After deciding to check whether any gulls were in the Lady's Mile area we travelled direct to site after fuelling up the "Chelsea tractor ". It was quiet with not a gull in site and the only evidence of birdlife being a few Greater Flamingo, odd Black winged Stilt ,3 LRP's, and a couple of Kentish Plover. Rather disappointing.
We struck off road towards the outfall from Zakaki Marsh to the Akrotiri Salt Lake. Overnight rain had added a " frissant" effect to the journey but we managed without any adventures ! Other than three Grey Heron there was nothing in sight at all despite the whole area being undisturbed . We did manage to listen to a Spectacled Warbler in full song and see both an Isabelline Wheatear and a Black eared Wheatear .
After a look at the area around the Fish Farm and along the coastal track, which produced nothing, we centred down on the pools at the Rabbit Farm. At first the area seemed devoid of waders but we then discovered at least 20 or so Ruff in the far corner. Time provided sightings of Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, a single Collared Pratincole and a Ringed Plover. The flock of Glossy Ibis ( 47/48 ) were still present in the main Akrotiri Marsh area along with Little and Cattle Egret, but nothing else. A spell up the Tower Hide produced three fly by Ferruginous Duck but no other movement.
Finally a visit to Agios Georgios promised very little at first , but then a Common Redstart , a couple of Blackap and several Lesser Whitethroat were located deep in cover and either feeding or resting in what now was quite blustery wind conditions.
A slightly earlier return than normal allowed me to get this Blog up to date !!! I'm hoping to include more genearl material from now on , so watch this space. I also had to remind myself that the first quarter of my visit is already over ( shame !! ) but, if the remaining period is as productive and enjoyable as the first spell, then I shall be very happy indeed.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Wednesday, 10th April. Routine but productive.
Other arrangements dictated that we needed to return to the hotel for early afternoon , so we concentrated on sites on the Akrotiri Peninsula. First to the Tower Hide where we had a croaking Little Bittern that refused to reveal itself ! Moving on, a Black Francolin in flight was noteworthy, but little else was seen around the coastal track.
With time running on we settled in at the Rabbit Farm pools. A good selection of waders was present. Most of the LRP had moved on , but Wood Sandpiper and Marsh Sandpiper were still around ( or were they new birds ? ). Patient grilling of the site produced two Sanderling in Spring plumage which then promptly disappeared. Once things had settled down a concentrated examination of the site yielded up a Temminck's Stint and a Curlew Sandpiper. This was in transitional plumage and the forerunner of what I understand is likely to be a greater presence of birds very shortly.
A visit to Agios Georgios produced a Common Redstart but virtually nothing else ( at least this provided a useful baseline against which to more easily judge future new arrivals ! ).
With time running on we settled in at the Rabbit Farm pools. A good selection of waders was present. Most of the LRP had moved on , but Wood Sandpiper and Marsh Sandpiper were still around ( or were they new birds ? ). Patient grilling of the site produced two Sanderling in Spring plumage which then promptly disappeared. Once things had settled down a concentrated examination of the site yielded up a Temminck's Stint and a Curlew Sandpiper. This was in transitional plumage and the forerunner of what I understand is likely to be a greater presence of birds very shortly.
A visit to Agios Georgios produced a Common Redstart but virtually nothing else ( at least this provided a useful baseline against which to more easily judge future new arrivals ! ).
9th April......a day to remember.
Immediately after breakfast we set off to meet up with Colin Richardson for a days "birding in the west"!. We met at Asprokremnos Dam ( which is now full after quite a long period of being below capacity ), and covered the woodland near the car park. After a "gossip catch up" we set off to examine the woodland area.This produced a Lesser Whitethroat and a Wood Warbler, but little else , so we moved to the eastern end of the dam wall. The small patch of mud held a Wood Sandpiper, Little Egret and a Purple Heron whilst some Alpine and Common Swift flew overhead. A Marsh Harrier was in view and a busy adult Sardinian Warbler looked after some recently fledged young.
We moved on to Timni Beach and looked over the various pools and into the flooded woodland. Little Egrets, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron , Black winged Stilt, Ruff, Greenshank , and Marsh Sandpiper were all on view , but the stars of the show were two Stone Curlew which "bombed" through the woodland and flew right over our heads!! Odd Yellow legged Gull flew along the coast and a few Northern Wheatear fed on the open "turf" areas behind the beach.
After examining a small stand of mature woodland, where we had a Green Sandpiper on a tiny pool, we moved on again to the Vivara area ( may be wrong spelling incidentally ). On our way Colin kindly screeched to a halt in the village and pointed out a Laughing Dove pair. Shortly before this we'd stop to watch at least 200 plus Swallows feeding over a grazing sheep flock dutifully watched over by a young shepherd. After negotiating a rather "exciting" track we came on a series of square irrigation pools , all of which were fringed by a band of luxuriant vegetation. Then the excitement began !! In recent days there had been up to 15 Little Crake counted in the area .... I was more than satisfied to get great views of four, particularly as we then saw the Baillons Crake nonchalantly parading about in the corner of one pool and also standing still under the vegetation, which allowed for tremendous telescope views. I suspect prayers must have been offered up to St. Jude by someone in the party as , yes, we then saw a Spotted Crake. Unbelievable , and all the "players" providing excellent telescope views , even including some aggressive behaviour and chasing by two of the male Little Crake. A supporting cast of Red-rumped Swallow, Sand Martin, House Martin and Swallow gathered over one of the pools and a Great Spotted Cuckoo flew over. Really, what's not to like about birding ?
To end the day we then went to Anarita Park where we looked carefully at 10 plus feeding Kestrels, all of which were Common and not the forerunners of arriving Lessers. A brief view of Ortolan Bunting and then more Great Spotted Cuckoo ended what had been a great days birdwatching.
We moved on to Timni Beach and looked over the various pools and into the flooded woodland. Little Egrets, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron , Black winged Stilt, Ruff, Greenshank , and Marsh Sandpiper were all on view , but the stars of the show were two Stone Curlew which "bombed" through the woodland and flew right over our heads!! Odd Yellow legged Gull flew along the coast and a few Northern Wheatear fed on the open "turf" areas behind the beach.
After examining a small stand of mature woodland, where we had a Green Sandpiper on a tiny pool, we moved on again to the Vivara area ( may be wrong spelling incidentally ). On our way Colin kindly screeched to a halt in the village and pointed out a Laughing Dove pair. Shortly before this we'd stop to watch at least 200 plus Swallows feeding over a grazing sheep flock dutifully watched over by a young shepherd. After negotiating a rather "exciting" track we came on a series of square irrigation pools , all of which were fringed by a band of luxuriant vegetation. Then the excitement began !! In recent days there had been up to 15 Little Crake counted in the area .... I was more than satisfied to get great views of four, particularly as we then saw the Baillons Crake nonchalantly parading about in the corner of one pool and also standing still under the vegetation, which allowed for tremendous telescope views. I suspect prayers must have been offered up to St. Jude by someone in the party as , yes, we then saw a Spotted Crake. Unbelievable , and all the "players" providing excellent telescope views , even including some aggressive behaviour and chasing by two of the male Little Crake. A supporting cast of Red-rumped Swallow, Sand Martin, House Martin and Swallow gathered over one of the pools and a Great Spotted Cuckoo flew over. Really, what's not to like about birding ?
To end the day we then went to Anarita Park where we looked carefully at 10 plus feeding Kestrels, all of which were Common and not the forerunners of arriving Lessers. A brief view of Ortolan Bunting and then more Great Spotted Cuckoo ended what had been a great days birdwatching.
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Monday 8th April. A slightly quieter day !
We started off the day in the Tower Hide at the main Akrotiri Reserve , but things were rather slow. A party of 8 Grey Heron went through north and around 30 Common Swift gradually moved on within the hour. A Great Spotted Cuckoo called several times , but was never seen. Further on we counted 16 Cattle Egret and 10 Little Egret around what is now an ever reducing area of flood water.
In the Fish Farm area we had a single Isabelline Wheatear and a couple of Short toed Lark, but , otherwise , things were quiet.. The wetland area held much the same range of wader species , although at laest 17 Little Ringed Plover were now present , an obvious increase to previously. A single Turtle Dove flew through.
During the day we visited the scrub woodland at Agios Georgos three times. On the first occasion it was virtually birdless, on the second odd birds were in evidence , but later it was obvious that birds had probably filitered up the peninsula and congregated there to feed in the somewhat sheltered conditions. Cuckoo, Blackcap, Pied Flycatcher, Collared Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Willow Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler and Masked Shrike were all recorded in differing numbers and provided a nice end to the day.
In the Fish Farm area we had a single Isabelline Wheatear and a couple of Short toed Lark, but , otherwise , things were quiet.. The wetland area held much the same range of wader species , although at laest 17 Little Ringed Plover were now present , an obvious increase to previously. A single Turtle Dove flew through.
During the day we visited the scrub woodland at Agios Georgos three times. On the first occasion it was virtually birdless, on the second odd birds were in evidence , but later it was obvious that birds had probably filitered up the peninsula and congregated there to feed in the somewhat sheltered conditions. Cuckoo, Blackcap, Pied Flycatcher, Collared Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Willow Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler and Masked Shrike were all recorded in differing numbers and provided a nice end to the day.
Sunday, 7th April. A day of migration in full swing !
We'd decided to check the Lady's Mile area, and the coast, for gull species as many of these would soon be moving off. We were quite lucky as we had a Black headed Gull, several Caspian Gulls and Slender billed Gulls. Two probable Armenian Gull were soon lost to view.
Lady's Mile "lagoons" were very full again and held little except a few Greater Flamingos
As ever Zakaki Marsh only produced Mallard, Moorhen , Cetti's and Reed Warbler so we moved on to Phasouris within the Ackrotiri Reserve area.
Other than 2 or 3 Hoopoe there appeared to be very little at this juncture so we moved on down to the "Fish Farm area" we'd visited yesterday and spent the remainder of the day there , the nearby wetland at Rabbit Farm or the "official reserve area around the hides. It was more than worthwhile as a really exciting day unfolded. Two flocks of Garganey ( 70. 35 ) over the sea were followed by flocks of Glossy Ibis coming in from the south and moving northwards ( 36. 70. 26. ) . A group of 6/7 Short toed Larks were found and a mixed flock of flava wagtails, a Marsh Harrier flew inland as did a couple of Kestrels. A Stone Curlew was found on the rough area we'd explored yesterday and Blackcap , Olivaceous and Sardinian Warblers sang nearby. A Purple Heron flew inland and 2 Northern Wheatear suddenly appeared. It seemed as if there was no gap in time when something new wasn't happening !
A check of the wetland area produced 2 Marsh Sandpiper, 20 plus Ruff, Greenshank, LRP, Common Snipe, Black winged Stilt, 4 Little Egret moving high NW, a harrier species moving N and a Peregrine male " beating " up the area and putting things temporarily to flight. Common Swift went through and two very high ( very frustrating ) raptors ascended further and were lost to view before any details could be gained. Amidst all this the passage of Glossy Ibis continued with a further 75, 70 and 104 moving through .
Late afternoon saw us reluctantly moving off but not before we'd had a mixed group of 23 Cattle Egret and 18 Little Egret amidst a cattle flock. Whilst there we found ourselves surrounded by flava wagtails , which were a delight to go through and identify the different races.
As we finally prepared to move off the air was filled with the whirring presence of wings and we found ourselves counting a "descending" flock of Glossy Ibis which we could see moving in. It was difficult to get a precise count but there were at least 200 birds ( probably more ) which meant that we had recorded 581 birds moving through . We learnt later that there had been a flock of around 120 at Timni Beach around this time, which took the day total of probable passage birds to in excess of 700 birds. I suspect there might have been more as our final count was a very conservative one. Unfortunately , whilst trying to get a more precise count of birds on the ground, the whole flock decide to rise again and move off.
A great sight and a great end to an eventful day !
Lady's Mile "lagoons" were very full again and held little except a few Greater Flamingos
As ever Zakaki Marsh only produced Mallard, Moorhen , Cetti's and Reed Warbler so we moved on to Phasouris within the Ackrotiri Reserve area.
Other than 2 or 3 Hoopoe there appeared to be very little at this juncture so we moved on down to the "Fish Farm area" we'd visited yesterday and spent the remainder of the day there , the nearby wetland at Rabbit Farm or the "official reserve area around the hides. It was more than worthwhile as a really exciting day unfolded. Two flocks of Garganey ( 70. 35 ) over the sea were followed by flocks of Glossy Ibis coming in from the south and moving northwards ( 36. 70. 26. ) . A group of 6/7 Short toed Larks were found and a mixed flock of flava wagtails, a Marsh Harrier flew inland as did a couple of Kestrels. A Stone Curlew was found on the rough area we'd explored yesterday and Blackcap , Olivaceous and Sardinian Warblers sang nearby. A Purple Heron flew inland and 2 Northern Wheatear suddenly appeared. It seemed as if there was no gap in time when something new wasn't happening !
A check of the wetland area produced 2 Marsh Sandpiper, 20 plus Ruff, Greenshank, LRP, Common Snipe, Black winged Stilt, 4 Little Egret moving high NW, a harrier species moving N and a Peregrine male " beating " up the area and putting things temporarily to flight. Common Swift went through and two very high ( very frustrating ) raptors ascended further and were lost to view before any details could be gained. Amidst all this the passage of Glossy Ibis continued with a further 75, 70 and 104 moving through .
Late afternoon saw us reluctantly moving off but not before we'd had a mixed group of 23 Cattle Egret and 18 Little Egret amidst a cattle flock. Whilst there we found ourselves surrounded by flava wagtails , which were a delight to go through and identify the different races.
As we finally prepared to move off the air was filled with the whirring presence of wings and we found ourselves counting a "descending" flock of Glossy Ibis which we could see moving in. It was difficult to get a precise count but there were at least 200 birds ( probably more ) which meant that we had recorded 581 birds moving through . We learnt later that there had been a flock of around 120 at Timni Beach around this time, which took the day total of probable passage birds to in excess of 700 birds. I suspect there might have been more as our final count was a very conservative one. Unfortunately , whilst trying to get a more precise count of birds on the ground, the whole flock decide to rise again and move off.
A great sight and a great end to an eventful day !
Saturday, 6th April. Migration really kicking in !
Following a report of Citrine Wagtail we went to explore the area around what is known as the old Kourian Fish Farm on the Akrotiri Penninsula. We found the field, but not a sign of any wagtails , so we explored the wider surroundings and found an expanse of open ground with scrub , exposed rock and low herbage. Things were quiet at first and then we had some buntings , which turned out to be Ortolan, numbers of House and Spanish Sparrow, calling Nightingale , singing Corn Bunting and Chiffchaff, and Hoopoe. A Common Buzzard appeared and moved inland and a Curlew called out at sea, flew close and then moved east along the coast.
Moving back towards Phasouris along the coastal track we had both Sardinian and Fan tailed Warbler in song, 55 Garganey flew east out at sea, as did a couple of Yellow legged Gull, a Kingfisher sat on a rock and a Northern Wheatear appeared, both the latter no doubt recently arrived migrants.The wetlands near the old Rabbit Farm had a good selection of waders , but nothing appeared to be new so we moved on to Agios Georgios.
Within a fairly short time we had Collared Flycatcher, Chiffchaff, Blackcap , numbers of Greenfinch , Hoopoe and a Masked Shrike, whilst , nearby, we found 2 Short toed Larks. We decided to go back to the Phasouris reedbeds to finish the day and, whilst there , enjoyed seeing a flock of 25 plus Purple Heron, Little and Cattle Egret , Grey Heron, and around 145 Glossy Ibis on the move. It seems our decision to keep working the Ackrotiri sites was paying dividends !
Moving back towards Phasouris along the coastal track we had both Sardinian and Fan tailed Warbler in song, 55 Garganey flew east out at sea, as did a couple of Yellow legged Gull, a Kingfisher sat on a rock and a Northern Wheatear appeared, both the latter no doubt recently arrived migrants.The wetlands near the old Rabbit Farm had a good selection of waders , but nothing appeared to be new so we moved on to Agios Georgios.
Within a fairly short time we had Collared Flycatcher, Chiffchaff, Blackcap , numbers of Greenfinch , Hoopoe and a Masked Shrike, whilst , nearby, we found 2 Short toed Larks. We decided to go back to the Phasouris reedbeds to finish the day and, whilst there , enjoyed seeing a flock of 25 plus Purple Heron, Little and Cattle Egret , Grey Heron, and around 145 Glossy Ibis on the move. It seems our decision to keep working the Ackrotiri sites was paying dividends !
Monday, April 8, 2019
Friday, 5th April Mediterranean MigFest continues !
After yesterday anticipation ran high as to what might be expected. First call was to Phasouris reedbeds where, first of all, we had a chat to a local ringer ( Viktor ) about what might be happening generally ,but also had the privilege of seeing several species ( Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler and Sardinian Warbler ) "in the hand". Watching out from the tower hide over the vast reedbed we had great views of Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Garganey and Ferruginous Duck besides recording a series of more common species. Two Great White Egret were picked up in flight westwards being seriously mobbed by local Hooded Crows but, despite efforts we couldn't locate them again. All the while at least two Black Francolin called in the background !
As we drove down the road towards the flooded area near the old Rabbit Farm a metre long Whip Snake curved itself across the road and into the undergrowth. A good selection of waders was on offer.......Marsh, Wood and Common Sandpiper, Spur winged Plover, Ruff, LRP , Greenshank and a couple of Common Snipe.
From there we went on to Bishop's Pool where we had a single Teal, a couple of Purple Heron, Common Cuckoo, Olivaceous Warbler and a single male Collared Flycatcher. We then moved on to Agios Georgios where, almost immediately , we had a Wryneck in nearby trees which gave superb views. Things didn't end there as it was soon followed by a Masked Shrike. With all thoughts of lunch put aside we then began to look for what else might be around. This proved to be several Common Redstart, Chiffchaff ( abietinus ) , Blackap and Lesser Whitethroat. A look around the external boundaries of the site turned up a Subalpine Warbler , which sat on top of a bush for a while and gave good views. A little further afield both Crested Lark and Sardinian Warblers sang and brought an end to yet another tremendous day.
As we drove down the road towards the flooded area near the old Rabbit Farm a metre long Whip Snake curved itself across the road and into the undergrowth. A good selection of waders was on offer.......Marsh, Wood and Common Sandpiper, Spur winged Plover, Ruff, LRP , Greenshank and a couple of Common Snipe.
From there we went on to Bishop's Pool where we had a single Teal, a couple of Purple Heron, Common Cuckoo, Olivaceous Warbler and a single male Collared Flycatcher. We then moved on to Agios Georgios where, almost immediately , we had a Wryneck in nearby trees which gave superb views. Things didn't end there as it was soon followed by a Masked Shrike. With all thoughts of lunch put aside we then began to look for what else might be around. This proved to be several Common Redstart, Chiffchaff ( abietinus ) , Blackap and Lesser Whitethroat. A look around the external boundaries of the site turned up a Subalpine Warbler , which sat on top of a bush for a while and gave good views. A little further afield both Crested Lark and Sardinian Warblers sang and brought an end to yet another tremendous day.
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Thursday, 4th April. the start of it all !
An early breakfast and then, after the usual handover procedures associated with car hire shortly after 0800 hours, we were off !!
As might be imagined the first birds at Phasouris reedbeds ( Akrotiri Reserve ) were from a list of Cattle and Little Egret, Squacco Heron , Purple Heron , Glossy Ibis and various common species including a supportive cast of Cetti's Warblers, which seemed to be everywhere. Further on we spent some time at the recently inundated area near the old Rabbit Farm where an absolute plethora of waders was in evidence,,,,Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ruff, Little Ringed Plover and Spur winged Plover. A good start, all the while accompanied by Fan tailed Warblers ( sorry, I prefer it to Zitting Cisticola !! ). Nearby a male Ruppells Warbler appeared for a short time, a nice find given they are a quite early migrant and one I could have missed.
After a brief and distant look at Akrotiri Salt Lake and the Greater Flamingo's we went on to Agios Georgios and the area of scrub woodland nearby . An old time favourite of mine and one that, today, was to prove to be a gold mine for birds. Sitting down under one of the shelters it was immediately apparent there was a lot of birds around. And so it proved with Sardinian Warbler , Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Redstart, Eastern Bonelli's Warbler , Subalpine Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and Collared Flycatcher all been seen well. There were at least three E. Bonelli's Warblers and male Collared Flycatchers and it was a difficult task to finally move on ! A walk around the surrounding area produced a single Black-eared Wheatear and Crested Lark. An amazing early afternoon !
On to Lady's Mile , but the water levels were really high and the only birds of real interest were 7 Black winged Stilt huddled together on a small island. A call to Zakaki Marsh was disappointing at best ( about which a separate entry will appear in due course ). The place is overgrown and displays no evidence of positive management, despite the provision of a very adequate hide. A great shame on which to end what had proved to be an absolutely tremendous first day.
Modest celebrations were offered up in return, followed by a really delicious evening meal. I have to admit I was in bed around 2100 hours , which is the equivalent of 1900 hours at home ( Good heavens I'd be missing Channel 4 News ! ).
As might be imagined the first birds at Phasouris reedbeds ( Akrotiri Reserve ) were from a list of Cattle and Little Egret, Squacco Heron , Purple Heron , Glossy Ibis and various common species including a supportive cast of Cetti's Warblers, which seemed to be everywhere. Further on we spent some time at the recently inundated area near the old Rabbit Farm where an absolute plethora of waders was in evidence,,,,Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ruff, Little Ringed Plover and Spur winged Plover. A good start, all the while accompanied by Fan tailed Warblers ( sorry, I prefer it to Zitting Cisticola !! ). Nearby a male Ruppells Warbler appeared for a short time, a nice find given they are a quite early migrant and one I could have missed.
After a brief and distant look at Akrotiri Salt Lake and the Greater Flamingo's we went on to Agios Georgios and the area of scrub woodland nearby . An old time favourite of mine and one that, today, was to prove to be a gold mine for birds. Sitting down under one of the shelters it was immediately apparent there was a lot of birds around. And so it proved with Sardinian Warbler , Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Redstart, Eastern Bonelli's Warbler , Subalpine Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and Collared Flycatcher all been seen well. There were at least three E. Bonelli's Warblers and male Collared Flycatchers and it was a difficult task to finally move on ! A walk around the surrounding area produced a single Black-eared Wheatear and Crested Lark. An amazing early afternoon !
On to Lady's Mile , but the water levels were really high and the only birds of real interest were 7 Black winged Stilt huddled together on a small island. A call to Zakaki Marsh was disappointing at best ( about which a separate entry will appear in due course ). The place is overgrown and displays no evidence of positive management, despite the provision of a very adequate hide. A great shame on which to end what had proved to be an absolutely tremendous first day.
Modest celebrations were offered up in return, followed by a really delicious evening meal. I have to admit I was in bed around 2100 hours , which is the equivalent of 1900 hours at home ( Good heavens I'd be missing Channel 4 News ! ).
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Wed April 3rd In transit at last !
0230 hours saw me leaving home, after clearing the car and windscreens of ice amidst sub zero temperatures, and taking care to avoid what seemed to be the inevitable dodgy road section ! The Doncaster/ Sheffield Robin Hood Airport is no more than an hour from home and I was in good time to sort out the car parking arrangements and be in place for the 0500 hours book in.
Come 0710 hours we were airborne and any thoughts of poor weather could be put aside ! The plane was full, "us retireds " know how to live you know despite the doom and gloom which currently enshrouds the UK ! The flight was on time , arriving at Paphos, Cyprus at 1140 hours amidst glorious sunshine. After all the usual formalities I was in an arranged taxi being whisked eastwards to the St. Raphael Resort in Limassol where I'm going to be based until early May . Believe you me, it was a delight to be putting on sunglasses !!!
The hotel is rated a 5 star and certainly qualifies as far as available facilities are concerned. I booked this venture with Mercury Holidays almost a year ago , taking advantage of various deals on offer as I don't usually aspire to such comfort ! If you're in a position to do so, then try it somewhere as the "rewards" on offer are extremely attractive. I was joining a good friend of mine ,who visits Cyprus regularly and who was out doing the rounds of various local birding sites with Colin Richardson, nowadays a resident of Cyprus having moved from the UAE some years ago.
As agreed we met ( in the bar, where else ?) at 1800 hours and immediately started to plot and plan the next day's birding activities, pore over what had been seen recently and what was still around, and basically put together a birding campaign for the next month ! Heady stuff 1 After a great meal I'm afraid I bowed out , retired to my room and availed myself of the comfort !!
Come 0710 hours we were airborne and any thoughts of poor weather could be put aside ! The plane was full, "us retireds " know how to live you know despite the doom and gloom which currently enshrouds the UK ! The flight was on time , arriving at Paphos, Cyprus at 1140 hours amidst glorious sunshine. After all the usual formalities I was in an arranged taxi being whisked eastwards to the St. Raphael Resort in Limassol where I'm going to be based until early May . Believe you me, it was a delight to be putting on sunglasses !!!
The hotel is rated a 5 star and certainly qualifies as far as available facilities are concerned. I booked this venture with Mercury Holidays almost a year ago , taking advantage of various deals on offer as I don't usually aspire to such comfort ! If you're in a position to do so, then try it somewhere as the "rewards" on offer are extremely attractive. I was joining a good friend of mine ,who visits Cyprus regularly and who was out doing the rounds of various local birding sites with Colin Richardson, nowadays a resident of Cyprus having moved from the UAE some years ago.
As agreed we met ( in the bar, where else ?) at 1800 hours and immediately started to plot and plan the next day's birding activities, pore over what had been seen recently and what was still around, and basically put together a birding campaign for the next month ! Heady stuff 1 After a great meal I'm afraid I bowed out , retired to my room and availed myself of the comfort !!
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
A declaration that makes no mention of Brexit !!!
Well, after several false starts I believe I can now say, "Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible ", as used to appear in times past when a break in TV transmission had occurred. Since injuring my knee last September, moving back to normality has been slow and attempts to hasten on the process have proved futile and ill advised.
Thankfully I'm now convinced I can contemplate a bit of normal wear and tear so, to this end , I'm just about to have a month long, leisurely birding trip out to Cyprus , which I hope will offset what has been a frustrating period. A word of warning, don't confuse mobility with activity. Hobbling about the house ,or a quick shopping trip, aren't comparative to being out tramping around the local reservoir and, also, attempting to make the transition too early involves paying the price of further delay !
So all those enticing promises ( a big year list, exploring new areas and participating in surveys ) have had to be set aside and more modest , undeclared targets arrived at . Some benefits have emerged of course. I've decided on a new personal recording patch ( quite a big one, of which more later ) , read endless books, decided on some future survey work and researched a few foreign trips. It hasn't been a complete waste of time.
So, out to Cyprus for virtually the whole of April, which is one of the best months out there for migration. Intensity at a gentle pace if such can be the case. Birdlife International is promoting the importance of the European- Africa Flyway and I hope to link my own reportage with that initiative. I'll put out an introductory Blog and ,then , issue a Blog on a daily basis for the duration of the trip. For those who know Cyprus I hope it will bring back enjoyable memories and , for those who have never been, I hope it provoke an intention to visit. After the stop-start scenario of the last few months I have to say, I can't wait !!
Thankfully I'm now convinced I can contemplate a bit of normal wear and tear so, to this end , I'm just about to have a month long, leisurely birding trip out to Cyprus , which I hope will offset what has been a frustrating period. A word of warning, don't confuse mobility with activity. Hobbling about the house ,or a quick shopping trip, aren't comparative to being out tramping around the local reservoir and, also, attempting to make the transition too early involves paying the price of further delay !
So all those enticing promises ( a big year list, exploring new areas and participating in surveys ) have had to be set aside and more modest , undeclared targets arrived at . Some benefits have emerged of course. I've decided on a new personal recording patch ( quite a big one, of which more later ) , read endless books, decided on some future survey work and researched a few foreign trips. It hasn't been a complete waste of time.
So, out to Cyprus for virtually the whole of April, which is one of the best months out there for migration. Intensity at a gentle pace if such can be the case. Birdlife International is promoting the importance of the European- Africa Flyway and I hope to link my own reportage with that initiative. I'll put out an introductory Blog and ,then , issue a Blog on a daily basis for the duration of the trip. For those who know Cyprus I hope it will bring back enjoyable memories and , for those who have never been, I hope it provoke an intention to visit. After the stop-start scenario of the last few months I have to say, I can't wait !!
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