Cyprus - 1st December 2018

Cyprus - 1^st December 2018

Today we tried the site at Ayios Minas near Neo Chorio. The weather was good and the birds were very much in evidence, being vocal but not showing much and sitting tight. Net result, less than 10 birds.

Total: 8 (1)

Robin – 2
Cetti’s Warbler – 0 (1)
Sardinian Warbler – 1
Blackcap – 3
Chiffchaff – 1
Chaffinch – 1

Ringed and photographed birds from the morning included a Chiffchaff and Blackcap.

Chiffchaff

Female Blackcap

After that we returned to Polis to look at the river (mainly to see if there was water or not) to look for birds and new places where netting might be possible. The reccie was disappointing as the river was bone dry. However, we did find some mist nets in use – so probably a good place to catch birds but not for us if illicit trapping is happening there.

Illegal mist nets

We were on the phone to the game fund when someone came back to check them. He didn’t get out of the 4x4 but left, quickly, having left some nice tyre tracks. We also clocked the number. While we waited we looked at the dragonflies and frogs – as there were very few birds. 

Levant Water Frog

Common Darter

Eventually we met up with the guys (and they are armed), taking one to the location. They thanked us and set about putting into action a plan to ambush the illegal trappers. We hope they got them. If not at least the nets will be confiscated.

Next we checked P2 – a lot of clearing needed there if it is to be worked, and finally a look at Evretou Dam and the river at Goudi.  No Moustached Warblers there but it’s not surprising now it’s been cleared through.

Goudi channel

Migrant Hawker

Blue-tailed Damselfly