27 May
We also got better views of the Collared Pratincoles.
Today we went to the Goksu Delta. The tracks around the
ditches are to be treated with caution in wet conditions so we were mindful of
the limitations of our 2WD, low clearance Fiat.
Right from the start there was heavy cloud over the mountains as we scanned the reeds and water from probably the worse designed bird-hide in existence – never mind the missing step about 10 feet up, not what you expect when something is clearly rather new.
Right from the start there was heavy cloud over the mountains as we scanned the reeds and water from probably the worse designed bird-hide in existence – never mind the missing step about 10 feet up, not what you expect when something is clearly rather new.
Worst hide in the world?
Purple
Gallinule was seen, Great Crested Grebe and Red-crested Pochard. A few mammals
put in appearances with Golden Jackal and Egyptian Mongoose
seen on the delta. We had Black-winged Stilt, Spur-winged Plover,
White-winged Black, Whiskered, Common and Little Tern – but no Marbled Duck.
The cloud turned to rain, then
thunder was heard and eventually the storm drifted our way to fall as very
heavy rain with hail before drifting away. We had to leave one track for fear
of becoming stuck in the gloopy mud. Through the rain we disturbed a couple of
Collared Pratincole, then saw several more going through, with Hobby, Purple Heron, Squacco
Heron, Little Egret, Ruddy Shelduck and Kentish Plover also being seen.
There were a few Marsh Harriers overhead.
Spur-winged Plover
Ruddy Shelduck
Great White Egret
Kentish Plover
There were a few Marsh Harriers overhead.
Marsh Harrier
After the rain we headed off to look at a nearby castle. It
was closed, so after a brief look from the outside we drove off to find a
track to explore. We spotted
a very interesting gorge that held Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Rufous Bush
Robin and Ruppell’s Warbler with Honey Buzzard and Sparrowhawk overhead.
Rufous Bush Robin
A
little later we returned to the delta. Tracks were still rather wet but
with much improved light now we succeeded in seeing Moustached Warbler
and Bearded Tit- but still no Marbled Duck.
Bearded Tit male
White Stork and three Glossy Ibis were feeding on the rice paddyfields
White Stork
Glossy Ibis
28 May
We had a little time in the morning before setting off for the mountains so returned to Goksu, hoping the better weather would allow more birds to show themselves. We got additional species of Grey Plover, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover and European Roller.
European Roller
Oystercatcher
We also got better views of the Collared Pratincoles.
Collared Pratincole
We had some lunch before setting off to the pension in the mountains. The restaurant had a family of Jays and finally it was possible to photograph one of these birds. They are or interest because they have complete black caps, unlike those that we get in the UK.
Juvenile Jay
After another long drive we arrived at our destination. We were surprised to find the rivers in fast flow, heavy cloud cover and snow on the mountain tops. We can only hope that it is possible to see the mountain top species.
