BIRDLIFE CYPRUS          ΠΤΗΝΟΛΟΓΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΝΔΕΣΜΟΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ

Bird News

Bird Records for March 2004

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

Little Grebe    Tachybaptus ruficollis

There was a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 20 birds, Zakaki Marsh had up to c25 birds during the month, Akrotiri Gravel Pits had 1 present on the 13^th whilst Phasouri Reed Beds had a similar 1 on the 13^th but 2 were reported on the 19^th.

Great Crested Grebe    Podiceps cristatus

Asprokremnos Dam had up to 10 at the beginning of the month but by the 20^th this number was down to just 1 bird, the last date on which this species was reported on the island. Akrotiri Salt Lake had 17 present on the 10^th whilst Akhna Dam had 5 on the 11^th.

Black-necked Grebe    Podiceps Nigricollis

There were 5 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 14^th, 30 at Larnaca Salt Lake on the 15^th with 2 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the same date.

Cormorant    Phalacrocorax carbo

Most sightings were of birds either departing the island or seen whilst migrating along the coast. 10 flew by Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 1^st, 15 at Coral bay on the 6^th, 14 at Mandria on the 20^th whilst 37 over-flew Oroklini on the 25^th. The numbers present at Larnaca Sewage Works reduced from c40 on the 11^th to just 9 on the 15^th whilst Akhna Dam had 1 present on the 11^th and Asprokremnos Dam had 2 on the 20^th.

Shag    Phalacrocorax aristotelis

1 at Mandria on the 7^th, a maximum of 7 at Kensington Cliffs on the 10^th and 2 at the Paphos Airport Area on the 20^th.  

Bittern    Botaurus stellaris

Singles seen at Zakaki Marsh on the 9^th and at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 31^st.

The Xeros Potamos Pools are the new flood-pools down the Xeros Potamos, to the east of Mandria.  

Night Heron    Nycticorax nycticorax

2 at Bishop's Pool on the 29^th was the only reported sighting this month.  

Squacco Heron    Ardeola ralloides

Singles at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 29^th, Xeros Potamos Pools on the 30^th and Aspro Dam Pools on the 31^st.  

Cattle Egret    Bubulcus ibis

Maximum of 2 at Oroklini on the 25^th and 31^st, 8 at Phasouri Reed Beds for most of the month and 5 taking roost at Aspro Dam Pools on the 13^th.  

Little Egret    Egretta garzetta

Highest count was at Akrotiri Salt Lake with 35 on the 10^th whilst up to 2 birds were reported from Zakaki Marsh, Spiro's Pool, Asprokremnos Dam, Lakatamia, Archangelos and Oroklini [4 on the 30^th].

Great White Egret   Egretta alba   

At Akrotiri Salt Lake there were 6 on 10^th, 2 on 14^th and 1 on 25^th with 1 at

Zakaki Marsh on the 13^th.  

Grey Heron    Ardea cinerea

Reported from Oroklini [max of 13 on 25^th], Asprokremnos Dam [max of 10 on 20^th], Akrotiri Salt Lake [max of 33 on 10^th], Zakaki Marsh, Evretou Dam, Mandria, Phasouri Reed Beds, Lakatamia and Xeros Potamos Pools [max of 24 on 25^th].  

Purple Heron    Ardea purpurea

1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th and 2 at Oroklini on the 31^st.  

Greater Flamingo    Phoenicopterus ruber

Maximum of c1200 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on 10^th, c1150 at Larnaca Salt Lake on 15^th, 12 on Ladies Mile on the 10^th, c160 at Larnaca Airport Pools South on the 15^th and just the one report of a single bird at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 14^th.  

Ruddy Shelduck    Tadorna ferruginea

2 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 15^th, the only sighting.  

Shelduck    Tadorna tadorna

Maximum of c120 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 9^th with 55 still present on the 14^th, 1 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 4^th, 7 at Larnaca Airport Pools South on the 15^th, max of c140 at Larnaca Salt Lake on 15^thand 82 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 15^th.  

Wigeon    Anas penelope

20 at Larnaca Sewage Works on both the 11^th and the 15^th.  

Gadwall    Anas strepera

Maximum of 23 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th.  

Teal    Anas crecca

Reported from Asprokremnos Dam, Larnaca Sewage Works [max c470 on 15^th], Xeros Potamos Pools, Oroklini [max 250 on 7^th] and Phasouri Reed Beds [max c30 on 10^th].  

Mallard    Anas platyrhynchos

Reported in single figures from Akrotiri Gravel Pits, Larnaca Sewage Works, Oroklini and Phasouri Reed Beds with 12 at Evretou Dam on the 12^th.  

Pintail    Anas acuta

Akrotiri Salt Lake [max 66 on 14^th], Asprokremnos Dam [max 80 on 4^th], Ayios Giorgios with 200+ flying north on 3^rd, Larnaca Salt Lake with c10 on 15^th, Larnaca Sewage Works [max 8 on 15^th], Xeros Potamos Pools, Oroklini, Phasouri Reed Beds and Zakaki Marsh with a max of c30 on 9^th.  

Garganey    Anas querquedula

Reported in small numbers from Akrotiri Salt Lake, Larnaca Salt Lake, Larnaca Sewage Works, Mandria [80 on 26^th], Oroklini, Phasouri Reed Beds and Zakaki Marsh.  

Shoveler    Anas clypeata

Reported from Asprokremnos Dam, Larnaca Salt Lake with c890 on 15^th, Larnaca Sewage Works [max of c1800 on 15^th] and Oroklini.  

Red-crested Pochard    Netta rufina

The only sighting of 1 male at Evretou Dam on the 12^th.

Pochard    Aythya ferina

Up to 3 birds reported from Asprokremnos Dam and Larnaca Sewage Works.  

Ferruginous Duck    Aythya nyroca

1 at Oroklini on the 11^th and a male at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 15^th.  

Tufted Duck    Aythya fuligula

Up to 2 birds seen at Larnaca Sewage Works the last date being the 15^th.  

Black-shouldered Kite                Elanus caeruleus

A new species for Cyprus, a fortunate observer, first saw the bird from his lounge whilst watching TV on the 13^th. The bird stayed in the area for a couple of days but could be extremely difficult to locate.

The Field Notes are currently with your Rarities Committee being assessed.

Griffon Vulture    Gyps fulvus

Just the one report of 2 birds seen at Vrecha on the 13^th.

Marsh Harrier    Circus aeruginosus

Singles birds reported from Akhna Dam on 11^th, Akrotiri Salt Lake on 13^th, Evretou Dam on 24^th, Larnaca Salt Lake on 8^th, Larnaca Sewage Works on 15^th, Mandria on 14^th, 20^th, 30^th and 31^st, Oroklini for most of the month, Xeros Potamos Pools on 25^th and Zakaki Marsh on 9^th and the 10^th. Multiple sightings were 2 at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on 13^th, 5 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on 14^th, 2 at Oroklini on 14^th, 2 or 3 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 9^th to the 13^th and the 29^th with 2 at Zakaki Marsh on the 13^th and the 29^th.  

Hen Harrier    Circus cyaneus

Singles at Akamas on 8^th, Akrotiri Gravel Pits on 13^th, Akrotiri Salt Lake on 14^th, Asprokremnos Dam on 6^th and almost daily until the 24^th and at Mazotos on the 14^th.  

Pallid Harrier    Circus macrourus

Most surprisingly the first bird reported was a female at Oroklini on the 14^th. As is more usual, the remaining sightings all refer to males and were seen at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 27^th, Mandria on the 28^th with 2 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on this date too, Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 29^th, Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th and Anarita Park on the 31^st.  

Goshawk    Accipiter gentilis

1 on the Akamas near Ayias Minas on the 5^th, 1 at the Polis Reed Beds on the 12^th, 3 at Karka on the 13^th, 1 at Kykko on the 13^th and 1 at Mount Olympus on the 13^th.  

Sparrowhawk    Accipiter nisus

Singles at Zakaki Marsh on the 10^th and at Vrecha on the 13^th.  

Common Buzzard    Buteo buteo   

B.b.buteo

3 seen at Letimbou on the 2^nd, 2 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 9^th and 1 at Mandria on the 20^th.

B.b.vulpinus

14 at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 9^th with 2 on the 10^th, 3 at Akrotiri Reed Beds on the 14^th, 1 Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 13^th, 1 at Letimbou on the 12^th, at Mazotos on the 14^th, 3 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 14^th with 2 there on the 29^th and 2 at Zakaki Marsh on the 9^th and the 29^th.  

Long-legged Buzzard    Buteo rufinus

Singles at Tsadha on the 8^th and at Arminou Dam on the 13^th.  

Bonelli’s Eagle    Hieraaetus fasciatus

1 at Letimbou on the 2^nd and at Aspro Dam Pools on the 17^th.  

Kestrel    Falco tinnunculus

Reported from most sites, multiple sightings and the highest count was 4 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 27^th.  

Merlin    Falco columbarius

1 seen by members on the Field Trip to the Paphos Area at Mandria on the 27^th.  

Peregrine    Falco peregrinus

Singles at Ayia Thekla on 11^th, Aspro Dam Pools on 17^th, Asprokremnos Dam on 24^th, Kensington Cliffs on 9^th, Oroklini on 14^th, Phasouri Reed Beds on 14^th with 2 at Quarry Beach on the 9^th.    

Chukar    Alectoris chukar

Reported from most sites all over the island, the highest total being 8 at Mandria on the 27^th which included this Leucistic individual.

Black Francolin    Francolinus francolinus

Heard and seen all month, mainly in the west but with 2 being seen on a daily basis at Oroklini in the east.  

Quail    Coturnix coturnix

Very widespread this month with reports from Ayia Thekla, Anarita Park, Asprokremnos Dam, Ayios Giorgios, Coral Bay [5 on 8^th], Phinikas, Larnaca Sewage Works, Mandria, Nata, Paphos Lighthouse Area, Polis Reed Beds, Potamos Liopetri and Zakaki Marsh.  

Water Rail    Rallus aquaticus

At Aspro Dam Pools all month with 3 reported on the 17^th and 2 on the 20^th. Also singles at Akrotiri Reed Beds on 14^th and at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 10^th.  

Little Crake    Porzana parva

The only sighting of a single bird at Oroklini on the 22^nd.

Moorhen    Gallinula chloropus

Reported from all the usual wetlands with a maximum daily count of 4 at Oroklini being the highest total.

Coot    Fulica atra

High counts include an Oroklini maximum daily count of 120 birds, 54 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 15^th, c170 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 10^th and 31 at Zakaki Marsh on the 10^th.  

Common Crane    Grus grus

13 were seen at the Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 10^th whilst a single bird frequented Mandria from the 24^th until at least the 27^th.  

Black-winged Stilt    Himantopus himantopus

Reported from Akrotiri Salt Lake [7 on 14^th], Larnaca Sewage Works with 3 on 8^th and 11^th, Mandria [highest 5 on 27^th], Oroklini with a maximum daily count of 30, Phasouri Reed Beds [11 on 19^th], Spiro's Pool [10 on 14^th] and Xeros Potamos Pools with 1 on 25^th.  

Avocet    Recurvirostra avosetta

4 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on 13^th and 4 at Larnaca Salt Lake on 15^th.  

Stone Curlew    Burhinus oedicnemus

At Ayia Varvara there were c12 on 20^th and at Mandria up to 3 between the 10^th and the 28^th.  

Cream-coloured Courser    Cursorius cursor

1 at Ayia Thekla reported on the 11^th but present at this site for longer but I do not have the dates to hand.  

Collared Pratincole    Glareola pratincola

1 from Oroklini on the 16^th.  

Little Ringed Plover    Charadrius dubius

Xeros Potamos Pools had c20 from the 20^th onwards with 1 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 14^th, 8 at Oroklini on the 28^th with smaller numbers from 27^th to the end of the month, single bird at Phasouri Reed Beds on 10^th and 14^th and 7 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th.  

Ringed Plover    Charadrius hiaticula

The only sighting of a single bird at Oroklini on the 22^nd.

Kentish Plover    Charadrius alexandrinus

Reported from Ladies Mile [5 on 18^th], Larnaca Sewage Works [6 on 14^th], Oroklini with 1 or 2 most days, Spiro's Pool with 142 on 14^th and Zakaki Marsh with 2 on 13^th and 29^th.  

Greater Sand Plover    Charadrius leschenaultii

Mandria with 3on 3^rd, 6 on 20^th and 1 on 30^th, Paphos Lighthouse Area with maximum of 8 on 3^rd with 2 still present on 22^nd and Spiro's Pool with 11 on 14^th.  

Pacific Golden Plover    Pluvialis fulva

The second for Cyprus was still present on the 3^rd at Paphos Lighthouse Area. Your Rarities Committee have accepted the record.  

Golden Plover    Pluvialis apricaria

Up to 21 birds remained at the Paphos Lighthouse Area until the 13^th.  

Grey Plover    Pluvialis squatarola

There was a single bird at Paphos Lighthouse Area seen on the 1^st and the 16^th.  

Spur-winged Plover    Vanellus spinosus  

8 birds were the maximum daily count at Oroklini with 1 at Coral Bay on the 24^th and 2 at the Xeros Potamos Pools on the 30^th.    

Lapwing    Vanellus vanellus

Lingering birds were seen at Mandria with 5 on the 1^st and the last sighting of 7 on the 3^rd.

Little Stint    Calidris minuta

The maximum at Akrotiri Salt Lake was c30 on the 10^th, 15 at Oroklini on the 31^st, c20 at Spiro's Pool on the 11^th, 3 at Zakaki Marsh on the 13^th and just 1 bird at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 20^th and the 27^th.  

Curlew Sandpiper    Calidris ferruginea

One report of a single bird at Ladies Mile on the 29^th.  

Dunlin    Calidris alpina

Singles at Akrotiri Salt Lake on 14^th and at Ladies Mile on 29^th with 2 at Spiro's

Pool on 8^th, 4 on 11^th and 6 on the 14^th.

Ruff    Philomachus pugnax

The maximum at Akrotiri Salt Lake was c20 on the 14^th, 5 at Larnaca Salt Lake on the 15^th, 21 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th with 19 on the 14^th, c10 at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 21^st with 14 on the 30^th, 30 at Oroklini all month and 4 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 13^th.  

Snipe    Gallinago gallinago

Present at Oroklini most of the month with 24 birds seen on the 25^th, 4 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 9^th with 1 there on the 14^th, 2 at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 27^th, 1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 13^th and 1 at Aspro Dam Pools on the 31^st.

Black-tailed Godwit    Limosa limosa

Just one sighting of 1 bird at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 15^th.  

Curlew    Numenius arquata

4 at Akrotiri Gravel Pits on 13^th, 1 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 10^th with 2 on 13^th and 9 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 15^th.  

Redshank    Tringa totanus

1 at Larnaca Salt Lake on the 8^th with 4 on the 15^th, 1 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th and 1 at Oroklini on the 30^th.  

Marsh Sandpiper    Tringa stagnatilis

1 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 23^rd with 3 at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 24^th and 1 on the 27^th and the 31^st.  

Greenshank    Tringa nebularia

Up to 2 birds at Oroklini from the 18^th and a single bird at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 13^th.

Green Sandpiper    Tringa ochropus

Between 1 and 5 reported from the 8^th of the month from Aspro Dam Pools, Larnaca Salt Lake, Xeros Potamos Pools, Zakaki Marsh with 10 at Oroklini all month.

Wood Sandpiper    Tringa glareola

Up to 6 at Oroklini from the 14^th, 6 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 29^th with 9 at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 30^th and 7 there the next day, the 31^st.  

Common Sandpiper    Actitis hypoleucos

Singles only from Paphos Lighthouse Area on 1^st, 4^th and 27^th, Ayia Thekla on 11^th, Evretou Dam on 22^nd and Oroklini on the 29^th and 30^th.  

Turnstone    Arenaria interpres

Only from Paphos Lighthouse Area with the highest count on the last day of sighting, 6 on the 27^th.  

Mediterranean Gull    Larus melanocephalus

2 at Oroklini on the 4^th and an adult at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 15^th.  

Little Gull    Larus minutus

At Larnaca Sewage Works there were 2 on the 8^th, 17 on the 11^th, 9 on the 14^th and 12 on the 15^th.  

Black-headed Gull    Larus ridibundus

There were 200 at Oroklini all month, 67 at Zakaki Marsh on the 10^th, c120 at Ladies Mile on the 13^th and c450 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 15^th.  

Slender-billed Gull    Larus genei

14 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 10^th, 12 on the 14^th and c100 on the 29^th, 2 at Ladies Mile on the 13^th, c250 at Larnaca Salt Lake on the 15^th, 2 at Oroklini on the 2^nd , 4^th and 6^th and at Larnaca Sewage Works 17 on the 14^th, 2 on the 15^th and 178 on the 23^rd.  

Lesser Black-backed Gull    Larus fuscus   

L.f.fuscus

2 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 11^th, 1 at Larnaca Salt Lake on 15^th, 4 at

Larnaca Sewage Works on 14^th with 5 on 15^th, 1 at Oroklini on 18^th and 30^th

with 1 at Ladies Mile on 29th.

L.f.heuglini

3 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 11^th and 1 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the

15^th.  

Yellow-legged Gull    Larus cachinnans

1 at Oroklini on the 2^nd, c12 on Ladies Mile on the 13^th, 2 at Mandria on the 20^th and 6 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 27^th.  

L.c.cachinnans 

7 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 9^th.  

Armenian Gull    Larus armenicus  

3 at Asprokremnos Dam on the 11^th and at Larnaca Sewage Works there were 4

on 11^th, 2 on 14^th with 4 on Ladies Mile on the 29^th.      

Gull-billed Tern    Gelochelidon nilotica

Just 2 observed at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 23^rd  

Black-bellied Sandgrouse    Pterocles orientalis

The male at Mandria was seen by many on the 5^th, 7^th, 9^th and the final date, the 10^th.  

Rock Dove    Columba livia

2 seen in the Paphos Town Centre on the 14^th.  

Woodpigeon    Columba palumbus

Only reports are 1 at the Ezousa on the 20^th and 2 at Stroumbi on the 26^th.  

Collared Dove    Streptopelia decaocto

Reported from Lakatamia, Oroklini, Paphos Lighthouse Area, Paphos Town Centre, Polemi and Psathi with c10 at Paphos Lighthouse Area being the highest count on the 27^th.  

Great Spotted Cuckoo   Clamator glandarius

Reports all month of up to 3 birds from Akhna Dam, Akamas, Akrotiri Gravel Pits, Akrotiri Salt Lake, Anarita, Anarita Park, Aspro Dam Pools, Asprokremnos Dam, Bishop's Pool, Coral Bay, Drymoo, Fasoula, Kensington Cliffs, Lythrodhonda and Peyia with 6 at Anarita on the 18^th and 7 at the Asprokremnos Dam on the 24^th.  

Cuckoo    Cuculus canorus

Singles on the Akamas on the 1^st, 5^th and the 15^th with 1 at Bishop's Pool on the 29^th and 1 at Peyia on the 31^st.  

Scops Owl    Otus scops cyprius

1 or 2 birds were heard calling on the Akamas in the area of Ayias Minas most of the month whilst, on the 12^th, 6 were heard in the same area. There was also 1 reported from Lythrodhonda on the 1^st.  

Little Owl    Athene noctua

Up to 2 birds reported from Ayios Tychon, Anarita Park, Aspro Dam Pools, Asprokremnos Dam, Kykko and Oroklini.  

Swift    Apus apus

Reported from most areas across the island, concentrations included c100 at Aspro Dam Pools on 17^th, 12 at Lakatamia on 23^rd, maximum daily count at Oroklini of 80, c30 in Paphos Town Centre on 28^th with a similar number at Phasouri Reed Beds on 9^th but by far the largest gathering was c500 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 13^th.  

Pallid Swift    Apus pallidus

2 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 14^th with c10 there the next day, the 15^th.  

Alpine Swift    Apus melba

1 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on 14^th, max at Aspro Dam Pools of 9 on 17^th, max at Kensington Cliffs of 8 on 10^th and 1 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 14^th.  

Kingfisher    Alcedo atthis

Singles at Aspro Dam Pools on 31^st, at Mandria on 30^th and at Oroklini on 10^th, 25^th and 30^th.  

Bee-eater    Merops apiaster

5 were reported from Letimbou on the 29^th and although not unprecedented the chances are that they were M. persicus?  

Hoopoe    Upupa epops

There was hardly a site from where they NOT reported! Concentrations included 5 at Fasoula on the 13^th, 8 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on 6^th and 3’s from Asprokremnos Dam on 4^th, Lythrodhonda on 5^th, Mandria on 27^th and Potamos Liopetri on the 11^th.  

Wryneck    Jynx torquilla

1 at Mandria on 11^th, 1 caught and ringed at Ayias Minas on the Akamas on the 12^th, 2 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on 27^th with 3 there on 28^th and 4 there on 31^st with 1 at Oroklini on 30^th and the 31^st. Calandra Lark    Melanocorypha calandra

1 at Mandria on 9^th, 2 at Spiro's Pool on 14^th and 1 at Larnaca Sewage Works on 15^th.

Bimaculated Lark    Melanocorypha bimaculata

Although there were no records submitted I am aware of at least 2 separate sightings at Mandria during the month.  

Short-toed Lark    Calandrella brachydactyla

Reported from Anarita [3 on 7^th], Anarita Park [8 on 10^th], Asprokremnos Dam [c30 on 24^th], Coral Bay [7 on 31^st], Mandria [max c80 on 27^th] and Paphos Lighthouse Area with 18 on 31^st.  

Crested Lark    Galerida cristata

Reported from all sites across the island. 10+ from Lakatamia, Paphos Lighthouse Area and Zakaki Marsh with a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 30 birds.  

Woodlark    Lullula arborea   

Seen at Anarita Park [max 5 on 17^th], Ayios Giorgios [max 12 on 3^rd], Bishop's Pool [4 on 9^th], Coral Bay [5 on 3^rd] and Xeros Potamos Pools with 2 on the 30^th.    

Skylark    Alauda arvensis  

Lingering birds were seen at Mandria on the 9^th when c20 were reported.   

Sand Martin    Riparia riparia

2 at Oroklini on the 7^th, c60 at Mandria on 11^th and 1 at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 27^th.  

Swallow    Hirundo rustica

Seen at all locations, concentrations included c300 at Aspro Dam Pools on 17^th, 20 at Evretou Dam on 24^th, c120 at Lakatamia on 8^th, a maximum daily count at Oroklini of 80, c40 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on 27^th, c500 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 13^th and c40 at Zakaki Marsh on 13^th.  

Red-rumped Swallow    Hirundo daurica

Aspro Dam Pools [max c10 on 7^th], Oroklini [20 on 8^th], Paphos Lighthouse Area [2 on 22^nd], Phasouri Reed Beds [c40 on 9^th] and Zakaki Marsh [max 6 on 9^th].  

House Martin    Delichon urbicum

Reported from Archangelos, Aspro Dam Pools [max c300 on 17^th], Kannaviou [max c15 on 5^th], Lakatamia [max 30 on 8^th], Oroklini [max 60 on 8^th], Paphos Lighthouse Area [c10 on 27^th], Phasouri Reed Beds [c80 on 13^th] and Zakaki Marsh with 6 on 13^th.

Tawny Pipit    Anthus campestris

Numerous and seen daily from the 2^nd at Anarita Park [max 18 on 11^th], Asprokremnos Dam [max c20 on 24^th], Mandria [max c30 on 26^th] and Paphos Lighthouse Area with 2 or 3 until the end of the month.

Tree Pipit    Anthus trivialis

One report of a single bird at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 31^st.  

Meadow Pipit    Anthus pratensis

Seen at Anarita Park [28 on 17^th], Asprokremnos Dam, Lakatamia, Mandria [36 on 16^th], Oroklini, Paphos Lighthouse Area and Zakaki Marsh. Latest sighting was 1 at Lakatamia on the 30^th.  

Red-throated Pipit    Anthus cervinus

At Mandria there were c25 on 28^th, c15 on 30^th and c12 at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th.  

Water Pipit    Anthus spinoletta

At Xeros Potamos Pools with up to 3 between 20^th and 26^th, 1 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 29^th and 1 at Zakaki Marsh on 13^th and 29^th.  

Yellow Wagtail    Motacilla flava

One report of c250 at Coral Bay on the 31^st.

a) Blue-headed Wagtail    Motacilla flava flava

Reported from Larnaca Sewage Works, Mandria [max c20 on 30^th], Paphos Lighthouse Area, Phasouri Reed Beds, Spiro's Pool and Zakaki Marsh.

f) Black-headed Wagtail    Motacilla flava feldegg

Reported from Larnaca Sewage Works, Mandria [max c200 on 30^th], Oroklini, Paphos Lighthouse Area [max 30 on 27^th], Phasouri Reed Beds and Zakaki Marsh [max c30 on 13^th].  

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola

Singles at Oroklini on 23^rd and at Zakaki Marsh on the 29^th.  

Grey Wagtail    Motacilla cinerea

1 at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 11^th is the only report.  

White Wagtail    Motacilla alba

Reported from Aspro Dam Pools, Ezousa River, Lakatamia, Mandria, Oroklini, Paphos Lighthouse Area and Zakaki Marsh. Oroklini reported the highest count of 50 on a daily basis all month.  

Wren    Troglodytes troglodytes

Singles heard at the Avagas Gorge on the 12^th and 16^th, Mavrokolymbos Dam on 12^th and Caledonian Falls on the 13^th.  

Robin   Erithacus rubecula

Up to 3 reported from Avagas Gorge, Bishop's Pool, Lakatamia, Mandria [6 on 2^nd], Oroklini and Paphos Lighthouse Area. Last date was 1 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 31^st.  

Nightingale    Luscinia megarhynchos

1 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 27^th with 2 there on the 31^st.  

Bluethroat    Luscinia svecica

1 L. s. cyanecula on the 19^th at Oroklini.  

Black Redstart    Phoenicurus ochruros

Lingering individuals observed at Ayia Napa [2 on 11^th], Archangelos, Asprokremnos Dam [20^th last date], Bishop's Pool, Cape Greco [10 on 11^th], Ladies Mile, Larnaca Sewage Works, Mandria, Mavrokolymbos Dam, Oroklini, Paphos, Paphos Lighthouse Area, Polemi and Zakaki Marsh. Last date was 2 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 27^th.  

Redstart    Phoenicurus phoenicurus

2 at the Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 31^st.  

Stonechat    Saxicola torquatus  

Late-stayers included 6 at Anarita Park on 16^th with 2 on the 20^th, 1 at Lakatamia on 9^th, up to 2 at Oroklini until the 20^th, Paphos Lighthouse Area with 2on 13^th and 4 on 14^th and 5 at Zakaki Marsh on the 13^th.  

Caspian Stonechat    S.t. variegata

A male was seen at the Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 23^rd.             

Isabelline Wheatear    Oenanthe isabellina

Many passed through this spring, more than I ever remember. Birds were seen at Ayia Napa [c20 on 11^th], Ayia Thekla [10 on 11^th], Ayios Giorgios [3 on 12^th], Akrotiri Gravel Pits [highest count 18 on 14^th], Anarita Park [8 on 10^th was highest], Aspro Dam Pools [3 on 4^th], Asprokremnos Dam [6 on 4^th and 6^th was highest], Avagas Gorge [3 on 25^th], Ayios Giorgios [3 on 25^th], Cape Greco [c20 on 11^th], Ladies Mile [5 on 14^th was highest], Larnaca Sewage Works [5 on 23^rd was highest], Mandria [17 on 5^th was highest but many counts in double figures], Mavrokolymbos Dam [3 on 12^th], Oroklini [1 on 4^th and 28^th], Paphos Lighthouse Area [16 on 4^th was highest],and Zakaki Marsh with 11 on 13^th.  

Northern Wheatear    Oenanthe oenanthe   

Not as numerous initially as previous species, reported in numbers up to 4 from Ayia Napa, Akrotiri Gravel Pits, Anarita, Anarita Park, Asprokremnos Dam, Cape Greco, Mandria [30 on 30^th], Oroklini, Paphos Lighthouse Area and Zakaki Marsh.    

Cyprus Pied Wheatear    Oenanthe cypriaca   

Small numbers but many locations from the 9^th. Highest total reported was 6 at the Avagas Gorge on the 25^th.  

Black-eared Wheatear    Oenanthe hispanica

Reported from Ayia Napa, Anarita Park, Aspro Dam Pools, Asprokremnos Dam, Coral Bay, Mandria and Paphos Lighthouse Area. 5 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on 31^st was the highest total.  

Desert Wheatear    Oenanthe deserti

Up to 3 together at Mandria from the 5^th to the 11^th, 1 at Coral Bay on 24^th, 3 on Ladies Mile on 10^th and 1 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on 6^th and the 8^th.  

Finsch’s Wheatear    Oenanthe finschii

Up to 2 males were present at Anarita Park until the 17^th whilst 2 males were present at Asprokremnos Dam until the 14^th.  

Mourning Wheatear    Oenanthe lugens

A male was present at the Ayia Napa Sewage Works on the 1^st and the 2^nd.  The bird was photographed and Field Notes submitted and, subject to acceptance, will be the second record ever for Cyprus.  

Blue Rock Thrush    Monticola solitarius

3 at Ayia Napa on 11^th, 1 at Anarita Park on 11^th, 1 at Asprokremnos Dam on 20^th, 2 at Cape Greco on 11^th, 2 at Evretou Dam on 9^th, 1 at Kensington Cliffs on 29^th, 1 at Mandria on 30^th, 1 at Polemi on 12^th and 1 at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 4^th, the 14^th and the 31^st.  

Blackbird    Turdus merula

2 at Lakatamia on 4^th, 1 caught and ringed at the Akamas on the 12^th, 2 at Arminou Dam on the 13^th and 1 in the Avagas Gorge on the 16^th.  

Song Thrush    Turdus philomelos

Reported from Akrotiri Salt Lake [c50 on 13^th], Aspro Dam Pools, Avagas Gorge, Bishop's Pool, Ezousa Pools [c20 on 20^th], Lakatamia, Oroklini, Paphos Lighthouse Area, Peyia and Zakaki Marsh with c12 on the 13^th.  

Mistle Thrush    Turdus viscivorus

2 at the Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 9^th with 1 there on the 10^th.  

Cetti’s Warbler