BIRDLIFE CYPRUS          ΠΤΗΝΟΛΟΓΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΝΔΕΣΜΟΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ

Bird News

Bird Records for May 2003

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

Little Grebe    Tachybaptus ruficollis

3 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 1^st, 1 or 2 at Aspro Dam Pools all month, 2 at Akhna Dam all month, 4, including 2 juveniles, at Achelia Dam on the 30^th with a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 15 birds.

Cormorant    Phalacrocorax carbo

1 flew along the coast at Mandria on the 8^th whilst a very late individual hung around on the Asprokremnos Dam until at least the 11^th.

Shag    Phalacrocorax aristotelis

5 were reported from the Klidhes Islands on the 10^th.

Little Bittern    Ixobrychus minutus

At the Aspro Dam Pools there was 1 on the 2^nd and the 8^th and 2 on the 4^th and the 16^th, 3 reported from Evretou Dam on the 2^nd with 1 having a hard time from a Yellow-legged Gull for an half hour, 2 or 3 at Akhna Dam on the 9^th with 6 reported there on the 10^th but only 2 on the 16^th, 2 at Evretou Dam on the 10^th, 4 at Kiti Dam on the 11^th, an adult female at Asprokremnos Dam on the 17^th and a female at the Achelia Stream [Ezousa River?] on the 27^th.

Night Heron    Nycticorax nycticorax

There were 2 at Goudi on the 1^st, 5 at Akhna Dam on the 9^th but 15 reported from there on the 11^th, 1 at Kiti Dam on the 11^th, 1 immature flying over the Paphos Rubbish Tip on the 16^th, 1 adult at Ezousa on the 17^th with 4 adults there on the 30^th, 2 immatures at the Aspro Dam Pools on the 17^th and at Oroklini 1 adult on the 17^th and the 21^st.

Squacco Heron    Ardeola ralloides

Many around this month with 4 at Ezousa on the 17^th and 1 on the 20^th and the 27^th, 15 at Akhna Dam on the 10^th, 1 at Aspro Dam Pools on the 8^th and 9^th, 8 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 1^st with 11 there on the 11^th, 26 on the 17^th and 4 on the 31^st, 1 at Ayia Varvara on the 11^th, 1 at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd, between 1 and 8 at Oroklini from the 1^st to the 22^nd, at Phasouri Reed Beds there were 3 on the 1^st, c10 on the 10^th, 28 on the 24^th and 12 on the 27^th and at Akhna Dam there were 2 there on the 10^th. 

Cattle Egret    Bubulcus ibis

Akhna Dam had 6 on the 9^th and 4 on the 21^st; there were 2 at Oroklini on the 3^rd and the 5^th, 2 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 1^st and the 8^th with 4 there on the 24^th and the 27^th and 6 on the 10^th.

Little Egret    Egretta garzetta

At Akhna Dam there were 6 on the 9^th increasing to 11 by the 24^th, 5 at Phinikas at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 1^st with 1 on the 8^th and the 10^th, 4 on the 11^th, 5 again on the 17^th and 7 on the 31^st, 1 at Cape Greco on the 10^th, up to 8 at the Evretou Dam between the 2^nd and the 15^th, 1 on the Ezousa River on the 1^st and the 30^th with 6 on the 6^th and 2 on the 17^th, Ladies Mile had 2 on the 8^th with 20 on  the 10^th, 11^th and 17^th,  4 at Larnaca Salt Lake on the 10^th, 1 at Mandria Pools between the 1^st and the 4^th with a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 6 birds. Phasouri Reed Beds had 1 on the 1^st, 22+ on the 8^th with 3 on the 24^th, Spiro's Pool had 5 on the 11^th and Zakaki Marsh had 9 on the 24^th.

Great White Egret   Egretta alba

There was 1 at Akhna Dam on the 9^th and 10^th, 1 at Evretou Dam on the 10^th, 1at Oroklini on the 2^nd, 2 at Spiro's Pool on the 11^th and 4 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 8^th.   

Grey Heron    Ardea cinerea

The Asprokremnos Dam had birds all month with 4 on the 1^st and 5 present on the 31^st, Akhna Dam had 5 on the 24^th, 1 at the Evretou Dam on the 15^th, at Ezousa on the 6^th and at Pachyammos on the 10^th plus there were 11 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 11^th with 4 still present on the 24^th. There was a lone bird at Spiro's Pool on the 11^th.

Purple Heron    Ardea purpurea

Many birds around this month with 1 at Achelia Dam on the 30^th, 6 at Akhna Dam on the 11^th, 1 at Aspro Dam Pools from the 8^th until the 17^th, up to 6 at Asprokremnos Dam all month, 6 at Evretou Dam on the 15^th, 1 or 2 at the Ezousa River from the 1^st until the 27^th with a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 23 birds! There were 2 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 24^th with just 1 on the 27^th and 1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 10^th.

Glossy Ibis    Plegadis falcinellus

2 at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 11^th, 5 at the Ezousa on the 6^th with 1 on the 30^th, 14 over Mandria on the 4^th, from 1 to 18 at Oroklini from the 5^th through to the 21^st with the maximum on the 14^th, the numbers at Phasouri Reed Beds were 2 on the 1^st, 24 on the 4^th, c35 on the 11^th, c50 on the 20^th, 4 on the 24^th and a similar number on the 27^thand at Zakaki Marsh 9 on the 4^thand c20 on the 10^th.

Greater Flamingo    Phoenicopterus ruber

Highest count at Akrotiri Salt Lake was c500 on the 25^th and at Larnaca Salt Lake 87 on the 10^th. Other sites reporting this species were Meneou Pools with an immature on the 26^th, 1 at Oroklini on the 1^st and the 2^nd with the other, reported last month, found dead on the 1^st plus there was an immature bird at Spiro's Pool on the 26^th.

Mallard    Anas platyrhynchos

Several broods were reported from Larnaca Sewage Works towards the end of the month with c80 birds present on the 26^th. A female with 8 juvs was reported from Evretou Dam on the 12^th and the female duck with 6 chicks, reported as Pintail from Phasouri Reed Beds on the 3^rd, I believe were the family party of Mallard reported towards the end of last month, Pintail never having been reported as breeding in Cyprus.

Pintail    Anas acuta

See previous species for breeding report. A pair was reported from Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th.

Garganey    Anas querquedula

Birds were still being seen at Phasouri Reed Beds with 2 birds reported on the 1^st and 1 bird reported on the 27^th. Unfortunately the sex of the birds was not reported so we shall have to wait until someone reports juvs before we know whether or not breeding took place. There were 10 reported from Larnaca Sewage Works on both the 8^th and the 11^th whilst Oroklini had a maximum daily count of 13 birds.

Shoveler    Anas clypeata

At Phasouri Reed Beds there were 3 on the 1^st with just 1 on the 27^th whilst the Larnaca Sewage Works had 5 on the 11^th.

Honey Buzzard    Pernis apivorus

In very short supply this spring with 1 at the Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 11^th and 1, identified as an adult female, at Phasouri Reed Beds on the same date [same bird?].

Griffon Vulture    Gyps fulvus

1’s and 2’s reported from Kensington Cliffs all month with 2 in the Troodos on the 18^th and 4 above Stavrokonnou on the 24^th

Marsh Harrier    Circus aeruginosus

All sightings were of single birds, they were seen at Goudi and at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 1^st, Lara on the 5^th, Latchi and the Klidhes Islands on the 10^th, Akhna Dam from the 11^th until the 24^thand the Asprokremnos Dam on the 11^th and the 31^st.

Hen Harrier    Circus cyaneus

There were just 2 reports this month, 1 at the Akamas on the 8^th and another single bird at Pachyammos on the 10^th.

Pallid Harrier    Circus macrourus

A female at Mazotos on the 11^th.

Montagu’s Harrier    Circus pygargus

2 reported from Lara on the 10^th with a sub-adult male at Mazotos on the 11^th.

Long-legged Buzzard    Buteo rufinus

2 at Theletra on the 2^nd, 1 on the Akamas on the 8^th, a dark adult at Evretou Dam on the 10^th and 1 bird above Stavrokonnou on the 24^th.

Lesser Spotted Eagle    Aquila pomarina

A bird at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 5^th, most unusual but not unprecedented in the spring.

Bonelli’s Eagle    Hieraaetus fasciatus

2 seen at Nata on the 7^th and 1 at Lysos on the 21^st.

Lesser Kestrel    Falco naumanni

The tail-end of the passage included a male at Paphos on the 6^th, a male on the Akamas on the 7^th and 3 males and a female at Mazotos on the 11^th.

Kestrel    Falco tinnunculus

Reported in 1’s and 2’s from Akoursos, Klidhes Islands, Ayios Amvrosios, Chrysochou, Gaidouras, Oroklini, Phasouri Reed Beds and Trachoni [3] with 10 birds reported from Rizokarpaso on Cape Andreas on the 10^th.    

Hobby    Falco subbuteo

Single birds reported from Kamares on the 1^st, Akhna Dam on the 11^th and at Goudi on the 29^th.

Eleonora’s Falcon    Falco eleonorae

The maximum reported from Kensington Cliffs was 8 birds on the 24^th with 4 at the Episkopi Garrison on the 4^th.

Peregrine    Falco peregrinus

1 at Theletra on the 2^nd, 1 in the Kouris Valley on the 10^th, 1 at Kensington Cliffs on the 24^th, a male at Aspro Dam Pools on the 30^th and 2 birds at Kantara on the 31^st.    

Chukar    Alectoris chukar

Reported from Akanthou, Cape Apostolos Andreas, Cape Greco, Chelones, Dhavlos, Droushia, Choli, Oroklini, Rizokarpaso, Spiro's Pool and Vokolidha. Successful breeding was reported from Dhavlos on the 10^th with 1 adult and 8 chicks and Choli on the 29^th with 1 adult and 10 chicks. The first chicks were noted on the 14^th at Oroklini.

Black Francolin    Francolinus francolinus

Reported from Akanthou [3], Cape Apostolos Andreas [10], Ayios Amvrosios [3], Ayios Therissos [4], Chelones [3], Kholetria [10], Chrysochou [1], Dhavlos [12], Ayios Nikolaos [4], Salamis [2], Latchi [7], Mandria [2], Oroklini [maximum daily count 2], Pomos [1], Stroumbi [1], Sygrasi [2], Terra [2] and an amazing 25 from Rizokarpaso on Cape Andreas on the 10^th.

Quail    Coturnix coturnix

1 at Spiro's Pool on the 11^th and 1 heard calling at Ayios Nikolaos in the ESBA on the 24^th and the 25^th.

Little Crake    Porzana parva

An adult female at the Aspro Dam Pools on the 16^th.

Corncrake    Crex crex

1 from Droushia on the 2^nd.      

Moorhen    Gallinula chloropus

Reported from all the major wetlands throughout the month the maximum number reported being the maximum daily count from Oroklini of 8 birds.

Coot    Fulica atra

Concentrations included c12 from Akhna Dam throughout the month and reported as nesting, 5 from Aspro Dam Pools, c20 from Phasouri Reed Beds on the 16^th included 14 juvs, 26 from Phasouri Reed Beds on the 27^th and Oroklini with a maximum daily count of 45 birds.

Black-winged Stilt    Himantopus himantopus

There were in excess of 16 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 11^th, 1 at the Ezousa Pools on the 17^th, up to 20 birds at the Larnaca Sewage Works with birds seen incubating and chicks noticed from the 24^th onwards, 50 was the maximum daily count at Oroklini with chicks noted from the 11^thand at Phasouri Reed Beds the maximum seen was 5 on the 1^st with 4 still remaining on the 24^th.

Avocet    Recurvirostra avosetta

There were 4 at Spiro's Pool on the 11^th with 3 there on the 26^th.

Stone Curlew    Burhinus oedicnemus

There was 1 reported from Sygrasi on the 10^th, 1 from Mandria on the 16^th and c8, “heard every night”, at Vrysoulles throughout the month.

Collared Pratincole    Glareola pratincola

Birds were still present at Mandria early in the month with 2 seen on the 1^st and 3 seen on the 10^th, 2 were reported from Ladies Mile on the 2^nd, 1 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 8^th with 2 there on the 11^th and 11 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 20^th.       

Little Ringed Plover    Charadrius dubius

There were 1’s and 2’s reported from the Ezousa Pools, Akhna Dam, Mandria Pools and Oroklini with the last site having 3 present on the 10^th. The last date was the 17^th with 1 bird being reported from Akhna Dam on this date.

Ringed Plover    Charadrius hiaticula

3 at Akhna Dam on the 10^th and 5 at Spiro's Pool on the 11^th are the only sightings reported this month.

Kentish Plover    Charadrius alexandrinus

1 at the Larnaca Salt Lake on the 10^th, up to c30 at Spiro's Pool  and 24 at Ladies Mile on the 24^th which included 3, day-old, chicks only a couple of hours out of the egg.

Greater Sand Plover    Charadrius leschenaultii

Just the one sighting of a single bird at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 7^th .

Spur-winged Plover    Vanellus spinosus

2 at Akhna Dam on the 9^th, 8 on the 10^th and 6 through to the end of the month from the 12^th. At the Ezousa Pools there was 1 on the 1^st with 2 on the 17^th, at Phasouri Reed Beds there were 2 on and off throughout the month depending on where they were hiding plus at Oroklini there was a maximum daily count of 10 birds with the first juvs being seen on the 14^th and up to 5 pairs nesting there.    

Little Stint    Calidris minuta

Present at many sites this month including Akrotiri Salt Lake, Aspro Dam Pools, Ezousa Pools, Ladies Mile, Mandria Pools, Larnaca Salt Lake, Larnaca Airport Pools South, Oroklini and Spiro's Pool. High counts included 500+ at the Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 11^th, c200 on Ladies Mile on the 11^th, 60+ at the Larnaca Salt Lake on the 10^th, c400 at Spiro's Pool on the 11^th with Oroklini having a maximum daily count of 48. There were still 9 present at the Ezousa Pools at the end of the month.

Temminck’s Stint    Calidris temminckii

1 in breeding plumage at Akhna Dam on the 22^nd, 1 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th and 2 at the Mandria Pools on the 4^th with 1 there on the 16^th.

Curlew Sandpiper    Calidris ferruginea

2 at the Ezousa pools on the 1^st, c50 at Ladies Mile on the 8^th, 5 at Akhna Dam on the 9^th, c10 on Ladies Mile on the 10^th with 1 at Larnaca Salt Lake on the same date. On the 11^th there were 100+ at the Akrotiri Salt Lake, c100 at Ladies Mile, 5 at the Larnaca Sewage Works, 6 at Oroklini and c40 at Spiro's Pool. After this date there were 4 seen at Ladies Mile on the 20^th with 6 at Spiro's Pool on the 26^th being the last for the month.

Broad-billed Sandpiper    Limicola falcinellus

A single bird at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 8^th.

Ruff    Philomachus pugnax

Many reports throughout the month with birds being seen at Ezousa Pools, Aspro Dam Pools, Coral Bay, Aspro Dam Pools, Larnaca Sewage Works, Mandria Pools, Evretou Dam, Oroklini, Phasouri Reed Beds and Spiro's Pool. Notable gatherings were 20at Ezousa on the 6^th, 70 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 8^th and 40 at Spiro's Pool on the 24^th.

Snipe    Gallinago gallinago

2 at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd, 1 Phasouri Reed Beds on the 10^th and 1 at Oroklini on the 11^th are the only sightings this month.

Black-tailed Godwit    Limosa limosa

Oroklini had 1 or 2 present from the 2^nd until the 9^th with2 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 8^th and the 10^th.

Spotted Redshank    Tringa erythropus

There were 5 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 8^th with just 1 there on the 11^th, 1 in breeding plumage at Spiro's Pool on the 11^th and 1 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 24^th also in breeding plumage.

Redshank    Tringa totanus

Only one report this month of a single bird at the Mandria Pools on the 16^th.

Marsh Sandpiper    Tringa stagnatilis

Singles at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 8^th, Oroklini and Akhna Dam on the 9^th and at Zakaki Marsh on the 10^th.

Greenshank    Tringa nebularia

Singles at Aspro Dam Pools on the 2^nd, Larnaca Airport Pools South and Phasouri Reed Beds on the 8^th, Akhna Dam on the 16^th with 1 or 2 at Oroklini from the 1^st to the 9^th and 4 at Zakaki Marsh on the 8^th.

Green Sandpiper    Tringa ochropus

Singles at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd and at Akhna Dam on the 10^th.

Wood Sandpiper    Tringa glareola

Quite widespread this month with reports from Akhna Dam [c10 on 16^th], Aspro Dam Pools [4 on 1^st and 1 on 2^nd and 8^th], Asprokremnos Dam [1 on 17^th], Ayia Varvara [1 on 11^th], Evretou Dam [1 on 1^st and 3 on 2^nd], Ezousa Pools [4 on 1^st, 7 on 6^th, 2 on 14^th, 1 on 17^th and 3 on 18^th], Larnaca Sewage Works [2 on 8^th], Mandria [1 on 1^st and 4^th and 4 on 11^th], Oroklini [1 or 2 from 10^th until 31^st], Phasouri Reed Beds [5 on 24^th with 2 on 27^th] and at Zakaki Marsh with 1 on the 24^th.

Common Sandpiper    Actitis hypoleucos

There was 1 at the Ezousa Pools on the 1^st, 1 at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd, 4 at Aspro Dam Pools on the 2^nd, 2 at Mandria on the 4^th, 3 at Akhna Dam from the 10^th until the 22^nd and a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 4 birds.

Turnstone    Arenaria interpres

1 reported from Spiro's Pool and the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th could well relate to the same bird.

Black-headed Gull    Larus ridibundus

Only 2 reports this month, a 2^nd summer at Phasouri Reed Beds and the same at Zakaki Marsh, both reports on the 24^th.

Slender-billed Gull    Larus genei

3 birds at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 8^th.

Audouin’s Gull    Larus audouinii

There was 1 bird at Akanthou on the 10^th with 3 at Dhavlos on the same date and 2 sub-adults at Ayia Thekla on the 27^th.

Lesser Black-backed Gull    Larus fuscus   

L.f.fuscus

3 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 8^th with 1 there on the 11^th and 2 at the

              Asprokremnos Dam on the 12^th.

                L.f.heuglini

              There was 1 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th identified as this ssp,

              however 2 separate observers reported only L.f. fuscus there on this same

              date?

Yellow-legged Gull    Larus cachinnans

On the 10^th there were 50 at Cape Apostolos Andreas, 1 at Ayios Therissos, 3 at Ayios Nikolaos and 20 at Rizokarpaso. On the 13^th there were 10+ at the Akamas and on the 24^th 40 at Larnaca Sewage Works.  

Gull-billed Tern    Gelochelidon nilotica 

3 birds at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th.

Sandwich Tern    Sterna sandvicensis

1 bird at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th.

Common Tern    Sterna hirundo

A pair, nesting on the central causeway at the Larnaca Sewage Works were present all month.

Little Tern    Sterna albifrons

Singles at Spiro's Pool on the 11^th, Akhna Dam on the 20^th and at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 24^th.

Whiskered Tern    Chlidonias hybridus

3 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 1^st, 4 at Zakaki Marsh on the 8^th, 2 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 8^th, 2 at Akhna Dam on the 9^th with 1 on both the 10^th and the 17^th, 1 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 11^th with 4 on the 17^th and 1 on the 31^st plus 2 at the Ezousa Pools on the 17^th.

White-winged Black Tern    Chlidonias leucopterus 

There were 3 at Akhna Dam on the 9^th and the 17^th, 1 at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 1^st with 2 on the 12^th and 8 on the 17^th, 1 at Evretou Dam on the 7^th, 4 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 8^th with 5 there on the 11^th, up to 4 reported at Oroklini from the 5^th until the 31^st and at Phasouri Reed Beds 6 on the 1^st, 11 on the 8^th, 8 on the 11^th and, a reflection of the past, c45 on the 20^th.

Rock Dove    Columba livia

50 at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th, there were 6 at Kantara on the 31^st with c20 at Kensington Cliffs all month.

Woodpigeon    Columba palumbus

Reported from Akoursos, Salamis, Lapithos, Rizokarpaso, Terra and Giolou. The

largest concentration was just 12 at Rizokarpaso on the 10^th.

Collared Dove    Streptopelia decaocto

There were reports this month from Ayios Amvrosios, Koma tou Yialou, Nisou, Oroklini, Phasouri Reed Beds, Sygrasi, Trachoni and Tseri, with the largest total being 15 at Ayios Amvrosios on the 10^th.

Turtle Dove    Streptopelia turtur

Reported from Stavrokonnou, Akhna Dam, Cape Apostolos Andreas, Armou, Ayios Amvrosios, Ayios Giorgios, Ezousa River, Ayios Nikolaos, Karaolos, Kamares, Oroklini, Rizokarpaso, Trachoni and Giolou. There were c20 at Akhna Dam on the 10^th dwindling to 5 by the 16^thand 15 at Rizokarpaso also on the 10^th, all other records being of 5 birds or less.

Laughing Dove    Streptopelia senegalensis

A report of 1 seen on the Akamas on the 7^th was unfortunately rejected by your 

Rarities Committee due to insufficient detail being provided to prove its identity.

Great Spotted Cuckoo   Clamator glandarius

Adult birds seen at Armou, Aspro Dam Pools, Ayios Giorgios, Lara, Lysos, Lythrodhonda, Malia, Marathounda and Neo Chorio. Juveniles were reported from Akhna Dam with 1 on the 29^th and 4 on the 31^st.

Cuckoo    Cuculus canorus

Singles at Choli Farm on the 1^st, Evretou Dam and Sarama on the 2^nd and at Smyies on the 7^th.

Barn Owl    Tyto alba

1 at Governor’s Beach on the 10^th, 1 at Marathounda on the 14^th and a road-kill at Vrysoulles.

Scops Owl    Otus scops cyprius

1 at Kamares on the 1^st with 2 on the 8^th, 1 at Theletra on the 2^nd, 2 at Tokni on the 4^th and 2 on the Akamas on the 8^th.

Little Owl    Athene noctua

1 at Nata and Peyia on the 1^st, 2 at Rizokarpaso on the 10^th, 1 at Ayios Nikolaos in the ESBA on the 21^st and 2 near the large mast on the west side of the Asprokremnos Dam on the 31^st.

Long-eared Owl    Asio otus

1 bird at Psathi on the 11^th.

Nightjar    Caprimulgus europaeus

6 flushed from off the road between Lofou and Pera Pedi on the 31^st.

Swift    Apus apus

Reported from across the island, high numbers include 80 at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th, 30 at Ayios Andronicos on the 10^th, 100 at Ayios Nikolaos on the 10^th, 40 at Leonarissos on the 10^th, 30 at Marathounda on the 12^th, 30 at Yiallousa on the 10^thand a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 75 birds.

Pallid Swift    Apus pallidus

50 at Apostolos Andreas Monastery on the 10^th and c10 in Troodos on the 10^th and the 18^th.

Alpine Swift    Apus melba

Present at the Aspro Dam Pools with 4 on 17^th, 2 on 30^th and 5 on 31^st, 5 at Kantara on 31^st, up to 35 at Kensington Cliffs all month, 2 at Monagri on the 29^th, 12 at Rizokarpaso on the 10^th and 6 at Troodos on the 6^th.

Pied Kingfisher    Ceryle rudis

A bird at the Evretou Dam on the 10^th.

Bee-eater    Merops apiaster

There were many reports all this month of flocks passing through and a few reports of potential breeders. 22 were seen at Goudi on the 1^st and they were still moving through at the end of the month with 3 at the Aspro Dam Pools on the 31^st. Higher counts included 50 at Pachyammos on the 10^th, 25 at Cape Greco on the 11^th, 20 at Marathounda on the 12^th, 21 at Pelathousa on the 19^th plus a report of 2 at a potential breeding site at Panayia on the 18^th.

Roller    Coracias garrulus

Reported from across the island from Akhna Dam in the east to the Akamas in the west. There were some surprising concentrations reported like 10 at Akanthou on the 10^th, an amazing 85 from Rizokarpaso on the 10^th, 15 from Theletra on the 2^nd and 10 at Armou on the 10^th. All sites reporting double figures have been mentioned.

Hoopoe    Upupa epops

2 at Lythrodhonda on the 8^th, 1 at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th, 1 at Lefkara on the 11^th, 1 at Nata on the 12^th, 6 in the Troodos on the 18^th, 1 at Lysos on the 19^th and finally 1 at Akoursos on the 28^th.

Calandra Lark    Melanocorypha calandra

3 were seen at Salamis on the 10^th, 5 near to the Larnaca Desalination Plant, reported as feeding nestlings, on the 11^th, 3 at Styli on the 23^rd, 2 at Gaidouras on the 23^rd, 3 at the Larnaca Desalination Plant on the 24^th and finally 3 at Spiro's Pool on the 26^th.

Short-toed Lark    Calandrella brachydactyla

At Mandria there were 18 on the 1^st, 8 on the 2^nd and 5 on the 4^th, 1 at Arodes on the 1^st, 1 at Kensington Cliffs on the 10^th, 5 at Salamis on the 10^th, 1 near Spiro's Pool on the 11^th and then 4 at Coral Bay on the 19^th.

Crested Lark    Galerida cristata

As expected this species was abundant and widespread across the island with reports coming from all over the island throughout the month. Notable concentrations included Akanthou [20 on the 10^th], Cape Apostolos Andreas [30 on the 10^th], Ayios Amvrosios [20 on the 10^th], Dhavlos [25 on the 10^th], Oroklini [maximum daily count 25], Rizokarpaso [60 on the 10^th] with many other sites reporting up to 20 birds. There was one breeding report, a nest containing 5 eggs was found at Ladies Mile on the 11^th.

Sand Martin    Riparia riparia

I always find it surprising that this non-breeding passage migrant is still around during May when it is one of the first migrants to arrive in Northern latitudes. We had 2 at Akhna Dam on the 11^th with 3 there on the 14^th, 2 at Akrotiri on the 11^th, up to 3 at Aspro Dam Pools from the 16^th to the 31^st, 1 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 17^th and 1 at Lara on the 14^th.

Crag Martin    Ptyonoprogne rupestris

1 at Panayia on the 18^th.

Swallow    Hirundo rustica

Widespread and island-wide, notable concentrations included 25 at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th, 40 at Apostolos Andreas Monastery on the 10^th, 40 at Ayios Andronicos on the 10^th, 80 at Ayios Nikolaos on the 10^th, 80 at Oroklini being the maximum daily count, 105 at Rizokarpaso on the 10^th, 30 at Sygrasi on the 10^thand 50 at Yiallousa on the 10^th. Juveniles were first seen at Marathounda on the 15^th.

Red-rumped Swallow    Hirundo daurica

Always scarcer in the east there were 4 at Akhna Dam on the 14^th, 1 at Akoursos on the 28^th, 15 at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th, 5+ at Argaka on the 13^th, 2 at Armou on the 11^th, 4 at Aspro Dam Pools on the 31^st, 2 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 31^st, 1 at Evretou Dam on the 15^th, c25 at Latchi on the 10^th [late migrants?], 4 at Leonarissos on the 10^th, 1 at Marathounda on the 12^th and 13^th, 5 in the Troodos on the 18^th and 1 at Giolou on the 2^nd.

House Martin    Delichon urbica

Surprisingly few reports with just 8 at Akhna Dam on the 11^th, 7 at Kantara on the 31^st, 6 as the maximum daily count at Oroklini and finally c100 in the Troodos on the 18^th.

Tawny Pipit    Anthus campestris

1 at Mandria on the 4^th, 1 at Lara on the 5^th and the last for the spring, 1 at Mandria on the 11^th.

Tree Pipit    Anthus trivialis

1 at Stroumbi on the 1^st.

Red-throated Pipit    Anthus cervinus

At Oroklini there was 1 on the 1^st with 2 on the 2^nd and the 3^rd, 6 at Arodes on the 2^nd and 16 at Arodes on the 3^rd.

Yellow Wagtail    Motacilla flava

a) Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava

There was 1 bird at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd, Lara on the 5^th, Mandria on the 8^th, Mandria Pools on the 10^thand Coral Bay on the 19^th with 2 birds at Cape Greco on the 10^thand a pair at Zakaki Marsh on the 24^th.

b) Grey-headed Wagtail    Motacilla flava thunbergi

A male at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 8^th with 3 females at Lara on the 14^th

d) Syke’s Wagtail    Motacilla flava beema

There were 26 at Mandria on the 2^nd with 8 there on the 11^th

f) Black-headed Wagtail    Motacilla flava feldegg   

1 at Cape Greco on the 10^th and on the 11^th there was 1 at Mandria with a maximum daily count from Oroklini of 2 birds.

Citrine Wagtail     Motacilla citreola

There was a male at Mandria Pools on the 1^st and the 11^th, a male at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd and a female at Akhna Dam on the 12^th.

White Wagtail    Motacilla alba

1 at Aspro Dam Pools and at Mandria on the 2^nd, 1 at Oroklini on the 12^th and 2 at Lara on the 14^th.

Wren    Troglodytes troglodytes

Just the one report of 2 on the Caledonian Trail on the 6^th.

Thrush Nightingale    Luscinia luscinia

There were single birds at the Akamas on the 2^nd and at Cape Greco on the 9^th.

Nightingale    Luscinia megarhynchos

2 in Paphos on the 6^th and 6 in the Troodos area on the 18^th.

Redstart    Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Just 1 at Cape Greco on the 11^th.

Whinchat   Saxicola rubetra

1 at Sarama and at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd, 1 at Oroklini on the 4^th, 1 on the Akamas on the 10^th, 1 at Marathounda on the 12^th and a very late individual at Aspro Dam Pools on the 29^th.

Isabelline Wheatear    Oenanthe isabellina

Singles at Mandria on the 4^th, Paphos on the 5^th, 8^th and the 11^th and at Asprokremnos Dam on the 6^th.

Northern Wheatear    Oenanthe oenanthe 

1 at Oroklini on the 3^rd, 2 at Mandria on the 4^th with an adult male there on the 11^th, 2 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 5^th and 6^th, a female there on the 8^th and 11^th and a male also on the 11^th plus 1 bird at Rizokarpaso on the 10^th. 

Cyprus Pied Wheatear    Oenanthe cypriaca

Many reports from across the island, there were 12 at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th, 6 at Ayios Therissos on the 10^th, 30at Rizokarpaso on the 10^th, 40, consisting mainly of territorial males, in the Troodos area on the 18th plus 3 birds-of-the-year at Kato Deftera on the 31^st.    

Black-eared Wheatear    Oenanthe hispanica melanoleuca

Singles at Curium on the 4^th, Marathounda on the 4th [stapazina form], Lara on the 5th [stapazina form], Paphos on the 6^th and at Cape Greco on the 11^th plus there 2 birds seen at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th.

Blackbird    Turdus merula

1 at Troodos on the 18^th is the only report.

Cetti’s Warbler   Cettia cetti

Very widespread with birds heard and occasionally seen in numbers up to 4 at Cape Apostolos Andreas, Ayios Amvrosios, Ayios Therissos, Dhavlos, Ayios Nikolaos, Kantara, Kathikas, Pano Kivides, Phasouri Reed Beds, Terra and Giolou.

Fan-tailed Warbler    Cisticola juncidis

As per the previous species they were widespread throughout the island and seen in numbers up to 5 at Akhna Dam, Arodes, Asprokremnos Dam, Kholetria, Chrysochou, Dhavlos, Kathikas, Kotchatis, Larnaca Sewage Works, Oroklini, Pachyammos, Phasouri Reed Beds, Rizokarpaso [12 birds seen], Terra and Giolou.     

Reed Warbler    Acrocephalus scirpaceus

1 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 1^st, 1 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 6^th, 1 heard singing at Episkopi on the 7^th and another heard singing at Akhna Dam on the 9^th.

Great Reed Warbler    Acrocephalus arundinaceus

1 bird at the Paphos, Episkopi on the 7^th.

Olivaceous Warbler    Hippolais pallida

Very numerous and seen at most sites across the island this month, multiple sightings include 4 at Akoursos on the 28^th, 5 at Doros on the 29^th, 5 at Trachoni on the 23^rdand 5 at Tseri on the 27^th. There were many sites with up to 3 birds.

Icterine Warbler    Hippolais icterina

A single bird at Choli Farm on the 1^st.

Spectacled Warbler    Sylvia conspicillata

2 at Akhna Dam on the 11^th and the 20^th, 1 on the Akamas on the 7^th, a female killed by a Red-backed Shrike at Cape Greco on the 9^th, 1 at Droushia on the 29^th, 2 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th, a maximum daily count of 4 at Oroklini, 7 at Spiro's Pool on the 11^th and 1 on territory at Tsadha Golf Course on the 13^th with 4, including 3 juvs, there on the 20^th.

Sardinian Warbler    Sylvia melanocephala

As expected, all records are from the Akamas area but there were records of 1 at Nata [hardly the Akamas!] on the 16^th and 5 at Theletra [very close] on the 2^nd.

Cyprus Warbler    Sylvia melanothorax

4+ at the Akamas on the 13^th, 2 at Akanthou on the 10^th, 6 at Akoursos on the 28^th, 16 at Choletria on the 24^th, 8 at Dhavlos on the 10^th, 1 at Kathikas on the 28^th, 6 at Kyrenia on the 5^th, 2 each at Lapithos on 30^th, Malia on 21^st and Pachyammos on 10^th plus 3 at Pano Kivides on 21^st, 3 at Souni on 21^stand 5 at Theletra on 2^nd.

Orphean Warbler    Sylvia hortensis

1 at Dhavlos on the 10^th.

Lesser Whitethroat    Sylvia curruca

1 at Akhna Dam on the 12^th.   

Whitethroat    Sylvia communis

1 at Ayios Giorgios on the 5^th.

Garden Warbler    Sylvia borin

3 at Ayios Giorgios during the Field Trip there on the 3^rd plus 2 on the Akamas on the 10^th.

Blackcap    Sylvia atricapilla

2 at Stroumbi on the 1^st, 4 at Ayios Giorgios on the 3^rd with 2 at Oroklini on the same date, 1 at Oroklini on the 6^th, c20 on the Akamas on the 10^th and finally 1 at Nata on the 16^th.

Chiffchaff    Phylloscopus collybita

Just one report of 4 late individuals at Cape Greco on the 11^th .

Willow Warbler    Phylloscopus trochilus

2 at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd, 2 at Ayios Giorgios on the 3^rdwith 1 there on the 5^th and finally 2 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 24^th.

Spotted Flycatcher    Muscicapa striata

Birds reported from the Akamas, Akoursos, Armou, Evretou Dam, Ezousa River, Kamares, Choli Farm, Oroklini, Panayia, Terra and Cape Greco. Highest count was of 4 at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd. There was no evidence of breeding reported.

Collared Flycatcher    Ficedula albicollis

A male at Oroklini on the 21^st.

Coal Tit    Parus ater cypriotes

1 at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd, c10 in Troodos on the 10^th with c20 on the 18^th.

Great Tit    Parus major aphrodite

Reported at most sites from all over the island, higher counts were 10 at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th, 5 at Lapithos on the 30^th, 2 adults with 2 juvs at Oroklini on the 20^thand 8 at Rizokarpaso on the 10^th.

Short-toed Treecreeper    Certhia brachydactyla dorotheae

There was only the one report of 5 birds in the Troodos on the 18^th .     

Golden Oriole    Oriolus oriolus

2 at Ayios Demetrianos on the 1^st, 2 at Droushia and 1 at Sarama on the 2^nd, 1 at Ayios Giorgios and 1 at Kamares on the 3^rd, 1 at Armou on the 4^th, a male on the Smyies track on the 7^th, a female at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th, 1 at Armou on the 10^th, at least 3 in song at Armou on the 11^th, 1 at Marathounda on the 12^th, 1 at Akourdalia on the 12^th, 1 in the Troodos on the 18^th and a female at Lysos on the 21^st.

Isabelline Shrike    Lanius isabellinus

A male and a female seen at Cape Greco on the 11^th.

Red-backed Shrike    Lanius collurio

Passage through the island was very heavy until the 14^th of the month with birds being seen all over the island from Cape Greco to the Akamas. Significant sightings included 50+ on the Akamas on the 2^nd, 7 at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd, 20 at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th, 18 at Ayios Therissos on the 10^th, an amazing 64 at Rizokarpaso on the 10^th, 6 at Lara on the 14^th, 9 at Neo Chorio on the 14^th and finally, the last sighting of the month, 1 at Oroklini on the 19^th.

Lesser Grey Shrike    Lanius minor

1 or 2 at Oroklini from the 1^st to the 12^th, singles at Ayios Giorgios on the 3^rd and 5^th, Stroumbi on the 1^st, Paphos Lighthouse Area on 8^th and at Cape Greco on the 9^th, 3 at Akrotiri on the 10^th, 5 at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th, 5 at Ayios Therissos on the 10^th, 3 at Dhavlos on the 10^th, 2 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 10^th, 15 at Rizokarpaso on the 10^th, 2 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th and finally 4 on Cape Greco on the 11^th.

Woodchat Shrike    Lanius senator

1 at Stroumbi on the 1^st, a pair with a singing male at Lara on the 5^th, 1 at Akamas on the 13^th, 1 at Neo Chorio on the 14^th and 1 at Pano Kivides on the 21^st.

Masked Shrike    Lanius nubicus

Many reports of 1’s and 2’s from Troodos and the west of the island, there was also a report of 1 bird at Akhna Dam on the 11^th. A nest was found at Sarama Forest on the 2^nd which was the only evidence of breeding submitted.

Jay    Garrulus glandarius glaszneri

3 at Troodos on the 8^th with 5 reported on the 18^th plus 1 at Ayios Merkourios in the Paphos Forest on the 13^th.

Magpie    Pica pica

Common at all sites island-wide. Concentrations included 16 at Rizokarpaso on the 10^th, 12 at Kotchatis on the 27^th, 12 at Arodes on the 28^th with a maximum daily count at Oroklini of only 2 birds.

Jackdaw    Corvus monedula

10 at Akanthou on the 10^th, 20 at Cape Apostolos Andreas on the 10^th, 6 at Terra on the 2^nd and 4 at Kantara on the 31^st are the only reports submitted.

Hooded Crow    Corvus corone

Many reports from across the island, double figure counts came from Cape Apostolos Andreas, Ayios Andronicos, Patriki, Rizokarpaso and the Oroklini maximum daily count which was of 10 birds.

Rose-coloured Starling    Sturnus roseus

1 at Oroklini on the 2^nd and 2 from Coral Bay on the 6^th.

House Sparrow    Passer domesticus

Reported from all over the island, highest counts were 20 at Nisou on the 27^th, 20 at Kathikas on the 28^th but way and above these was the maximum daily count at Oroklini of 175 birds.

Spanish Sparrow    Passer hispaniolensis

On the 10^th there were 30at Ayios Therissos, 50 [breeding] at Chelones and 50 at Ayios Nikolaos. c50 were reported from Arodes on the 28^th, 11 from Droushia on the 28^th, 1 from Kathikas on the 28^th and the maximum daily count at Oroklini of c20 birds.

Chaffinch    Fringilla coelebs

c20 birds in the Troodos on the 18^th.     

Serin    Serinus serinus

c10 in Troodos on the 10^th, 1 at Ayios Merkourios on the 13^th, 5 or 6 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 11^th and 4 at Troodos on the 18^th.Greenfinch    Carduelis chloris

Many reports from across the island, double figure numbers came from Cape Apostolos Andreas with 15 on the 10^th, Apostolos Andreas Monastery with 10 on the 10^thand Ayios Nikolaos with 10 on the 10^th. The maximum daily count at Oroklini was of 8 birds.

Goldfinch    Carduelis carduelis

Another widely reported species with sightings all over the island. High counts came from Cape Apostolos Andreas with 30 on the 10^th, Apostolos Andreas Monastery with 10 on the 10^th, Ayios Therissos with 20 on the 10^th, Karaolos with 20 on the 10^th, Gastria with 10 on the 10^th and Rizokarpaso with 30 on the 10^th. The Oroklini maximum daily count was of 10 birds too.

Linnet    Carduelis cannabina

Surprisingly few reports of what is a widespread species. There 3 at Argaka on the 13^th, 2 at the Ezousa River on the 14^th, 3 at Akoursos on the 28^th and 2 at Kathikas also on the 28^th.

Crossbill    Loxia curvirostra

3 reported from Troodos on the 10^th, 1 from Ayios Merkourios on the 13^th and a female from the Troodos area on the 18^th.

Trumpeter Finch   Bucanetes githagineus

A report of a male at Spiro's Pool on the 11^th is still awaiting full Field Notes before the record can be assessed.

Cretzschmar’s Bunting    Emberiza caesia

3 at Akoursos on the 1^st, 1 at Prastio and 1 at Platres on the 10^th, 2 in song at the Akamas on the 14^th, 10 singing males reported along the Troodos to Kykkos on the 18^th, 2 at Kivides on the 21^st, 1 at Souni on the 21^st and a singing male near Stavrokonnou on the 24^th.

Black-headed Bunting    Emberiza melanocephala

2 at Nata on the 1^st, 6 at Stroumbi on the 1^st, 5 at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd, a male in song at Lara on the 5^th and 4 on the Akamas on the 8^th. On the 10^th there were 25 at Cape Apostolos Andreas, 5 at Ayios Amvrosios, 15 at Ayios Therissos, 15 at Dhavlos, 5 at Koma tou Yialou, 2 at Latchi, 1 at Prastio, 9 at Rizokarpaso and 30 on Cape Andreas near Rizokarpaso. There was a male at Lefkara on the 11^th, 1 at Nata on the 16^th, a singing male near Kykkos on the 18^th, 5 at Terra on the 2^nd, 10 singing males above Stavrokonnou on the 24^th, 2 at the Nata ford on the 24^th, 1 at Arodes on the 28^th with 1 at Droushia also on the 28^th, a pair at a nest site at Choli Farm on the 29^th and 2 males at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 31^st. 

Corn Bunting    Miliaria calandra

6 at Evretou Dam on the 2^nd, 1 or 2 at Oroklini most of the month, 2 at Akhna Dam all month, 12 at Ayios Therissos on the 10^th, 15 at Rizokarpaso on the 10^th, 4 at Styli on the 23^rd, 4 above Stavrokonnou on the 24^th, 5 at Arodes on the 28^th, 4 at Droushia on the 28^th, 2 at Kathikas on the 28^th and finally 2 at Droushia on the 29^th

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