Sunday, 8 October 2017

Cyprus autumn 2017 - 3rd October

A trip up to the Troodos was planned for this date, to see whether there really was as little evidence of migration at that altitude at this time of year, since so few reports were coming through, and also to get a day with reduced temperatures. We knew there had been rain so hoped to find some puddles giving oportunities to photograph birds coming to bathe and drink.

We located an area with a burst pipe and settled down to watch, but were soon asked to move on as we were close to the army base where photography is forbidden - even when the camera is pointed away from the base.

We checked out another place where water sometimes pools at a semi-built hotel but there was nothing. Apart from Chaffinch, Cyprus Coal Tit, Crossbill, Treecreeper and Jay there wasn't too much to see. No small finches, thrushes or buntings.

When the air started to warm up we photographed some butterflies in wild flowers by the road.
                                                   
Clouded Yellow

At the picnic sites some unpromising, stony ground provided the right conditions for the endemic Aprodite or Cyprus Crocus.

Crocus veneris

Probably the best birds of the day were two Griffon Vultures seen to drift over southwards. We usually only see vultures at Kensington Cliffs so these may have been either migratory or resident birds.

One of the Griffon Vultures over Troodos

Moving on to Platania picnic site we watched birds at the steam that runs through the site. 

Cyprus Coal Tit

This was the site where a Yellow-browed Warbler was found last year but there was nothing unusual today with barely a Willow Warbler to be heard.

Butterflies attracted to the few damp areas around Troodos - Platania.

Cyprus Grayling


Eastern Rock Grayling


A single Spotted Flycatcher seen in the visitor centre car park

The trees make the area much greener than at the lower altitudes - 
another reservoir can be seen at well below full capacity.

A check at Asprokremnos dam on the way back to the house turned up a juvenile Whiskered Tern.

Whiskered Tern