Redwing invasion!

Plenty of Redwing are on the move at the moment.These images were taken at Spurn on the east coast last week.It looks like it has been a bumper year for the berry crop, which will suit all the thrushes that come to over-winter on our shores.I have had a few small flocks of Redwing ,on my local patches they have moved inland too.I love standing in the garden, during the hrs of darkness listening to the seep, seep of the birds, as they fly overhead!..Thanks again for dropping by & keep well!

Falcons around Akrotiri,Sept 2019

Marsh Harriers are always a welcome sight on the Marsh.Whilst hidden in the reeds,I surprised this one hunting along the edges!

A quick run over to the Gravel Pits area, near to Agios Georgeos church proved quite worthwhile, this juveniles Montagues Harrier dropped in for a rest and afforded me exceptional views at about 40 metres.I didn't even have to get out of the car!

It only stayed for about 10 mins, but it certainly made my day there!!

A couple of fly-by Eleonora's falcon were noted back at the marsh.They would often drop out of sight ,behind the reedbeds,then suddenly appear quite close!

I crept around the reedbeds with the aid of wellingtons and stumbled across a couple of falcons having a drink and preen!

Eleonora's again taking a breather!!

Juv Montague's on its way South!!

Eleonora,s fly-by.

A few Honey Buzzard were migrating South ,throughout the day.Again I made the most of the opportunity with the camera!!

Thanks again for dropping by and taking the time to view my blog.Cyprus is a wonderful place to visit in Sept.Always good weather, great variety of birds and damn good company from the ex pat bird-watchers!!!

Cyprus..Lady's Mile Waders

A few recent images from a day out in Akrotiri,at a place called Lady's Mile,Southern Cyprus.Usually this is a really good bet for the various types of wader that stop off here to refuel and rest up on their migration South.It can be a hit or miss affair in Autumn,depending on water levels.When I was there in mid September,there was still enough water on the salt marsh to tempt the waders to drop in.

 The main wader there in any numbers were Kentish Plover,accompanied by a few common Ringed Plover.A few Dunlin had been present ,the previous few days, but non were to be found this particular morning.A bird that I had hoped to see was Broad Billed Sandpiper,two had been reported in  the area the previous day, but look as I might,I could not pick them out!!!

 Good numbers of Little Stint were mixed in with the Plovers,giving excellent views in the early morning light!!

 The juveniles were busy probing and feeding in the rich mud there, conspicuous by their prominent white stripes down their back!!Thanks for dropping by and viewing the waders, another episode from Cyprus will follow shortly!!

Sept in Cyprus

Unfortunately on my first morning out,I was to be greeted by the local Cypriot hunters, who do not discriminate about where and what they shoot,I had forgotten that it was Sunday, and It sounded like bonfire night around my local reservoir,honestly!After much deliberation,I decided to venture out and see what, if anything, was about.The Eastern side of the reservoir seemed quiet compared with other areas, so I took my chance!

This guy was definitely giving me the evil eye, though I was a good 500 yds away!!

 Moving on away from the local hunters, a  few birds were on the move.A nice Cyprus Wheatear showed quite well,of which there were many!!

 Red backed shrike were in attendance further up the track too!

 Whilst sat in my usual spot by the reservoir, this juvenile Honey buzzard gave me a nice fly past.It's surprising what actually comes along, when you are settled and patient!

 A real rarity in Britain,the Turtle dove landed 50 metres away ,atop a prickly mediterranean hawthorn.Lets hope, like the many other birds, it survived the gangs of hunters, that were marauding around the hillsides!!

 A common migrant over in Cyprus is the Whinchat.Mid September seems peak period for these moorland birds.A few pairs are still hanging on, in my local area, but they really have diminished in numbers!!!

It was always magical to hear the flutey calls of the Bee-eaters as they passed over over your head.You would always hear them first, before you saw them.Usually in small flocks and sometimes, up to 30 birds would pass over.Always a favourite of the many wires that criss cross the farmlands, they would perch up for a well earned rest on their Southern journey!

Mid March in Cyprus 2019

Having returned from Cyprus recently,I thought that I,d post a few images from my Spring trip there.I was fortunate to be out there for a full 3 weeks this time, and decided to go mid March.Birds were being reported widely, so I was hoping to cash in on a few warbler species this time!A lifer for me was this Eastern Bonellis warbler, of which there were many!

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Its pale underparts definitely stood out ,amongst the many Chiffchaffs that were present!

A truly stunning little warbler with its dark wing patches.Never still and characteristics all to its self!

The only Eastern Orphean Warbler I was to encounter, suddenly appeared atop a small bush and gave me a good 5 minute runaround before I obtained a few images.

Again this was a lifer for me and having missed one the previous day on Paphos headland, was a very pleasing find!

Common Rockthrush.This one was found in Anarita Park and drew many an observer.It stayed for a couple of days and gave pleasing views.Actually,although brightly coloured, it was sometimes very difficult to locate amongst the many thorny stems and bushes!

A few are usually reported in the park every Spring passing through to their breeding grounds!

Another first for me on the island!!

Subalpine Warbler were beginning to be reported in the last few days and I was keen to catch up with this colourful species.

I chanced upon this one whilst out with a friend that lives on the island,a keen birder himself, this one was around the crop fields of Mandria and gave prolonged views!

A quite diminutive warbler, never still and constantly keeping within cover.Sometimes it would disappear for 5 mins, then reappear 20 yds away!!

Another first too.I was really clocking up the new species that I encountered.I have been to Cyprus many times before around Springtime,and week by week new species come in at different times.Thanks for looking in on the blog and I will post more images shortly!!!