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BIRDLIFE CYPRUS ΠΤΗΝΟΛΟΓΙΚΟΣ ΣΥΝΔΕΣΜΟΣ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ |
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Bird News Bird Records for May 2005 [The
following list contains records that have not been corrected or
corroborated] Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Phasouri
Reed-beds: max. 12 on 2-May , 19, including pair with 2 chicks 20-May .
Zakaki Marsh: max. 11 on 5-May , 2 pairs 24-May . Aspro Pools: max. three
8-May . Oroklini Marsh: six 7-May . Moni Cement Works: 3 pairs probably
breeding 8-May . Dam, SE Trypimeni: 2 pairs probably breeding 9-May .
Athalassa: at least 6 plus 1 juv. 18-May . Akhna Dam: two 21-May . Larnaca
Sewage Works: eight 26-May . Singles also reported. Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea Interesting
record: Paphos: one 2 & 3 May . Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Larnaca
sewage works 20 on 7-May Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis All
records: Paphos one 2-May . Kensington Cliffs: three 2-May . Mandria:
1ad+1imm on 4-May , one 14-May . Bittern Botaurus stellaris Phasouri
Reed-beds: one 1-May . Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus Common
to mid month. Max. numbers: Aspro Pools two 5-May . Phasouri Reed Beds two
11-May . Agia Varvara: four 14-16 May , latest, one male 27-May . Other
late records: Zakaki Marsh: one 21-May . Evretou Dam South: one holding
same territory 2 & 22-May . Akhna Dam: one 21 May . Singles also
reported Evretou Dam South, Phasouri Reed-beds, Zakaki Marsh, Drapeia,
Aspro dam wall, Polis Reed-beds, Yermasogia dam, Mazotos, Nata-Phinikas
(one eating Star Agama 11-May), Oroklini Marsh and Agio Vavatsinias. Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Migrants
reported throughout, with large group/s arriving Phasouri Reed-beds
mid-month: two 1-May , 15 on 19-May , 36 on 19-May , 12 including 4 imms.
20-May , 20 on 28-May . Zakaki Marsh: two 2-3 May , four 10-May . Oroklini
pool: two 7-May . Akhna Dam: one 10-May . Governor’s Beach: two
migrating 14-May . Agia Varvara one 14 & 20 May . Ewards Zygi: eight
migrating 16-May . Pyrgos Dam: one 22-May . Kalavasos, pool below Drapeia:
one 25-May . Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Very
common, reported on passage all month. Max. numbers: Aspro Pools: five
1-May . Akhna Dam five 1-3 May, seven 10-May, four 21 May . Evretou Dam
South: three 2 & 8 May . three 8-May . Phasouri Reed-bed: 10 on 2-3
May , four 10-May , up to six 14-19 May, one juv. 20 May .
Spiro’s Pool: 12 on 2-May . Paphos: four 3-May . Mazotos, Petountas: up
to five 6-11 May, six 16 May . Zakaki Pool four 10 & 20 May.
Asprokremnos dam north: four 11-May . Agia Varvara: five 14-May . Mandria
rocks: five 14-May . May . 18-May . Zakaki Marsh four 20-May . Paphos:
five over the sea 25-May . Avdimou: four flying north along coast 28-May . Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Rather
localised, with reports from only 3 sites. Phasouri Reed-beds: at least
three all month with eight 1 & 10 May
and six 14-May . Akhna Dam: one 3-May . Acheleia Pools: two 12-May
. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Very
common migrant all month with max. numbers as follows: Spiro’s
Pool: five 1-May , 31 on 5-May , 10 on 6-May . Phasouri Reed-beds: six
1-May, c50 on 10-May , c20 on 14-19 May , 24 roosting 24-May , c.40 25-May
, 30 roosting in eucalypts 30-May , probably all refer to same flock.
Evretou Dam South: three 2-May . Akrotiri Salt Lake: 27 on 2-May , 54 on
5-May , 18 on 20-May . Zakaki Marsh: five 3-May , 14 on 5-May . Lady's
Mile: six 2-May . M1 Pools: three 2-May . Akhna Dam: seven 3-May . Mazotos:
three 6-May . Meneou Beach: seven flying along coast 8-May . Agia Varvara
three 14-18 May .Dhekelia beach: 14 on 25-May, eight 26-May . Kensington:
four flew west 25-May . Oroklini Marsh: 14 maximum daily count on 3 May .
Asprokremnos Dam: seven 25-May . Smaller numbers above sites plus Meneou
Pools, Oroklini pool and Paphos. Great White Egret Egretta alba All records:
Paphos: three 2-May . Akrotiri Salt Lake: six 20-May . Phasouri Reed-beds:
three 20-May , may be same birds. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Max.
numbers: Oroklini Marsh: 10 on 5-May . Paphos: 21 on 1-May . Asprokremnos
Dam: 24 on 1-May . Phasouri Reed-beds: eight 2-May . Up to 3 several other
sites. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Latest
report 25 May. Phasouri Reed-beds: at least one throughout month, with 10
on 1-May , three 2-May , two 16-19 May . Zakaki Marsh: at least two most
days 2-11 May, with seven 1-May , three 3-May , one 25-May . Paphos: five
1-May . Akhna dam: two 11 & 21 May . Oroklini Marsh: max. four 14-May
. Spiro's Pool: three 15-May . Singles Akhna Dam, Asprokremnos Dam, Agia
Varvara ford and Ewards Zygi. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Most
regular Oroklini, Phasouri Reed-beds and Zakaki Marsh. Oroklini Marsh: up
to 13 from 1-10 May . Phasouri Reed-beds: declining steadily throughout
month, with 14 on 1-May , 12 on 2-May , 10 on 11-May , three 19-20 May and
two remaining to 21 May. Evretou Dam South: three 2-May . Zakaki Marsh:
six 2-May , c20 on 3-May , 15 on 5-May
and six 10 May . Akhna Dam: 11 on 3-May . Spiro’s pool: 19 on
7-May . Athalassa: one 8-May . Agia Varvara: up to two 13-14 May . Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia All records: Tomb of the Kings: 30 flying high
north 1-May . Oroklini Marsh two 11-May Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Numbers
variable at Akrotiri. Max. counts: Akrotiri Salt Lake: c.600 2-May , 486
on 14-May , 1200 inc. 8 dead 20-May . Spiro’s Beach: c50 flying N along
coast 8-May . Cape Greco: 40 coasting by 11-May . Paphos: 50+ over the sea
25-May . Teal Anas crecca A very late
report: Larnaca Sewage Works: one 14-May Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Oroklini
Marsh: ones and twos 1-27 May . Breeding at Phasouri Reed-beds, Larnaca
Sewage Works and some other sites: Larnaca Sewage Works: max. c50 on 2-May
, c70, including 2 pairs with 6 young each 8-May , 60 on 26-May . Phasouri
Reed-beds: 1f + 4 chicks 2-May , 1 pair with 8 chicks, 1 pair with 10
chicks 20-May . Evretou Dam South: four 12-May . Kalavasos, pool below
Drapeia: 12 on 25-May . Agia Varvara: five, including 4 imm. 27-May . Ones
and twos Spiro's beach, Akrotiri Salt Lake and Zakaki Marsh. Pintail Anas acuta Last migrants reported at Larnaca Sewage Works: up to two
2-8 May . Garganey Anas querquedula This
migrant was sparsely reported: Oroklini Marsh: 10 on 1 May, declining to
one 19 May . Aspro Pools: two 1-May . Larnaca Sewage Works: two 2-May, one
6-May. Phasouri Reed-beds: 10 on 2-May , declining to two 11-May. Aspro
dam pools: one female 29-May . Akhna Dam: one 3 & 15 May . Shoveler Anas clypeata Phasouri Reed-beds: a pair present 2-26 May. Larnaca
Sewage Works: one 14-May . Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Breeding
confirmed at Phasouri Reed-beds: 10, including 1 female plus 9 very young
ducklings 25-May , present to month end. Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus Phasouri
Reed-beds: 1 female 20-22 May . Black Kite Milvus migrans Akhna
Dam one 8-May . Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus Max 7 seen, with all
reports probably referring to same birds. Arminou Dam: seven 10-May
, five 19-May . Salamiou ridge: one 11-May . Kensington cliffs: one 26-May
. Quarry Beach: one 30-May . Kelkokadara: one 31-May . Black Vulture Aegypius monachus Single
bird still present, seen at Arminou Dam 19-May . Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Many late migrants reported: Oroklini Marsh: one 1 & 6
May. Larnaca Sewage Works: one 1 & 14 May. Akamas SE: three on passage
2-May . Phasouri Reed-beds: singles 2, 14 & 20-21 May, and two 5-May .
Paphos: one fem. 4-May. Mazotos: one 6-May. Spiro's beach: one 7-May. Agia
Napa sewage works: one 13-May. Agia Varvara: one female 18-May. Zakaki
Marsh: one 20-May. Asprokremnos Dam: one 25-May . Yermasogia Dam north:
one 30-May . Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus Aspro Pools one 29 Apr – 1 May . Ring-tail harrier Cape
Greco one 8-May . Ineia: one ring-tail 10-May . Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Pano
Yialia: one 21-May . Kannaviou: 2+ 4 juvs in nest 24-May. Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Platres:
one seen 16 May, following Blackbird kill seen 15 May nearby . Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Oroklini
Marsh: one 3 & 11 May . Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus Theletra: two 2-May . Arminou Dam: one 10-May . Kalavasos: 2+ 2 juvs in
nest 10-May. Armou-Tsada track: one 3 & 17-May . Larnaca Salt Lake:
one 29-May . Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina Zelemenos-Kamares:
one 6-May . Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus Neo Chorio: pair adults 5-May . Kellaki: 2 ad.
12-May . Eagle Sp. Phasouri Reed-beds: one 14-May . Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Mandria one fem. 1-May . Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Widely reported. Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus Akrotiri Salt Lake: one male 1-May . Paphos
Headland: four 1-May . Oroklini Marsh: up to five 2-8 May, with six 5 May
. Akamas SE: at least 8 in small feeding flock 2-May . Paphos: four 2-May,
six 4-May . Phasouri Reed-bed: eight 5-May , one male 18-May . Ineia: 10
on 10-May . Anarita Park: 12 on 11-May. Merlin Falco columbarius Agia Napa sewage works: one 13-May . Spiro's
pools: one apparently with foot jesses 26-May . Hobby Falco subbuteo A few late birds reported. Spiro's pools one 14-26 May , three first-summer birds from 28 May
. Adhelphi peak: at least one with
Eleonora’s flock 17-May . Konia: one possible 28-May . Episkopi road:
one 29-May . Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae Interesting reports: Kensington Cliffs: 10 on 2
& 30-May, ‘minimum of 40’ from late May . Paphos: two 4-May .
Phasouri Reed-beds: two 14 & 20-May . Mt. Olympus, Atalanta trail:
eight in aerial feeding flock 15-May . Adhelphi peak: 10 in aerial feeding
flock 17-May . RAF Akrotiri: nine 31-May . Peregrine Falco peregrinus Kensington cliff: top four 2 ads. + 2 juvs. to
month end 2-May , one 30-May . Also seen to mid-month Paphos, Akhna Dam,
Ineia, Kalavasos, Cape Greco and Akanthou. Petra tou Romiou: pair with
three fledged juveniles 31-May . Chukar Alectoris chukar . Young birds widely reported. Kalavasos: 8 + 25
juvs. 10-May. Agia Varvara: 1+4 chicks 14-May . Kinousa: 9 + 8 young
25-May . Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus Widely
reported calling, presumably breeding, but no young seen. Quail Coturnix coturnix Paphos:
one flushed 2-May . Mazotos, Petountas: two 22-May . Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Paphos
Lighthouse: one 3-May , was an interesting discovery! Phasouri Reed-beds:
three 20-May . Corncrake Crex crex A good find
at Ayia Napa sewage pools: one
12-May . Moorhen Gallinula chloropus A
fairly well reported resident, seen at Evretou Dam, Zakaki Marsh, M1
Pools, Aspro Pools, Agia Varvara, Yermasogia Dam and Oroklini Marsh. Phasouri
Reed Beds: 18 including two pairs with 3 chicks 20-May . Coot Fulica atra Fairly common. Most winter visitors departed. A few
residents already with young at Phasouri Reed-beds, Athalassa and Zakaki
Marsh. Phasouri Reed Beds 123,
including 1 pair with 2 chicks 20-May . Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Some
late migrants reported, including many nesting or prospecting. Noteworthy
reports: Zakaki Marsh: Max. 12 on 1-May, nine 3-May . Spiro’s Pool: c30
on 1-May , declining to five 8-May . Akrotiri Salt Lake: up to 21 from
2-20 May . Mazotos, Petountas: eight 6-May .
Oroklini Marsh: max. 43, with 1st juvs seen 13 May .
Phasouri Reed-beds: two on nest 20-May , 2 pairs ‘with nesting
activities’ 25-May , prob. nest 30-May . Meneou Pools: nine anxious
behaviour probably nesting 26-May . Smaller numbers reported Larnaca
sewage works, Spiro’s pool, Aspro Pools and Akhna Dam. Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Achelia
olive groves: two 14-May . Xeros Potamos:
two probably nesting 8-May. Governor’s Beach: one 16-May . Meneou
Pools: one 26-May . Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola A
few late reports: Mandria: four 1-May . Phasouri Reed Beds two 14-May ,
one 25-May . Spiro's pools: three 26-May . Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni Akhna Dam: four reported 14-May . Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Lady's
Mile: seven 5-May , three 14-May . Xeros Potamos: one 24-May . Most
migrants moved on by mid month with ones and twos found at Lady's Mile,
Oroklini Marsh, Larnaca Sewage Works, Spiro’s Pool, Asprokremnos dam
north and Akhna Dam. No breeding activity reported. Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Lady's Mile: max. numbers 52 on 5-May , 37 on
10-May , 31 on 11-May , 57 on 14-May , declining to three 20-May .
Akrotiri Salt Lake: 74 on 20-May . Ones and twos to mid month at Larnaca
Sewage Works and Oroklini Marsh. Latest report, Mazotos, Petountas: one
migrating 22-May . Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Only reported at Larnaca and Akrotiri.
Larnaca Sewage Works: up to three 1-26 May. Lady's Mile: 15 on 2-5 May , 19 on 11-May , 61 on 14-May , 36 inc. 3
newly-hatched chicks 20-May . Spiro's Pool: five including 2 young 5-May .
Meneou Pools: 12 on 26-May . Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii Last
spring migrant: Spiro's Pool: one 5-17 May . Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Spiro’s
Pool area: one 3-9 May Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus All
reports: Phasouri Reed-beds: two 1-20 May. Akhna Dam: two 3-21 May .
Oroklini pool: max. 16, with 4 sets of juvs. by 31 May, c.8 nests
with one second brood confirmed . Mazotos,
Petountas: 1 pair, 3 very young pulli 11-May . Larnaca Sewage Works: one
22-May . Sanderling Calidris alba Larnaca
Sewage Works: two 3-May, one 6-22 May. Little Stint Calidris minuta Good numbers reported throughout month. Larnaca
Sewage Works: up to six 1-26 May. Spiro’s Pool: c200 on 1-May , up to 60
from 8-26 May . Lady's Mile: up to 160 2-5 May , 35 on 11-May , six 20-May
. Asprokremnos Dam area: up to six 4-17 May. Evretou: three 8-May . Akhna
Dam: up to 90 from 8-22 May . Mazotos, Petountas: 15 on 16-May . Akrotiri
Salt Lake: 110 on 20-May . Oroklini Marsh: max. 40 on 3 May . Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii A good range of
records: Akhna Dam: three 1-May, four 3-May, one 15-May . Larnaca Sewage
Works: two 2-May . Zakaki Marsh:
two 3-10 May , one 14-May . Mazotos, Petountas: one 6-May . Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Major passage noted, with most birds in breeding
plumage: Spiro’s Pool: up to three 1-26 May, with 12 on 6-May
and 18 on 7-May . Oroklini Marsh: one 7-8 May . Evretou Dam: four
7-May . Lady’s Mile: one 11-May , five 14-May . Asprokremnos dam north:
one 11-May . Akrotiri gravel pits: one 18-May . Akrotiri Salt Lake: 120 on
20-May . Mazotos, Petountas: two 11-16 May . Dunlin Calidris alpina Only
one report: Spiro's Pool: one 15-May . Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus One was present at
Spiro's pools 10-26 May, with two 22-May . Ruff Philomachus pugnax Still
common early-mid month. selected Reports: Zakaki Marsh: max. 45 from 2-3
May . Aspro Pools: 27 on 1-May . Spiro's Pool: c140 on 1-May , 30
on 7-May . Akrotiri Salt Lake: max. 76 on 5-May . Phasouri
Reed-beds: 20 on 2-May . Evretou Dam South: 20 on 2-May . Akhna Dam: 70 on
2-May, 180 on 15-May . Paphos headland: 41 on 4-May . Evretou three 8-May . Oroklini Marsh:
max. 20 on 8 May . Achelia Pools: 16 on 12-May . Mazotos, Petountas: 16 on
16-May . Asprokremnos Dam: two 25-May , was the month’s latest report. Snipe Gallinago gallinago Mazotos,
Petountas: one 6-May . Phinikas: one 11-May . Great Snipe Gallinago media Phasouri
Reed-beds one 1-May . Asomatos, N edge salt lake: one 20-May . Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Only at
3 sites. Oroklini Marsh: two 1 May, one remaining 2-8 May . Spiro’s
Pool: four 1-6 May, two 7-8 May, 24 reported 15-May . Akhna Dam: two 18-21
May . Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Spiro’s Pool: two 1-May, up to six 2-7 May,
three 15-May. Zakaki Marsh: one 10-May. Redshank Tringa totanus Ones and
twos up to 18 May at Oroklini Marsh, Spiro's Pool and Paphos
headland. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Spiro’s Pool: six 1-May , max. eight 2-May .
Oroklini Marsh: one 7-May . Akhna Dam: two 15-May . Greenshank Tringa nebularia Ones and twos all month. Spiro’s Pool: eight
7-May , four 8-May . Asprokremnos dam: three 11-May . Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus All
reports: Mavrokolymbos Dam valley: one 1-May . Aspro Pools: two 4-May .
Akhna Dam: one 1-3 May, three 7-8 May . Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola A
common migrant this month. Max. numbers: Oroklini Marsh: up to 20
from 1-20 May, 15 on 9 May, up to 10 until 19 May and three remaining 24
May . Zakaki Marsh 12 from 2-3 May , six 11-May ,
16 on 14-May , two remaining 24-May . Phasouri Reed-beds: 10 on
11-May . Akhna Dam: 70 on 3-May . Aspro dam wall & pools: up to two
4-14 May, four 17-May. Evretou: five 8-May, three 12 May. Agia Varvara: up
to three 8-16 May . Mazotos, Petountas: 10 max. 6-11 May . Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Present
all month, up to three Oroklini Marsh, Evretou Dam, Zakaki Marsh, Aspro
Pools, Kannaviou Dam, Spiro’s Pool, Asprokremnos dam and Bishops Pool. Turnstone Arenaria interpres Rather scarce and localised. Larnaca Sewage Works: one 2-14 May, two on 6-May. Paphos six 3-4 May. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Four 2 May, up
to three 6-8 May. Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus Late
report: Spiro’s Pool: one 18-Apr .
Little Gull Larus minutus A
few late birds reported: Spiro's Pool: one 15-May . Akrotiri Salt Lake:
two imms. 20-May . Larnaca Sewage Works: one 22-26 May. Slender-billed Gull Larus genei Akrotiri Salt Lake 20 on 2-May .Larnaca Sewage Works: 14 14-May . Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii Larnaca
Sewage Works: one 14 & 22 May . Baltic Gull Larus fuscus fuscus Larnaca
Sewage Works one 14-May . Heuglin’s
Gull L.f.heuglini
Larnaca Sewage Works: one adult 6-May . Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans michahellis Max.
numbers Asprokremnos dam: 70 basking 11-May . Larnaca Sewage Works: 40 on
7-May . Otherwise only a handful reported. Armenian Gull Larus armenicus
Larnaca
Sewage Works: three reported 6-May . Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Only
one record this month: Akrotiri Salt Lake: one 2-May . Common Tern Sterna hirundo Larnaca
Sewage Works: Up to two 9-31 May , with one which appeared to be sitting
on nest 26-May . Little Tern Sterna albifrons Spiro’s
Pool & Larnaca Sewage Works area: two 1-7 May, up to five from 9 May,
six including a pair nesting at Larnaca Sewage Works 25 May and 12 adults
26 May . Dhekelia Beach one
25-May . Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Two
at Aspro Pools 1-May , then single birds reported Akrotiri Salt Lake 3-May, Paphos area 4-May , Oroklini Marsh 11-May
and Aspro dam wall 14-May . White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Very common
to mid-month, with max. reports as follows: Paphos Headland: nine 1-May .
Phasouri Reed-beds: 10 on 1-May . Akhna Dam: 11 on 1-May . Aspro Pools 31
on 1-May . Larnaca Sewage Works: c.40 on 1 May , c50 on 2-May , up to 19
from 6-17 May with latest, three 26-May .
Akrotiri Salt Lake: 70 on 2-May , c.300 on 3-May . Akhna Dam: 12 on 7-May
. Up to three each Zakaki Marsh, Paphos, Evretou Dam, Oroklini Marsh,
Asprokremnos Dam and Petountas. Rock Dove Columba livia ‘Feral’
doves reported widely. No confirmed wild birds seen. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Very commonly reported. Marathounta: one flew off nest, contents not
seen, 16-May . Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Also reported. Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Most birds reported assumed breeding visitors. Eleousa church
near Rizokarpaso: at least 25 on 29-Apr . Kannaviou: 25 on 24-May. Mandria: 90+ on 31-May , were noteworthy. Up to six also seen at
Larnaca Sewage Works, Theletra, Phasouri Reed-beds, Xeros Potamos,
Oroklini Marsh, Bishop's Pool, Marathounta, Aspro pools, Kalavasos,
Episkopi (Paphos), Mandria, Troodos, Armou-Tsada track, Athalassa, Pyrgos
Dam. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius Reported
all month with first juvs. reported as follows: Kalavasos: 10 juvs on
10-May. Zelemenos-Kamares: 1juv. on 15-May . Ayias Minas: two juvs. with
Magpie 29-May . Aspro dam: two juvs. tended by Magpies 29-May . Pissouri:
two juvs. tended by Hooded Crows 30-May . Cuckoo Cuculus canorus All
reports of this migrant follow: Oroklini Marsh: one 2-May . Akrotiri Salt
Lake: three 2-May . Armou-Tsada track: one 3-May . Paphos: one 3-May .
Asprokremnos Dam Pool: one brown phase 9-May . Akhna dam: one 7, 11 &
14 May. Marathounta: one
brown (hepatic) 1 & 7 May . Barn Owl Tyto alba Kolossi:
one 20-May . Stroumbi: one dead by road 30-May . Scops Owl Otus scops cyprius Very
vocal all month. Heard or seen at Mavrokolymbos Dam valley, Kamares
village (Paphos), Ineia, Mt. Olympus Artemis Trail, Kinousa, Marathounta,
Agia Varvara Area, Pissouri and Nicosia (near English School). Little Owl Athene noctua Neo
Chorio, Akamas: four seen, including one very recently fledged juv., on
29-May . Singles and pairs also reported Akhna Dam, Kamares, Agia Varvara,
Secret Valley, Ezousa Valley, Marathounta mast and Athalassa. Long-eared Owl Asio otus Athalassa:
droppings, pellets etc found 22-May . Nicosia: one fledged young,
near English School 31-May . Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Panagia-Pera
Vasa forest: one flew up from track 11-May . Governor’s Bay: one 12-May
. Swift Apus apus Abundant
summer breeding visitor reported widely. Noteworthy reports: Zakaki Marsh:
50 on 2-May . Paphos lighthouse area: c.200 on 3-May . Paphos town centre:
c50 on 3 & 16 May . Panagia: 50 on 11-May . Lakatameia: c50 at Manglis
lake 12-May . Mt. Olympus, Atalanta trail: 30 with juvs. 15-May . Larnaca
Sewage Works: 60 on 26-May . Oroklini Marsh: 75 on 13 May . Pallid Swift Apus pallidus Reliably
reported only from Troodos mountains: Mt Olympus: two Artemis Trail 14
& 25 May c20 on 29-May ,
10 on Atalanta Trail 16-May . Mazotos, Petountas: one 16-May , requires
confirmation. Troodos Station: 18 on 25-May . Alpine Swift Apus melba Kensington
Cliffs and Quarry beach: up to 12 seen each visit 2-30 May. Asprokremnos
Dam area: up to four 9-17 May. Akhna Dam: up to four 3-15 May . Singles
reported in Paphos area. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus Paphos
Lighthouse: one 2-May, nine 4-May . European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Considerable
passage noted all month, particularly peaking 1-7 May in west. 1240 birds
reported, which is a massive number, but must represent only a small
fraction of the birds passing through the island. Max. numbers:
Mavrokolymbos Dam valley: 32 on 1-May . Armou-Tsada track: 46 on 3-May, 32
on 5-May . Paphos: flocks totalling 173 heading inland in afternoon 3-May
. Akrotiri Gravel Pits: c40 on 3-May . Phasouri Reed Bed: numbers
totalling 27 heading north 5-May . Ayias Minas: 38 on 5-May , 24 on 29-May
. Spiro’s Pool: 30 on 7-May . Akamas: c100 on 7-May . Kinousa: c30 on
9-May . Xeros Potamos: 54 on 24-May . Athalassa: one 29-May , was the last
report. Roller Coracias garrulus Common
all month, reported Marathounta, Zakaki Marsh, M1 Pools, Armou-Tsada
track, Akrotiri, Episkopi road, Sylvana's Restaurant, Marathounta, Anayia,
Aspro pools, Armou, Mari, Agia Varvara, Giolou, Tsada golf club track,
Prastio, Malia, near Polis, Kritou Terra, Kathikas, Kannaviou, Polemi and
Akhna Dam. Breeding noted as follows: Akamas SE: pair copulating 2-May .
Pano Akourdhalia: five, behaviour suggested newly-fledged 22-May . Largest
groups: Theletra: 12 on 2-May . Stroumbi-Tsada valley: max. seven 6 May.
Terra-Chrysochou: 10 on 9-May . Hoopoe Upupa epops 40 birds
reported, many breeding. Ayias Minas: one calling 5-May . Mt. Olympus
Artemis Trail: five, all calling 14-May . Troodos: one at nest 25-29 May .
Also reported at Theletra, Cape Greco, Kinousa, Phasouri Reed-beds,
Platres, Pera Vasa, Mansoura, Kannaviou, Ayias Dimitrianos, Limassol and
Akhna Dam. No large groups
reported. Wryneck Jynx torquilla Akrotiri
salt lake two 1-May Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra S
of Prastio/Mesaoria: one 29-Apr . Spiro's beach and sewage works: up to
five 7-14 May, two high in air singing 26-May . Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla A
few migrants reported to mid-month. Paphos Headland: six 4-May . Tsada
golf club track: five 6-May . Mandria seven 8-May, one 14-May Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens Lady's Mile:
two flew over 2-May . Crested Lark Galerida cristata Widely
reported. Woodlark Lullula arborea Mt.
Olympus: one singing Artemis Trail 14-May , one at summit 17-May .
Prodromos Dam: one singing 16-May . Sand Martin Riparia riparia Unusually,
not widely reported, so all records follow. Zakaki Marsh: up to 10
on 2-20 May . Mandria: two 8-May . Phasouri Reed-bed: 35+ on 9-May .
Larnaca Sewage Works: two 26-May . Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Stenoi Bridge, Paphos Forest: two 11-May . Swallow Hirundo rustica Ubiquitous
and widespread, with young birds becoming increasingly evident. Meneou
Beach: two feeding 5 young 1-May . Paphos Lighthouse: c.250 on 4-May ,
five newly fledged juvs. 4-May . Kannaviou Dam: c20 including 7 active
nests in river diversion tunnel within 50 metres of entrance. Some nests
with chicks others with eggs 17-May, c40 birds; number of eggs in each
nest now four, 20-May; c50 number of eggs in one nest now five 23-May .
Vrecha: pair nesting in culvert, with H.daurica, 23-May . Larnaca
Sewage Works: 80 on 26-May . Agia Varvara: 10 juvs. on a wire 13-14 May .
Oroklini Marsh: max. 120 on 13 May . Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Passage
continued with up to two Paphos Lighthouse 3-4 May and six Mandria 4-May .
Otherwise apparently on territory throughout the month at Theletra, Stenoi
Bridge, Stavros tis Psokas valley, Kelefos Bridge, Arminou Dam, Vretsia
(nesting in culvert with H.rustica
23 May), Asprokremnos Dam weir and Goudhi.
Max. numbers, 35 at Arminou Dam 10-May . House Martin Delichon urbicum Reported
throughout the month. Interesting reports: Paphos Lighthouse: up to 70
from 3-4 May . Kannaviou Dam: c50 nesting in roof
of Contractor's garage, breeding confirmed 11-May; 58nests in
garage roof 23-May . Strovolos: young present in nest 13-May . Arminou
Dam: 40 on 19-May . Athalassa: 60+ on 29-May . Troodos: c40 Artemis trail
29-May. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Last
migrants reported: Paphos Lighthouse: one 1 & 4 May . Cape
Greco: one 5 & 8 May . Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Last
migrants reported: Paphos: up to four 3-4 May . Armou one 6-May . Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Latest,
Mandria: 17 on 1-May . Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava The
following reports were not assigned to race: Paphos Lighthouse: four 4-May
. Zakaki Pool: 23 on 5-May . Karpasia Peninsula: 1 on 29-May, the
latest report received. Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava Still quite common in
first week of May. Latest: Mandria: 25 on 8-May . Paphos Sewage Works: 12
on 12-May . Agia Varvara six 13-May , was the latest. Grey-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava thunbergi Interesting reports of
a race which is probably under-recorded: Paphos: up to two 2-3 May . Sykes’s Wagtail Motacilla flava beema This
race is similar to flava but
with paler head and white throat. Aspro dam wall: 12 on 14-May . Black-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava feldegg Common to mid-month,
when migration virtually came to an end. Zakaki Marsh: up to 10 1-2 May,
with 13 on 3 May. Paphos Lighthouse: c.15 on 3-May .
Oroklini Marsh: 10 on 7-May . Latest: Akhna Dam: one 18-May . Larnaca
Sewage Works: one 26-May. Breeding: Oroklini Marsh: regular all
month, max. six 20 May, with juvs. first noted on 31 May
[apparently a regular breeder at this site.]. M. f. superciliaris Paphos: one 3-May Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola Zakaki
Marsh: 1 male on 3-May , one 10-May . White Wagtail Motacilla alba Two
very late, possibly sick or injured birds reported. Oroklini Marsh one
4-May. Zakaki Marsh: one 5-May , one with injured leg 20-May , may refer
to same bird. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Stenoi
Bridge: one singing 11-May . Mt. Olympus: 15 singing Artemis Trail 14-May,
19 singing Atalanta trail 15-May . Platres: one 16-May . Argaka-Makounta
Dam East: one singing at 230m 21-May . Roudhias Bridge: five 23-May . Rufous Bush Chat Cercotrichas galactotes Armou-Tsada
track one 14-May. Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Most
birds reported probably summer breeders, in west only: Theletra: one
singing 2-May . Akamas SE: one 2-May . Skouli: heard only 9-May . Panagia:
one singing 11-May . Pano Platres: one singing 16-May . Platanistasa: one
singing 17-May . Drouseia: one singing 18-May. Kelefos Bridge: one 19-May
. Roudhias Bridge: one 19-May , five 23-May . Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus A few still reported to mid-month in west of island. Akrotiri Salt
Lake: one 2-May. Armou-Tsada track: one fem. 3-May . Paphos: one male
4-May . Ayias Minas: one 11-May . Asprokremnos Dam: one F 17-May . Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Reported
to mid-month. Larnaca
Desalination Plant: one 1-May . Lady's Mile: one 2-May . Paphos: five
3-May . Aspro Pools: two 4-May . Armou-Tsada track: one 5-May . Agia
Varvara: one fem. 14-May , one 16-May , was the latest. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Two late migrants were reported: Mandria: one male 14-May . Pissouri headland: one female 26-May . Cyprus Pied Wheatear Oenanthe cypriaca Widely reported.
Kannaviou Dam: four chicks in
nest on top of box in Contractor's store from 13-May . Mt. Olympus Artemis
Trail: 22 birds, 20 territories 14-May . Mt. Olympus, Atalanta trail: 29
birds, 28 territories 15-May . Avgas Gorge: family party of three 23-May .
Karpasia Peninsula: ‘abundant’ 29-May. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica melanoleuca A few late
migrants reported, especially at Cape Greco: two 8-May, five 11-May, one
13-May . Akrotiri Salt Lake: one 11-May . Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius Adhelphi
peak: three 17-May , was an interesting breeding indication. Blackbird Turdus merula All birds
reported probably breeding: Vavatsinia: at least four 8-May . Mt. Olympus:
12 singing birds on Artemis Trail 14-May , two males there 29-May , eight
territories Atalanta trail 15-May , two near the summit 17-May . Platres:
two heard 16-May . Prodromos Dam: three singing 16-May , one 17-May .
Madari: one 20-May . Troodos: one male 25-May . Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Widely
reported. Prodromi Reed-bed: six ringed 9-May . Agia Varvara: six at
least, in song 14-May , seven 16-May . Fan-tailed Warbler Cisticola juncidis Very
common and widely reported. Agia Varvara: six at least, in song 14-May . Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus The
last migrants reported. Phasouri Reed-beds one 2-May . Zakaki Marsh: two
singing 2-May Prodromi Reed-bed: eight ringed 9-May , one 13-May . Mazotos,
Petountas: one 16-May . Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Heard
singing and probably breeding Phasouri Reed-beds, Zakaki Marsh, Agia
Varvara, Arminou Dam and Yermasoyia Dam. Polis Reed-beds: up to 11 ringed
daily 9 & 13 May . Ayias Minas: five trapped and ringed 3-May . Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Good
numbers reported, many singing and probably on breeding territory, though
breeding not yet confirmed this year. Ayias Minas: one 3-May . Polis
Reed-beds: at least two trapped & ringed 9 & 13 May. Akhna Dam:
one 1 & 11 May. Zakaki Marsh: up to three 2-5 May, one 11 & 27
May. Mazotos, Petountas: one 10-May . Akhna dam one 11-May . Kannaviou
dam: one 11-May . Agia Varvara heard 14-May . Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida Very common and
widespread at all altitudes throughout the month, probably under-reported.
At least two each reported Ayias Minas, Marathounta, Lakatameia, Polis
Reed-beds, Akrotiri Salt Lake, Panagia, Agia Varvara, Mt. Olympus, Arminou
Dam, Pomos Dam, Asprokremnos Dam, Akhna Dam, Armou and Athalassa.
Kannaviou: 10 on 24-May. Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina These
were good discoveries: Paphos Lighthouse: two 3-May, one 4-May . Armou
hills: one singing 8-May . Spiro's pools: one 14-May . Tsada track: one
17-May . Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata Reported,
probably on territory, at Larnaca Desalination Plant and sewage works,
Tsada golf club track and Oroklini. Armou hills: one juv. 29-May . Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala All reports of birds probably on territory, from west of island,
including Ayias Minas, Kamares, Paphos Lighthouse, Kannaviou Dam, Tsada
golf club track, Prodromi Reed-bed, Lara, Agia Varvara and Kokkina. Cyprus Warbler Sylvia melanothorax First
reports of young. Asprokremnos dam wall: three juvs. 14-May . Platres: one
at 1450m altitude 16-May . Armou-Tsada track: two juvs. 29-May . Asian Desert Warbler Sylvia nana Mazotos, Petountas: one was found at the coast 7-Apr , the 9th
record and the first since January 2003. Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris A
couple of late birds reported: Ayias Minas: two 7-May . Cape Greco:
one 11-May . Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis One at
Paphos Lighthouse 4-May , was the latest spring report. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin At Ayias Minas singles trapped and ringed 5 & 16 May and two 11-May
. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Late migrants were reported to mid month, including seven
ringed at Ayias Minas 11 May . Latest reports: Pyrgos tis Rigenas: one
20-May . Cape Greco: one 20 May . Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis Month’s
only report: Paphos: one 1-May . Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Only
reports were Akrotiri Watchtower: two 1-May . Ayias Minas: one in
hand 11-May . Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Latest
(and only) report: Polis Reed-beds: one ringed 9-May. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Good
strong migration noted to mid month, with max numbers as follows:
Marathounta: five 1-May . Akhna Dam: five 1-May . Akrotiri Salt Lake: 15
on 2-May . Paphos: six 2-May . Armou-Tsada track: five 3-May, six 6 May .
Ayia Minas: six 5-May, including two trapped. Zelemenos: 16 on 6-May .
Akhna Dam one 29-May , was the month’s latest migrant. Possible breeding
records include: Pano Yialia: one 21-May . Roudhias Bridge: one 19-May
and 23-May . Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis A few late migrants reported early month: Akrotiri Watchtower:
two 1-May . Marathounta: one male 1-May . Tunnel Beach, Episkopi: one male
2-May . Paphos: one 4-May . Ayias Minas: one male 5-May . Armou: one male
6-May . Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Fairly
common with migrants still reported early month. Paphos Lighthouse: up to
two 1-4 May . Marathounta: three females 1-May . Akamas SE: two 2-May .
Armou-Tsada track: two females 3 & 6 May . Ayia Minas: two fem. in
hand 5-May , one 7-May was
the latest report. Coal Tit Parus ater cypriotes Common
in mountain forests. Mt. Olympus Artemis Trail: 17, including 14
territories 14-May . Kannaviou: 20 on 24-May. Great Tit Parus major aphrodite Breeding
reported widely, including: Nicosia: family party noted 1-May .
Archangelos: four juveniles 6-May . Lakatameia: one adult + 2 juveniles
9-May . Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla dorotheae All
reports follow. Stenoi Bridge: family party of
three 11-May . Mt. Olympus Artemis Trail: 14 birds including 13 territories 14-May . Mt. Olympus, Atalanta trail: 25 territories
on 15-May . Platres: one 16-May . Troodos: one Artemis trail 25-May Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Common
on passage to mid-month, with 42 birds reported. Noteworthy reports:
Kathikas: four 2-May . Akrotiri Salt Lake: four 2-May . Akhna Dam: three
2-May . Akamas: three 7-May . Polis Reed-bed: six 9-May . Neo Chorio: one
calling 27-May , was the latest record. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 54
birds reported including five at Lara
10-May , five Cape Greco 11-May and
eight 13-May , four Ayia Napa sewage works 13-May
and, the latest, one male Pissouri jetty 27-May . Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor Not
a good spring passage this year. All records follow: Paphos
Headland: one male 2-May . Spiro’s Pools: one 7-May . Akrotiri gravel
pits: one 10-May . Cape Greco: one 11-May. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator 21 birds
reported. Most passage over by mid-month, with a small flurry of birds at
the end of the month. Selected records: Cape Greco: one 8 & 13 May .
Phinikas: one 11-May. Armou-Tsada track: singles, mostly different birds,
3, 5, 6 & 29 May, with two 16 May . RAF Akrotiri: one 13 & 26 May
. Akamas NW: one at possible breeding site 27-May . Neo Chorio: one 29-May
. Aspro dam One female 29-May . Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus Always
a pleasure to find, all records follow: Oroklini Marsh: one 10-May
. Kalavasos: four 10-May. Panagia-Pera Vasa: one 11-May . Panagia: three
11-May . Mt. Olympus Artemis Trail: one 14-May . Platres: two 16-May .
Kinousa: two 18-May . Kelefos Bridge: one 19-May . Pyrgos tis Rigenas: one
20-May . Mansoura: one 22-May . Vretsia: three singing 23-May . Kannaviou:
10 on 24-May. Cape Greco: one 13 & 16 May , very late migrants. Jay Garrulus glandarius glaszneri Common in forest.
Selected reports follow: Pera Vasa: two 11-May . Mt. Olympus Artemis
Trail: five 14-May , two 29-May . Mt. Olympus, Atalanta trail: five 15-May
. Singles regularly reported
Platania, Troodos and Platres. Magpie Pica pica Abundant
resident, widely reported. Jackdaw Corvus monedula Widely
reported. Nicosia: breeding all month, with young falling down
chimney of St. Paul's Deanery chimney! . Hooded Crow Corvus corone Common
& widespread. May be spreading to previously un-colonised areas in the
Akamas . Raven Corvus corax Rather
scarce these days. Madari: one 20-May . Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus Ayios Trimithias:: 15, including one injured bird in
cage, 13-15 May . House Sparrow Passer domesticus Ubiquitous.
Kannaviou Dam: one emerging from House Martin nest (!) 11-May . Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis Common,
though probably under-recorded. Selected records: Marathounta: six 1-May .
Theletra: flock of 20 on 2-May . Arminou Dam: 50+ on 10-May . Pera Vasa:
one singing 11-May . Roudias Bridge: three 23-May . Akamas NW: 30 in pines
29-May . Tree Sparrow Passer montanus A
rare migrant. Cape Greco: one confirmed 8-May . Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Very
common in the forest. Interesting reports include singing birds at
Panagia-Pera Vasa, Stenoi Bridge, Mt. Olympus, Platres, Argaka-Makounta
Dam, Pano Yialia (at only 180m altitude), Kannaviou and Troodos. Salamiou/Arminou:
one singing in alders 23-May . Serin Serinus serinus Breeding
locally, usually at upper altitudes and evergreen forests. Reported
singing at Ayias Minas, Panagia, Mt. Olympus, Troodos, Platres,
Argaka-Makounda Dam and Kannaviou. Phasouri, Akrotiri: heard in conifers
‘late May' . Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Reported
widely. No breeding reports. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Widely
reported with many family parties and juvs. noted. Lakatameia: 2 ads. +8
juvs. 9-May . Troodos Leave Camp Valley: five, including 3 recently
fledged 16-May . Cape Greco: eight with 2 young 20-May . Linnet Carduelis cannabina Very
common, widely reported from sea level up to the hills. Asprokremnos Dam:
3 imms. 17-May . Crossbill Loxia curvirostra All reports: Mt. Olympus Artemis Trail: three,
including one juv. 14-May . Troodos Station: 1 f, 1 juvenile 25-May . Cretzschmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia Good numbers
reported, all presumably on breeding territory. Selected reports: Tsada
golf club track two singing 6-May Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala Reported widely in the west, predominantly in the cultivated
foothills. Paphos Headland: two male 2-May
Cape Greco: one 13-May , may have been late migrants. Also reported
Theletra, Ayios Dimitrianos, Ayias Minas, Kannaviou Dam,
Maranthou, Tsada golf club track, Akamas, Polis Reed-bed, Kinousa, Terra/Chrysochou,
Ineia, Agios Ioannis, Episkopi (Paphos), Adhelphi peak, Armou-Tsada track,
Arminou Dam and Vrecha. Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Reported
fairly widely, in song, presumed breeding. Kelephos Bridge: one carrying
food 19-May . Tsada golf course track: six juvs. 31-May .
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