Akrotiri and surrounding area birding - 21st April 2019

We started the day at Akrotiri marsh where we saw the first Alpine Swift of the visit wheeling above the reed-bed with many other hirundines. There was nothing much to see at either of the hides, apart from a Millet Skipper, but the grazed area at the far end of the marsh held Wood Sandpipers, Wagtails, Glossy Ibis and four Collared Pratincole. At the pools by the track there was a large flock of Ruff, Black-winged Stilts, Little Stints, a Great Snipe, Wood Sandpipers, Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper and Collared Pratincole.

Millet Skipper

The gravel pits held a few birds, although there wasn't much in the way of migrants.

Zitting Cisticola

Spectacled Warbler

Kentish Plover

The outflow from Zakaki was accessible and there were three species of tern, Gull-billed (29), Whiskered (27) and Little (3) along with the usual common waders. 

From the track we noticed a couple of ducks, the possible reason for a claim of two Common Scoter a few days back. Well, that was a definite ID fail - although just exactly what they are isn't clear. 

Two random ducks

We then drove back towards Pafos, checking out Kouklia where we found that since out last stop there a bit more land has been ploughed.

More natural ground goes under the plough

We then noticed how low the Swallows were flying on a patch of river and despite the wind tried a three panel 12ft net over water where the birds were congregated. We managed to capture 8 and flooked a single Wood Sandpiper for good measure. Chris walked up the river and further up found a good number of Wood Sandpipiers, a group of Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank, plus a Great Snipe, along with over 30 Glossy Ibis.

Xeros Potomas Lower Pools

Total: 9

Wood Sandpiper - 1

Swallow - 8