Saturday, 18 May 2019

Xeros Potamos Pools, Trozena, Maronas and Pafos Headland - 30th April 2019

Now that the shrikes have been through, with Lesser Grey Shrikes usually the latest date of all, there isn't much left to await in terms of passerines. Three nets across the water at Xeros Potamos probably wasn't that much of a good idea with, other than the waders, most of the supporting cast departed. Wader numbers are on the decline too. For or efforts there was just four birds.

Black-headed Wagtail

Little Stint

Wood Sandpiper

For the first time, the overflying Bee-eaters were close enough for a decent view with binoculars - but still no photograph! There was, however, a Turtle Dove on some wires down the valley.

Turtle Dove



Total: 4
Little Stint - 1
Wood Sandpiper - 1
Black-headed Wagtail - 1
Spanish Sparrow - 1

Then back to Trozena, Chris hoping to see Black-veined White butterfly this time. He did but unfortunately, I was the only person to get a photo.

Black-veined White

Odalisque

Paphos Blue 

Common Blue

Driving back, we had a brief explore to deserted Maronas. The village was very high up in the hills. We unexpectedly came across some Damselflies where a stream ran close by the access track.

Male Banded Demoiselle

Female Banded Demoiselle

After our meal we went to walk the headland at Pafos. Two birds reported recently, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush and Turkestan Shrike had both gone, not surprising considering the numbers of tourists that visit the antiquities every day. It has also got quite windy. Our observations brought little of note other than a Common Redstart and a Bee-eater. That was until a rather unusual Stonechat was located. The female was very light below and dark above with distinct supercillium and wing bar. Feeding sorties were typical of Stonechat species. We are currently perusing the literature to see whether there is anything that may be a good fit for this Stonechat seen on a rather late date.

Siberian Stonechat female