|
Early November is apparently not a prime time for bird watching in Cyprus. Virtually all of the migrant breeders have left the island by that time and the autumn migration is almost com-pletely over. The huge flocks of wintering birds have just begun to fill the few bodies of water left after six months of drought. This at the same time has the obvious benefit that birds con-centrates to a few spots which makes them easier to find.
But, if you can't manage to visit Cyprus at any other time of the year, e.g. at spring time, don't hesitate! Go there anyway, and you will most certainly have good birding! We had, as you will see further down.
Weather
The weather was settled most of the week with almost clear skies with weak or moderate winds, mostly varying during a day between NE and NW. The 7th of November was the only day that was cloudy throughout. We heard thunder a distance away from Larnaca on the 8th and when we visited the easternmost part of the island on that day we saw clear evidence (puddles of water) of recent rather heavy rain. We also experienced a short but intense shower in the vicinity of Dekeleia on the 8th, with the largest raindrops we ever had seen! Because of the ragged plastic roof of the car we were lucky to be able to move in high speed on the mo-torway!
Air temperatures at Larnaca were slowly decreasing during the week, see diagram
which shows the temperature at sunrise (when the temperature reaches its lowest
levels during 24 hours), at sunset and the maximum temperature, respectively.
When visiting the Troodos in the afternoon on the 5th at an elevation of almost 1 200 meters above sea level, the air temperature was considerably lower, it was rather chilly in fact.
The visibility was moderate throughout the week, about ten kilometres.
Flight
We bought flight tickets from Apollo, a Swedish travel agent www.apollo.se, who engages Novair, at a cost of SEK 2 448 (about € 270). Above that you might wish to pay for travel insurances (SEK 150) or meals onboard (SEK 95). This was a direct flight from Stockholm-Arlanda to Larnaca in a very traditional charter style. The flight time is about 4 hours 15 min-utes. One major disadvantage that you might feel is the inconvenient flight times. We de-parted Stockholm at 19:55 local time and arrived at Larnaca at 01:10 local time. Or at least we should have, but the flight was delayed with about an hour. The flight back to Sweden com-menced on the 9th at 02:10! Or it should have, the flight was delayed with one hour once again and for the same reason (the delay originated from a tour to the Canaries!). On the other hand we had seven full days, from dawn to dusk. When you fly with e.g. Ving, who engages My-Travel Airways, at roughly the same price, you depart Stockholm in the morning, thus arriv-ing at Larnaca around midday. The return flight departs Larnaca in the early afternoon. This arrangement gives you more comfortable flight times and about the same amount of time available for birding, but the time is spread over six whole days and two half days. The choice is up to whom concerned.
Summer time ceased in Cyprus on the 30th of October, as it did in Sweden, so the difference in time between Sweden and Cyprus is one (1) hour throughout the year; thus GMT +2 hours in winter.
First light was at about 05:45 and sunrise at 06:10. Sunset was at about 16:50.
Transport
We rented a car from A. Petsas & Sons Ltd. via the agent Cyprus Car Rental http://www.cyprus-car-rental.co.uk/. As we had plans to visit a couple of sites which you can reach by only very rough roads, and we could not completely rule out the risk for rains, we wanted a car with four wheel drive. The choice fell on a Suzuki Vitara with manual gear and soft top at a cost of CYP 125.30 (about SEK 2 000 or € 220), including "everything" but petrol for 7 days. No air condition, which we in fact could have had use for most of the days when the sunshine heated up the car. We picked up the pre-booked car at the airport where the office is open 24 hours. The car is delivered with a full tank of petrol which you have to pay for (CYP 23.00) and you are supposed to return the vehicle empty! The soft top, i.e. the plastic roof, turned out to have considerable damages in the rear, but in the middle of the night with only two hours until dawn we didn't have the energy to argue about that. That was perhaps a mistake, as this had the consequence that a lot of dust from behind the car was inhaled through the holes in the roof. In the early morning on the 7th, a Sunday, the car refused to start; the battery was almost empty for some reason. We phoned at about 06:00 to the office at the airport and they replied the second time we tried. Eventually, at about 08:15, another car, a Toyota RAV 4 with automatic gear and air condition, was delivered, i.e. an upgrade, at no extra cost. The soft top on this car was broken too, but who has the time and energy?! To be on a Sunday morning in a country that is "very closed" on Sundays, we must say that to get a car replaced in two hours is good service!
All cars in Cyprus have their steering-wheels on the right hand side, because one drives on the left hand side of the road. The traffic is intense, and one has to be "alerted".
Unfortunately we forgot to check the trip meter so we can't tell the total distance we travelled over the island, but we burned up petrol for CYP 77.47 (SEK 1 240; € 140) at a price of about CYP 0.50 per litre. This means that we roughly travelled about 1 500 kilometres.
Accommodation
Our choice was to stay in Larnaca, because we thought that we probably would spend quite some time at one of the prime sites on the island, the Larnaca Sewage Works. The other op-tion would have been Limassol, close to another excellent birding area, the Akrotiri peninsula, and more centrally situated on the island if you want to tour both east and west. We pre-booked a self-catering studio (a twin bedroom with open plan kitchenette, all kitchen utensils, shower, W.C.) at Livadhiotis Apartments, category B, http://www.cyprus-holiday-directory.com/livadiotis.html in central Larnaca via A. A. Cyprus Apartments http://www.cyprus-apartments.net/. The cost was CYP 119.00 (17.00 per night) as this is low season. Air-conditioning is extra at CYP 2.00 per night, which we thought was worth spend-ing. The room we were showed in the first place contained only one (!) bed, so we had that immediately changed to another studio with two beds at no extra cost. So, therefore when you pre-book a room, be clear about how many beds you want! : The hotel was renovated in 2003. Because of our late flight back to Sweden we were aloud to stay in our room until 21:00 at a cost of CYP 11.00.
Other
The Cyprus Birdline, run by Jeff Gordon for many years, is closed since the end of October 2004. Therefore it will not be as easy as usual in the future to get updated information about birds on the island. The website of Birdlife Cyprus http://www.birdlifecyprus.org/ is cur-rently not updated very frequently, but you can get reach of some older month reports there as well as the report for 2000.
A detailed and updated map of Cyprus is bloody hard to find! We had most use of a map which was published in 2000 since it seems to be the most detailed and the most reliable map that we had seen. On the other hand the newly built motorways, especially east of Larnaca, isn't showed very well or not at all; Cyprus. Holiday Map. Allianz. Marco Polo. Scale 1: 200 000. Year of print: 2000. Mairs Geographischer Verlag, Ostfildern, Germany. ISBN 3-89525-573-4.
Most of the birding guides available are old and the only one, as far as we know, which is useful, if not to say essential, is A Birdwatching Guide to Cyprus, by Arthur Stagg & Graham Hearl (1998), Arlequin Press (ISBN 1 900159 80 5). As a valuable reference, although more than ten years old now, we recommend The Birds of Cyprus by Peter Flint & Peter Stewart (1992), B.O.U. Checklist No. 6 (Second Edition). Very informative are the annual reports published by Birdlife Cyprus, not to mention the monthly reports in their Newsletter.
Itinerary
Our intention was to use the 11 hours of daylight as efficient as possible, which meant a lot of driving on the motorways before dawn and after dusk. We failed that only one morning, when the car refused to co-operate! All in all we managed to do some 75 hours birding. And we enjoyed it!
Tuesday 2nd November
We arrived at Larnaca Airport at about 01:30. We picked up the car and drove
to Larnaca and our hotel where we checked in and had an hours rest before the
alarm clock rang at 05:00! We went straight to the hide, purpose built for bird
watching, at the two settling lagoons of the Larnaca Sewage Works. The water
level was several meters below the normal spring level, which made it more difficult
to survey the dams. On the other hand this seemed to be the only fresh water
available in the vicinity of Larnaca. The Larnaca Salt Lake was virtually dry
and all the adjacent pools were bone dry; Airport Pools, Meneou Pools and Spiro's
Pool. The Larnaca Sewage Works isn't described in any guides that we are aware
of, but follow the directions how to get to Spiro's Pool, e.g. in Stagg &
Hearl (1998), and you will see the brown painted hide on your left. It's most
often possible to go there by car.
After some hours we went off for Oroklini Marsh, situated south of the village of Voroklini, between the motorway (A3) and the coastal way (B3). It turned out to be almost completely dry. Further east Achna Dam however held plenty of water and appeared to be well worth visiting.
In search of Gulls (we had e.g. Audouin's Gull in mind) we tried to reach beaches
and fishing shelters, but the only one where we saw a distant Yellow-legged
Gull was at Agia Triada. Next stop was Cape Greko, a prime area during migration
but now rather dull.
A new site is the Agia Napa Sewerage Works, just east of Agia Napa (signposted),
which consists of several fresh water dams, which apparently can attract migrant
passerines, but up to now very few water birds.
The coastal stretch from Agia Tekla to Potamos Liopetri was searched before
dusk.
Wednesday 3rd November
We arrived at about dawn to the area of Quarry Beach and Kensington Cliffs,
west of Limas-sol. First we made a stop above the cliffs, at about 100 meters
above sea level, to scan the rock face. After that we drove the very rough and
steep road down to Quarry Beach, where one can view the birds, especially the
vultures and other birds of prey, at a closer distance. It's even possible to
scan the cliffs from there for Wallcreeper!
At about lunchtime we went off further west, first to check the Avdimou Valley
and also to make a short stop at Petra tou Romiou.
The Asprokremmos Dam Pools turned up to be more productive and in search of
different kinds of Wheatear, Little Owl and whatever, we explored quite an area
west of the Asprok-remmos Dam, from Nata to Agia Varvara, including the deserted
village of Foinikas. A site called Anarita Park is from November to March a
reliable spot for Finsch's Wheatear.
Just before dusk we reached the Mandria area, east of Pafos Airport.
Thursday 4th November
This day started with another morning at the Larnaca Sewage Works, where after
we drove to Dhypotamos Dam, hardly worth the effort. The Stavrovouniou was paid
a visit, more for the possibility to find Cyprus Wheatear than for anything
else. In the late afternoon until dusk the beach from Potamos Liopetri and as
far west towards Cape Pyla as we were able to go by car was scanned. Off this
beach there are some fish culture arrangements, which apparently at-tract both
Cormorants and Gulls.
Friday 5th November
This day was primarily set aside for the Akrotiri peninsula. We started from
the east with checking the Zakaki Marsh and Pools, where we appreciated very
much the favourable light conditions at this time of the day. Just when we were
checking the pools at Lady's Mile we were interrupted by the WSBA police. This
area lies within the Western Sovereign Base Area and apparently hosts a number
of "sensitive" installations. CAUTION: when you are birding in, or
in the vicinity of, the sovereign base areas, or at any military installation
(including camps of the National Guard) or at the international airports, or
close to the Green Line (the border to the area occupied by Turkish troops),
be careful when you use binoculars and tele-scopes and NEVER PHOTOGRAPH in these
areas! This patrol consisted of a "senior" officer and a trainee,
so we had to do all the exercise from the beginning to the end and the form
was filled completely! The final word was that we were aloud to watch the birds,
but not the in-stallations!
We had breakfast at the southern shore of the Akrotiri Salt Lake, just north
of the western (military!) observation tower. The lake held some water and consequently
some birds. The gate in the fence south of the lake was open so we paid a short
visit to Bishop's Pool. This gate is normally open during working hours, otherwise
it's closed and at these times it's not possible to go there. Be careful not
to be locked in!
Via Akrotiri Gravel Pits, who held virtually no water at all, we reached the
Fasouri Reed Beds. The meadow held quite some water and was fun to spend some
time at.
We decided to go to the Troodos area for a "quicky", i.e. to spot the endemics. We were lucky and spotted the Coal Tit, the Short-toed Treecreeper and the Jay without much work. On the way up we scanned Kouris Dam, which was a disappointment!
The day was ended up at the Zakaki Marsh when the light conditions were bad in the eve-ning sun.
Saturday 6th November
This was the day for the far west, and because of that we got up an hour earlier
than usual, at 04:00. Our intention was to walk the Avgas Gorge the few hours
in the morning before the groups of tourists invade it. And we succeeded with
that intention, but we failed to see any Wallcreeper. But the place is worth
visiting, anyway.
Driving south from Agios Georgios we made a stop at a reptile exhibition, where we were able to see live specimens of all the snake species of Cyprus, including some Blunt-nosed Vipers. This species is highly venomous and if bitten you have to reach medical help within 12 hours. The exhibition also showed some other reptiles, such as Chameleon. A guided tour was appreciated.
After a short stop for lunch at Mavrokolympos Dam, which held water but no birds, we went off for some irrigated fields close to Pafos Sewerage Works, west of Pafos Airport down the Ezousa River. There we met some local birders who we accompanied with to Mandria and to Asprokremmos Dam Pools. Among others we had the pleasure to meet both the former recorder of Birdlife Cyprus, Jeff Gordon, and his successor, Colin Richardson.
The last hour of daylight was spent at Fasouri Reed Beds.
Sunday 7th November
The bloody car refused to start this morning, despite some efforts and with
a helpful hand from the night receptionist at our hotel. After a couple of hours
of waiting, listening to the church bells from the Lazarus Church, another car
was delivered and we went off for the Lar-naca Sewage Works, where we spent
the entire day. This day was more or less cloudy throughout so the light conditions
permitted good birding all the time. Otherwise the place is clearly best in
the early morning.
Monday 8th November
Even this day, our last on this trip, began at the Larnaca Sewage Works. But
not much seemed to had happened since yesterday, so we went off rather soon
to Achna Dam. Thereafter we scanned Cape Greko and the Agia Napa Sewerage Works,
returning to Larnaca Sewage Works and ended up the day at the mosque Hala Sultan
Tekkesi at the Larnaca Salt Lake.
Annotated species list
We follow the systematic adopted by
" Josep del Hoyo, et al.. 1992-2004. Handbook of the Birds of the World.
Vol. I - IX. Lynx Ediciones. Barcelona.
" Stanley Cramp & C. M. Perrins. 1988-1994. Handbook of the Birds of
Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Vol. V - IX. Oxford University Press.
Oxford.
Little Grebe /Smådopping/ Tachybaptus r. ruficollis (PALLAS
1764).
A common and numer-ous species in almost every wetland visited, except for the
largest reservoirs with sparse vegetation. Seen on every visit to Larnaca Sewage
Works, where it was very numerous, at least 300 estimated on the 4th. Display
was frequently heard. It was also seen on both visits to Achna Dam, where c.
180 was counted on the 2nd. Other gatherings were c. 15 at Zakaki Marsh on the
5th, c. 25 at Bishop's Pool on the 5th and c. 30 at Fasouri Reed Beds also on
the 5th. Moreover 6 were seen in one of the pools at the Agia Napa Sewerage
Works on the 2nd, 1 at Asprokremmos Dam Pools on the 3rd and 1 at Akrotiri Gravel
Pits on the 5th.
Black-necked Grebe /Svarthalsad dopping/ Podiceps n. nigricollis
BREHM 1831.
This species was seen only at the Larnaca Sewage Works: c. 10 on the 2nd, c.
6 on the 4th and c. 8 on both the 7th and the 8th. All of them were in winter
plumage. They were not easy to count as they were frequently diving; they were
spread all over the northern one of the two pools and to some extent also eclipsed
in the large gatherings of Little Grebes.
Great White Pelican /Vit pelikan/ Pelecanus onocrotalus LINNAEUS
1758.
Just one sighting, a first year bird at Zakaki Marsh on the 5th.
Great Cormorant /Storskarv/ Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (BLUMENBACH
1798).
Cormorants were seen on all visits to Larnaca Sewage Works in increasing numbers:
1 adult on the 2nd, 3 on the 4th, 39 on the 7th and 23 on the 8th. On the 3rd
two (2) were seen flying over the Asprokremmos Dam wall and one (1) was seen
in the dam itself close to Foinikas on that date. Four (4) birds were seen off
Potamos Liopetri on the 4th, though it could not be ruled out that they could
have been Shags, due to long observation distance. The other sightings were:
1 adult at Bishop's Pool on the 5th; 1 at Kouris Dam on the 5th; 7 at Achna
Dam on the 8th.
European Shag /Toppskarv/ Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii (PAYRAUDEAU
1826).
A local species and only recorded at two sites on the south west coast: 3 adults
at Kensington Cliffs on the 3rd and 5 on rocks off Petra tou Romiou on the same
date. Note the subspe-cies, which is a resident breeder in the Mediterranean
and Black Seas.
Grey Heron /Gråhäger/ Ardea c. cinerea LINNAEUS 1758.
Almost a dozen sightings: 1 or 2 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 2nd, 4th, 7th
and 8th; 1 at Achna Dam on the 2nd but 6 there on the 8th; 1 at Foinikas on
the 3rd; 1 at Dhypotamos Dam on the 4th; 50 at Zakaki Marsh at dusk on the 5th;
c. 20 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 5th; 2 at Bishop's Pool on the 5th.
Purple Heron /Purpurhäger/ Ardea p. purpurea LINNAEUS 1766.
Just one sighting of a sin-gle bird at Achna Dam on the 2nd.
Great White Egret /Ägretthäger/ Egretta a. alba (LINNAEUS
1758).
Three sightings: 1 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 4th; 4 at Zakaki Marsh on
the 5th; 15 (!) at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th.
Little Egret /Silkeshäger/ Egretta g. garzetta (LINNAEUS
1766).
Four sightings with singles at Achna Dam on the 2nd and on the 8th, 2 at Foinikas
on the 3rd and a huge gathering of 27 at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th.
European White Stork /Vit stork/ Ciconia c. ciconia (LINNAEUS
1758).
A single adult stay-ing at Bishop's Pool on the 5th was the one and only sighting.
Glossy Ibis /Bronsibis/ Plegadis falcinellus (LINNAEUS 1766).
Two (2) birds were seen at Achna Dam on both the 2nd and the 8th, presumably
the same birds on both occasions.
Eurasian Spoonbill /Skedstork/ Platalea l. leucorodia LINNAEUS
1758.
Six (6) seen at Lar-naca Sewage Works on the 2nd and 7 there on the 4th, but
only one (1) on both the 7th and the 8th. Two (2) at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the
5th. All birds at Larnaca Sewage Works were first year birds.
Greater Flamingo /Större Flamingo/ Phoenicopterus ruber roseus
PALLAS 1811.
A gather-ing at the Larnaca Sewage Works was estimated on two occasions: c.
760 on the 2nd (with only 4 juveniles!); c. 650 on the 4th; unknown number on
the 7th but with only 2 juveniles! C. 2 300 at the Akrotiri Salt Lake on the
5th.
Greater White-fronted Goose /Bläsgås/ Anser a. albifrons
(SCOPOLI 1769).
A flock of 11 (5 adults and 6 juveniles) were seen at the Larnaca Sewage Works
on both the 7th and 8th.
Common Shelduck /Gravand/ Tadorna tadorna (LINNAEUS 1758).
At the Larnaca Sewage Works 9 were seen on the 7th and 5 on the 8th.
Eurasian Wigeon /Bläsand/ Anas penelope LINNAEUS 1758.
Eight (8) at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 2nd, only one (1) there on the 7th,
but four (4; 1 male, 3 fem) on the 8th. Four (4) at Zakaki Marsh on the 5th.
Gadwall /Snatterand/ Anas strepera LINNAEUS 1758.
Only one sighting: 1 juvenile at Lar-naca Sewage Works on the 7th.
Common Teal /Kricka/ Anas c. crecca LINNAEUS 1758.
Seen at Larnaca Sewage Works on every visit, and the number was estimated to
c. 185 on the 4th. C. 75 at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th. Three other sightings
in only single figures: 2 at Asprokremmos Dam Pools on the 3rd; 1 at Bishop's
Pool on the 5th; 7 at Achna Dam on the 8th.
Mallard /Gräsand/ Anas p. platyrhynchos LINNAEUS 1758.
Numerous at Larnaca Sewage Works on all visits, the number estimated to c. 200
on the 4th. About 50 were seen grazing on a harvested cereal field just north
of this place on the 7th. Only seen at two other occa-sions: two pairs at Bishop's
Pool on the 5th; 16 at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th.
Northern Pintail /Stjärtand/ Anas a. acuta LINNAEUS 1758.
Not very numerous at Larnaca Sewage Works, where it was seen on every visit,
though. Two notes: 4 on the 4th; 10 on the 7th. Moreover one sighting: 14 at
Zakaki Marsh on the 5th.
Garganey /Årta/ Anas querquedula LINNAEUS 1758.
Two sightings: a pair at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th and 4 birds at Zakaki
Marsh on the same date.
Northern Shoveler /Skedand/ Anas clypeata LINNAEUS 1758.
Very numerous at Larnaca Sewage Works, where the number was estimated to c.
440 on the 4th. Moreover 5 were seen at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th.
Common Pochard /Brunand/ Aythya ferina (LINNAEUS 1758).
Seen at the Larnaca Sewage Works on all visits, where 68 were counted on the
4th and 58 on the 7th. Not recorded else-where.
Ferruginous Duck /Vitögd dykand/ Aythya nyroca (GÜLDENSTÄDT
1770).
3 (1 male? and 2 females) at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 7th and 5 (2 males
and 3 females) there on the next day.
Tufted Duck /Vigg/ Aythya fuligula (LINNAEUS 1758).
2 juvenile birds seen at the Larnaca Sewage Works on both the 7th and the 8th.
These were not easy to identify, bearing the pre-vious species in mind, but
the profile of the head is diagnostic. As the Ferruginous Ducks were always
seen together, these two birds never seemed to join them, which also gave us
a hint.
Eurasian Griffon /Gåsgam/ Gyps f. fulvus (HABLIZL 1783).
Nine (9) birds were seen at the Kensington Cliffs on the 3rd. They seemed to
have spent the night there and began to fly around at about 09:00. Some of the
birds were wing tagged, but we could not see if there were any inscriptions
on them. These nine birds represent about one third of the islands to-tal population
of Griffons in present time!
Eurasian Black Vulture /Grågam/ Aegypius monachus (LINNAEUS
1766).
One adult were seen at Kensington Cliffs on the 3rd together with the Griffons.
This individual was discovered in January 2002, when it was subadult, and has
stayed on the island since. This is the first bird of this former breeder in
Cyprus for 20 years! Let's hope that a mate finds its way here soon!
Western Marsh Harrier /Brun kärrhök/ Circus ae. aeruginosus
(LINNAEUS 1758).
Four sightings, involving possibly 8-10 individuals: 1 adult male at Larnaca
Sewage Works on the 2nd; 2 (male and female) at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th;
6 at Fasouri Reed Beds in the late afternoon on the 6th; 1 juvenile at Larnaca
Sewage Works on the 7th.
Hen Harrier /Blå kärrhök/ Circus c. cyaneus (LINNAEUS
1766).
1 female coloured (female or juvenile) at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 5th.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk /Sparvhök/ Accipiter n. nisus (LINNAEUS
1758).
1 seen at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th.
Steppe Buzzard /Ormvråk/ Buteo buteo vulpinus GLOGER 1833.
1 seen at Quarry Beach on the 3rd, possibly migrating along the coast.
Long-legged Buzzard /Örnvråk/ Buteo r. rufinus (CRETZSCHMAR
1827).
Two sightings: 1 of intermediate morph (forgot to note the age, as it was sitting
in an aerial!) at Asprokremmos Dam Pools on the 3rd and 1 first year, also of
intermediate morph, at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th. The latter were flying
in a NW direction, possibly returning from an attempt to migrate south from
the Akrotiri peninsula.
Bonelli's Eagle /Hökörn/ Hieraaetus f. fasciatus (VIEILLOT
1822).
Two adults were seen above the hills just west of Foinikas on the 3rd.
Common Kestrel /Tornfalk/ Falco t. tinnunculus LINNAEUS 1758.
Very commonly seen throughout.
Red-footed Falcon /Aftonfalk/ Falco vespertinus LINNAEUS 1766.
Eight (8) birds were seen flying to south west at Fasouri Reed Beds at dusk
on the 6th.
Peregrine Falcon /Pilgrimsfalk/ Falco peregrinus brookei SHARPE
1873.
This species was recorded at four sites, of which two held pairs (males and
females); Quarry Beach and Avgas Gorge respectively. At Larnaca Sewage Works
an adult chased by a juvenile were seen on the 2nd and at the same site a lone
juvenile was seen performing a number of unsuccessful attacks on the 4th, 7th
and the 8th; it was once seen hitting a Teal and it had possibly also injured
a Slender-billed Gull. In the light of subsequent sightings at this site of
obviously the same individual, this bird is regarded to be of the eastern subspecies
F. p. calidus LATHAM 1790 (Colin Richardson, in litt.). Moreover
a male (age unknown) was seen at which Zakaki Marsh on the 5th. Note subspecies
F. p. brookei, which is a resident breeder in the Mediterranean east
to Caucasus. The subspecies F. p. calidus breeds on the Eurasian tundra
and winters in Africa or southern Asia.
Chukar /Berghöna/ Alectoris chukar cypriotes HARTERT 1917.
Seen every day at numerous locations, but never in particularly high numbers.
This subspecies is not confined to Cyprus only, and occurs also in adjacent
areas, e.g. Asia Minor.
Black Francolin /Svart frankolin/ Francolinus f. francolinus (LINNAEUS
1766).
Three (3) males were seen and heard singing at Zakaki Marsh in the early morning
on the 5th and a female was seen at Mandria on the 6th. That's the only sightings!
Eurasian Crane /Trana/ Grus grus (LINNAEUS 1758).
1 juvenile with a badly injured wing was seen at Larnaca Sewage Works on the
2nd and the 4th, and it was found dead on the same spot on the 7th. Nine (9;
5 ad. + 4 juv.) stayed at Larnaca Sewage Works for an hour and a half on the
4th; 1 single adult stayed at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 5th; a migrating flock
was heard at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th at 1045 hrs; a migrating flock was
heard at Troodos on the 5th at 1410 hrs; 7 (2 ad. + 5 juv.) stayed at Larnaca
Sewage Works on the 7th and the 8th; 2 more adults stayed at Larnaca Sewage
Works on the 7th; 10 were seen heading south over Meneou on the 7th at 0946
hrs.
Water Rail /Vattenrall/ Rallus a. aquaticus LINNAEUS 1758.
Four sightings of altogether at least eight (8) individuals: 3 at Zakaki Marsh
on the 5th; 2 at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th while 3 there on the following
day; 2 at Achna Dam on the 8th.
Common Moorhen /Rörhöna/ Gallinula ch. chloropus (LINNAEUS
1758).
Recorded at five sites, but not (!) at the Larnaca Sewage Works: 5 at Achna
Dam on the 2nd; 6 at Asprok-remmos Dam Pools on the 3rd; c. 60 at Zakaki Marsh
on the 5th; 15 at Bishop's Pool on the 5th; c. 50 at Fasouri Reed Beds on the
5th. Both adults and juveniles on all these sites.
Common Coot /Sothöna/ Fulica a. atra LINNAEUS 1758.
Very numerous at Larnaca Sewage Works on all visits, where c. 235 were estimated
on the 4th but c. 380 on the 7th. Recorded also at four other sites: 2 at Agia
Napa Sewerage Works on the 2nd; 35 at Zakaki Marsh on the 5th; 4 at Bishop's
Pool on the 5th; c. 100 at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th.
Stone-curlew /Tjockfot/ Burhinus oedicnemus saharae (REICHENOW
1894).
At least five (5) were seen and heard at a roost at Mandria on the 3rd. Besides
calling they were also heard displaying. Unfortunately this roost is threatened
by house building! This subspecies is the one breeding in Cyprus, and this sighting
most probably concerned that one. On the other hand, other subspecies could
possibly pass the island during migration and perhaps also spend the winter
there.
Northern Lapwing /Tofsvipa/ Vanellus vanellus (LINNAEUS 1758).
Singles or small flocks seen on nine sites: at Larnaca Sewage Works 9 were seen
on the 4th, 21 on the 7th but only 1 on the 8th; 1 at Oroklini Marsh on the
2nd; 1 at Achna Dam on the 2nd; 1 at Foinikas on the 3rd; 1 at Zakaki Marsh
on the 5th; 3 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 5th; 2 at Fasouri Reed Beds on the
5th; 11 at Pafos Sewerage Works on the 6th; 15 at Mandria on the 6th.
Spur-winged Lapwing /Sporrvipa/ Vanellus spinosus (LINNAEUS 1758).
Three (3) birds at Achna Dam on the 2nd is the only sighting.
Eurasian Golden Plover /Ljungpipare/ Pluvialis apricaria subsp.
(LINNAEUS 1758).
Three (3) birds were seen passing the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 4th. Which
one of the two subspecies this sighting concerned, is impossible to say; P.
a. apricaria or P. a. altifrons (C. L. BREHM 1831).
Common Ringed Plover /Större strandpipare/ Charadrius hiaticula
tundrae (LOWE 1915).
Seen in low numbers, never counted, at Larnaca Sewage Works on each occasion.
C. 30 at Larnaca Salt Lake, near the Tekke mosque, in the late afternoon on
the 8th. This subspecies is the more likely on distribution.
Kentish Plover /Svartbent strandpipare/ Charadrius a. alexandrinus
LINNAEUS 1758.
Seen in single figure numbers here and there along the coast in the vicinity
of Larnaca and Agia Napa. More numerous at Larnaca Sewage Works, where c. 130
were estimated on the 7th. It was also numerous at Lady's Mile, where perhaps
100 were seen on the 5th, but we didn't have the opportunity to count them!!!
Greater Sandplover /Ökenpipare/ Charadrius leschenaultii columbinus
WAGLER 1829.
1 bird in winter plumage at the pools by Lady's Mile on the 5th.
Common Snipe /Enkelbeckasin/ Gallinago g. gallinago (LINNAEUS
1758).
One (1) bird at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th but c. 25 at Zakaki Marsh on the
same date.
Eurasian Curlew /Storspov/ Numenius a. arquata (LINNAEUS 1758).
Besides one (1) bird at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th, only recorded at Larnaca
Sewage Works where there were 3 on the 2nd; 3+1 on the 4th, and 7 on both the
7th and 8th.
Spotted Redshank /Svartsnäppa/ Tringa erythropus (PALLAS
1764).
Only recorded at Larnaca Sewage Works: 2 on the 2nd; 8 on the 4th; 6 on the
7th.
Common Redshank /Rödbena/ Tringa t. totanus (LINNAEUS 1758).
Seen at Larnaca Sewage Works on all visits, with c. 15 as the highest number
on the 7th. Moreover two sightings: 1 at Oroklini Marsh on the 2nd; 1 at Agia
Napa Sewerage Works on the 2nd.
Green Sandpiper /Skogssnäppa/ Tringa ochropus LINNAEUS 1758.
2 at Zakaki Marsh on the 5th.
Wood Sandpiper /Grönbena/ Tringa glareola LINNAEUS 1758.
1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 5th.
Common Sandpiper /Drillsnäppa/ Actitis hypoleucos (LINNAEUS
1758).
One bird, or per-haps two, seen at Potamos Liopetri on the 2nd and the 4th.
Sanderling /Sandlöpare/ Calidris alba (PALLAS 1764).
Two (2) were seen at Larnaca Sew-age Works on the 2nd, while 1 seen there on
the 4th.
Little Stint /Småsnäppa/ Calidris minuta (LEISLER
1812).
Very numerous at Larnaca Sew-age Works on all visits, where c. 100 were estimated
on the 7th. Also 2 at Oroklini Marsh on the 2nd and c. 80 at Larnaca Salt Lake
on the 8th. Also numerous at Lady's Mile on the 5th.
Temminck's Stint /Mosnäppa/ Calidris temminckii (LEISLER
1812).
Three (3) at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 7th is the only sighting.
Dunlin /Kärrsnäppa/ Calidris a. alpina (LINNAEUS 1758).
Recorded at Larnaca Sewage Works on all visits, where 21 were counted on the
4th and c. 20 on the 7th. C. 10 were seen at Larnaca Salt Lake on the 8th.
Ruff /Brushane/ Philomachus pugnax (LINNAEUS 1758).
Two (2) at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 7th is the only sighting.
Yellow-legged Gull /Gulfotad trut/ Larus cachinnans subsp. PALLAS
1811.
Four (4; 1 adult, 1 2nd year and 2 juveniles) at Potamos Liopetri on the 4th.
The subspecies is uncertain due to long observation distance, but were most
probably L. (c.) michahellis, see next.
Yellow-legged Gull /Medelhavstrut/ Larus (c.) michahellis J.
F. NAUMANN 1840.
Seen in low or moderate numbers at Larnaca Sewage Works on all visits with three
counts: 3 (1 subadult and 2 juveniles) on the 2nd; 13 (6 adults and 7 juveniles)
on the 4th; 33 (mixed ages) on the 7th. The remaining sightings: 1 adult at
Agia Triada on the 2nd; 4 adults at Quarry Beach on the 3rd; 3 at Petra tou
Romiou on the 3rd.
Lesser Black-backed Gull /Silltrut/ Larus fuscus subsp. LINNAEUS
1758.
1 first year bird was seen at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 7th. We don't
have any indications of which subspecies concerned.
Lesser Black-backed Gull /Silltrut/ Larus fuscus heuglini BREE
1876.
Two (2) adults were seen at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 7th. These birds
were not seen in company with the previous bird.
Common Black-headed Gull /Skrattmås/ Larus ridibundus LINNAEUS
1766.
Very numer-ous at Larnaca Sewage Works on all visits, but unfortunately only
two counts: 47 on the 2nd; c. 100 adults on the 4th. C. 250 at Zakaki Marsh
on the 5th.
Slender-billed Gull /Långnäbbad mås/ Larus genei
BRÈME 1839.
Three sightings: sixteen (16) adults at Zakaki Marsh on the 5th; 2 (adult and
juvenile) at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 7th; 1 adult with an injured wing at
Larnaca Sewage Works on the 8th.
Little Gull /Dvärgmås/ Larus minutus PALLAS 1776.
One (1) adult at Larnaca Sewage Works on each visit, but two (2) adults there
on the 4th. All birds were in winter plumage, of course. One (1) bird with only
one leg and in a peculiar plumage at Zakaki Marsh on the 5th.
Whiskered Tern /Skäggtärna/ Chlidonias h. hybridus (PALLAS
1811).
One (1) adult in winter plumage at both Zakaki Marsh and Fasouri Reed Beds on
the same date, the 5th, but they were most probably different individuals.
Rock Dove /Klippduva/ Columba l. livia J. F. GMELIN 1789.
Feral Doves were seen com-monly throughout, possible "true" Rock Doves
effectively eclipsed by these.
Common Woodpigeon /Ringduva/ Columba p. palumbus LINNAEUS 1758.
Surprisingly few sightings, seen at perhaps not more than ten occasions, singles
or couples.
Eurasian Collared-dove /Turkduva/ Streptopelia d. decaocto (FRIVALDSZKY
1838).
Rather common in built-up areas, but also a couple of sightings in the countryside,
e.g. at Achna Dam.
Common Kingfisher /Kungsfiskare/ Alcedo a. atthis (LINNAEUS 1758).
Almost a dozen sightings at seven sites: 4 at Achna Dam on the 2nd but 6 there
on the 8th; 3 at Potamos Liopetri on the 2nd and 2 there on the 4th; 1 at Quarry
Beach on the 3rd; 1 at Asprokremmos Dam Pools on the 3rd but 2 there on the
6th; 2 at Zakaki Marsh on the 5th; 1 at Lady's Mile on the 5th; 1 at Fasouri
Reed Beds on both the 5th and the 6th. Note the subspecies, which is not the
same as the one breeding in northern Europe and that many of these sightings
concerned birds foraging at the sea shore, sometimes sitting on cliffs or hovering
over the surf!
Calandra Lark /Kalanderlärka/ Melanocorypha c. calandra (LINNAEUS
1766).
Two (2) birds among Skylarks at Mandria on the 6th.
Lesser Short-toed Lark /Dvärglärka/ Calandrella rufescens
subsp. (VIEILLOT 1820).
Three (3) birds at Mandria on the 6th. It's certainly unclear which subspecies
it may have con-cerned; possibly C. r. minor (CABANIS 1851), C. r.
heinei (HOMEYER 1873) or C. r. persica (SHARPE 1890), C. r. heinei
is perhaps the most likely with respect to distribution and migration habits.
Crested Lark /Tofslärka/ Galerida cristata cypriaca BIANCHI 1907. Very common on lower open ground. Note subspecies which besides in Cyprus only occurs on Rhodes and Karpathos in the Aegean Sea.
Eurasian Skylark /Sånglärka/ Alauda arvensis cantarella
BONAPARTE 1850.
Common in flocks on low ground, but with only one note: c. 40 at Pafos Sewerage
Works on the 6th. Note subspecies which is a breeding resident in most of southern
Europe and Turkey, win-tering usually in large numbers in Cyprus.
Woodlark /Trädlärka/ Lullula arborea pallida ZARUDNY
1902.
Four sightings: 2 at Cape Greko on the 2nd; 4 at Quarry Beach on the 3rd; 2
at Avdimou Valley on the 3rd; c. 5 at Anarita Park on the 3rd. Note subspecies
which is a breeding resident in Cyprus as well as in most of southern Europe
and Turkey.
Collared Sand Martin /Backsvala/ Riparia r. riparia (LINNAEUS
1758).
Three (3) migrating at Quarry Beach on the 3rd.
Barn Swallow /Ladusvala/ Hirundo r. rustica LINNAEUS 1758.
Three sightings: 5 resting on wires in Protaras on the 2nd; 2 migrating at Quarry
Beach on the 3rd; 1 resting on wire at Zakaki Marsh on the 5th.
Meadow Pipit /Ängspiplärka/ Anthus p. pratensis (LINNAEUS
1758).
Often seen and heard in open country, sometimes seen in loose flocks.
Red-throated Pipit /Rödstrupig piplärka/ Anthus cervinus
(PALLAS 1811).
Very common on arable land and recorded dozens of times each day. A few notes:
Up to 50 seen at Lar-naca Sewage Works on 7th and 8th. Also 10 at Pafos Sewage
Works on 6th.
Water Pipit /Vattenpiplärka/ Anthus spinoletta coutellii AUDOUIN
1828.
Three sightings of singles at Achna Dam on the 2nd, Zakaki Marsh on the 5th
and Pafos Sewerage Works on the 6th. Note subspecies, which is nearest breeding
in Turkey.
White Wagtail /Sädesärla/ Motacilla a. alba LINNAEUS
1758.
Common, but never seen in any large gatherings.
Grey Wagtail /Forsärla/ Motacilla c. cinerea TUNSTALL 1771.
1 bird at Avgas Gorge on the 6th and 1 bird at Asprokremmos Dam Pools on the
same date.
Winter Wren /Gärdsmyg/ Troglodytes troglodytes cypriotes (BATE
1903).
At least one was heard singing in the Avgas Gorge on the 6th. This subspecies
isn't endemic to Cyprus, but its breeding range is restricted to the eastern
Mediterranean.
European Robin /Rödhake/ Erithacus rubecula subsp. (LINNAEUS
1758).
Rather commonly recorded each day. We have no indications of another subspecies
than nominate E. r. rubecula, but E. r. caucasicus BUTURLIN 1907
also occur on the island as a winter visitor.
Bluethroat /Blåhake/ Luscinia svecica subsp. (LINNAEUS
1758).
Three sightings of altogether four (4) individuals: 2 at Zakaki Marsh on the
5th; 1 1st year ? at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 7th; 1 at Achna Dam on the
8th. No indications of which subspecies involved, but could be L. s. cyanecula
(MEISNER 1804) or, on distribution and movement habits perhaps more likely,
L. s. volgae (KLEINSCHMIDT 1907).
Black Redstart /Svart rödstjärt/ Phoenicurus ochruros gibraltariensis
(J. F. GMELIN 1789).
We might have forgotten a few, but we have notes from each day, and of altogether
c. 44 birds: 1 ad. male + 1 female at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 2nd; 2 males
+ 1female + 1 unknown at Cape Greko on the 2nd; 2 at Agia Napa Sewerage Works
on the 2nd; 1 male at Quarry Beach on the 3rd; 8 at Foinikas on the 3rd; 1 at
Stavrovouniou on the 4th; 1 at Potamos Liopetri on the 4th; 1 at Bishop's Pool
on the 5th; c. 20 (!) in Avgas Gorge on the 6th; 1 at Mavrokolympos Dam on the
6th; 1 singing in central Larnaca on the 7th; 1 male at Cape Greko on the 8th;
1 at Agia Napa Sewerage Works on the 8th. All birds seen well seemed to belong
to this subspecies.
Common Stonechat /Svarthakad buskskvätta/ Saxicola torquata
rubicola (LINNAEUS 1766).
Very commonly seen, except in forested areas.
Northern Wheatear /Stenskvätta/ Oenanthe oenanthe subsp. (LINNAEUS
1758).
Three sightings: 1 at Agia Napa Sewerage Works on the 2nd; 1 at Quarry Beach
on the 3rd; 1 at Mandria on the 3rd. No indications of subspecies, Oe. oe.
oenanthe, migrant breeder in central and northern Europe, or Oe. oe.
libanotica (HEMPRICH AND EHRENBERG 1833), migrant breeder in southern Europe,
and most of Anatolia.
Finsch's Wheatear /Finschstenskvätta/ Oenanthe f. finschii (HEUGLIN
1869).
Two (male/female) at Anarita Park on the 3rd.
Blue Rock Thrush /Blåtrast/ Monticola s. solitarius (LINNAEUS
1758).
Three sightings: 1 at Quarry beach on the 3rd; 1 male in winter plumage at Foinikas
on the 3rd, 1 at Stavrvouniou on the 4th.
Common Blackbird /Koltrast/ Turdus merula aterrimus (MADARÁSZ
1903).
Three sight-ings: 1 at Stavrovouniou on the 4th; 1 at Bishop's Pool on the 5th;
1 at Avgas Gorge on the 6th. All birds seen were "dark"; females of
this subspecies are easily recognized on their duller and greyer plumage.
Fieldfare /Björktrast/ Turdus pilaris LINNAEUS 1758.
1 at Achna Dam on the 2nd is the only sighting.
Song Thrush /Taltrast/ Turdus ph. philomelos C. L. BREHM 1831.
Recorded every day in low or moderate numbers, 4 at most at Bishop's Pool on
the 5th.
Cetti's Warbler /Cettisångare/ Cettia c. cetti (TEMMINCK
1820).
Only a few sightings close to wetlands, due to its silent habits at this time
of the year.
Zitting Cisticola /Grässångare/ Cisticola juncidis neurotica
MEINERTZHAGEN 1920.
Rather commonly seen and heard calling, but hardly no song at all heard, definitely
no song flight recorded. Note subspecies which is a resident breeder in Cyprus,
as well as in Levant, Iraq and Iran.
Moustached Warbler /Kaveldunsångare/ Acrocephalus m. melanopogon
(TEMMINCK 1823).
Two sightings: 2 at Asprokremmos Dam Pools on the 6th; 1 at Achna Dam on the
8th.
Great Reed Warbler /Trastsångare/ Acrocephalus a. arundinaceus
(LINNAEUS 1758).
Two sightings: 1 seen at Zakaki Marsh on the 5th; 1 heard singing (!) at Fasouri
Reed Beds on the same date.
Spectacled Warbler /Glasögonsångare/ Sylvia c. conspicillata
TEMMINCK 1820.
Rather commonly seen and heard, calling as well as singing from time to time,
in suitable habitat.
Sardinian Warbler /Sammetshätta/ Sylvia m. melanocephala (GMELIN
1789).
Rather common, definitely more often heard calling than seen, but call on the
other hand difficult to distinguish from the next species. C. 10 at Quarry Beach
on the 3rd can be mentioned.
Cyprus Warbler /Cypernsångare/ Sylvia melanothorax TRISTRAM
1872.
Obviously not as common as the previous species, but perhaps confused with that
when only heard calling. We have at least these notes: 1 ? singing at Quarry
Beach on the 3rd; 1 male seen at Asprokremmos Dam Pools on the 3rd; 1 male seen
at Dhypotamos Dam on the 4th.
Blackcap /Svarthätta/ Sylvia a. atricapilla (LINNAEUS 1758).
Rather common and recorded every day.
Chiffchaff /Gransångare/ Phylloscopus collybita subsp. (VIEILLOT
1817).
Seen and heard in relative moderate numbers, 5-10 daily. The "hweet"-call
was the definitely the most often heard; the "peep"-call was, as we
can remember afterwards, heard only once. A couple of birds seen well "looked
like" the nominate subspecies Ph. c. collybita. One bird heard and
briefly seen at Caledonia Falls on the 5th, was most probably of the subspecies
Ph. c. tristis BLYTH 1843.
Coal Tit /Svartmes/ Parus ater cypriotes DRESSER 1888.
Two sightings: a couple of birds seen at Caledonia Falls on the 5th and also
a couple at Troodos on the same date. Note endemic subspecies!
Great Tit /Talgoxe/ Parus major aphrodite MADÁRÁSZ
1901.
A few sightings each day, but not numerous. Note subspecies which, despite its
name with Cypriot touch, is not confined only to Cyprus but also to southern
Italy and parts of Greece and the Aegean.
Short-toed Treecreeper /Trädgårdsträdkrypare/ Certhia
brachydactyla dorotheae HARTERT 1904.
1 seen and heard calling at Troodos, Persephone Trail, on the 5th. Note endemic
subspecies!
Penduline Tit /Pungmes/ Remiz pendulinus subsp. (LINNAEUS 1758).
1 heard calling at several times at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th.
Eurasian Jay /Nötskrika/ Garrulus glandarius glaszneri MADARÁSZ
1902.
Two sightings: 1 heard at Caledonia Falls on the 5th; 2 seen and heard at Troodos
on the same date. Note endemic subspecies!
Common Magpie /Skata/ Pica p. pica (LINNAEUS 1758).
Common in most areas, but sparse in the east.
Western Jackdaw /Kaja/ Corvus monedula soemmerringii FISCHER
1811.
Locally seen in large gatherings, but seemed to be most numerous at rocky areas,
coasts as well as inland. At Avgas Gorge at least 400 were seen on the 6th,
when chased by Peregrine. Note the eastern European subspecies.
Carrion Crow /Kråka/ Corvus corone pallescens MADARÁSZ
1904.
Commonly seen. Note subspecies, belonging to the "cornix group"
('Hooded Crow'), which is confined to Cyprus, parts of Turkey, Levant, northern
Iraq and Egypt.
Common Starling /Stare/ Sturnus vulgaris subsp. LINNAEUS 1758.
No less than five sightings of altogether c. 240 birds: c. 15 at Paramali on
the 3rd; 3 at Zakaki Marsh on the 5th; c. 150 at Mandria on the 6th; c. 50 roosting
in reed at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 6th; c. 20 at Cape Greko on the 8th. We
have no idea of which subspecies these birds belonged to; besides the nominate
subspecies at least two more are possible on distribution: S. v. purpurascens
GOULD 1868, breeding e.g. in eastern Turkey, or S. v. tauricus BUTURLIN
1904, breeeding in e.g. south-east Ukraine.
House Sparrow /Gråsparv/ Passer domesticus biblicus HARTERT
1904.
Very common throughout. Note subspecies which inhabits large parts of the Middle
East, from Cyprus and eastwards.
Spanish Sparrow /Spansk sparv/ Passer h. hispaniolensis (TEMMINCK
1820).
Rather commonly seen, but females most probably to a large extent eclipsed by
House Sparrow females. Males were in winter plumage.
Common Chaffinch /Bofink/ Fringilla coelebs syriaca HARRISON
1945.
Rather commonly seen. Now and then loose migrating flocks were seen. Note subspecies,
which is confined to Cyprus and Levant.
Brambling /Bergfink/ Fringilla montifringilla LINNAEUS 1758.
Two sightings of singles in flocks of migrating Chaffinches: 1 at Cape Greko
on the 2nd; 1 at Fasouri Reed Beds on the 5th.
European Serin /Gulhämpling/ Serinus serinus (LINNAEUS 1766).
Recorded almost every day in low numbers.
European Greenfinch /Grönfink/ Carduelis chloris muehlei PARROT
1905.
Recorded four out of seven days in low numbers. Note subspecies which is the
same occurring in most of SE Europe and western Asia Minor.
European Goldfinch /Steglits/ Carduelis carduelis niedecki REICHENOW
1907.
Common and recorded in moderate numbers each day. Note subspecies, which occurs
also in e.g. Asia Minor.
Eurasian Siskin /Grönsiska/ Carduelis spinus (LINNAEUS 1758).
Nine (9) in one flock at Caledonia Falls on the 5th.
Common Linnet /Hämpling/ Carduelis cannabina subsp. (LINNAEUS
1758).
Recorded four out of seven days in low numbers. The subspecies involved could
be either C. c. cannabina or C. c. bella (C. L. BREHM 1845).
Common Crossbill /Mindre korsnäbb/ Loxia curvirostra guillemardi
MADARÁSZ 1903.
A total of four (4) birds, seen and heard calling, at Troodos on the 5th. Note
subspecies, which breeding range is confined to Cyprus, Turkey, Crimea and Caucasus
area.
Common Reed Bunting /Sävsparv/ Emberiza schoeniclus subsp.
(LINNAEUS 1758).
Three sightings of singles: 1 at Achna Dam on the 2nd; 1 1st year male at Larnaca
Sewage Works; 2 at Achna Dam on the 8th. The specimen at the Larnaca Sewage
Works, which was seen well, was clearly one of the thick-billed subspecies,
on distribution most probably E. s. reiseri HARTERT 1904, which is breeding
in both Greece and Turkey.
Corn Bunting /Kornsparv/ Miliaria c. calandra (LINNAEUS 1758).
Recorded four out of seven days in low numbers, often singles.
© Thomas Pettersson, Härnevigatan 3 A, SE-723 41 Västerås,
Sweden
Email: thomas.petterssonATbredband.net
Markus Rehnberg, Rösegårdsgatan 10, SE-724 76 Västerås,
Sweden
Email: allealle210AThotmail.com
| - go back to start of trip report for Cyprus | |
| - view another trip report from the OSME region | |
| - return to OSME home page contents |