Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis  

Present all month. Max. numbers reported as follows: Ayia Napa Sewage Pools area: up to 15 from 8-19-Mar. Fresh Water Lake (South): up to 13 from 7-20-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: max. 12 on 4 & 12-Mar. Phasouri Reed-beds: up to 20most days with 30+ reported 11-Mar. Zakaki Marsh: c15 at least from 16-23-Mar.  

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus  

Acheleia dam: one 18-Mar , was an interesting find.  

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis 

Larnaca Sewage Works: up to five 8-10-Mar, one remaining 13-28-Mar. 

Gannet Morus bassanus  

A rare migrant, with the last report in April 2004. Cape Kiti : one Immature seen 17-Mar. One reported off Paphos Headland 30-Mar.  

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo  

Unprecedented numbers were reported migrating north from 10th of month. Amathus Hills: 34 on 15-Mar. Cape Greco Park : 59 flying NE over park 21-Mar . Coral Bay Paphos: 34 Flying N along coast 17.10pm on 10-Mar. Mandria: c25 passing overhead in formation heading towards Paphos 19-Mar , 95 in formation flying northwest 22-Mar , 12 flew W 26-Mar. Paphos Headland: 81 flying N along coast 9-Mar . Paphos Headland: c161 flying over in 3 flocks 10-Mar, 34, then second flock of 41 on 11-Mar , 13 flew N on 20-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: 80 flying over 14-Mar .Souni: c140 flying over 11-Mar, c60 flying up adjacent valley 22-Mar . Spiros Pools: c25 on 21-Mar. Tunnel Beach : 37 In flight 14-Mar . Ayia Napa Pools area: eight flying N over pools 31-Mar  was the latest report.  

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis 

Up to four were reported sitting on rocks, offshore buoys or flying by at Akrotiri Bay , Cape Gata , Cape Zevgari , Kensington Cliffs, Mandria and Ormideia Buoys. 

GREAT Bittern Botaurus stellaris  

A couple of good sightings. Phasouri Reed-beds: one 18-Mar . Oroklini Marsh: one 28-Mar.  

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax  

Migration was first reported on 20-Mar. Paphos Headland: one adult just arriving to roost 20-Mar, nine 26-Mar, five 28-Mar, 10 on 29 & 30-Mar and six 30-Mar. Fresh Water Lake (South): six with no sign of breeding activity yet 20-Mar . Mandria: 12 struggling west through a heavy rain storm 24-Mar, three adults 30-Mar, 28 flying W 31-Mar . Geroskipou beach (Riko’s beach): 21 flying 29-Mar. Kensington Cliffs: 14 passing offshore 31-Mar. Avagas Gorge: nine flying north 31-Mar. Curium Beach: 19 on 31-Mar.  

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides  

A few rather early migrants were reported. Evretou Dam feeder stream: one 24 & 26-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: one 23-Mar, two 25-Mar , two 26-Mar .  

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 

Fresh Water Lake (South): 94 counted, then after roost had dispersed 48 birds remained with 32 active nests 20-Mar . Aspro Dam Pools: six roosting in reeds 26 & 27-Mar. Geroskipou beach (Riko’s beach): two 29-Mar, five in fields 2-Mar . Mandria Canal : up to three at goat farm 3-25-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: one 2-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: up to five resident all month, with six 17-Mar , seven 28-Mar .  

Little Egret Egretta garzetta  

Up to three reported at several sites, with larger numbers listed here: Akrotiri Gravel Pits: seven 22-Mar . Fresh Water Lake (South): nine 7-Mar, five 20-Mar . Lady's Mile: 15 on 24-Mar. Mandria: nine on rocks 30-Mar . Oroklini Marsh: four 23-Mar, six 25-Mar . Sotira Pools/Paralimni Lake : 12 on 12-Mar .  

Great Egret Egretta alba 

Akrotiri Salt Lake : one was on north shore 22-25-Mar, then one, possibly the same bird, was at Lady’s Mile 27-Mar. Paphos headland: six 26-Mar (Limosa), needs confirming. Phasouri Reed-beds: one 20-27-Mar. Sotira Pools: one 31-Mar.  

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea  

Ones and twos all month, with up to 10 reported on passage until late month.  Sotira Pools/Paralimni Lake : four 1-Mar, 14 on 12-Mar . Akhna Dam: five 5-Mar, four 14-Mar. Coral Bay Paphos: eight flying north 17.00pm 10-Mar . Mandria Beach : seven 20 & 28-Mar . Paphos Headland: 12 on 20-Mar , eight 25-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: seven 23-24-Mar. Cape Greco: four high in sky 31-Mar . Spiros Pool: 14 flying N along coast 30-Mar . Timi beach: five flying north towards Paphos 28-Mar . Zakaki Marsh: eight flew east over pools 22-Mar.  

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea  

Noteworthy passage from late March. Fresh Water Lake (South): one 20-Mar . Zakaki Marsh: one 24-Mar, seven 25-Mar). Bishop's Pool: one roosting in tree above pool 25-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: one 25-Mar . Paphos headland: two 26-Mar, 12 on 28-Mar . Kissos hotel: one 29-Mar. Mandria: five flying northwest 30-Mar , 14 flying W 31-Mar . Paphos Harbour : six 29-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: 11 on 31-Mar . Cape Drepanum : 35 flying W 31-Mar . Avagas Gorge: 12 flying north 31-Mar).  

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus  

Lady's Mile: one 24-Mar. Meneou Beach : c20 Flying N along coast 16.15pm 18-Mar . Mandria: 14 flying west 30-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: 28 flying over 31-Mar .  

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia  

Oroklini Marsh: three 11-Mar . Sotira Pools/Paralimni Lake : one 12-Mar .  

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber  

Paphos Sewage Plant: 26 adults, flying northwest 9-Mar . Akrotiri Salt Lake : c400 were counted most days 21-31-Mar. Larnaca Airport Pools (South): 65 on 26-Mar . Larnaca Salt Lake : 420 on 8-Mar, 1265 on 13-Mar, 481 on 26-Mar, declining to month end to 21 on 30-Mar. Meneou Pools: 125 on 28-Mar, 113 on 30-Mar. Sylvana Restaurant pools: 170 on 25-Mar.  

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 

Akrotiri Salt Lake : 56 on 22-Mar declining to 12 on 25-Mar. Evretou dam: two 10-Mar . Larnaca Salt Lake : 210 on 8-Mar , 266 on 13-Mar, 65 on 15-Mar , 13 on 26-28-Mar.  

Wigeon Anas penelop 

Phasouri Reed-beds: four 5-Mar, declining to one male 22-Mar, when last reported. Zakaki Marsh: two 6-Mar . Fresh Water Lake (North): pair 7-Mar, 12 on 20-Mar. Larnaca Sewage Works: 41 on 13-Mar, 39 on 22-Mar, 23 on 26-Mar . Akrotiri Salt Lake : six evening 24-Mar. Bishop's Pool: two 16-Mar, four 19-Mar . Evretou Dam: 14 on 10-Mar. Spiros Pools: c50 on 21-Mar , probably Larnaca Sewage Works population.  

Gadwall Anas strepera  

Phasouri Reed-beds: five 11-Mar , otherwise four 18-23-Mar.  

Teal Anas crecca  

Recorded all month, with slight decrease towards 4th week. Noteworthy numbers listed here: Fresh Water Lake (North): 64 on 20-Mar . Fresh Water Lake (South): 33 on 7-Mar . Larnaca Sewage Works: 169 on 13-Mar, 137 on 26-Mar . Oroklini Marsh: c100 on 2-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: c48 on 28-Mar . Smaller numbers also reported.  

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos  

Up to 10 at several sites. Mostly at just two main sites. Larnaca Sewage Works: max. 51 on 13-Mar, c80 on 30-Mar. Phasouri Reed-beds: max. 21 on 16-Mar, otherwise up to 10 reported most days.  

Pintail Anas acuta  

Most winter visitors departed by third week in month. Oroklini Marsh: one 7-Mar. Fresh Water Lake (North): two 7 & 20-Mar. Larnaca Salt Lake : max. 22 on 8-Mar, declining to four 18-Mar. Phasouri Reed-beds: 13 on 16-Mar, declining to six 23-Mar, three 24-Mar. Akrotiri Salt Lake : nine 22-Mar.  

Garganey Anas querquedula  

Migrants built up quickly at the end of the month, with a big passage along the southwest coast noted 23-Mar. Episkopi (Curium) Bay: c250 on sea 21-Mar, c300 with Shoveler 23-Mar . Larnaca Salt Lake : seven 17-Mar, 13 on 26-Mar . Larnaca Sewage Works: four 21-Mar , 10 on 26-Mar . Oroklini Marsh: first were five 13-Mar, up to 40 from 17-29-Mar, with 45 on 20-Mar . Paphos Headland: 250 on 23-Mar . Mandria: 20 offshore, then flew west 31-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: max. 18 on 23-Mar , 10 on 31-Mar. Smaller numbers also reported.  

Shoveler Anas clypeata  

Major passage noted late March and many departed by the end of the month. Akrotiri Gravel Pits: 10 on sea 21-Mar. Curium (Episkopi) Bay: c50 with Garganey 23-Mar . Fresh Water Lake (North): 44 on 7-Mar, declined to 14 on 20-Mar. Larnaca Sewage Works: very large numbers all month, 794 on 13-Mar, c960 on 18-Mar , 498 on 26-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: 75 on 16-Mar, c45 on 24-Mar, 12 on 31-Mar. Smaller numbers also reported.  

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina 

A good report: Larnaca Sewage Works: one ♀ 18- 22-Mar .  

Pochard Aythya ferina 

Fresh Water Lake (North): two Pair 7-Mar. Bishop's Pool: one male 16-27-Mar, at least. Larnaca Sewage Works: one 26-Mar. Phasouri Reed-beds: one male 3-31-Mar. Zakaki Marsh: one male 3-Mar.  

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca 

Phasouri Reed-beds: at least eight present all month, with up to 12 reported 28-30-Mar (JN, AH). Zakaki Marsh: two 6-Mar , one male 16-Mar .  

Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus  

Kerynas cliffs: one 9-Mar . Curium Stadium: seven 14-Mar . Dhiarizos Valley : one 29-Mar (Limosa). Trachypedoula: four 29-Mar . At least one reported on most visits to Episkopi Garrison area (including Kensington Cliffs) where three, including one apparently incubating 21-Mar and 24-Mar . Three present to month end.  

Black Vulture Aegypius monachus  

This lone bird was rarely seen. Kensington Cliffs: one 14-Mar . Trachpedoula/Salamiou: 29-Mar .  

Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus  

Dhekelia/Cape Pyla area: one beside motorway, carrying snake 3-Mar.  

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus  

45 records received for the month, with passage noted from mid-month when many males seen: Phasouri Reed-beds: at least two noted all month, with four 19-22-Mar and three, incl. ad. male 21-Mar . Akrotiri Salt Lake roost: two, male and female 23-Mar. Anarita Park : one adult male 22-Mar . Aspro Dam Pools: one male 27-Mar. Axylou: one male 26-Mar. Larnaca Sewage Works: two 26-Mar . Singles also reported.  

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus 

Rather elusive, though reported all month, probably lingering winter visitors. Akrotiri Salt Lake area: two flying along eastern edge of the lake 23-Mar , one adult male 23-Mar. Curium Beach : one male 22-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: two flew towards roost 17-Mar . Singles also reported Anarita Park , Asprokremmos Dam, Ayia Napa Sewage Pools area, Cape Greco area, Curium Stadium, Larnaca Sewage Works, Mazotos Marsh and Tsada Hills.  

Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus  

Migration of this species appeared to be on time with numbers passing through from mid-month, peaking on 22nd. All records: Manglis Lake , Lakatameia: one male 8.50am 12-Mar . Ayia Napa Sewage Pools area: one male 13-Mar . Mandria & Timi beach: one 14-Mar . Akrotiri Salt Lake : one adult male 22 & 25-Mar. Anarita Park : one adult male 22 & 30-Mar. Larnaca Sewage Works: one fem. 22-Mar , one male 30-Mar. Phasouri Reed-beds: one male 23 & 31-Mar. Sotira Pools/Paralimni Lake : one male 22-Mar . Phasouri/Akrotiri: male and female 30-Mar . Mandria: 1 male in off sea 31-Mar .  

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis  

This species is always a good find. Paphos forest: one 10-Mar . Xeros Potamos - near Nata: one 30-Mar. Mandria: one adult male with game-bird kill (Chukar?) 31-Mar .  

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus  

Several sightings of this winter visitor were reported. Singles were seen at Stroumbi 2-Mar, Mansoura 3-Mar, Akhna Dam 3-Mar, Aspro Dam Pools 4 & 22-Mar,  Mandria Canal 9-Mar, Phasouri Reed-beds 16, 17 & 22-Mar, Paphos Beach 21-Mar and Paphos Sewage Plant 20-Mar. Souni: two were hunting along valley 23-Mar . Mandria: two 29-31-Mar .  

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 

Many sightings were reported: Akhna Dam: one 3-30-Mar, with two 28-Mar. Akrotiri Lake & Gravel Pits: up to two 21-30-Mar. Aspro Dam Pools: up to three 3-29-Mar. Ayia Napa Sewage Pools area: one pale-phase 30-Mar. Ayios Nikolaos (ESBA): one 16-Mar. Baths of Aphrodite: one 28-Mar. Curium Stadium: one 21-Mar. Evretou Dam: two 10-Mar. Frenaros-Dherynia road: one resting on pole 8-Mar. Fresh Water Lake (North): one 7-Mar. Germasogeia Dam: one 26-Mar. Kensington Cliffs: one 18-19-Mar. Larnaca Desalination Plant area: one 26-Mar. Mansoura: one 3-Mar. Near Lemona: one 6-Mar. Phasouri Reed-beds: one most days 14-28-Mar. Simou: one 10-Mar. Zakaki: one 16 & 19-Mar.  

Steppe Buzzard B.b.vulpinus 

A number of singles tentatively identified in the west. Evretou Dam: one 10-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: one 16-Mar . Asprokremmos Dam: one rufous-type morph bird 19-Mar , three probably Steppe 29-Mar . Mandria: one probable 30-Mar .  

Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus 

Some migrants were reported, including singles at Akhna Dam 3-Mar (BirdLife), Phasouri Reed-beds 24-Mar, Baths of Aphrodite 28-Mar (Limosa) and Curium Stadium 18-Mar . Singles were also reported near known territories, throughout the month at Anarita Park, Trachypedoula, Armou Hills, Axylou, Mansoura, Marathounta, Nata - Pano Panagia, Lemona, Pentalia, Simou/Lasa turnoff and Tsada Hills. Two were at Koilinia 29-Mar  and a pair were at a known breeding site at Theletra gorge 10-Mar.  

Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus  

Rather scarce, and assumed to be breeding locally at this time. Arodhes: one 10-Mar . Stavros tis Psokas valley: two obliging adults  over the group for several minutes 10-Mar  and one at nearby Evretou 24-Mar.  Nata - Pano Panagia: one 30-Mar.  

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni  

Akrotiri Gravel Pits: two (m, f) 16-Mar . Mandria Beach : two 20-Mar . Aspro Dam Pools: one 27-Mar. Aspro Dam Pools: two 29-Mar (Limosa). Mandria: one juv. 28-Mar.  

COMMON Kestrel Falco tinnunculus  

Very common, with normal numbers reported, many noted as actively breeding. Anarita Park : eight 26-Mar, was a noteworthy large group.  

Saker Falco cherrug  

Timi Beach : one between airport woods and beach 16-Mar , was a good find.  

Peregrine Falco peregrinus  

Singles were seen at Akrotiri Gravel Pits 23-Mar, Akrotiri masts 24-Mar, Asprokremmos Dam 29-Mar, Cape Greco 20-Mar, Fresh Water Lake (North)  20-Mar, Kensington Cliffs 16-31-Mar, Larnaca Sewage Works 10 & 18-Mar, Mandria 28-Mar, Mansoura 7-17-Mar, Paphos Sewage Plant 18-Mar, Statos-Agios Fotios 10-Mar, Tunnel Beach 9-Mar, Yeronisos Island 26 & 30-Mar and Zakaki Marsh 22-Mar. Two were at Baths of Aphrodite 28-Mar. Avagas: male and female 31-Mar .  

Chukar Alectoris chukar  

Ones and twos (breeding pairs) widely reported.  

Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus  

Over 50 records of birds calling, including at Akhna Dam, Akrotiri, Ayia Napa, Ayios Nikolaos (ESBA), Cape Drepanum, Fresh Water Lakes, Mandria, Manglis Lake, Oroklini Marsh, Paphos Headland, Paphos Sewage Plant, Phasouri Reed-beds, Sotira Pools, Strovolos, Tsada Hills and Zakaki Marsh.  

Quail Coturnix coturnix 

Reports of calling birds all month, with apparent peak passage 20-27-Mar. Reports of more than one follow: Ayia Napa Sea Caves area: two calling 19-Mar. Akrotiri Gravel Pits: two 23-Mar. Amathus Hills: c6 heard 19-22-Mar. Anarita Park: three heard 25-Mar . Agia Varvara: two 25-Mar. Akhna Dam: two calling 28-Mar. Germasogeia Dam: c4 heard 20 & 27-Mar. Larnaca Sewage Works: c3 heard 22-Mar. Mandria: two 14-Mar, c4 heard 20-Mar. Melanda Beach area: two 23-Mar. Paphos Headland: 2+ heard 20-Mar. Paphos Lighthouse: two heard 12-Mar. Tsada Hills: two heard 30-Mar. Trachypedoula area: 3 heard 29-Mar .  

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus  

Phasouri Reed-beds: one calling (and heard regularly all month) 5-Mar , one heard 28-Mar . Aspro Dam Pools: one heard only 20-Mar . Akrotiri salt marsh: one heard in reed-bed edge 24-Mar.  

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana 

Sotira Pools: one 31-Mar.  

Little Crake Porzana parva  

Zakaki Marsh: one 14-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: one male 23-Mar , one female 30-Mar . Sotira Pools: 6+ on 30-Mar,  three 31-Mar .  Aspro pools: 1 female 31-Mar .  

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus  

Reported in healthy numbers at seven sites. Aspro Dam Pools: max. four 22-Mar . Fresh Water Lake (North): seven 20-Mar . Fresh Water Lake (South): 11 on 20-Mar . Oroklini Marsh: max. four 25-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: six 31-Mar . Sotira Pools/Paralimni Lake : five 22-Mar . Zakaki Marsh: two 31-Mar .  

Coot Fulica atra 

Good numbers reported, with largest groups listed: Akhna Dam, with c20 on 3-Mar ; Evretou Dam with 31 on 10-Mar ; Fresh Water Lake (North), with 58 on 20-Mar ; Fresh Water Lake (South) with 93 on 20-Mar ; Larnaca Sewage Works, with 38 on 13-Mar ; Oroklini Marsh, with 90 from1-3-Mar ; Phasouri Reed-beds, with 150+ on 11-Mar ; Zakaki Marsh, with 70+ on 16-Mar .

Common Crane Grus grus 

Some good reports of migration, mostly from the east. Souni: c90 Flying over 11-Mar (RP). Phasouri: 30 flying north 19-Mar . Cape Greco : nine flying north 20-Mar. Akrotiri Gravel Pits (church): 80 flew N, probably from salt lake 23-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: one feeding 27-28-Mar.  

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus  

Mandria: one on rock islet 11-Mar.  

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus  

Apart from three remaining at Oroklini Marsh to 3-Mar, present since Feb, the main arrival and passage occurred from 10-Mar. Paphos Headland: 25 on 10-Mar, 10 on 23-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: one 10-Mar increasing to 17 from 21-Mar, 24 on 23-Mar and 34 on 23-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: seven 17-Mar, 30 on 20-Mar,  80+ on 24-Mar. Akrotiri Gravel Pits: up to 28 from 23-25-Mar. Fresh Water Lake (North): 13 on 20-Mar. Lady's Mile: 10 on 16-Mar, 12 on 23-Mar. Mandria: c52 on 31-Mar . Meneou Pools: 40 on 30-Mar . Sotira Pools/Paralimni Lake : 14 on 22-Mar.  

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta  

Meneou Pools: one 30-Mar .  

Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus  

Ayios Nikolaos (ESBA): nine 5-Mar and one Calling during the early hours 28-Mar . Field off old road to Paphos: c10 on 13-Mar. Otherwise ones and twos throughout the month at Acheleia, Akhna Dam, Larnaca Airport pools, Mandria, Manglis Lake , Oroklini Marsh and Paphos Headland.  

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius  

Light passage from mid-month, with major influx in 3rd week. Max. numbers: Akhna Dam: four 17-28-Mar. Lady's Mile: five 26-Mar. Larnaca Salt Lake : eight 26-Mar , six 31-Mar. Meneou Pools: two 22-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: three 17-Mar. Paphos Sewage Plant: three 12-29-Mar, four 14-Mar. Phasouri Reed-beds: two 14-18-Mar, eight 24-Mar, 18 on 25-Mar . Phinikas: 5+ on 28-Mar. Spiros Pool and Larnaca Salt Lake : three 30-Mar. Zakaki Marsh: two lorry park pool 21-Mar.  

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula  

The first of the year was one at Akhna Dam 3-5-Mar . Larnaca Airport Pools (North): two 13-Mar. Larnaca Salt Lake : six 26-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: one 16-Mar, c10 on 24-Mar . Zakaki Marsh: one 24-Mar.

 

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus  Fairly common locally. Reported at Larnaca, Akrotiri, Paralimni Lake and Ayia Napa. Lady's Mile: nine mainly in pairs 19-Mar , seven 21-23-Mar. Larnaca Salt Lake : five, including two pairs, 21-Mar, 36 on 26-Mar .

 

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii  Paphos Lighthouse: three 4-Mar, one 10-26-Mar. Kermia Beach: a noteworthy 18 on 8-Mar , one 31-Mar (BirdLife).  Liopetri River Coast : 17+ on 7-Mar . Mandria beach: two 11-14-Mar .

 

Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus  Spiros Beach : one 27-Mar .

 

European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria  The last stragglers were at Paphos Headland, with three 4-Mar (CR, SC) and two 9-Mar .

 

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Paphos Headland: one 10-Mar. Spiros Beach : one 27-Mar .

 

Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus  All month, up to 12 were at Akhna Dam, up to eight at Oroklini Marsh, up to eight Paphos Sewage Plant, up to eight at Fresh Water Lake (South) and 12 at Sotira Pools. Movement was noticeable with odd migrants appearing, including one Cape Drepanum 31-Mar (Limosa), three Larnaca Sewage works 10-Mar, one Mandria 22-Mar , one Mazotos Marsh/Petounta 13-Mar  and one Paphos Headland 22-29-Mar. Mandria: three at 29-Mar , may be the birds from the Paphos Sewage Plant.

 

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus  Some late migrants reported, including one flying over Larnaca Sewage Works 17-Mar , two Oroklini Marsh 21-Mar  and one Phasouri Reed-beds 21-Mar.

 

Little Stint Calidris minuta Found at four main sites. Lady’s Mile: up to eight all month. Larnaca Salt Lake : 37 on 26-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: up to four 11-30-Mar. Paphos Sewage Plant: one 12-21-Mar. Phasouri Reed-beds: up to three 3-22-Mar.

 

Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii  The following were the only reports: Lady’s Mile: three 18-Mar, one 22-Mar . Oroklini Marsh: one 28-30-Mar.

 

Dunlin Calidris alpina   Never common, these were the only reports. Phasouri Reed-beds: one 16-18-Mar, two to 22-Mar. Lady's Mile: two 24-26-Mar. Meneou Pools: one 27-Mar. Sotira Pools: six 31-Mar.

 

Ruff Philomachus pugnax Good numbers reported at key wetland sites. Largest groups as follows: Sotira Pools/Paralimni Lake: earliest, five 1-Mar, 81 on 12-Mar,: 166 22-Mar Phasouri Reed-beds: three 10-Mar, peaking at 12 from 14-27-Mar. Lady’s Mile: five 14-Mar, 11 on 22-Mar and 13 on 27-Mar. Larnaca Salt Lake: eight 13-Mar, 77 on 17-Mar, 48 on 26-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: 60+ on 24-Mar. Paphos Sewage Plant: two 14-Mar, up to six 16-28-Mar. Spiros Beach: five 17-Mar, increasing to 32 on 31-Mar.

 

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus  Very few records of this secretive species: Oroklini Marsh: one 21-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: good views of one 23-Mar.

 

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago  Akhna Dam: up to three 5-28-Mar. Evretou Dam: two 25-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: max. 12 on 5-Mar. Phasouri Reed-beds: up to seven most days, with 12 on 16-Mar and 15 on 17 & 22-Mar (BS, DJR, JH). Sotira Pools/Paralimni Lake : two 12-Mar, three 22-Mar. Singles also reported.

 

Great Snipe Gallinago media Akhna Dam: one 20-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: one 26-Mar .

 

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa  Akrotiri Gravel Pits: 27 flew south 21-Mar). Akrotiri Salt Lake : 19 on 22-Mar . Fresh Water Lake (North): one 20-Mar . Lady’s Mile: one 18-Mar . Meneou Pools: one 18-Mar . Oroklini Marsh: one 20-22-Mar, with three 24-26-Mar. Phasouri Reed-beds: one bird from last month stayed until 3-Mar . Sotira Pools: two 31-Mar .

 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus  Paphos Lighthouse Rocks: one 13-Mar. Akrotiri Gravel Pits: six flew north 24-Mar and by coincidence six flying over from the sea on 25-Mar. Mandria: one 28-Mar . Paphos Headland & Lighthouse: one 29-Mar .

 

Curlew Numenius arquata Akrotiri Gravel Pits: seven 14-Mar, three 17-Mar, one 21-Mar (DJR, JH, BS). Mandria Beach : five 20-Mar . Paphos Headland & Lighthouse: one 29-Mar, two 30-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: one 5-17-Mar, with two 14-Mar .

 

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Phasouri Reed-beds: one 10-15-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: one 12-20-Mar, five 23-Mar. Larnaca Sewage Works: one 15-Mar. Akrotiri Gravel Pits: one 22-Mar. Lady’s Mile: three 18-Mar . Meneou Pools: three 30-Mar .

 

common Redshank Tringa totanus  Reported throughout the month in small numbers. Sotira Pools/Paralimni Lake : five 1-Mar . Fresh Water Lake (North): two 20-Mar . Lady’s Mile: two 18-Mar , eight 24-Mar . Larnaca Airport Pools: three at least, 18-Mar to month end , six 26-Mar . Larnaca Salt Lake : two 21-Mar . Oroklini Marsh: max. 23 on 2-Mar . Phasouri Reed-beds: two 15-Mar (BS, JAC).

 

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Reported locally in good numbers from mid-month. Lady's Mile: at least three 17-23-Mar, five 21-Mar , eight 24-Mar, nine 27-Mar (Limosa). Meneou Pools: five 30-Mar . Oroklini Marsh: three 24-Mar, at least two 26-28-Mar . Singles also reported.

 

Greenshank Tringa nebularia Sotira Pools/Paralimni Lake: three 12-Mar . Ones and twos also reported Akrotiri Salt Lake , Paphos beach, Lady's Mile and Meneou Pools, from mid-month.

 

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus  Reported all month, usually in small loose groups. Noteworthy reports listed. Akhna Dam: two 5-Mar, three 14-Mar, eight 24-28-Mar. Larnaca Salt Lake : three 13-Mar . Oroklini Marsh: max. eight 10-Feb . Phasouri Reed-beds: at least two from 15-Mar, six 31-Mar . Sotira Pools/Paralimni Lake : four 1-Mar, five 12-Mar . Ones and twos also reported Akrotiri salt marsh, Ayios Nikolaos (ESBA) and Reservoir Pools, Bishop's Pool, Evretou Dam, Kouklia, Lady's Mile, Paphos Sewage Plant, Phinikas, Sotira Pools, Vrysoulles Pool and Zakaki Marsh.

 

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola  Reported from mid-month. Paphos Sewage Plant: one 15-19-Mar. Phasouri Reed-beds: at least one from 16-Mar, three 31-Mar.Akhna Dam: nine 22-Mar. Germasogeia Dam: two 27-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: one 22-29-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: two 31-Mar.

 

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos  

Reported all month, usually singles. Phasouri Reed-beds: six flew in together 3-Mar. Akhna Dam: up to five 10-20-Mar, three 24-Mar. Tsada Golf Course reservoir: three 11-Mar. Paphos Headland area: two 26-29-Mar. Timi canal: four 25-Mar.  

Turnstone Arenaria interpres  

Kefalos beach-Paphos Headland: one 9-Mar, five 16-29 Mar.  

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus  

Lady's Mile: one adult pale-phase chasing what appeared to be a sterna tern 23-Mar .  

Skua sp. Cape Kiti: one Pomarine/Arctic, 26-Mar.  

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus  

Kermia Beach: one adult 8-Mar. Lady's Mile: one adult 13-Mar , 2 ads. 27-Mar. Ormideia Coast : up to two ads. 20-23-Mar.  

Little Gull Larus minutus  

Larnaca Sewage Works: one 26-Mar .

 

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus  This winter visitor had mainly departed by 3rd week, with northwest movement seen off west coast (where it rarely winters): Paphos Headland: 23 on 5-Mar, 60+ flying in formation along coast 19-Mar . Largest groups: Lady's Mile: up to 260 from 11-17-Mar, 40 remaining 24-Mar, 12 on 31-Mar. Larnaca Salt Lake : 246 on 13-Mar, five 26-Mar. Larnaca seafront: c500 from 16-18-Mar. Oroklini Marsh: max. 200 on 19-Mar. Zakaki Marsh: 120 on 25-Mar.