Cyprus Days 5-6
27th April
Going to try Larnaca area again today as off to Cape Greco this afternoon with the wife. Normally managed to see a few birds whilst walking in the area. First stop the Salt Lake. Normally stuff on Salt Lake Black Winged Stilts and Flamingos.
Next I thought I would take the dirt track again as surely something has to turn up. Boom a stunning Male Red-backed Shrike about time. Sadly I manage a few quick photos before it disappears. Then believe it or not a dog walker appears with a pretty big scary looking dog. I will try here again on way home.
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake (record shot)
Larnaca SW is bit quieter, normally stuff as well as Male Shovler. A couple of what looks like Blue-headed Wagtails are on the Sewage works Bank. 3 collared Pratincoles are in the ploughed field. As I get back in car a party of 15-20 Red Throated pipits are moving through the field. To far for a decent photo. Not much new about in other areas and all very distant.
Blue-headed Wagtail - Larnaca Sewage works
I stopped for another quick look in the Larnaca SW hide a few Yellow Wagtails (Blue-headed Wagtails) were on the gravel area and 3 Black Terns were in attendance. Was also here I met Jane Stylianou who runs Cyprus Birdwatching Tours. Was great to finally put a face to the name.
Blue-headed Wagtail - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-throated Pipit - Larnaca
The beach was my next stop were sadly a Green Turtle had washed up dead on the beach. They lay their eggs on some of the beaches around the island. A rare and protected species. I refused to take a picture like some of the locals. As I would rather see this amazing animal alive in all its glory.
Final stop of the morning was the area the shrike was in again. Result it was still here I drove on to turn the car around so I would have a better angle from the car. As I drove on I caught site of 3 Doves in a bush I normally turn away as this country is full of Collared Doves but thought I would check them out through the bins. Result 3 Turtle Doves. A new bird for me. I managed a few distant photos before I moved on for the RB Shrike.
Turtle Dove - Larnaca Salt Lake
Turtle Dove - Larnaca Salt Lake
The Shrike didn't disappoint it was very confiding and was hunting insects right outside the window. What an amazing site. I watched for about 20mins before realizing it was time to get back for Breakfast. A Sardinian Warbler also showed its self for a spilt second before disappearing into cover.
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Quick stop at Oroklini 2nd Hide produced 8 Glossy Ibis.
Glossy Ibis - Oroklini Lake
On route to Cape Grekco I had to swerve the car to miss a Cyprus Whip snake that was crossing the road. I had only seen these previously in the area near to the Picnic site at Cape Grecko. A good sign.
Cape Greco
Cape Greco
Cape Greko was very quite not that I was hear to bird ( that's what the wife thought) A lone Cyprus Wheatear and a few Crested Larks were the only bits about. It's well worth a visit as its a beautiful area and anything can turn up.
Crested Lark - Cape Greco
After a lunch break in Protars we headed back to Cape Grecko to walk around the area near to the Picnic site. I managed to find a few Cyprus Warblers and 100s of House Sparrows.
Cyprus Warbler - Cape Greco
House Sparrow - Cape Greco
Cape Greco
I have tried to turn Hannah into a photographer
There were no snakes and very few lizards in the area. A few butterfly were on the wing. Plenty of Clouded Yellows and some kind of grayling.
We checked out Agia Thekela on the way home a great wintering spot for Greater Sand plover. House Martins normally nest in the eves of the church. Today nothing.
After dropping Hannah off at the apartment I had 30mins at Oroklini. The 2 nd hide had lots of smaller waders to difficult to work out what as they were right into the sun. A pair of terns were on the deck in the distance. The main hide had all the usually bits as well as a Garganey and 2 Little Terns were flying around coming really close to the hide. I am crap at flight shots but this was to go an opportunity to "tern" down. Was tricky and these were my best efforts from about 200 attempts.
Little Tern - Oroklini Lake
28th April
Returned to Cape Grecko to try for 2 Endemics. Cyprus Wheatear and Cyprus Warbler. I had seen both but had yet to get a decent photo. I arrived in the area and had a Red footed falcon drift over the car. I drove up and down looking for Cyprus Wheatear I found 3 but all not photographable as they were distant and out of the car i can't get close to these birds. There was a Starred Agama that didn't disappear so managed a few pics of this lizard. A pair of Chukar were up some rocks there call reminds me slightly of Ptarmigan.
Chukar - Cape Greco
Starred Agama - Cape Greco
I went for a walk around the picnic site and had Spectacled warbler which was clearly feeding chicks somewhere in the area and my first Painted Lady butterfly of the year.
Spectacled Warbler - Cape Greco
It was Cyprus Warbler I was after. It took a while before I nailed one down and managed an ok shot. I also saw a few calling from the top of a tree. I tracked a few around the shrubby area before finally getting what i was after.
Cyprus Warbler - Cape Greco
Cyprus Warbler - Cape Greco
I got back in the car to try agin for the Wheatears I found one at the church area and managed a pretty bad picture. It was here I heard a call I hadn't heard before. It took a while to locate but it was a male Black-headed bunting. Wow I hadn't seen one before then boom there was the female. So i am told These birds are pretty rare in Cyprus only spending a month before moving on.
Cyprus Wheatear - Cape Greco
Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco
Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco
Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco
Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco
Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco
I Id this bird below as female Black-headed Bunting but have now been informed its actually an Ortolan Bunting. I didn't even check the Id books as both birds were together and flew off together. Presumption is the mother of all f@$k ups. Thanks to Gary Thoburn for putting me right. New tick and i didn't even now it.
Ortolan Bunting - Cape Greco
I also had a female Red-backed Shrike in the same area. Eventful end to the morning.
Red-backed Shrike (female) - Cape Greco
Pulled into Oroklini on the way home nothing new in. Counted over 160 Cattle Egrets/Little Egrets and over 40 Black-winged Stilts. A female Red-created Pochard, Reed Warbler, Ringed Plover and a female Blackcap were new holiday ticks.
Cattle and Little Egrets - Oroklini Lake
