various hotspots around the island. We have some regular walks around the Paphos district plus at least one visit to the Akamas near Neo Chorio. Highlight of the first couple of days were a Spur winged plover on the rocks near the Pioneer Beach Hotel and Black Francolin, LRP, Roller, and Spanish Sparrow at the ford end of the Asprokremnos Reservoir. Day 3 was very hot consequently bird sightings were low at the 'orchard' end of Smylies trail but did include Masked, Red backed and Woodchat Shrikes and the only Black headed Bunting of the holiday.
The next day started with a walk around Kouklia best birds being Olivaceous warbler, Squacco, Little Bittern and a single female Golden Oriole. Agia Varvara was remarkable for the number of large insects about, almost plague proportions and even though Raptor numbers were relatively low on our first visit it was noticeable that the number of Falcons and Harriers increased by the end of our stay. In fact, although this was not a birding holiday Raptor watching at Anarita Park became a regular pastime. By the end of our holiday there were Marsh and Montague's Harriers, 3 Red footed Falcons, and 20+ Kestrels/Lesser Kestrels as well as Whinchat, Roller, Stone Curlew, Red rumped Swallow and Corn Bunting.