BIRDLIFE CYPRUS          ΠΤΗΝΟΛΟΓΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΝΔΕΣΜΟΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ

Bird News

Bird Records for March 2003

[The following list contains records that have not been corrected or corroborated]

Little Grebe    Tachybaptus ruficollis

4 were heard at Athalassa on the 2^nd but subsequently only 1 or 2 until the end of the month. 2 frequented the Aspro Dam Pools all month with singles at Zakaki Marsh on the 20^th and at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 31^st. The numbers at Larnaca Sewage Works were variously reported as c30 all month and c50 on the 7^th.

Great Crested Grebe    Podiceps cristatus

The numbers at the Asprokremnos Dam reduced from 12 at the start of the month with just 4 being present on the 30^th. Evretou Dam had 2 birds, last reported on the 20^th plus a most unusual record of 2 present at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 21^st! There were singles reported from Spiro's Pool on the 7^th and Akhna Dam on the 29^th.

Black-necked Grebe    Podiceps Nigricollis

Larnaca Sewage Works had 40 at the start of the month but by the 22^nd this number had reduced to just 5 birds. There was 1 at Oroklini on the 2^nd and 2 at Akhna Dam on the 29^th. 

Cormorant    Phalacrocorax carbo

Many flocks of birds on passage were reported with 30 and 46 at Coral Bay on the 6^th, 100 near the shore opposite the Avagas Gorge on the 7^th, 50 flying north over Mandria on the 14^th, 22 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 14th,  41 at Kourion Bay on the 17^th and 14 at Ladies Mile on the 29^th. Birds in ‘residence’ included 36 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 7^th, 4 at Evretou Dam on the 20^th, 2 at Bishop's Pool on the 29^th with a similar number at Asprokremnos Dam on the 30^th. 

Shag    Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Reported from Mandria with 2 on the 3^rd and the 14^th with 1 at Cape Aspro on the 17^th. 

Bittern    Botaurus stellaris

A single bird was reported from Phasouri Reed Beds all month. 

Little Bittern    Ixobrychus minutus

Just 1 seen by the Field Trip participants at the Phasouri Reed Beds on the 29^th. 

Night Heron    Nycticorax nycticorax

1 at Akhna Dam and at Bishop's Pool on the 29^th with a large flock of 65 on passage over the Aspro Dam Pools 30^th. 

Squacco Heron    Ardeola ralloides  

The first bird was at Zakaki Marsh on the 20^th with singles then at Akhna Dam on the 29^th and Phasouri Reed Beds on the 29^th and the 30^th. There were 2 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th seen during the Field Trip there. 

Cattle Egret    Bubulcus ibis

The numbers at Phasouri Reed Beds were reported as 5 on the 1^st but only 3 there on the 31^st. A single bird flew over the Aspro Dam Pools on the 17^th.

Little Egret    Egretta garzetta

Singles reported from Athalassa [9^th], Tekke [20^th], Oroklini [22^nd], Phasouri Reed Beds [29^th and 30^th], Strovolos [29^th], Polemedhia Dam [30^th], Yermasoya Dam [31^st] and at Zakaki Marsh on the 31^st. There were 3 reported from Phasouri Reed Beds on the 20^th with 2 at Xeros Potamos [24^th], Ladies Mile [29^th] and Zakaki Marsh [29^th]. The maximum daily count at Oroklini was of 3 birds. 

Great White Egret   Egretta alba  

There were 2 seen on the coast at Mandria on the 3^rd with 1 at Potamos Liopetri on the 26^th and 3 seen from Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th.    

Grey Heron    Ardea cinerea

Reported from most of the wetlands and Dams, numbers of note include 33 at Zakaki Marsh on the 1^st, 16 at Lara Beach on the 12^th, 23 at the Aspro Dam Pools on the 19^th, 14 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 24^th with 16 there on the 30^th. 18 was the maximum daily count at Oroklini. 

Purple Heron    Ardea purpurea

There were 2 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 21^st, 29^th and the 30^th. There were also 2 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 25^th with just 1 there on the 31^st and 1 at Zakaki Marsh on the same date. There were 8 at the Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 31^st, the highest number reported this month. 

Glossy Ibis    Plegadis falcinellus

Phasouri Reed Beds had its first birds on the 20^th with 7 reported. This number increased until there were c60 on the 29^th with Zakaki Marsh having some 90 birds on the same date. Elsewhere there were 6 at Spiro's Pool on the 23^rd, 15 flying past Mandria on the 27^th with 15 at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 30^th. Oroklini had just 1 bird present on the 29^th whilst the numbers at Zakaki Marsh reduced to just 18 on the 30^th and the 31^st. 

Spoonbill    Platalea leucorodia

Just one report of a single bird at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 5^th. 

Greater Flamingo    Phoenicopterus ruber

Larnaca numbers fluctuated between 300 and 500 all month whist the Akrotiri numbers were c2970 on the 15^th and c2000 on the 29^th. A single bird was present on Ladies Mile on the 29^th. 

Mute Swan    Cygnus olor

The 6 birds present all winter at Akrotiri Salt Lake just made it into March with a reported sighting of all 6 on the 1^st. 

White-fronted Goose    Anser albifrons

The last reported date of the Larnaca Sewage Works flock was of 100 birds on the 15^th. 

Shelduck    Tadorna tadorna

The numbers at Akrotiri Salt Lake dramatically reduced this month with c970 reported on the 1^st but just 12 or so on the 20^th. The flock of birds at Larnaca Sewage Works were reported as being 30 all month. 

Wigeon    Anas penelope

There were 30 present at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 7^th. 

Gadwall    Anas strepera

There were 2 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 8^th and 9 were reported as being present all month at the Larnaca Sewage Works. 

Teal    Anas crecca

Maximum number reported at Phasouri Reed Beds this month was 14 on the 21^st whilst c20 were present at Larnaca Sewage Works all month. Oroklini had a maximum daily count of 120 birds. 

Mallard    Anas platyrhynchos

Larnaca Sewage Works had c60 on the 7^th with c40 on the 22^nd. Asprokremnos Dam had 12 on the 8^th, Evretou Dam 4 on the 10^th, Phasouri Reed Beds 2 on the 20^th with 3 on the 30^th and Yermasoya Dam had 4 on the 31^st. The maximum daily count at Oroklini was of 25 birds. 

Pintail    Anas acuta

Oroklini had between 1 and 4 birds from the 1^st to the 12^th, Zakaki Marsh had 4 present on the 1^st, Akrotiri Salt Lake 9 on the 8^th, Evretou Dam 1 on the 10^th whilst 80 were seen flying north from Ayios Giorgios on the 19^th. 

Garganey    Anas querquedula

First report this year was of 6 birds at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 1^st. This was soon followed by reports of the species from all major wetlands and Dams. Oroklini had its first on the 10^th with just 2 birds but had a high of 175 birds on the 18^th and still had 20 birds present on the 31^st; let’s hope that they remain to breed? Other highs were c90 at Mandria on the 16^th, 13 at Aspro Dam Pools on the 25^th, 14 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 29^th and 18 at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 30^th. Zakaki’s high was of 22 on the 30^th whilst 2 visited Yermasoya Dam on the 31^st. 

Shoveler    Anas clypeata

Present all month at Larnaca Sewage Works with a high of c600 on the 7^th with still about 100 present at the end of the month. Phasouri Reed Beds had c20 on the 1^st but this had fallen to just 6 by the 31^st. Evretou Dam had 4 pairs on the 3^rd but only 4 birds were seen on the 10^th. Oroklini had a maximum daily count of 100. 

Red-crested Pochard    Netta rufina

Just the one report of a male from Larnaca Sewage Works on the 9^th. 

Pochard    Aythya ferina

Larnaca Sewage Works had c150 on the 7^th but they moved soon after this date with only 8 present on the 9^th, the last date they were seen at this site. There was a lone bird at Bishop's Pool on the 8^th. 

Ferruginous Duck    Aythya nyroca

There was 1 at Akhna Dam on the 2^nd, 4 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 15^th with just 1 there on the 22^nd. 

Tufted Duck    Aythya fuligula

A single bird at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 9^th was the one and only sighting this month. 

White-headed Duck    Oxyura leucocephala

The wintering first-year bird was last seen at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 9^th; let’s hope that it made it back to others of its kind. 

White-tailed Eagle    Haliaeetus albicilla

The 4^th year bird reported upon last month was last seen at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 4^th .  

Griffon Vulture    Gyps fulvus

Reported just from the Xeros Potamos with 8 on the 8^th, 2 on the 13^th and 2 on the 24^th. 

Marsh Harrier    Circus aeruginosus

Singles reported from Akhna Dam [2^nd], Mandria [7^th, 13^th, 20^th, 23^rd, 25^th], Akrotiri Salt Lake [8^th], Asprokremnos Dam [8^th, 19^th, 23^rd, 25^th], Aspro Dam Pools [13^th, 24^th], Coral Bay [19^th], Lara [19^th], Skoulli [20^th], Cape Greco [22^nd], Zakaki Marsh [29^th] and Oroklini on the 30^th. Multiple sightings were Phasouri Reed Beds 4 on 1^st, 3 on 8^th, 2 on 15^th, 3 on 20^th, 2 on 29^th and then 4 on both the 30^th and the 31^st. 2 at Peyia on the 18^th, 3 at Mandria on the 19^th and the 21^stand then 2 at Zakaki Marsh on both the 30^th and the 31^st.

When the sex of the bird was reported the ratio was 5 males to 3 females. 

Hen Harrier    Circus cyaneus

All sightings were of single birds with Akrotiri Salt Lake on 8^th, Mandria on 10^th, Asprokremnos Dam on 11^th, Evretou Dam on 14^th, Kritou Tera on 15^th, Ayias Minas on 16^th, Cape Greco on 22^ndand Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th.

When sexed the ratio was 1:1. 

Pallid Harrier    Circus macrourus

Only males seen this month with singles at Mandria on 21^st, Cape Greco on 22^nd and the 29^th, Kiti area on 23^rd, Aspro Dam Pools on 28^th, Akrotiri Gravel Pits on 31^st and Oroklini also on the 31^st. 

Sparrowhawk    Accipiter nisus

Just one report of a lone bird at Cape Pyla on the 16^th. 

Common Buzzard    Buteo buteo   

B.b.buteo

Singles at Ayia Varvara on 1^st, Zakaki Marsh on 1^st, Oroklini on 9^th and 21^st, Phasouri Reed Beds on 20^th, Kathikas on 21^st, Yermasoya Dam on 31^st and Phasouri Reed Beds on 30^th and the 31^st. 2 were reported from Cape Greco on the 22^nd.

B.b.vulpinus

There were 2 reported from Phasouri Reed Beds on the 1^st with 4 there on the 15^th. There were 2 in the Paphos Airport Area on the 21^st. 

Long-legged Buzzard    Buteo rufinus

Only one report of a single bird at Dora .  

Lesser Kestrel    Falco naumanni

1 male at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 31^st. 

Kestrel    Falco tinnunculus

As you would expect there were many reports of birds from all over the island, mainly in ones and twos. Multiple sightings were from the Asprokremnos Dam with 8 or 10 birds on the 8^th, up to 6 all month from Cape Pyla and 7 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd. 

Merlin    Falco columbarius

The only sighting this month of a male bird near the Asprokremnos Dam Water Treatment Works, present until at least the 23^rd. 

Peregrine    Falco peregrinus 

Single birds reported from Phasouri Reed Beds on the 1^st and the 30^th, Xeros Potamos on the 13^th and the 24^th, Coral Bay on the 18^th, Akamas on the 23^rd and finally Cape Greco on the 29^th.      

Chukar    Alectoris chukar

Many reports of up to 4 birds from Athalassa in the east to the Akamas in the west, all month. The maximum daily count at Oroklini was of 10 birds. 

Black Francolin    Francolinus francolinus

Most records are from the west with 3 at Ayia Varvara on the 3^rd, 1 at Mandria on the 4^th with 2 on the 11^thand 1 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 30^th. In the east there was 1 heard at Athalassa on the 9^th, Cape Greco on the 16^th and a maximum daily count of 3 from Oroklini. 

Quail    Coturnix coturnix

One pair were disturbed from a field near Latchi on the 9^th, singles either heard or seen at Evretou Dam on the 14^th, Anarita Park on the 16^th, Asprokremnos Dam on the 16^th, 20^th and the 30^th, Cape Greco on 22^nd, Yermasoya Dam on the 31^st and Coral Bay on the 9^th and the 16^th

Spotted Crake    Porzana Porzana

Just one showing very well at the Cape Greco rubbish tip during the Field Meeting there on the 22^nd. 

Little Crake    Porzana parva

3 at Akhna Dam on the 29^th with all other reports originating from Oroklini with single females on the 7^th and the 11^th, a single male on the 28^th and then 1 of each sex on the 29^th, 2 males and a female on the 30^th and finally 2 males on the 31^st. 

Moorhen    Gallinula chloropus

Reported from all wetlands across the island with records of note including 9 at Athalassa on the 2^nd, 11 at Yermasoya Dam on the 31^st and a maximum daily count from Oroklini of 14 birds. 

Coot    Fulica atra

Again, common at all wetlands across the island with records of note including 26 at Evretou Dam on the 14^th, 50+ all month at Larnaca Sewage Works, more than 100 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 21^st and a maximum daily count of 90 birds from Oroklini. 

Common Crane    Grus grus

There were 70 reported from Larnaca Salt Lake on the 16^th, 150 over the Larnaca Sewage Works on the same date, 1 at Oroklini on the 17^th and the 22^nd, 17 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th and finally 1 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 30^th. 

Oystercatcher    Haematopus ostralegus

1 from Spiro's Beach on the 5^th. 

Black-winged Stilt    Himantopus himantopus

The first report was of 1 at Oroklini on the 9^th which was followed by further reports from that site plus reports from Akrotiri Salt Lake, Spiro's Pool, Larnaca Sewage Works and the Asprokremnos Dam. Oroklini had its highest count of 15 on the 19^th whilst 10 at Spiro's Pool on the 20^th was the highest count from the other sites. 

Stone Curlew    Burhinus oedicnemus

Mandria had 2 reported on the 13^th, 42 at the river-bed roost on the 16^th and then 2 on the 19^th and the 20^th. 

Little Ringed Plover    Charadrius dubius

There were 4 at Spiro's Beach on the 15^th, 1 at Spiro's Pool on the 20^th, 1 at Mandria on the 27^th and the 28^th with a maximum daily count of 3 from Oroklini. 

Kentish Plover    Charadrius alexandrinus

There were 2 at Mandria on the 3^rd with 5 there on the 27^th, 20 at Spiro's Pool on the 16^th, c80 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 22^nd and 40 at Spiro's Beach on the 23^rd. 

Greater Sand Plover    Charadrius leschenaultii

4 at the Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 4^th were only 1 the next day, the 5^th, which remained until the last date, the 12^th. 1 at Spiro's Beach on the 15^th with 4 there the next day, the 16^th. 

Golden Plover    Pluvialis apricaria

The flock at Paphos Lighthouse Area was 30 strong on the 1^st but only 1 was seen on the 12^th, the last date of sighting. 

Grey Plover    Pluvialis squatarola

There was 1 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 5^th, 2 at Spiro's Beach on the same date and 2 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 2^nd. 

Spur-winged Plover    Vanellus spinosus

From the 6^th onwards the maximum daily count at Oroklini was of 7 birds. There was 1 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 21^st with 2 there on the 31^st.        

Lapwing    Vanellus vanellus

This species held on at Oroklini until the 7^th, the last date, when 6 were reported as being seen. The highest count was of 18 birds on the 3^rd. 

Little Stint    Calidris minuta

35 were reported from Larnaca Salt Lake on the 3^rd but only 8 on the 16^th. 

Temminck’s Stint    Calidris temminckii

Just the one report of 6 birds at Akhna Dam on the 2^nd. 

Dunlin    Calidris alpina

There were 2 on the Larnaca Sewage Works causeway on the 15^th. 

Ruff    Philomachus pugnax

Reported from Akrotiri Salt Lake, Phasouri Reed Beds, Oroklini, Coral Bay, Asprokremnos Dam, Akrotiri Gravel Pits, Bishop's Pool, Zakaki Marsh and Yermasoya Dam. Significant counts include c80 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 1^st, c40 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 29^th and a maximum daily count of 60 birds from Oroklini.  

Snipe    Gallinago gallinago

Singles at Oroklini on the 1^st, 2^nd, 15^th, 24^th and the 25^th with 3 there on the 17^th. 1 at Evretou Dam on the 9^th, 1 at Cape Greco tip on the 16^th, 2 there on the 22^nd, 1 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 30^th and finally 1 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 31^st. 

Black-tailed Godwit    Limosa limosa

7 at the Phasouri Reed Beds on the 1^st, c10 on the 29^th with 7 again on the 30^th and the 31^st. Oroklini had a maximum daily count of 18 birds. 

Curlew    Numenius arquata

3 at the Phasouri Reed Beds on the 8^th and 1 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 15^th are the only reported sightings. 

Spotted Redshank    Tringa erythropus

There were 3 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th with just 1 there on the 31^st, the only site from which this species was reported. 

Redshank    Tringa totanus

Singles at Evretou Dam on the 6^th, Larnaca Salt Lake on the 20^th, Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 21^st, Asprokremnos Dam on the 30^th and at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 31^st. The maximum daily count at Oroklini was of 6 birds. 

Marsh Sandpiper    Tringa stagnatilis

Present at Oroklini from the 22^nd with 2 birds, 3 on the 25^th, 1 on the 26^th and the 29^th, with 2 on the 30^th and 2 on the 31^st. There was 1 at Goudi on the 21^st, 1 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 29^th, 1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th to the 31^st and 2 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 30^th. 

Greenshank    Tringa nebularia

Oroklini had 1 on the 26^th, 18 [yes 18] on the 27^th, 8 on the 28^th, 4 on the 29^th, 10 on the 30^th and 4 on the 31^st. There was 1 at Mandria on the 25^th, 2 at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 29^th and 1 at Yermasoya Dam on the 31^st. 

Green Sandpiper    Tringa ochropus

2 at Aspro Dam Pools on the 13^th with 1 on the 24^th, 1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 15^th with 2 on the 29^th, 4 at the Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 21^st with 1 at Tera Tip on the same date. There were 2 at Phasouri Reed Beds on both the 30^th and the 31^st with a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 3 birds. 

Wood Sandpiper    Tringa glareola

Oroklini had 1 on the 26^th with the same number at Zakaki Marsh on the 30^th and the 31^st. There were c20 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 30^th and the 31^st. 

Common Sandpiper    Actitis hypoleucos

Akhna Dam had 3 on the 2^nd, Evretou Dam 1 on the 20^th, Akrotiri Salt Lake 2 on the 21^st and Athalassa 1 on the 30^th. 

Turnstone    Arenaria interpres

Just the one report of 7 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 4^th. 

Skua species                Stercorarius spp

Report of a skua chasing Sandwich Terns off the Ormidhia shore on the 8^th but unfortunately did not see it well enough to identify it to spp level. 

Great Black-headed Gull    Larus ichthyaetus

There were 3 adults in full breeding plumage seen at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 3^rd. 

Mediterranean Gull    Larus melanocephalus

1 adult in breeding plumage on the 3^rd, present all month was joined by a 2^nd year bird on the 2^nd. 

Little Gull    Larus minutus

There were 15 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 3^rd, 4 on the 7^th, 3 on the 15^th and 2 on the 2^nd. Oroklini had 1 on the 21^st whilst there were 2 at Zakaki Marsh on both the 30^th and the 31^st. 

Black-headed Gull    Larus ridibundus

Present at Larnaca Sewage Works with c900 on the 7^th and still 500 on the 23^rd. Zakaki Marsh had 170 on the 15^th with c40 remaining until at least the 29^th. 300 was the maximum daily count at Oroklini. 

Slender-billed Gull    Larus genei

c30 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 22^nd, 100 there the next day, c100 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 29^th, 1 on Ladies Mile on the 29^th with 22 there the next day and finally 2 at Zakaki Marsh on the 31^st. 

Audouin’s Gull    Larus audouinii

There were 2 reported from the Akamas on the 22^nd and 3 at Cape Greco on the 29^th. 

Common Gull    Larus canus

9 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 9^th with just 1 there on the 22^nd. 

Lesser Black-backed Gull    Larus fuscus   

L.f.fuscus

10 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 5^th, 1 on the 7^th and 7 on the 22^nd. 1 at Oroklini on the 16^th, 1 flying north at Ayios Giorgios on the 19^th, 2 on the Asprokremnos Dam on the 4^th and 3 at Mandria on the 4^th.

L.f.heuglini

Singles at Asprokremnos Dam on the 4^th and the 13^th, 1 at Mandria on the 4^th, 4 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 5^th with 1 on the 2^nd. 

Yellow-legged Gull    Larus cachinnans 

Not identified to ssp level were 173 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 7^th, 2 at the Akamas on the 2^nd, 1 at Cape Greco on the 2^nd and 12 being the maximum daily count at Oroklini.

L.c.michahellis  

10 at the Paphos Rubbish tip on the 5^th

L.c.cachinnans

10 at the Paphos Rubbish Tip on the 4^th  

Armenian Gull    Larus armenicus

5 at Mandria on the 4^th, 10 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 5^th with 4 there on the 22^nd and 4 on the Asprokremnos Dam on the 13^th.     

Gull-billed Tern    Gelochelidon nilotica

There was 1 at Spiro's Beach on the 23^rd and 4 at Cape Greco on the 29^th.      

Sandwich Tern    Sterna sandvicensis

1 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 5^th, 4 at the Ormidhia Shore on the 8^th and 1 at the Paphos Airport Area on the 28^th. 

Whiskered Tern    Chlidonias hybridus

1 was present at the Larnaca Sewage Works all month. 

White-winged Black Tern    Chlidonias leucopterus 

1 from the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 9^th. 

Woodpigeon    Columba palumbus

At Anarita there were c250 reported on the 13^th with the only other report being 1 heard at Athalassa on the 2^nd and the 30^th.   

Collared Dove    Streptopelia decaocto

Oroklini had 1 on the 4^th, 3 on the 8^th and 2 on the 21^st. Elsewhere there were c40 reported from Anarita on the 13^th, 6 at Amathus on both the 30^th and the 31^st with 2 to 3 in Nicosia all month and 2 to 4 in Strovolos all month. 

Great Spotted Cuckoo   Clamator glandarius

At Asprokremnos Dam there was 1 reported on the 8^th and 3 reported on the 30^th. There were 3 in the Dhiarizos River Valley on the 13^th, 3 at Evretou Dam on the 14^th with 2 on the 20^th, 2 at Lysos on the 14^th, 1 at Kritou Tera on the 16^th and 1 at Droushia on the 19^th. There was a male and a female reported from Ayios Theodoros on the 23^rd and a male reported from Akhna Dam on the 29^th BUT I would love to know how the person reporting them distinguishes between the sexes????

There were 2 at Nata on the 24^th, 2 at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 31^st and 1 at Peyia on both the 26^th and the 30^th. Presumably the 1 reported from Lythrondas in March was seen all month in that location? 

Cuckoo    Cuculus canorus

1 was reported from Ayias Minas on the 12^th and 16^th plus 1 on the Smyies Track on the 30^th. There was also 1 at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 30^th. 

Scops Owl    Otus scops cyprius

1 was heard calling each and every night between the 9^th and the 21^st at Kritou Tera whilst 1 was heard at Armou on the 13^th.    

Little Owl    Athene noctua

Singles at Aspro Dam Pools on the 4^th, Asprokremnos Dam on the 9^th and the 30^th plus 1 all month at Peyia. 

Short-eared Owl    Asio flammeus

2 were seen flying north from the Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 2nd whilst an individual remained for a few days at Mandria around the 25^th of the month. 

Swift    Apus apus

Seen in good numbers at sites all over the island, individual concentrations included 20 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st, 100 at Akhna Dam on the 2^nd, c20 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 29^th, c20 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th and a maximum daily count at Oroklini of c100 birds. 

Alpine Swift    Apus melba

1 at the Aspro Dam Pools on the 15^th, 1 on the Akamas on the 22^nd, c6 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd, 10 at Cape Pyla on the 26^th, 5 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 29^th, 4 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th and 6 there on the 30^th with 15 at Curium on the 30^th. 

Kingfisher    Alcedo atthis

Singles at Akhna Dam on the 2^nd and the 29^th, Paphos on the 11^th and Paphos Airport on the 22^nd, Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th and the 30^th and at Amathus on the 31^st. There were 3 reported from Zakaki Marsh on the 1^st.

Hoopoe    Upupa epops

Not surprisingly this attractive and easily recognised species was reported from many sites across the island. First sighting was of 1 bird at Bishop's Pool on the 8^th followed by sightings from Kritou Tera with 1 on the 9^th, Cape Pyla with 2 on the 10^th, Paphos Airport Area with 1 on the 13^th, Larnaca Sewage Works with 1 on the 15^th, Ayias Minas with 1on the 16^th, Corallia with 3 on the 16^th, Larnaca Salt Lake with 2 on the 16^th, Oroklini with 1 on the 16^th, Akamas with 1 on the 17^th, Mandria with 1 on the 20^th, Kivides with 3 on the 21^st, Paphos Airport Area with 4 on the 21^st, Cape Greco with 3 on the 22^nd, 2 at Lythrondas on the 25^th, 2 at Droushia on the 26^th, 2 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th, 2 at Mandria on the 31^st, 4 at Yermasoya Dam on the 31^st and finally 1 at Amathus on both the 30^th and the 31^st. 

Wryneck    Jynx torquilla

First sighting at Larnaca Sewage Works of 1 on the 9^th followed by a sighting of 2 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 15^th. 

Short-toed Lark    Calandrella brachydactyla

Widespread throughout the west of the island particularly at Mandria and the Asprokremnos Dam. Higher counts include c60 on the 19^th and c20 on the 20^th both at the Asprokremnos Dam. At Mandria high counts included c40 on the 19^th, c60 on the 20^th and c25 on the 25^th. Away from the west there was 1 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st, 2 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd and c30 at the same site on the 27^th. 

Lesser Short-toed Lark    Calandrella rufescens

Just one sighting of a lone individual at the Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 31^st. 

Crested Lark    Galerida cristata

5+ at Larnaca Sewage Works all month, c30at Cape Greco on the 22^nd, 8 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th and a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 20 birds are the only records received. This species usually only gets reported on Field Trips. 

Woodlark    Lullula arborea

Bad weather up in the Troodos kept this species confined to the lower levels. There were 15 at Ayia Varvara on the 1^st, 4 to 6 at the Aspro Dam Pools on many dates around the 4^th, 6 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 5^th and 2 at Akoursos on the 2^nd.     

Skylark    Alauda arvensis  

20 to 30 at the Avagas area on the 7^th, 1 heard singing at Asprokremnos Dam on the 8^th, 30at Oroklini on the 10^th and 28 on the 11^th and finally 3 at Maa on the 19^th.   

Sand Martin    Riparia riparia

Just 2 reports of 3 birds at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st and 4 birds at Zakaki Marsh on the 30^th.  

Swallow    Hirundo rustica

Widespread from the east to the west, concentrations included 20+ at Larnaca Sewage Works all month, c60 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 1^st, c40 at Zakaki Marsh on the 1^st, 20 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 21^st, c50 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd, c80 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th and a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 100 birds. Not surprisingly there were many reports all month of birds collecting nesting material. 

Red-rumped Swallow    Hirundo daurica

All sightings are included with 2 at Lemba on the 7^th, 4 at Anarita Park on the 16^th, 4 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd, 9 at Mandria on the 25^th and finally 4 at Oroklini on the 25^th. 

House Martin    Delichon urbica

Again, widespread across the island, individual concentrations included c140 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 1^st, c170 at Mandria on the 25^th with a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 30 birds. Nest building was reported from the Kathikas Church on the 13^th. 

Tawny Pipit    Anthus campestris

Surprisingly, all records are from the west of the island, do they not occur east of Limassol on a regular basis?

Reported last month, the first this month was of 1 bird at Mandria on the 2^nd. They were then seen daily at this site, the maximum being 7 birds on the 23^rd. There were 4 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 3^rd with a similar number on the 12^th. There were 4 near the Avagas Gorge on the 7^th, 2 at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 16^th, 3 at Anarita Park on the 27^th with 11 there the next day. Finally 2 were reported from the Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 31^st. 

Tree Pipit    Anthus trivialis

The first sighting for the year was at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 29^th and at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the Field Trip there on the same date with 2 birds at the Salt Lake and 1 bird at the Gravel Pits. There was another report of a single bird seen at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 31^st. 

Meadow Pipit    Anthus pratensis

There were 5 or 6 at Corallia on the 6^th, 16 at Mandria on the same date, 6+ at the Tomb of the Kings on the 16^th, 10+ in the vineyards around Kathikas on the 17^th and 1 at Oroklini on the 23^rd. 

Red-throated Pipit    Anthus cervinus

The first individual was reported from Oroklini on the 26^th with 3 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th. 

Water Pipit    Anthus spinoletta

There was 1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 1^st, 2 at Akhna Dam on the 2^nd, 1 at Oroklini on the 15^th with 2 there on the 21^st, 2 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd, 10 at Akhna Dam on the 29^th and 3 at Bishop's Pool on the same date.

Yellow Wagtail    Motacilla flava

a) Blue-headed Wagtail    Motacilla flava flava

There were 5 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th, 1 there on the 30^th and 2 at Phasouri Reed Beds on both the 30^th and the 31^st.

f) Black-headed Wagtail    Motacilla flava feldegg

Zakaki Marsh had 2 present on the 1^st, 1 on the 15^th and c20 on both the 30^th and the 31^st. Oroklini had its first on the 16^th with 3 birds present but was then seen on a daily basis with numbers up to 6. There was 1 at Mandria on the 3^rd with 11 present on the 8^th. Asprokremnos Dam had 1 on the 19^th, Larnaca Sewage Works 1 on the 22^nd and Akhna Dam with 1 on the 29^th. 

Grey Wagtail    Motacilla cinerea

Just two reports of single birds, the first at Oroklini on the 1^st and the next down the Xeros Potamos on the 8^th. 

White Wagtail    Motacilla alba

Present at all sites across the island, significant numbers were 24 at Corallia on the 16^th, c20 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd, c100 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th with c30 there on both the 30^th and the 31^st. 

Robin   Erithacus rubecula

Individuals held on until almost the end of the month with sightings of single birds from Mandria on the 4^th, Oroklini on the 5^th and the 11^th, Lysos on the 12^th and the 25^th, Akamas on the 17^th, Droushia on the 26^th and Kritou Tera from the 9^th until the 21^st. 

Nightingale    Luscinia megarhynchos

The first sighting was by the Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 15^th followed by 2 at Cape Greco on the 2^nd, Ayios Giorgios with 2 on the 26^th and Akrotiri Gravel Pits with 1 on the 31^st. 

Bluethroat    Luscinia svecica

A late-staying individual at Oroklini on the 15^th.  

Black Redstart    Phoenicurus ochruros

Oroklini had 1 bird present until the 19^th, there were 2 at Corallia on the 6^th, 2 at Ayios Giorgios on the 12^th, 3 at the Tombs of the Kings on the 14^th, 1 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 16^th, 4 at Droushia on the 26^th and a male and a female present at Kritou Tera from the 9^th until at least the 21^st. 

Redstart    Phoenicurus phoenicurus

A male at Cape Greco on the 16^th with one at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 31^st. 

Whinchat   Saxicola rubetra

The first and only report this month was of 2 birds at the Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 14^th. 

Stonechat    Saxicola torquata

4 near Spiro's Pool on the 20^th, 1 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 21^st, 2 at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 29^th and 1 at Zakaki Marsh also on the 29^th. the maximum daily count at Oroklini was of 3 birds.     

Isabelline Wheatear    Oenanthe isabellina

Common and widespread all month in the west, there were very few records east of Limassol. Strongholds of the species were Mandria, Paphos Lighthouse Area, and Asprokremnos Dam but also reported from Aspro Dam Pools, Ayios Giorgios, Secret Valley, Coral Bay, Anarita Park, Avagas Gorge area and Akrotiri Gravel Pits. Multiple sightings of note were c10 at Mandria on the 3^rd, 5 at Mandria on the 9^th and 7 at Mandria on the 16^th. Records from the east are 2 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd and 1 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the same date. 

Northern Wheatear    Oenanthe oenanthe

Common and widespread over all of the island but still with a westerly bias. Significant counts were c10 at Mandria on the 3^rd, 4 at Ayios Giorgios on the 7^th, 7 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 19^th, 5 at Mandria on the 19^th, 3 near the hide at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 20^th, 6 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd, 8 at Mandria on the 28^th and 4 at the Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 31^st.    

Cyprus Pied Wheatear    Oenanthe cypriaca

First reported at Lefkara on the 15^th with other sightings from all areas quickly following. Asprokremnos Dam and Anarita Park are noted strongholds but the records are spread from Cape Greco to the Akamas. Highest count was of 4 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd.    

Black-eared Wheatear    Oenanthe hispanica melanoleuca

This delightful bird was first reported from Mandria on the 2^nd with 1 male bird being seen. Spiro's Beach had 1 on the 5^th, Paphos Lighthouse Area 1 on the 14^th, 5 at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 19^th, 1 at Maa on the 19^th with 2 at Mandria on the same date. There was 1 at Evretou Dam on the 20^th, 1 near Spiro's Pool on the 20^th, 1 at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 21^st, 1 at Mandria on the 21^st, 2 at Mavrokolymbos Dam on the 22^nd, 3 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 23^rd, 1 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 25^th, 1 at Kathikas on the 26^th, 1 at Ayia Varvara on the 28^th and finally 3 at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 31^st.

All records are reported. 

Desert Wheatear    Oenanthe deserti

Rather scarce on the ground this year with just 1 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 12^th and 1 at Cape Pyla on the 26^th. 

Finsch’s Wheatear    Oenanthe finschii

Reported from Ayia Varvara with 1 on the 1^st, Anarita Park with 2 on the 10^th, Asprokremnos Dam with 1 on the 11^th, Dora with 2 on the 13^th, Cape Greco with 1 on the 16^th, 5 at Anarita Park on the 23^rd, 1 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 23^rd and the last sighting of 1 at Anarita Park on the 28^th. All records refer to male birds. 

Rock Thrush    Monticola saxatilis

Just the one sighting of this delightful but rare passage migrant of a male at Cape Pyla on the 10^th.   

Blue Rock Thrush    Monticola solitarius

1 near the White River restaurant on the Akamas on the 7^th, 1 at Anarita park on the 10^th and the 16^th, a male and a female at Cape Pyla on the 10^th, 1 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 11^th with 2 there on the 30^th, 1 on the Akamas on the 17^th, a male at Ayios Giorgios on the 19^th, 2 males at Cape Greco on the 22^nd and the 26^th and finally 2 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 30^th. 

Blackbird    Turdus merula

Just the one report of a lone bird at Corallia on the 16^th. 

Fieldfare    Turdus pilaris

3 at the Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 1^st is the only report this month. 

Song Thrush    Turdus philomelos

Many sightings across the island all month, sightings involving 3 or more birds were 3 at Secret Valley on the 9^th, more than 12 in the Dhiarizos River Valley on the 13^th, 8 on the Akamas on the 17^th and 3 at Droushia on the 26^th. 

Mistle Thrush    Turdus viscivorus

There was 1 at Kathikas on the 26^th with 2 at Peyia on the same date. 

Cetti’s Warbler   Cettia cetti

Heard all over the island at most sites the only reports submitted are of 2 at Athalassa on the 22^nd and 3 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th. 

Fan-tailed Warbler    Cisticola juncidis

2 or 3 at Corallia on the 6^th, 2 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd, 2 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th, c12 at Yermasoya Dam on the 31^st, c6 at Amathus on both the 30^th and the 31^st with a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 3 birds.    

Moustached Warbler    Acrocephalus melanopogon

The one and only sighting was of 2 at the Aspro Dam Pools on the 1^st. 

Reed Warbler    Acrocephalus scirpaceus

There was 1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th and the 31^st. 

Spectacled Warbler    Sylvia conspicillata

Present at Larnaca Sewage Works, Asprokremnos Dam, Aspro Dam Pools, Zakaki Marsh and Oroklini all month. Most records are of 1 to 3 birds but there were 4 reported from Larnaca Sewage Works on the 16^th and 6 reported from Cape Greco on the 22^nd. 

Subalpine Warbler    Sylvia cantillans

A male at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st, 2 males at Tomb of the Kings on the 14^th, 1 male at Cape Greco on the 16^th, a male at Mandria on the 19^th and a male and a female at Cape Greco on the 29^th.  

Sardinian Warbler    Sylvia melanocephala

All reports are of single birds and are from Mandria on the 3^rd, Coral Bay on the 6^th, Oroklini on the 8^th, Larnaca Sewage Works on the 9^th, Latchi on the 9^th, Secret Valley on the 9^th, Kritou Tera on the 14^th [carrying nesting material], Coral Bay on the 16^th, Cape Greco on the 22^nd and Oroklini on the 25^th. A pair were reported from Evretou Dam on the 9^th whilst 3 birds were reported from Ayios Giorgios on the 17^th. 

Cyprus Warbler    Sylvia melanothorax

1 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st, 2 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 6^th, 3 at Ayios Giorgios on the 7^th, 1 at Latchi on the 9^th, 1 at Coral Bay on the 16^th, 8 at the Mavrokolymbos Dam on the 17^th, 1 at Evretou Dam on the 18^th with 5 there on the 20^th, 6 at Ayios Theodoros on the 23^rd and 4 at Amathus on both the 30^th and the 31^st. 

Ruppell’s Warbler    Sylvia rueppelli

Extremely widespread this spring there was a male at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st with 1 on the 16^th and 1 on the 22^nd at the same site, 1 at Ayios Giorgios on the 7^th, 3 on the Akamas on the 17^th, a female at Oroklini on the 18^th with a male and a female on the 19^th and a male on both the 23^rd and the 27^th all at this same site. There were 3 at Mandria on the 19^th with 2 there on the 25^th, c20 during the Cape Greco Field Trip on the 22^nd, 1 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 22^nd, 3 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 23^rd, 3 on the Akamas on the 24^th, 1 at Aspro Dam Pools on the 25^th, 1 at Peyia on the 26^th and 1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th. 

Desert Warbler    Sylvia nana

There was 1 at Mandria on the 3^rd was seen in exactly the same bush as the Jan sighting and it can only be assume that it is the same bird? 

Orphean Warbler    Sylvia hortensis

The first sightings were at Aspro Dam Pools and Evretou Dam on the 20^th with 2 at Aspro Dam Pools on the 25^th and 1 at Cape Greco on the 29^th. All were males with the exception of the Evretou Dam bird. 

Lesser Whitethroat    Sylvia curruca

Passage started with 1 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 9^th, c20 at Aspro Dam Pools on the 20^th, 3 at Mandria on the same date, 1 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd, 1 at the Aspro Dam Pools on the 25^th, 3 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th, 1 at the Akrotiri Gravel Pits on both the 30^th and the 31^st with 1 at Amathus also on both the 30^th and the 31^st. 

Blackcap    Sylvia atricapilla

The main passage across the island started on the 16^th, the one reported last month presumably being a wintering bird. Most sites had sightings with c30 on the Akamas on the 17^th being the largest total reported. Movement through the island continued all month. 

Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler    Phylloscopus orientalis

There was a lone bird at Aspro Dam Pools on the 19^th and another lone bird at Akhna Dam on the 29^th.     

Chiffchaff    Phylloscopus collybita

Numerous across the island with high counts of c20 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 8^th, c30 at Aspro Dam Pools on the 20^th, c40 at the Paphos Airport Area on the 21^st, c20 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd with a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 8 birds. 

Willow Warbler    Phylloscopus trochilus

The one and only sighting this month was of 1 bird  at the Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 31^st. 

Great Tit    Parus major Aphrodite

Singles at Oroklini on the 4^th, Peyia on the 12^th, Kathikas on the 21^st with 2 at Corallia on the 16^th. 

Woodchat Shrike    Lanius senator

The first was reported at Anarita Park on the 23^rd. This was followed by 1 at Ayios Giorgios on the 26^th, 1 at Chlorakas on the 26^th and 1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 31^st. 

Masked Shrike    Lanius nubicus

1 at Cape Greco on the 16^th with 1 during the Field Meeting there on the 22^nd. 

Jay    Garrulus glandarius glaszneri

One report of a single bird at Platres on the 21^st. 

Magpie    Pica pica

Very common and widespread throughout the island the highest count was of only 6 birds in the Xeros Potamos on the 8^th. 

Jackdaw    Corvus monedula

High counts were of c200 at Evretou Dam on the 6^th, c300 at Xeros Potamos on the 8^th and c20 at Governor’s Beach on the 31^st. 

Hooded Crow    Corvus corone

57 at Strovolos on the 16^th, 5 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd and a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 20 birds. 

Starling    Sturnus vulgaris

3 at Oroklini on the 2^nd and the only reported sighting west of Limassol this winter/spring of 1 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 12^th. 

House Sparrow    Passer domesticus

12+ at Corallia on the 6^th and a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 50 birds are the only reports. 

Spanish Sparrow    Passer hispaniolensis

Widespread from east to west, high counts are c50 at Coral Bay on the 18^th, c70 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 19^th, c100 at Ayios Giorgios on the 26^th and c220 at Mandria on both the 27^th and the 28^th. 

Chaffinch    Fringilla coelebs

Reported in small numbers from Athalassa, Oroklini, Ezousa, Akrotiri Salt Lake, Kathikas and Kritou Tera throughout the month. A count of c120 at Kathikas on the 16^th is by far the highest number reported. 

Serin    Serinus serinus

Very common and widespread throughout the west with no reports further east than the Dhiarizos River Valley. High counts were 46 at Chlorakas on the 6^th, 30+ at Androlikou on the 19^th, c30 at Akoursos on the 22^nd and c60 at Mandria on the 25^th. 

Greenfinch    Carduelis chloris

30 or 40 at the Akamas on the 7^th, 1 heard at Athalassa on the 16^th, 7 down the Ezousa on the 17^th, a pair at Kathikas on the 21^st, 5 at Cape Greco on the 22^nd, 9 at Athalassa on the 23^rd, 12 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 24^th and a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 5 birds. 

Goldfinch    Carduelis carduelis

5 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 21^st, c120 at Droushia on the 26^th, 2 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th and a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 6 birds. 

Siskin    Carduelis spinus 

There was a surprising 4 seen on the Field Trip at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 29^th. Possibly the first report from this site? 

Linnet    Carduelis cannabina

12+ at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 21^st, 2 at the Polemedhia Dam on the 30^th and 4 at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 31^st. 

Hawfinch    Coccothraustes coccothraustes

There was 1 at Kathikas on the 11^th, 1 at Dora on the 13^th, 3 at Evretou Dam on the 14^th and 1 seen from the 9^th until the 20^th at Kritou Tera.  

Ortolan Bunting    Emberiza hortulana

There were 4 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 16^th, 1 male at Cape Pyla on the 26^th and 2 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 30^th. 

Cretzschmar’s Bunting    Emberiza caesia

Passage and immigration started on the 16^th at Cape Greco, Mandria and Neo Chorio with 8, 3 and 4 being seen respectively. There were 2 at Mavrokolymbos Dam on the 17^th, 1 at Kannaviou on the 18^th, c30 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 19^th with 14 there on the 23^rd, c40 on the 27^th and 3 on the 30^th. There were 16 at Mandria on the 19^th, 3 at Xeros Potamos on the 24^th and 2 at Yermasoya Dam on the 31^st. 

Corn Bunting    Miliaria calandra

Reported from as far apart as Cape Greco and the Akamas. High counts included 63 at Droushia on the 17^th, 30+ at Kritou Tera on the 18^th, c30 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 19^th, c80 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 25^th, c40 at Droushia on the 26^th with Cape Greco having a high of 6 birds on the 22^nd.

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