Birding and other distractions

The main visit this morning was to Asprokremmos Dam where I hoped to see Cyprus Warbler. Weather was again warm and sunny. My information on a location for the warbler proved very accurate and there were at least two singing males on a scrubby hillside to the south of the dam. A very attractive species endemic to Cyprus. Also at the dam a flock of 20 Bee-eater flew over, plus Zitting Cisticola and Chukar were seen. Near the Paphos Sewage treatment plant I was surprised to find two Spur-winged Plover on the road, birds which then moved to an adjacent field making a total of seven there.  A single Wood Sandpiper was also in the area. Good numbers of butterflies along a nearby track, including Clouded Yellows and Painted Ladies. Cyprus Warbler Cyprus Warbler Area for Cyprus Warbler Wood Sandpiper Spur-winged Plover Spur-winged Plover Painted Lady

A relatively short time in the field today starting at Anarita Park, with some very obliging Corn Buntings and two Red-rumped Swallow, though otherwise nothing particularly noteworthy. A second visit to Agia Varvara was rewarded with much better views of the male Little Crake, then a Wryneck in a leafless tree. Several Great Reed Warblers were present, plus a Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, and Blackcap. The last visit was back to Mandria, exploring the coastline and nearby fields to the east. The highlight was a pair of Black Francolin, plus there were four Red-throated Pipit and an amazingly close Kestrel.  Agia Varvara Corn Bunting Corn Bunting Male Little Crake Wryneck Great Reed Warbler Common Whitethroat Blackcap Sardinian Warbler Sardinian Warbler Black Francolin Black Francolin Kestrel

The first day's birding in Cyprus after arrival yesterday. Weather was sunny with a cool breeze, though soon warming up. I started at Agia Varvara where the highlights were Little Crake, Purple Heron, Woodchat, and two Rollers, the latter seen well. I then tried Mandria, on the coast. A Stone Curlew was an early find, near the beach. Further west a field of cereals held a large flock (c50) of Yellow Wagtails included at least one Black-headed male. Cultivated fields a short distance away had Red-throated Pipits, female Black-eared Wheatear, and a female Northern Wheatear looking very much like an Isabelline. A male Montague's Harrier flew through at quite close range. In the evening I went slightly inland to Mavrokolympos Dam. Parking near the reservoir and walking the track yielded Common Redstart, Whinchat, Whitethroat, and a Woodchat. However, the main objective for visiting the site was successful in that I found two Cyprus Wheatears, though neither were close. They were bo...

Lighter winds than yesterday so it felt warmer in the sunshine. A good day to find reptiles with a total of eleven Adders and four Slow-worms. Of the Adders one was in DV, seven in TF, one in PV, and two in SB. Of those in TF six were under refugia. They included two juveniles, very likely the same individuals seen on the previous visit as found in the same location. The others in TF were four males, and one likely female. Once sloughed the sex will be more evident,  though no ne of the snakes had shed yet, a possible exception being one of the two males in SB. The warm conditions brought out the butterflies with eight Brimstone, two Comma, and two Peacock. The Brimstones included one female. One Marsh Tit was heard, a Bullfinch was as elusive as ever, and there were two Buzzards.  A grassy field near the church held a collection of gulls including two Mediterranean. The only Adder in TF not under refugia. Juvenile Adder and Slow-worm  Impressive male in TF Probable femal...

My third visit to Hothfield today for the long staying Great Grey Shrike, having dipped on two previous occasions in the winter. Weather was dry and mostly sunny though with a cold northerly wind. Fortunately the bird was seen soon after arrival and then showed on and off over the next hour and a half, being fairly mobile. On occasions it came within 50-100 metres. Other birds at Hothfield included a Yellowhammer and Tree Creeper. Then onto Godmersham where Hawfinches had been seen near the church during March. However, there had been no recent reports so our lack of success today was no great surprise. Good numbers of Greenfinch were present in the churchyard. Three Red Kites flew over, and there was a Grey Wagtail on the river. Hothfield Common Great Grey Shrike  Yellowhammer  Godmersham church  Ancient Yew in the churchyard  Red Kite