BIRDLIFE CYPRUS          ΠΤΗΝΟΛΟΓΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΝΔΕΣΜΟΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ

Bird News

Bird Records for May 2004

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

Little Grebe                Tachybaptus ruficollis

Reported from Athalassa, Kiti Dam, Oroklini Marsh, Phasouri Reed Beds, Larnaca Sewage Works and Akhna Dam with successful breeding being reported from Phasouri Reed Beds on the 11^th and the 12^th [3 adults with 3 chicks] and Oroklini Marsh with the first chicks being seen on the 21^st.

Black-necked Grebe    Podiceps Nigricollis

A possible successful breeding of this species from Athalassa with 3 fluffy chicks first seen on the 18^th Apr and subsequently seen during visits in May. One of the parents was seen during the first visit but the bird was in the shade.

The description eliminates Little Grebe and also eliminates Great Crested Grebe. Black-necked Grebe has bred at this site in the past, most recently in 1979 and 1980, and, from the limited description of the sightings, almost certainly successfully bred again this year, raising 3 young.

Shag    Phalacrocorax aristotelis

3 seen at Kensington Cliffs on the 12^th.

White Pelican    Pelecanus onocrotalus

An adult bird was present at Asprokremmos Dam for the whole of the month plus the 2 domesticated birds [belonging to a local Limassol man] were reported from Zakaki Marsh on the 7^th.

Little Bittern    Ixobrychus minutes

Kiti Dam had singles on the 1^st, 14^th and the 25^th to the 30^th plus 2 on 7^th and the 19^th; 1 at Kannaviou Dam on the 3^rd, 3 at Prodromi Reed Beds on the 6^th [2 ringed] and another ringed there on the 14^th, 2 females and a male at Asprokremmos Dam on the 8^th with 2 birds there on the 15^th, 1 on the 19^th and 3 again on the 22^nd, a male at the Xeros Potamos Pools on the 11^th and a female at Evretou Dam on the 23^rd.

Night Heron    Nycticorax nycticorax

1 at Achelia Dam on the 16^th, at Akhna Dam there was 1 on 4^th, 3 on 8^th, 10 on 17^th, 4 on 26^th, 24 on 29^th and 5 on 30^th, singles at Asprokremmos Dam on 13^th and 19^th, up to 3 on most days at Kiti Dam throughout the month but with 6 seen there on the 9^th, 6 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 2^nd and 1 at the Xeros Potamos Pools on 4^th, 5^th, 6^th and the 26^th.

Squacco Heron    Ardeola ralloides

4 at Achelia Dam on 16^th with 2 on 22^nd and 29^th, 2 at Akhna Dam between 12^th and 29^th but with 3 on 1^st, 2 at Asprokremmos Dam on 8^th and 22^nd with 5 on 9^th and 15^th, 1 on 13^th and 30^th and 3 on 19^th, 2 at Ezousa on 29^th, present at Kiti Dam all month with a max of 7 on 25^th, 2 at Larnaca Airport Pools North on 1^st, 6 at Larnaca Sewage Works on 4^th, 16 at Mandria on 2^nd with 5 on 9^th, up to 2 at Oroklini Marsh between 2^nd and 7^th, 2 at Paphos on 18^th, up to 11 at Phasouri Reed Beds between 6^th and 17^th and up to 11 at Xeros Potamos Pools between 4^th and 29^th with singles at Yermasoya Dam on the 5^th and at Zakaki Marsh on the same date.

Cattle Egret    Bubulcus ibis

2 at Akhna Dam on 10^th and 15^th, 2 at Asprokremmos Dam on 30^th, singles at Ladies Mile on 4^th and at Oroklini Marsh on 12^th, 9 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 5^th and 6^th, 3 there on 14^th with 6 on 17^th finally singles at Zakaki Marsh on 7^th and at Xeros Potamos Pools on 14^th and 23^rd.

Little Egret    Egretta garzetta

Up to 4 at Akhna Dam during the month, 21 seen at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 3^rd, present at Asprokremmos Dam all month with a max of 12 on the 8^th, singles at Athalassa on 2^nd, Evretou Dam on 8^th and 23^rd and Kiti Dam on 25^th with 4 there on 1^st, 2 at Larnaca Sewage Works on 4^th with 5 there on 14^th, 2 at Mandria on 2^nd with 4 there on 5^th, 16 at Marathounda on 11^th, 1 at Nata on 18^th, max of 12 at Oroklini Marsh on the 22^nd, 4 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 14^th, 6 at Spiro's Pool on 1^st, present at Xeros Potamos Pools all month with max of 6 on 14^th, 2 at Yermasoya Dam on 4^th and finally c15 at Zakaki Marsh from 1^st to 6^th with 26 there on the 7^th.

Great White Egret   Egretta alba 

1 at Zakaki Marsh from 1^st to 6^th and 1 at Asprokremmos Dam on 30^th but

unfortunately with a broken leg.

Grey Heron    Ardea cinerea

Reported in low numbers from Akhna Dam, Arminou, Asprokremmos Dam [7 on 30^th], Oroklini Marsh, Phasouri Reed Beds [8 on 2^nd], Polemedhia Dam, Xeros Potamos Pools [6 on 23^rd], Yermasoya Dam and Zakaki Marsh.

Purple Heron    Ardea purpurea

Present at Akhna Dam from 1^st to 12^th with 17 there on 1^st, singles at Kiti Dam on 7^th and Athalassa on 9^th, 2 in from sea at Paphos on 6^th, 18 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 2^nd with single birds seen at Prodromi Reed Beds on 6^th and at Zakaki Marsh from 2^nd until the 6^th.

Glossy Ibis    Plegadis falcinellus

1 at Akhna Dam on 8^th and present at Phasouri Reed Beds from the 2^nd until at least the 17^th with c50 reported on the 2^nd and 32 on the 5^th.

Spoonbill    Platalea leucorodia

Just the one report of a single bird at Asprokremmos Dam on the 13^th.

Greater Flamingo    Phoenicopterus rubber

330 estimated at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 7^th with 300 on the 17^th, 220 over Marathounda on the 12^th and 7 at Spiro's Pool on the 1^st.

Teal    Anas crecca

A male present at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st is the only report.

Mallard    Anas platyrhynchos

Reported from Athalassa, Kiti Dam, Larnaca Sewage Works [24 on 1^st], Phasouri Reed Beds and Yermasoya Dam with breeding noted at Phasouri Reed Beds on 11^th and 12^th when 2 adults with 7 chicks were seen.

Pintail    Anas acuta

A male at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st was the only report this month.

Garganey    Anas querquedula

Seen at Larnaca Sewage Works [12 on 1^st], Oroklini Marsh, Phasouri Reed Beds [10 on 2^nd] and Yermasoya Dam.

Shoveler    Anas clypeata

6 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st is the only sighting this month.

Pochard    Aythya farina

A male seen at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st is the only report this month.

Ferruginous Duck    Aythya nyroca

A female at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 17^th was the only reported sighting.

Honey Buzzard    Pernis apivorus

Extremely uncommon this month with just singles from Phasouri Reed Beds on 2^nd, Akrotiri Gravel Pits on 3^rd and Akamas on the 12^th; that’s the full total reported for this spring’s migration!

Griffon Vulture    Gyps fulvus

2 reported from Salamiou on 9^th, 3 at Stavrokonnou on 10^th [with a possible Black Vulture] and 6 at Kensington Cliffs on the 12^th.

Marsh Harrier    Circus aeruginosus

Singles at Yermasoya Dam on 4^th, Asprokremmos Dam on 8^th, Phasouri Reed Beds on 12^th with 2 there on the 2^nd.

Pallid Harrier    Circus macrourus                                                    

1 from Cape Greco on 2^nd.

Montagu’s Harrier    Circus pygargus  

1 from Oroklini Marsh on 7^th.

Goshawk    Accipiter gentiles

A male and a female during the Field Trip on the 9^th at Arminou Dam.

Sparrowhawk    Accipiter nisus

1 at Marathounda on the 3^rd and likewise at Paphos Lighthouse Area on the 5^th.

Common Buzzard    Buteo buteo   

B.b.buteo 4 seen on numerous occasions at Armou reported on the 1^st.

Long-legged Buzzard    Buteo rufinus

Singles at Salamiou on 9^th, Nata on 9^th, Marathounda on 11^th and 2 near the Arminou Dam on the 9^th.

Bonelli’s Eagle    Hieraaetus fasciatus

3 seen near Kathikas on 5^th, 1 at Ayios Theodoros 7^th, 1 hovering at Armou on 13^th and a pair of adults at Nata on 18^th and the 30^th.

Kestrel    Falco tinnunculus

Common and widespread across the island with breeding reports from Ayios Theodoros on 7^th and at Strakka on 14^th.

Hobby    Falco subbuteo

Again this year noted by its absence with only singles reported from Akhna Dam on 1^st, Amathus on 6^th and Phasouri Reed Beds on 12^th; that was it for the whole of the spring migration!

Eleonora’s Falcon    Falco eleonorae

Reported from Cape Greco, Choletria [4 on 13^th], Episkopi, Kensington Cliffs [4 on 12^th], Paphos, Phasouri Reed Beds and Xeros Potamos Pools.

Peregrine    Falco peregrinus 

Just the one report of a female seen at Peyia on the 3^rd.  

Chukar    Alectoris chukar

Widespread and common across the island with breeding reports from Ayios Theodoros on 7^th when 3 females with broods of 14, 8 and 3 were seen and from Maroni on the same date when a female with 14 chicks was seen.

Black Francolin    Francolinus francolinus

Reported in 1’s and 2’s from Achelia Dam, Agios Georgios, Arsos, Athalassa, Cape Greco, Episkopi, Ezousa Pools area, Filousa, Kato Paphos, Mandria, Mavrokolymbos Dam [3 on 16^th], Nata, Oroklini Marsh [maximum daily count of 3], Paphos, Polemi, Tala and Xeros Potamos Pools.

Moorhen    Gallinula chloropus

Reported from all the wetlands with breeding reports from Oroklini Marsh with the first juvs noted on the 7^th and Yermasoya Dam with an adult and 3 chicks seen from the 1^st to the 6^th.

Coot    Fulica atra

Again, reported from all wetlands with breeding reports from Akhna Dam on 24^th when 18 birds seen included some young, Athalassa on 30^th with an adult and 3 juvs seen and Phasouri Reed Beds on 12^th when a reported 20 birds included some juvs.

Black-winged Stilt    Himantopus himantopus

2 at Akhna Dam on 20^th, 12 at Kiti Dam on 28^th, 14 at Larnaca Airport Pools North on 1^st, max of 44 at Larnaca Salt Lake on 16^th with 2 nests reported there on 23^rd, 4 at Larnaca Sewage Works on 1^st, maximum daily count at Oroklini Marsh of 90 with the first juvs being seen from the 3^rd, Paralimni on 10^th with a nesting pair reported, Phasouri Reed Beds on 17^th with 2 pairs reported nesting, Spiro's Pool with 13 on 1^st, Xeros Potamos Pools with a max of 3 on 4^th and Zakaki Marsh with 2 on 17^th.

Collared Pratincole    Glareola pratincola

1 at Mandria on 2^nd and present at Phasouri Reed Beds from 3^rd to 12^th with a

max of 3 on the 5^th.  

Black-winged Pratincole    Glareola nordmanni

5 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 2^nd and 2 there on the 5^th.

Little Ringed Plover    Charadrius dubius

1 at the Asprokremmos Dam on the 15^th, 1 at Oroklini Marsh on the 12^th with 2 there on the 13^th and 2 [a pair?] present at the Xeros Potamos Pools all month with 4 birds seen there on 2^nd and 7 birds seen on 4^th.

Ringed Plover    Charadrius hiaticula

Reported from Akrotiri Salt Lake with 4 on 12^th, Ladies Mile with a max of 10 on 17^th [last date], 15 at Meneou Pools 15^th, Xeros Potamos Pools until the 26^th with a max of 6 between 17^th and 23^rd and 7 at Zakaki Marsh on the 7^th.

Kentish Plover    Charadrius alexandrinus

2 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on 12^th, max of 45 on Ladies Mile on 17^th, 4 at Larnaca Sewage Works on 1^st, max of 6 at Meneou Pools on 28^th which included 2 young, 1 at Oroklini Marsh on 4^th, 2 at Spiro's Pool on 1^st and a minimum of 10 at Zakaki Marsh on 7^th.

Spur-winged Plover    Vanellus spinosus 

Maximum of 8 at Akhna Dam on 20^th, 2 at Kiti Dam on 14^th with 1 on 28^th, 1 at Larnaca Salt Lake on 4^th with 2 on 11^th, 1 at Mandria on 2^nd, maximum daily count at Oroklini Marsh of 15 with the first juvs noted on the 3^rd, pair nesting at Paralimni on 14^th, up to 2 at Phasouri Reed Beds between the 2^nd and the 17^th, 1 at Xeros Potamos Pools on 1^st and 2^nd and 1 at Zakaki Marsh on 7^th with 2 seen there on 17^th.   

Sanderling    Calidris alba

3 on Ladies Mile on the 17^th, is the only report this spring.

Little Stint    Calidris minuta

Reported from Achelia Dam, Akhna Dam [max of 54 on 2^nd], Akrotiri Salt Lake with 30 on 12^th, Asprokremmos Dam [max 20 on 9^th], Ladies Mile with 150+ on 1^st, c200 on 2^nd and 170 on 17^th, Larnaca Salt Lake [max c60 on 9^th], Larnaca Sewage Works with 25 on 1^st, Mandria, Meneou Pools [max 14 on 15^th], Oroklini Marsh until the 14^th with max of 8 on 4^th, Phasouri Reed Beds, Xeros Potamos Pools until 26^th with max c15 on 2^nd and 220 at Zakaki Marsh on the 7^th.

Temminck’s Stint    Calidris temminckii

4 at Larnaca Sewage Works on 1^st, 1 ringed at Prodromi Reed Beds on 6^th, up to 2 present at Xeros Potamos Pools from 4^th until 26^th and 2 at Zakaki Marsh from 2^nd until 4^th.

Curlew Sandpiper    Calidris ferruginea

2 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on 12^th, 2 at Asprokremmos Dam on 8^th, c100 at Ladies Mile from 1^st to 6^th with just 30 there on 17^th, present at Larnaca Salt Lake from 4^th to 14^th with a max of 40 on 11^th, max of 8 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 11^th, present at Xeros Potamos Pools from 4^th to 23^rd with max of 4 on 4^th and 6 at Zakaki Marsh on the 17^th.

Ruff    Philomachus pugnax

8 at Akhna Dam on 4^th, present at Asprokremmos Dam from 8^th to 22^nd with max 4 on 9^th, c60 at Ladies Mile from 1^st to 6^th, Larnaca Sewage Works from 1^st to 25^th with max c25 on 1^st, maximum daily count at Oroklini Marsh of 20, present at Phasouri Reed Beds from 6^th to 17^th with max of 48 on 6^th, present at Xeros Potamos Pools from 2^nd to 26^th with max 13 on 4^th and at Zakaki Marsh from 7^th until 17^th with max of 5 on 7^th.

Snipe    Gallinago gallinago

2 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 2^nd, singles at Oroklini Marsh from 2^nd to 13^th and at Xeros Potamos Pools on 4^th and Asprokremmos Dam on 15^th.

Great Snipe    Gallinago media

1 from Ezousa Pools area on the 1^st and 1 from Phasouri Reed Beds on the 5^th.

Black-tailed Godwit    Limosa limosa

Just the one report of 2 birds from Larnaca Salt Lake on the 4^th.

Marsh Sandpiper    Tringa stagnatilis

Singles only at Zakaki Marsh on 4^th and 7^th, Ladies Mile on 4^th and 5^th and at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 5^th.

Greenshank    Tringa nebularia

Singles at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 1^st and 14^th, 2 at Oroklini Marsh on 3^rd with 1 on 4^th, singles at Phasouri Reed Beds on 5^th and 14^th and at Larnaca Salt Lake on 7^th and Zakaki Marsh on the same date.

Green Sandpiper    Tringa ochropus

1 at Akhna Dam on the 8^th is the only report.

Wood Sandpiper    Tringa glareola

Reported until the 22^nd from Asprokremmos Dam with max of 5 on 13^th, 4 at Ezousa Pools on 1^st with 3 on 15^th, 3 at Kiti Dam on 1^st with just 1 on 14^th, 2 at Larnaca Airport Pools North on 1^st, 4 at Mandria on 9^th, present at Oroklini Marsh until 21^st with max of 8 on 2^nd and 3^rd, max 6 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 12^th, present at Xeros Potamos Pools until 17^th with max of 10 on 4^th and 5^th and 3 at Zakaki Marsh 7^th and 17^th.

Common Sandpiper    Actitis hypoleucos

Reported in 1’s and 2’s from Asprokremmos Dam, Ezousa Pools, Larnaca Salt Lake, Oroklini Marsh, Xeros Potamos Pools, Yermasoya Dam and Zakaki Marsh with 2 at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 26^th being the last date.

Turnstone    Arenaria interpres

3 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st and 1 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 12^th are the only reports.

Red-necked Phalarope    Phalaropus lobatus

2 at Larnaca Salt Lake on the 11^th.

Black-headed Gull    Larus ridibundus

4 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st and 1 at Ladies Mile on the 4^th are the only reports submitted.

Slender-billed Gull    Larus genei

Present on Ladies Mile until the 7^th with a max of 26 on the 3^rd, 3 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 18^th and 9 seen flying NW from Paphos on the 18^th.

Audouin’s Gull    Larus audouinii

The report of an amazing 11 on Ladies Mile on the 7^th, the first and only report of this species this year must be subject to doubt in light of the reports of the previous species.

Lesser Black-backed Gull    Larus fuscus   

L.f.fuscus

10 at Mandria on the 5^th and 4 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th.

Yellow-legged Gull    Larus cachinnans  

Reported from Asprokremmos Dam, Cape Greco, Evretou Dam, Ladies Mile, Larnaca Sewage Works, Mandria and Paphos Lighthouse Area with 40 at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th being the max number reported.

L.c.cachinnans 

2 at Amathus on the 4^th is the only sighting.

Armenian Gull    Larus armenicus  

2 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 11^th is the only sighting.  

Common Tern    Sterna hirundo

2 seen at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st and the 4^th.

Little Tern    Sterna albifrons

Up to 2 present at Larnaca Sewage Works from the 1^st to the 25^th with 2 reported from nearby at Meneou Pools on the 9^th and 25^th

Whiskered Tern    Chlidonias hybrida

1 at Asprokremmos Dam on 13^th, 2 at Larnaca Sewage Works on 4^th with 1 on 15^th, 4 at Meneou Pools on 23^rd, 1 present at Oroklini Marsh between 24^th and 30^th and 1 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 4^th and 11^th with 26 there on 12^th and 10 there on 17^th.

Black Tern    Chlidonias niger

The first and only sighting this year of 1 at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 23^rd.

White-winged Black Tern    Chlidonias leucopterus 

On the 1^st there was 1 at Kiti Dam and 5 at Larnaca Sewage Works whilst on the 4^th there were 8 at Phasouri Reed Beds and 2 at Zakaki Marsh with 1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 6^th and 1 at Asprokremmos Dam on the 13^th, the last sighting.

Rock Dove    Columba livia

3 reported from Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 4^th.

Woodpigeon    Columba palumbus

Reported from Achelia Dam, Akamas, Asprokremmos Dam [40 on 13^th],

Athalassa, Coral Bay, Episkopi, Evretou Dam, Ezousa Pools, Mandria [50 on

24^th], Paphos Airport [200 on 5^th], Smyies and Strakka on 3^rd with a report of 5

pairs nesting.

Collared Dove    Streptopelia decaocto

Reported from Achelia Dam, Amathus, Athalassa, Lakatameia, Nicosia [2 reports of successful breeding on 3^rd and 9^th], Oroklini Marsh, Strovolos and Xylophagou.

Turtle Dove    Streptopelia turtur

Reported from Achelia Dam, Armou, Asprokremmos Dam, Athalassa, Episkopi, Ezousa Pools, Kelokhedara, Kiti Dam, Mandria, Marathounda, Paphos, Paphos Lighthouse Area, Peyia, Pykni Forest, Smyies, Strakka, Tala and Xeros Potamos Pools with high counts being at Mandria with 23 on the 9^th and Xeros Potamos Pools with c60 on the 7^th.

Great Spotted Cuckoo   Clamator glandarius

1’s and 2’s reported from Akhna Dam, Armou, Coral Bay, Kiti Dam, Marathounda [4 on 11^th] and Nata. No reports indicating any breeding results.

Cuckoo    Cuculus canorus

Just the one report of a single bird at Akhna Dam on the 1^st.

Scops Owl    Otus scops cyprius

Single bird reported as roosting at Smyies on the 12^th and the 15^th.

Little Owl    Athene noctua

Single birds reported from Tala on the 15^th and from Athalassa on the 2^nd and the 30^th.

Long-eared Owl    Asio otus

Single birds at Athalassa on the 16^th and the 23^rd with 2 birds seen on the 30^th.

Swift    Apus apus

Reported from Arsos [60 on 17^th], Asprokremmos Dam, Episkopi [50 on 20^th], Evretou Dam, Lakatameia [30 on 10^th], Latsia, Nicosia [c60 on 2^nd], maximum daily count at Oroklini Marsh of 30, Paphos [50 on 18^th and 28^th], Paphos Lighthouse Area, Phasouri Reed Beds [c60 on 3^rd until 5^th], Strovolos and Xeros Potamos Pools.

Pallid Swift    Apus pallidus

1 at Avdimou on 10^th and 4 on the Akamas on the 15^th.

Alpine Swift    Apus melba

2 at Phasouri Reed Beds on 6^th, 8 at Episkopi on 7^th, 6 at Kensington Cliffs on 12^th, 1 at Asprokremmos Dam on 13^th with 30 there on 15^th, 1 at Xeros Potamos Pools on 17^th and 2 at Paphos on 18^th.

Kingfisher    Alcedo atthis

A very late bird was seen  at the Xeros Potamos Pools on the 17^th.

Pied Kingfisher    Ceryle rudis

A female at Zakaki Marsh on the 2^nd and another bird, sex not reported, there from 4^th until 7^th.

Bee-eater    Merops apiaster

Seen at Akamas [max 72 on 15^th], Armou [40 on numerous occasions], Asprokremmos Dam [maxc30 on 8^th], Chlorakas [max 26 on 11^th], Coral Bay, Evretou Dam, Filousa, Kannaviou Dam, Kathikas, Larnaca Sewage Works, Latsia, Mandria [max c40 on 1^st], Marathounda [max 79 on 4^th], Mavrokolymbos Dam, Paphos [max 28 on 15^th], Paphos Lighthouse Area, Peyia [max 25 on 11^th] and Xeros Potamos Pools with a max of c30 on 1^st and the 11^th.

Roller    Coracias garrulus

Up to 5 birds reported from Achelia Dam, Agios Georgios, Akhna Dam, Akoursos, Armou, Asprokremmos Dam, Choletria, Dhekelia [5 on 10^th], Episkopi [5 on 30^th], Evretou Dam, Ezousa Pools, Galataria, Gioulu, Kathikas, Kiti Dam, Loukromo, Marathounda, Nata, Oroklini Marsh, Paphos, Paphos Rubbish Tip, Polis, Polemi, Smyies, Strakka [pair nesting at river-bank], Stroumbi, Tala, Tsadha and the Tsadha to Stroumbi Valley [9 daily between 3^rd and 7^th].

Hoopoe    Upupa epops

Up to 2 birds reported from Arminou Dam [nesting in hole in Carob Tree] on 9^th, Kannaviou Dam, Kiti Dam, Lysos, Mandria, Nata, Paphos Forest and Tsadha.

Wryneck    Jynx torquilla

Late passage birds seen at Marathounda on 1^st and on the 3^rd when the bird flew into a house-window [outcome unknown] and at the Asprokremmos Dam on the 6^th.

Calandra Lark    Melanocorypha calandra

A singing bird at the Larnaca Sewage Works on the 1^st

Short-toed Lark    Calandrella brachydactyla

3 at Paphos on the 7^th and 16^th and 1 at Cape Greco on the 30^th.

Crested Lark    Galerida cristata

Widespread and common across the island the maximum recorded was the Oroklini Marsh maximum daily count of 30 birds.

Woodlark    Lullula arborea 

 3 in song in the Paphos Forest on the 14^th.  

Sand Martin    Riparia riparia

Passage birds reported from most sites higher counts being c30 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 14^th and 25 at Zakaki Marsh on the 11^th. Last date was the 23^rd with 1 seen at Latsia.

Crag Martin    Ptyonoprogne rupestris

2 birds at the Kannaviou Dam on the 7^th.

Swallow    Hirundo rustica

Widespread and common across the island with many breeding reports. CR reports 10 adults and 79 juvs at Episkopi on the 25^th, 200 birds at Marathounda on the 1^st and 16 newly fledged juvs amongst 46 birds at Marathounda on the 16^th. 90 was the Oroklini Marsh maximum daily count and c100 birds were reported from Xeros Potamos Pools on the 29^th, the larger percentage being juvs.

Red-rumped Swallow    Hirundo daurica

Reported from Akamas, Anarita Park [seen nesting in culvert on 7^th], Arminou Dam [c20 on 9^th], Asprokremmos Dam, Episkopi [6 on 13^th included juvs], Filousa, Kannaviou Dam, Kidhasi, Marathounda, Mavrokolymbos Dam, Nata, Paphos, Paphos Forest, Paphos Lighthouse Area, Troodos and Yermasoya Dam.

House Martin    Delichon urbicum

Reported from Arminou [max 30 on 9^th], Asprokremmos Dam, Kannaviou Dam [c40 on 28^th nesting in workshop roof], Kensington Cliffs, Lakatameia [max c40 on 25^th], Latsia, Oroklini Marsh, Paphos Lighthouse Area, Strovolos [at least 2 with young] and Troodos with 30 on 17^th.

Tawny Pipit    Anthus campestris

1 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on 2^nd, 4 at Asprokremmos Dam on 3^rd and 4 at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 4^th.

Red-throated Pipit    Anthus cervinus

The only sighting from Oroklini Marsh with 4 birds seen on the 3^rd and 1 bird seen on the 5^th.

Yellow Wagtail    Motacilla flava

c150 birds at Mandria on the 2^nd, 7 at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 2^nd, 6 at Phasouri Reed Beds on the 4^th and 1 at Paphos on the 9^th and 18^th with 1 at Zakaki Marsh on the 11^th.

a) Blue-headed Wagtail    Motacilla flava flava

12 at Mandria on the 5^th, 1 at Asprokremmos Dam on the 9^th, 1 at Paphos on

the 13^th with 2 on the 14^th.

f) Black-headed Wagtail    Motacilla flava feldegg

8 at Oroklini Marsh all month and 1 at Asprokremmos Dam on the 13^th.

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola

A male seen at Xeros Potamos Pools on the 1^st is the only sighting reported this month.

White Wagtail    Motacilla alba

A single bird at Oroklini Marsh on the 1^st.

Wren    Troglodytes troglodytes

2 at the Prodromos Dam on the 5^th, 1 in song at the Mavrokolymbos Dam on the 6^th and 1 ‘possible’ heard-only in Troodos on the 17^th.

Nightingale    Luscinia megarhynchos

1 at Mandria on the 5^th, 1 at Arminou Dam on the 9^th and 1 at the Limassol Mandria on the 25^th holding territory.

Redstart    Phoenicurus phoenicurus

1 at Smyies on the 8^th and 1 at Paphos on the 9^th.

Whinchat   Saxicola rubetra

Seen mainly west of Limassol with the exception of 1 at Oroklini Marsh on the 6^th and 2 on the 8^th. Reported from Akrotiri Gravel Pits [max 6 on 2^nd], Akrotiri Salt Lake, Asprokremmos Dam, Ezousa Pools [4 on 1^st], Mandria, Paphos, Phasouri Reed Beds and Xeros Potamos Pools the last date being 1 at Paphos on the 19^th.

Northern Wheatear    Oenanthe oenanthe  

Singles at Mandria and Xeros Potamos Pools on the 1^st, 1 at Mandria and Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 2^nd, 1 at Paphos on the 6^th and an extremely late individual male at Cape Greco on the 30^th.

Cyprus Pied Wheatear    Oenanthe cypriaca    

Reported from Achelia Dam, Agios Georgios, Akamas, Anthoupolis, Archangelos, Arminou Dam, Arsos, Ayios Theodoros, Cape Greco, Kannaviou, Lakatameia, Latsia, Makedonitissa, Marathounda, Smyies, Troodos and Yermasoya Dam. Breeding reported from Ayios Theodoros [pair nesting in ravine], Kannaviou Dam [nest with 5 eggs on 3^rd, nest with 4 chicks on 5^th, 11^th and 14^th with them leaving the nest on the 21^st].  

Black-eared Wheatear    Oenanthe hispanica melanoleuca

1 at Cape Greco on 2^nd, 2 at Armou on 4^th [seen on numerous occasions], 1 at Akrotiri on 7^th, 1 black-throated [stapazina] at Akamas on 12^th, 1 pale-throated [aurita] at Paphos on 13^th and 1 black-throated there on the 16^th.

Rock Thrush    Monticola saxatilis

A male in breeding plumage at Akhna Dam on the 31^st.  

Blackbird    Turdus merula

A male heard singing at Prodromos Dam on the 5^th and a bird seen at Troodos on the 17^th are the only records submitted.

Cetti’s Warbler   Cettia cetti

Very common and widespread across the island in suitable locations. Reported from Ayios Nicolaos, Akamas, Akrotiri, Athalassa, Episkopi [with juvs on 19^th and 25^th], Ezousa Pools, Kannaviou Dam, Kelokhedara, Kidhasi, Lakatameia, Mandria, Marathounda, Nata, Paphos, Paphos Airport, Phasouri Reed Beds, Smyies, Tala, Xeros Potamos Pools and Zakaki Marsh. Most were ‘heard-only’ sightings and breeding could be expected at all reported locations.

Fan-tailed Warbler    Cisticola juncidis   

Yet another common and widespread species across the island, being an earlier nester there are not many breeding records this month. Reported from Achelia Dam, Asprokremmos Dam, Episkopi, Ezousa Pools, Kannaviou Dam, Lakatameia [seen carrying food on 10^th], Marathounda, Oroklini Marsh [maximum daily count of 3], Paphos and Xeros Potamos Pools.

Sedge Warbler    Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Singles at Kiti Dam on 1^st, Phasouri Reed Beds on 3^rd and Paphos on 16^th, 3 at Zakaki Marsh from 2^nd until 6^th and 2 at Xeros Potamos Pools on 23^rd. More that 50 birds were ringed at the Prodromi Reed Beds between the 17^th and the 24^th.

Reed Warbler    Acrocephalus scirpaceus

4 at Zakaki Marsh from 1^st until 6^th, 3 at Larnaca Salt Lake on 11^th, 2 adults seen carrying food at Episkopi on 25^th and c15 birds ringed at Prodromi Reed Beds on the 17^th.

Great Reed Warbler    Acrocephalus arundinaceus

1 or 2 birds seen at Kiti Dam on 4^th, Phasouri Reed Beds on 2^nd, Xeros Potamos Pools on 5^th, 7^th, 8^th and 14^th whilst on 25^th and 26^th c4 birds were seen at this site. At the Prodromi Reed Beds c18 birds were ringed between the 4^th and the 24^th.

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler    Hippolais pallida

Another widespread and common species with reports from Agios Georgios, Akamas, Akhna Dam [5 on 20^th], Akoursos, Akrotiri, Arminou Dam [c10 on 9^th], Asprokremmos Dam, Athalassa, Cape Greco, Episkopi, Ezousa Pools, Galataria, Kannaviou Dam [5 on 7^th], Kidhasi, Kiti Dam, Lakatameia, Mandria [5 on 9^th], Marathounda, Paphos, Paphos Forest, Phasouri Reed Beds, Pykni Forest, Strovolos, Tala, Troodos and the Xeros Potamos Pools. Many birds were ringed at the Prodromi Reed Beds during the month.

Icterine Warbler    Hippolais icterina

Many reports this month, more than I remember with NE reporting the following numbers from Paphos, 1 on 8^th, 3 on 9^th, 13^th, 14th and 15^th with an astonishing 11 on the 16^th, 6 on the 17^th, 1 on the 18^th whilst he also reports 1 from Smyies on the 8^th and 1 from Phasouri Reed Beds on the 17^th. Other observers report 1 from Akrotiri Gravel Pits on the 2^nd whilst 2 were ringed at the Akamas on the 13^th.

Spectacled Warbler    Sylvia conspicillata

4 was the Oroklini Marsh maximum daily count with 2 at Larnaca Sewage Works on 1^st, 1 at Asprokremmos Dam on 3^rd, 2 at Episkopi on 20^th and 7 at Akhna Dam on 20^th also.

Sardinian Warbler    Sylvia melanocephala

Most reports are obviously centred around the Akamas with 2 in song at Evretou Dam on 8^th, 2 at Kannaviou on 6^th and 11^th with 1 on 19^th, 12 from the Baths of Aphrodite on 12^th, 1 from Latsia on the 23^rd and a colour-ringed bird seen at Smyies on the 8^th but no colour-combination being reported by the observer.

Cyprus Warbler    Sylvia melanothorax

3 at Amathus from 1^st until 6^th, 2 at Yermasoya Dam during the same period, 2 at Marathounda on 4^th, 1 at Asprokremmos Dam on 6^th, 5 in song at Mavrokolymbos Dam on 6^th, 1 in song at Akrotiri on 7^th, 2 in song at Episkopi on 7^th, 1 at Arminou Dam on 9^th, 1 at Marathounda on 11^th, 4 at Tala on 15^th, 1 at Akoursos on 16^th, 2 at Marathounda on 16^th, 3 at Mavrokolymbos Dam on 16^th, 2 at Nata on 18^th, 3 at Episkopi on 20^th, 2 at Evretou Dam on 23^rd, 2 at Latsia on 23^rd, 2 at Theletra on 23^rd, a male at Episkopi on 25^th and 3 birds at Marathounda on 28^th. All reports are given.

Ruppell’s Warbler    Sylvia rueppelli

A very late bird at Larnaca Sewage Works on the 9^th.

Barred Warbler    Sylvia nisoria

A female at Prodromi Reed Beds on the 6^th.

Lesser Whitethroat    Sylvia curruca

2 at Akrotiri Salt Lake on the 2^nd with singles at Paphos on the 16^th and 19^th and at Cape Greco on the 30^th.

Whitethroat    Sylvia communis

Singles at Prodromi Reed Beds on the 6^th, Smyies on the 8^th and Paphos on the

15^th, 16^th and the 18^th.