Aruba November 2015
Having spent months debating with the wife where to go on our next holiday we finally agreed on Aruba. Aruba is an Island in the Caribbean about 18 miles North of Venezuela. Its about 20 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point. Aruba along With Bonaire and Curacao are collectively known as the ABC islands. Its Part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Official languages are Dutch and the local tongue of Papiamento. Aruba is also known as the Happy Island and after a week there it was easy to see why.
Its seemed a perfect place as it has some great beaches and hotels (keeps the wife happy) and has some fantastic bird watching spots great for a mix of local Birds and migrating birds.
We arrived late afternoon on Tuesday 10th November. The flight was about 9.5 hours from Gatwick to Queen Beatrix International Airport, Oranjestad. It was pretty hot when we arrived and across the week we were there they Temperture hung around the 30C. It was also pretty windy for the week at times it felt like being in a large hair dryer. The First Birds spotted were a House Sparrow and Tropical Mockingbird at the Airport. I noticed a few unidentified birds from the coach on the transfer from the Airport to the resort of Palm Beach were we where staying for the week. Palm Beach is the main resort on the Island and in 2013 was voted 7th best beach in the world. Its a little bit nicer than the beach at Severn Beach. On arriving we checked into our Hotel the Riu Palace and went for a quick walk along the beach before sunset. The area was alive with Bananaquits ( Barica hel) and Carib Crackle (Zenata caribena)
View from hotel balcony
First morning Wednesday 11th November I was up and out by 6.30am for the first few days i didn't have a hire car so stayed local to the hotel. My Birdwatching throughout the week was pretty much done between the hours of 630am and 9am. After 9am it was to hot and Wife time, who has no interest in birds at all. I had my Canon 7D Mark2 alongside my Canon 400mm F4 DO USM lens for all bird Pictures. All other blog pics were taken on my trusty I Phone 5s. I was using the Helm field guide Birds of Aruba, Curacaco and Boinaire as my ID guide.
Opposite the main entrance to the hotel was a small Salina full of water so this was the first stop. Everything was pretty distant here and the sun was still not up so it was difficult to pick everything out. There was a small area to view this from the rest was covered in a thick line of tress and scrub. The first bird I noted was a Green Heron (Galina di awa) fishing in a small stream it was only about 5 meters away and didn't budge even though it must of seen me. Good start hopefully all the birds will be this accommodating. It was still to dark to take a decent picture so I carried on and scanned the rest of the Salina. There were a few Caribbean Coot (Gaito frente blanco) where possible I will add the local name in brackets. 5 White Cheeked Pintails (Pato di ana) there was also 2 Great Egrets (Garsa blanca grandi) the same as what we we call a Great White Egret back home and a Great Blue Heron. (Garsa blou grandi) Also here was what looked like a Glossy Ibis (Ibis preto) but was far to distant for me to be sure. The Island also gets some rare visitors the White Faced Ibis, Scarlet Ibis and Limpkin.
Next stop was Bubali Pond Bird Sanctuary this is one of the best areas on the Island for Birds. The Bubali wetlands are a state owned nature reserve and are classed as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International Altough it seemed very overgrown and was lacking some serious up keeping. There was a lot of rubbish about and the viewing platform was closed off as it was in a very poor condition. The first morning here I met 2 Birders from the States these were pretty much the only birders i meet the whole week. Viewing Bubali was also difficult the only access really was from the viewing area and yes of course I climbed the viewing tower so i could get a good view. The only Birds visible from the Tower were some more Great Egrets. It also liked like there was a lot of development on going around the Bubali Pond and I wonder how long this oasis can survive in area now dominated by high rise hotels.
View from Bubali viewing Platform
In front of the Viewing tower was a small open channel from here on the Mud that first morning there were about 15 Sora, (Gaito sora) 2 Wilson Snipe, (Snepi di awa) 3 Common Gallinule ( Gaito pico cora) 1 had 2 large chicks in tow. An Eared Dove (Buladeifi) also landed briefly on the mud but soon disappeared along with everything else when I witnessed an American Kestrel (Kinikini) try and take a Sora.
Sora
Wilson Snipe
Eared Dove
The trees around the path that lead to the viewing Platform were really good for Yellow Warblers. There were plenty singing around the area and I managed a few glimpse of them as the moved about the trees. The Yellow Warblers (Parha di misa) in Aruba are of the rufopileata race and also known as Golden Warblers. They were hard to photography as the never really stopped moving. I really hope to improve on the record shot below.
Record shot of a Yellow Warbler
Bananaquits (Barica hel) were also common here in fact they were common all over the island. You would be sat eating breakfast and they would land on a chair next to you hoping to be fed some sugar. They were pretty vocal and you could hear them pretty much everywhere you went. There were also a few Bare eyed Pigeons (Ala blanca) around in the trees and they would often be seen flying around the area.
There was a group of Trees close to the Viewing Platform this is were I found my Brown-throated Parakeets or Caribbean Parakeet. (Prikichi) These use to be very common on the Island but since the introduction of the Boa Constructor numbers have fallen. The Boa seems to be haven an effect on a lot of bird species on the Island. The Parakeets were very vocal. These Parakeets are another Aruban Endemic subspecies, Aratinga pertinax arubensis Whilst watching these a Snowy Egret flew over head.
Brown-throated Parakeet
After a stunning Breakfast at the hotel we had a walk around Palm Beach. This gave me an opportunity to see what else was local to the hotel for future mornings. There was a fairly large Salina near to the Boardwalk hotel and Aruba Skydive centre. Here I found my first Black-necked Stilts (Macamba) and Yellowlegs they were to distant to work out if they were Greater or Lesser. Next to the Boardwalk hotel there was a small creek this held a Spotted Sandpiper and a fairly close Lesser Yellowlegs. (Snepi pia hel chikito) This could be a greater as unless they are side by side i really struggle to ID them even though side by side there is a noticeable size difference. Further along was another Great Egret. There was a large sandy area that looked perfect for another Aruban endemic subspecies. The Burrowing Owl. I will be definitely coming back to this area. These were top of my wanted list.
Black-necked Stilts
Lesser Yellowlegs
Spotted Sandpiper
The Creek went under a road and into another Salina. On here were more stilts, Egrets and a flock of Small waders. There were also 2 Killdeers (Lopi doble coyer) here my first of the trip these Plovers breed on the Island but numbers are boosted by winter visitors from America.
Killdeer
The afternoon was spent round the Pool. I struggle to relax and just sit by the Pool something Hannah the Wife adores. A book is often the easiest way to pass the time. With me on this trip i had decided against a Sports Person biography and went for a bit of History. The Nazi Hunters by Damien Lewis was a great read. Its a real life account of a team of SAS solders during the war and then their efforts in finding the Nazis they suspected of committing evil war crimes
I managed to blag an hour late afternoon at Bubali but in the heat of the day it was pretty quite. The Walk to Bubali was pretty productive there was a showy Green Heron hunting near a Small ditch.
Green Heron
A Flash of Orange also meant i had one of the brightest birds i have ever seen on my Aruba List. The Venezuelan Troupial (Trupial ) A Pair were busy feeding in a tree above my head they appeared to by stripping bark from some of the branches i guess in the quest for insects. Also nearby was a very tame Topical Mockingbird
Venezuelan Troupial
Topical Mockingbird
In Bubali i found a Bananaquit feeding chicks in a nest. An Eared Dove posed nicely in a tree these were a lot ease to approach than the larger Bare-eyed Pigeon who would fly away as soon as they saw you.
Bananaquit
Eared Dove
Where ever there was open water there were quite often what i believe to be Marsh turtles I guess these were being feed by locals as they would always swim over to you and wait as if to say feed me!! sadly i had nothing on me to chuck in.
Marsh Turtle
On the Walk back to the hotel i found another new Bird the Common Ground Dove (Totolica) this was a small Dove that as the name suggest was pretty common and was often seen feeding on the ground. I Checked the Salina opposite the hotel again and I was in luck an Osprey was hunting over the water. Sadly it was pretty distant and didn't hang around very long. A Productive first day and thanks to the wife for letting me off the lead for a few hours.
Common Ground Dove
Osprey
Caribbean Coot, Brown Pelican and White Cheeked Pintails
Cyprus Day 9-10
May 1st
I was planning on taking in the Klavdia to Pyrga Area today after it was recommended by Jane but a wrong turning on the motorway saw me Heading towards Larnaka. I saw this is an omen so went with it. First stop was the temple, usual stuff on the salt lake including a flock of Wood Sandpipers and a pair of Black winged stilts in close looking splendid in the early morning sun.
Black-winged Stilt - Larnaca Salt Lake
Black-winged Stilt - Larnaca Salt Lake
Black-winged Stilt - Larnaca Salt Lake
Black-winged Stilt - Larnaca Salt Lake
Black-winged Stilt - Larnaca Salt Lake
Wood Sandpiper - Larnaca Salt Lake
Wood Sandpiper - Larnaca Salt Lake
Wood Sandpiper - Larnaca Salt Lake
A calling Crested Lark gave really close views. Close enough for a head shot. I don't really stop for these as there are loads about. Glad I gave this one the time of day.
Crested Lark - Larnaca Salt Lake
Crested Lark - Larnaca Salt Lake
Crested Lark - Larnaca Salt Lake
The dirt track was quite again. House Sparrows, Greenfinch and a Spectacled warbler were about it. There were plenty of Swifts and Swallows overhead. I was just about to give up hope when I caught site of my first Little Owl of this trip. Good to see them still here . Last year they showed really well along this lane.
The Sewage works were empty apart from a few Wood Sandspipers, BW stilts and Spur Winged plovers. A calling Black Francolin was on the track leading to the hide. The desalination fields again had Black Francolin, crested Larks, Red Throated Pipits and also some Little Ringed plover were by a small pool created by a sprinkler watering the crop.
The Spiro's pools had lots of small waders on probably Little Stint, I could also make out a few wood sandpipers and 3 Little Egrets. There was also a Slender billed Gull on here. A purple Heron flew off the sea and over the Pools.
The Meneou Pools had a large flamingo flock ( still no black one), BW Stilts and a Little Gull (I Think). The track to the pool side had 2 Hooded crows and 2 distant stone Curlew.
Little Gull ( I think)
A brief trip to Kiti Dam for another crack at the Golden Oriel produced 3 Squacco Heron, Reed Warbler, Blackcap and a few glimpse of Golden Orioles. There were a few short burst of its amazing song.
On returning to Larnaka I took the Salt Lake dirt track again this time all I had was... Prob Juv Corn Bunting.
In the afternoon I found the valley road Jane recommended, which is good for numerous breeding species. So we took a drive up. The road runs from Klavdia up to Pyrga and goes past the Panagia Stazousa church. On route we thought we had a problem with the car it was making a really strange noise so we jumped out and checked all possible issues!! Nothing obvious it was still running so we turned around and headed for home. The noise stopped as we left the valley. So we though oh well problem solved lets try again no sooner had we got back into the valley it started again. Turns out the road surface isn't the greatest and it was causing the noise!! Oops. The Valley was stunning and surprisingly green for Cyprus. There were numerous Rollers and Cyprus Wheatears around. I soon caught site of a Shrike by the Panagia Stazousa Church, Boom my First Woodchat Shrike of the holiday. It was here again on the return down. Also in the area a Hoopoe was feeding on the side of the road a new pretty bird for the wife, she only likes to see Rollers and Bee-Eaters. I guess I can add Hoopoe to the list. Last bird of the day was a Red-backed shrike near the village of Pyrga, boring according to the wife. She still needs some training. I watched it for a while as she carried on with her game of candy crush!!!
May 2nd
Last morning and a final chance to get out early and see what I can find. I took the same route as yesterday afternoon up through the valley to Pyrga. There were again lots of Rollers and Jackdaws as I climbed further up. Also plenty of Cyprus Wheatear, which I still can't get close to for a photo!!! I pulled over for a while and watched a family of Great Tits going through the bushes. The place was alive with bird song. A Pair of Cyprus Wheatears were busy fly catching. I guess to feed a Hungary family nearby. A caught site of a raptor overhead to late to ID it, guessing it was a Rough-legged Buzzard as they are in the area but cant be to sure. Looked whitish underneath! The Hoopoe was again in the road feeding in the same spot as yesterday. I drove up and down the road a few times looking for another Woodchat Shrike. Wasn’t to be. Just as I was leaving the valley I caught site of a white blob in a dead tree. On closer inspection it was a Juvenile Great Spotted Cuckoo next to a Magpie nest there were 2 in the tree. A Magpie was in the neighboring field. A successful nest steal. A Sardinian Warbler sung from a nearby bush
Great Spotted Cuckoo (Juv) - Panagia Stazousa Church
Great Spotted Cuckoo (Juv) - Panagia Stazousa Church
Last stop of the morning was a quick stop at the Salt Lake. Not much to report from a pair of showy Greenfinch.
Greenfinch - Larnaca
Greenfinch - Larnaca
Greenfinch - Larnaca
The drive to the Airport allowed us to take in the Limassol area again. I say us!!! what I meant is I could squeeze in a few minutes in the hide at Zakaki and a drive along Ladys Mile. Ladys Mile was very quite. Some Little Stint were the best along here. Zakaki was a bit better. Bumped into Steve and Barry again. Who had amazing views of a Honey Buzzard earlier that day. Check out Steve Blog or Flickr page to see his amazing photos. The stop here saw me pick up my first Ferruginous Ducks a pair were on the Pool. There were 2 Temmincks Stint and 4 Yellow Wagtails. One looked very strange.
Stopped at Anarita briefly and there were still a few Red-footed Falcons about. Agia Varvana was the last stop of the Hoilday hoping for some views of the Little Bitterns. Sadly no Little Bitterns, but I flushed a Bittern and a Little Egret from the Soakaway Pools. A large flock of 15-20 Bee-Eaters flew overhead. All in All another superb trip to Cyprus and bang on 100 birds logged (Yellow Wagtail, Black-headed Wagtail and Blue-headed Wagtail counting as 3 different species to get me to the 100 !!!!)
Cyprus Day 7-8
April 29th
Went to Kiti Dam again today. Some very strange noise coming from the tree area. Turned out to be a common Cuckoo. Hadn't heard them making this noise before. There were 4 in the area. There were also strange noise coming from the wet areas must be some kind of Heron/Bittern or something couldn't find anything online that was similar.
Common Cuckoo - Kiti Dam
The Squacco Herons were in the area again. Managed a half decent flight shot today.
Squacco Heron - Kiti Dam
Everywhere else was very quite. I had an unknown raptor over the sewage works and some fly over Glossy ibis
Unknown raptor - Larnaca Sewage Works
Black-winged Stilt - Larnaca Salt Lake
At Oroklini there was a close in Common Sandpiper a lot of the normally stuff. Including a Female Red-crested Pochard, Garganey, couple of pairs of LittleGrebe.
Common Sandpiper - Oroklini Marsh
There was also a large flock of Little Stint and a Snipe at the 2nd hide at Oroklini.
Snipe - Oroklini Marsh
Hannah dragged me to the beach for the rest of the day. I Got bored on the beach so went for a drive to Cape Grecko. Hoopoe on route. Cyprus Warbler and female Red-backed Shrike all that I could find.
April 31st
Not much in around Larnaka this morning so I thought I would try and photography the Golden Oriels at Kiti Dam. I managed to see at least 3 males and one Female. These birds are really hard to spot dispate there amazing yellow and black plumage. eventually I caught site of a male high in the canopy.
Golden Oriole - Kiti Dam
Golden Oriole - Kiti Dam
Not the best photos but happy to just photography this beautiful bird. I also managed to hear their amazing song. Almost like a Blackbird.
There were at least 2 Common Cuckoos in the area as well.
Common Cuckoo - Kiti Dam
Towards the church I caught a glimpse of 2 Hoopoes couldn't relocate them though. There were also Cettis Warblers, Reed Warblers, Blackcaps, and Great Tits in the surrounding area. Good spot here for Butterfly's and Lizards. 3 Squacco Herons here again today.
Squacco Heron - Kiti Dam
The afternoon saw us head for Limassol. It was really windy and didn't seen much 4 Wood Sandpipers and 2 Temmincks Stints at Zakai. An Elenanoras Falcon buzzed over the pools along Lady's Mill sending up all the waders. A Little Tern was hear trying its best in the strong wind. I also had this unknown gull
Temminck's Stint (I think)
Unknown Gull (Possible Caspian Gull) - Lady's Mile
Along with these 2 unknown waders
Unknown Waders
A brief trip to Akrotiri and I finally had some Bee- Eaters 8 in total. They were bit distant but great to watch catching Bees of the wires.
Bee-Eaters - Akrotiri
Cyprus Days 5-6
27th April
Going to try Larnaca area again today as off to Cape Greco this afternoon with the wife. Normally managed to see a few birds whilst walking in the area. First stop the Salt Lake. Normally stuff on Salt Lake Black Winged Stilts and Flamingos.
Next I thought I would take the dirt track again as surely something has to turn up. Boom a stunning Male Red-backed Shrike about time. Sadly I manage a few quick photos before it disappears. Then believe it or not a dog walker appears with a pretty big scary looking dog. I will try here again on way home.
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake (record shot)
Larnaca SW is bit quieter, normally stuff as well as Male Shovler. A couple of what looks like Blue-headed Wagtails are on the Sewage works Bank. 3 collared Pratincoles are in the ploughed field. As I get back in car a party of 15-20 Red Throated pipits are moving through the field. To far for a decent photo. Not much new about in other areas and all very distant.
Blue-headed Wagtail - Larnaca Sewage works
I stopped for another quick look in the Larnaca SW hide a few Yellow Wagtails (Blue-headed Wagtails) were on the gravel area and 3 Black Terns were in attendance. Was also here I met Jane Stylianou who runs Cyprus Birdwatching Tours. Was great to finally put a face to the name.
Blue-headed Wagtail - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-throated Pipit - Larnaca
The beach was my next stop were sadly a Green Turtle had washed up dead on the beach. They lay their eggs on some of the beaches around the island. A rare and protected species. I refused to take a picture like some of the locals. As I would rather see this amazing animal alive in all its glory.
Final stop of the morning was the area the shrike was in again. Result it was still here I drove on to turn the car around so I would have a better angle from the car. As I drove on I caught site of 3 Doves in a bush I normally turn away as this country is full of Collared Doves but thought I would check them out through the bins. Result 3 Turtle Doves. A new bird for me. I managed a few distant photos before I moved on for the RB Shrike.
Turtle Dove - Larnaca Salt Lake
Turtle Dove - Larnaca Salt Lake
The Shrike didn't disappoint it was very confiding and was hunting insects right outside the window. What an amazing site. I watched for about 20mins before realizing it was time to get back for Breakfast. A Sardinian Warbler also showed its self for a spilt second before disappearing into cover.
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Red-backed Shrike - Larnaca Salt Lake
Quick stop at Oroklini 2nd Hide produced 8 Glossy Ibis.
Glossy Ibis - Oroklini Lake
On route to Cape Grekco I had to swerve the car to miss a Cyprus Whip snake that was crossing the road. I had only seen these previously in the area near to the Picnic site at Cape Grecko. A good sign.
Cape Greco
Cape Greco
Cape Greko was very quite not that I was hear to bird ( that's what the wife thought) A lone Cyprus Wheatear and a few Crested Larks were the only bits about. It's well worth a visit as its a beautiful area and anything can turn up.
Crested Lark - Cape Greco
After a lunch break in Protars we headed back to Cape Grecko to walk around the area near to the Picnic site. I managed to find a few Cyprus Warblers and 100s of House Sparrows.
Cyprus Warbler - Cape Greco
House Sparrow - Cape Greco
Cape Greco
I have tried to turn Hannah into a photographer
There were no snakes and very few lizards in the area. A few butterfly were on the wing. Plenty of Clouded Yellows and some kind of grayling.
We checked out Agia Thekela on the way home a great wintering spot for Greater Sand plover. House Martins normally nest in the eves of the church. Today nothing.
After dropping Hannah off at the apartment I had 30mins at Oroklini. The 2 nd hide had lots of smaller waders to difficult to work out what as they were right into the sun. A pair of terns were on the deck in the distance. The main hide had all the usually bits as well as a Garganey and 2 Little Terns were flying around coming really close to the hide. I am crap at flight shots but this was to go an opportunity to "tern" down. Was tricky and these were my best efforts from about 200 attempts.
Little Tern - Oroklini Lake
28th April
Returned to Cape Grecko to try for 2 Endemics. Cyprus Wheatear and Cyprus Warbler. I had seen both but had yet to get a decent photo. I arrived in the area and had a Red footed falcon drift over the car. I drove up and down looking for Cyprus Wheatear I found 3 but all not photographable as they were distant and out of the car i can't get close to these birds. There was a Starred Agama that didn't disappear so managed a few pics of this lizard. A pair of Chukar were up some rocks there call reminds me slightly of Ptarmigan.
Chukar - Cape Greco
Starred Agama - Cape Greco
I went for a walk around the picnic site and had Spectacled warbler which was clearly feeding chicks somewhere in the area and my first Painted Lady butterfly of the year.
Spectacled Warbler - Cape Greco
It was Cyprus Warbler I was after. It took a while before I nailed one down and managed an ok shot. I also saw a few calling from the top of a tree. I tracked a few around the shrubby area before finally getting what i was after.
Cyprus Warbler - Cape Greco
Cyprus Warbler - Cape Greco
I got back in the car to try agin for the Wheatears I found one at the church area and managed a pretty bad picture. It was here I heard a call I hadn't heard before. It took a while to locate but it was a male Black-headed bunting. Wow I hadn't seen one before then boom there was the female. So i am told These birds are pretty rare in Cyprus only spending a month before moving on.
Cyprus Wheatear - Cape Greco
Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco
Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco
Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco
Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco
Black-headed Bunting (male) - Cape Greco
I Id this bird below as female Black-headed Bunting but have now been informed its actually an Ortolan Bunting. I didn't even check the Id books as both birds were together and flew off together. Presumption is the mother of all f@$k ups. Thanks to Gary Thoburn for putting me right. New tick and i didn't even now it.
Ortolan Bunting - Cape Greco
I also had a female Red-backed Shrike in the same area. Eventful end to the morning.
Red-backed Shrike (female) - Cape Greco
Pulled into Oroklini on the way home nothing new in. Counted over 160 Cattle Egrets/Little Egrets and over 40 Black-winged Stilts. A female Red-created Pochard, Reed Warbler, Ringed Plover and a female Blackcap were new holiday ticks.
Cattle and Little Egrets - Oroklini Lake
Cyprus Days 3 and 4 Larnaka
April25th
First morning in Larnaka so I thought I would check out the normal places
First stop the Tekke Mosque. This is next to the Larnaka Salt Lake and has a great dirt track behind it. In pervious years it has been very good. Red-backed Shrike, Montagues Harrier, Roller, Bee Eaters, Great Spotted Cuckoos, and Little Owl. Sadly there was nothing of note hear at all today. There were plenty of Black-winged Stilts and a few Spur-winged Plovers around the lake. Crested Larks were all around the scrub
Black-winged Stilt - Larnaka Salt Lake
Crested Lark- Larnaka Salt Lake
Next stop was Larnaca Sewage works. This is very near to Larnaka Airport. Here is a hide which overlooks two pools anything can turn up here at the pools or surrounding bushes. There was already 2 guys in the hide. Turns out to be Steve Carey and his Brother Barry. I know Steve after following him on various social media sites and meeting him at Forest Farm for the Little Bunting in February. Small world. The guys were quick to point out a BlackTern 2 Whiskered Terns and 3 Collared Pratincoles. What a great site to watch these fly catching over the water. Also here were large numbers of swifts and Swallows, Spur Winged Plovers, Black Winged Stilts, There were a few Wood Sandpipers and 4 Black Headed Wagtails. On the water there were a few Mallards with Young. I stayed in here with Steve and Barry for about 45 minutes trying in vain to catch a decent flight shot of the Pratincole. Steve nailed it but my efforts weren't quite as good. Also had a couple of flocks of Glossy Ibis on migration.
Whiskered Tern - Larnaka Salt Lake
Collared Pratincole - Larnaka Salt Lake
Glossy Ibis - Larnaka Sewage Works
Next stop the ploughed fields by the Desalination Plant. Good for a number of species especially Larks and Pipits. There was plenty of Crested Larks around and I had a quick glimpse of what I though was a Red Throated pipit. I carried on driving before I came to a sharp halt I had just spoked a pair of Stone curlews. They were in good photo range but I hadn't seen them before it was to late. They settled a bit distant for a decent photo.
Stone Curlew - Desalination Fields Larnaka (Record shot)
The nearby Menous pools held plenty of Flamingos and BW Stilts but no sign of the reported Black Flamingo. Will try other places later. A Pair of Spur-winged Plover gave good views from the car in a nearby ploughed field
Spur-winged Lapwing, Larnaka
Took a trip with the wife to the Larnaka Viaduct.
Larnaka Viaduct
This has a 4km walk to the Salt lake we walked along the reed beds and heard a lot of Reed Warblers and Cettis in song. There were a lot of white butterfly's including a Large White.
Larnaka Salt Lake
This is also were I caught site of my 1st European Chameleon. It quickly disappeared into the long vegetation but I managed a few pictures of this amazing reptile. There was lots of Pink Flamingos on the lake but sadly no sign of the Black one reported here last week.
European Chameleon - Larnaka Salt Lake
Went to Kiti for Lunch saw 2 Little Terns calling over the sea.
Kiti Dam
Late afternoon went to Kiti Dam. Golden Oriel are often seen here. Not today. There were 8 Glossy Ibis on the water along with some coot. 2 Wood sandpipers, 1 Purple Heron and a Squcceco Heron were also in the area. The Bank up to the dam is good for Butterfly's. I had several different species, two I could identify were Clouded Yellow and the Swallowtail.
Swallowtail - Kiti Dam
2 Collared Partincole and a couple of Black Terns were still around the Sewage works. The Pratincole landed in the field and although distant i managed a few photographs of these amazing waders.
Collared Pratincole - Larnaka Sewage Works
Collared Pratincole - Larnaka Sewage Works
26th April
Looking like another beautiful day on Cyprus. Thought I would check out the same areas as yesterday. First stop the road to Tekke Mosque. There were serval pairs of Black winged Stilts in the small pools on the Drive up. The dirt track which in previous years had produced some great birds was again empty. A few House Sparrows, Greenfinch and a Great Tit. A lone magpie caught my eye whilst watching this i caught sight of a raptor disappear into the distance no idea what it was. I then caught sight of a Harrier sat on a rock I slowly edged up alongside and fired of a few shots and then it flew. I believe this to be a Pallid Harrier.
Pallid Harrier - Larnaka Salt Lake
Next stop was the coast road. The Small beach pools had a pair of Spur-winged Plover these are a personal favorite and over the years I've took hundreds of photos but all have been fairly average. They are normally very flighty and as you approach they take flight. These however didn't I got pretty close even managing to capture the Red eye detail. The Awesome early light helped with this.
Spur-winged Lapwing, Spiro's Beach Pools
Spur-winged Lapwing, Spiro's Beach Pools
Spur-winged Lapwing, Spiro's Beach Pools
Spur-winged Lapwing, Spiro's Beach Pools
Spur-winged Lapwing, Spiro's Beach Pools
There were also 3 Kentish Plover here. These have breed near before last June I photographed a pair with a chick.
Kentish Plover - Spiro's Beach Pools
The Desalination fields which had the Stone Curlew yesterday were again full of Crested Larks. I also managed to Id a couple of Red- throated Pipit. To distant for a pic. There was what i believe to be an Eastern Olivaceous Warbler in one of the bushes but not much else. Just as I was about to leave the area a Pair of Francolins were in the field I managed a few distant shots before they disappeared into cover. You always hear these birds but rarely see them in the open. I normally catch a glimpse as they disappear. This was the first female I had seen.
Black Francolin - Desalination Fields
Black Francolin - Desalination Fields
Next stop Larnaca Sewage Works I checked out the Spiors Pools on route. 6 Ruff, an unknown Gull??? And 30-40 Little Stint. There is probably a lot more in here I am missing.
I drove up to the Sewage works hide when two birds flew up from the ploughed field pretty much next to the car!!! Shit it was the 2 Stone Curlews again. Another missed opportunity. They landed in the middle of the field. With no cover I had no chance of getting closer. Leave them in peace and check out the hide. Was a lot quiter today 1 Black Tern in summer plumage 2 Whiskered Terns, 2 Greenshanks few Spur Winged Plover, Black winged stilts and Wood sandpipers. There was also a few flybys of 1 collared pratincole. The Cettis was on a nearby bush and a Black Francolin could be heard in the distance. There was again plenty of Swifts and Swallows about.
Black Tern - Larnaka Salt Lake ( Record Shot)
Last stop was the Temple again. Not much again apart from a Kestrel and a Spectacled Warbler that I couldn't photograph.