8th November
This morning was spent at Anarita Park, where it wasn’t long
before the wind got up and made the nets far too visible in the bright light.
We had only just set four singles when a herd of goats came through, sending us
dashing to nets and pushing them up before they came to any harm.
We managed a very modest catch of nine birds, over half
being Sardinian Warblers, with a couple of Spectacled Warblers and one Cyprus
Warbler. We were surprised to catch a Whitethroat, not only because it had not
moved on, but also for the large amount of fat that it was carrying giving a
weight of 20g. Several Woodlark were present,
as was a Sparrowhawk and two Finsch’s
Wheatear.
Anarita Park
3M Spectacled Warbler
3M Sardinian Warbler showing moult limits
Whitethroat
3F Spectacled Warbler
3F Cyprus Warbler
Total: 9
Sardinian Warbler – 5
Cyprus Warbler - 1
Spectacled Warbler – 2
Whitethroat – 1
Sardinian Warbler – 5
Cyprus Warbler - 1
Spectacled Warbler – 2
Whitethroat – 1
In the afternoon we took a run up to Arminou Dam, hoping to
find water in the stream bed, beside the track, below the dam. It was wet but
we didn’t catch particularly well. In fact, a female Blackcap was the most
memorable bird with a fat score of seven, weighing in at 29.5g. A flock of finches
further along the track may tempt us back for another try, although they may
not be there next time we go.
A Blackbird was seen along the track and a Water Rail gave
very good views.
Water Rail
Total: 5
Cetti’s Warbler – 1
Blackcap – 2
Serin – 2
Blackcap – 2
Serin – 2