The Monthly Checklist and society news. February Issue 2

Transcript

1 The Monthly Checklist and society news February Issue 2 Field Meetings and Activities 2012 January 2012 Waterbird Count January 2012 Systematic List One Observer's experiences on the Autumn Raptor Survey Birding in Souni Field Meeting Reports Plovers and Cream-coloured Coursers Bird Race 2012

2 ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ & ΠΡΟΣΩΠΙΚΟ ΤΟΥ ΣΥΝΔΕΣΜΟΥ COUNCIL MEMBERS & STAFF OF THE SOCIETY Πρόεδρος / President Αναστάσιος Λεβέντης / Mr. A.P. Leventis Τιμητικά Μέλη / Honorary Appointments Επίτιμοι Προέδροι / Honorary Chairmen: Δρ. Κυριάκος Πιερίδης / Dr. Kyriacos Pierides, Dr. W.R.P. Bourne, Michael Gore, The Viscount Southwell Ευρυπίδης Μιχαηλίδης / Evripides Michaelides, Jeff Gordon. Συμβούλιο / Council Πρόεδρος / Chairman Μελής Χαραλαμπίδης / Melis Charalambides, melis@cytanet.com.cy Αντιπρόεδρος / Υπεύθυνος Δακτυλίωσης / Vice Chairman & Ringing Officer Alan Crabtree, crabtree@cytanet.com.cy Γραμματέας / Secretary Σταύρος Χριστοδουλίδης / Stavros Christodoulides, christodoulidess@yahoo.com Ταμίας / Treasurer Χριστάκης Χαραλαμπίδης / Chris Charalambides, nataliac@spidernet.com.cy Υπεύθυνη Κοινωνικών Εκδηλώσεων / Social Secretary Patricia Stavrou, pa.stavrou@cytanet.com.cy Υπεύθυνη BirdLine & Εξεύρεσης Χρηματοδότησης / BirdLine & Fundraising Officer June Neal, chris.june.neal@cytanet.com.cy Μέλος Συμβουλίου (Χρηματοδότησης) / Council Member (Fundraising) Ευγένιος Βενιαμίν / Eugene Benjamin, benjamin@cytanet.com.cy Μέλος Συμβουλίου / Council Member John Stapley, johnstapley8@gmail.com Μέλος Συμβουλίου / Council Member Dan Rhoads, daniel.rhoads@gmail.com Διορισμένος Αντιπρόσωπος / Co-opted Officer Jane Stylianou, janestycy@yahoo.co.uk Διορισμένος Αντιπρόσωπος / Co-opted Officer Dr. Alex Kirschel, kirschel@ucla.edu Rarities Sub-committee Υπεύθυνος Καταγραφών / Bird Recorder Colin Richardson, richar@cytanet.com.cy Melis Charalambides, Stavros Christodoulides, Jeff Gordon, Hugh Buck, Nigel Cottle Προσωπικό του Πτηνολογικού Συνδέσμου / BirdLife Cyprus Office Staff Εκτελεστική Διευθύντρια / Executive Director Δρ Κλαίρη Παπάζογλου / Dr. Clairie Papazoglou Υπεύθυνος Εκστρατειών / Campaigns Manager Μάρτιν Χέλλικαρ / Martin Hellicar Διοικητικός Λειτουργός / Office Administrator Αναστασία Πατσάλη / Anastasia Patsalis Συντονίστρια Προγράμματος LIFE Ορόκλινης/LIFE Oroklini Coordinator Μέλπω Αποστολίδου / Melpo Apostolidou Λειτουργός Δικτύου Natura 2000 / Natura 2000 Officer Βασιλική Αναστάση / Vasiliki Anastasi Λειτουργός Eκστρατείας ενάντια στη Λαθροθηρία / Illegal Bird Killing Campaigns Officer Τάσος Σιαλής / Tassos Shialis Λειτουργός Ανάπτυξης/Development Officer Λίλια Καψάλη / Lilia Kapsali P.O. Box 28076, 2090 Nicosia Tel: , Fax: birdlifecyprus@birdlifecyprus.org.cy ISSN

3 Page No. CONTENTS 4 BirdLife Cyprus Field Meetings & Activities Field Meeting Report - Larnaca Sewage Works Martin Hellicar 6 Field Meeting Report - Akrotiri Peninsula June Neal 8 Bird Race Rules in English and Greek June Neal 11 One Observer's View of the Autumn Raptor Survey Alan Turtle 14 What can be seen around Souni June Neal 16 Obituary - Robert (Bob) Frost Peter Flint 17 Plovers and Cream-coloured Coursers Jane Stylianou 19 Monthly Systematic List - January 2012 Colin Richardson 41 BirdLife Cyprus Waterbird Count - January 2012 Clairie Papazoglou Last pages: Membership Application Forms ΠΕΡΙΕΧΟΜΕΝΑ Αριθ. Σελ. 4 Εξορμήσεις και άλλες δραστηριότητες του Πτηνολογικού Αναφορά από την εξόρμηση στη Μονάδα Επεξεργασίας Λυμάτων Λάρνακας, Martin Hellicar 6 Αναφορά από την εξόρμηση στη Χερσόνησο Ακρωτηρίου, June Neal 8 Αγώνας Πτηνοπαρατήρησης 2012 Οι κανονισμοί σε Ελληνικά και Αγγλικά, June Neal 11 Εντυπώσεις από τη Φθινοπωρινή Καταγραφή Αρπακτικών, Alan Turtle 14 Τι μπορεί να δεί κανείς γύρω από το Σούνι, June Neal 16 Επικήδειος - Robert (Bob) Frost, Peter Flint 17 Πλουμίδια και Αμμοδρόμοι, Jane Stylianou 19 Μηνιαίος Συστηματικός Κατάλογος Ιανουάριος 2012, Colin Richardson 41 Καταγραφή υδρόβιων πουλιών Πτηνολογικού Συνδέσμου Κύπρου, Ιανουάριος 2012, Κλαίρη Παπάζογλου Τελευταίες σελίδες: Αιτήσεις Εγγραφής Μέλους BirdLine Operated by June Neal on behalf of BirdLife Cyprus is the bird information hotline. To hear a pre-recorded message with recent interesting bird sightings and to add your own observations, please phone BirdLine Λειτουργείται από την June Neal εκ μέρους του Πτηνολογικού Συνδέσμου Κύπρου και είναι ενημερωτική γραμμή για τις παρατηρήσεις πουλιών. Για να ακούσετε το ηχογραφημένο μήνυμα με αξιόλογες πρόσφατες παρατηρήσεις και να προσθέσετε τις δικές σας, παρακαλώ τηλεφωνήστε στο Η γραμμή είναι μόνο στα αγγλικά. The Monthly Newsletter and Society News is compiled by Jane Stylianou (mobile phone number ). Any suggestions concerning subjects for future inclusion gratefully received, as are photographs of any recent sightings. Please send to janestycy@yahoo.co.uk. Cover photo: Large numbers of Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus were at both Akrotiri and Larnaca Salt Lakes this winter. Smaller groups were also at Paralimni Lake and Oroklini Marsh. This beautiful portrait of Flamingos in flight was taken by Albert Stöcker at Meneou at the beginning of January Φωτογραφία εξώφυλλου: Αυτό το χειμώνα, υπήρξαν μεγάλοι αριθμοί Φλαμίνγκο, Phoenicopterus roseus, στις Αλυκές Ακρωτηρίου και Λάρνακας. Μικρότερες ομάδες παρατηρήθηκαν επίσης στις Λίμνες Παραλιμνίου και Ορόκλινης. Αυτή η πανέμορφη φωτογραφία Φλαμίνγκο εν πτήσει πάρθηκε από τον Albert Stöcker στο Μενεού, στις αρχές Ιανουαρίου 2012.

4 March 2012 BIRDLIFE CYPRUS FIELD MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES 2012 For fieldtrips, please don t forget your flask of coffee and sandwiches Saturday 3 rd March: Asprokremmos Dam and Mandria Leader: Colin Richardson. Home Tel: Winter visitors and early spring migrants Meet at 9.30 am, Asprokremmos Dam car park, at the west end of the dam wall. 4x4 not necessary. Saturday 10 th March: Akhna Dam & Oroklini Marsh Leader: Christopher Stavrou. Mobile: Late winter visitors, early spring migrants and waterbirds Meet 9.30 am, west end of Akhna Dam Wall. 4x4 not necessary. Saturday 17 th March: Akrotiri Peninsula Leader: June Neal. Home Tel: , Mobile: Late winter visitors, waterbirds and spring migrants Meet 9.30 am, Phassouri Reed beds, near the hide (note new meeting point). 4x4 not necessary. Saturday 24 th March: Paphos Lighthouse Leader: John Stapley. Mobile: Spring migrants Meet 8.30 am (please note the earlier start time), entrance to Archaeological area by the Paphos Harbour Car Park. 4x4 not necessary. Saturday 31 st March: Larnaca Sewage Works & Oroklini Marsh Leader: Martin Hellicar. Mobile: Spring migrants and waterbirds Meet 9.30 am, Larnaca Sewage Works Hide. 4x4 not necessary. April 2012 Saturday 7 th April: Cyprus Bird Race See page 8 for details. Saturday 14 th April: Cape Greko Leader: Stavros Christodoulides. Mobile: Spring migrants Meet 7.30 am, Kermia Beach Hotel turn-off (please note earlier start time). Meet 9.30 am, Kermia Beach Hotel turn-off (a second meeting time for those unable to make the earlier one). 4x4 not necessary. Friday 20 th April - Sunday 22 nd April: Karpasia Peninsula Leader: Melis Charalambides. Home Tel: , Mobile: Spring migrants and rare residents Advance booking essential.

5 4x4 not necessary. Saturday 28 th April: Asprokremmos Dam and Mandria Leader: Colin Richardson. Home Tel: Spring migrants and waterbirds Meet 9.00 am (please note the earlier start time), Lark Corner, on coastal track opposite rocky islands. 4x4 not necessary. May 2012 Saturday 5 th May: Neo Chorio Ringing Demonstration Leader: Alan Crabtree. Mobile: Directions for Meeting Point: Drive through Neo Chorio village passing by the village church, and follow the sign for the Smyies Picnic Area. After about one kilometre the well-made track makes a sharp turn to the right. The demonstration will be at the bend. You will probably see several parked cars. If you see Ayios Minas Church (small church on your right) you have gone too far. Duration of the demonstration is 9.00 am pm. 4x4 not necessary. Saturday 12 th May: Kannaviou Dam & Paphos Forest Leader: Colin Richardson. Home Tel: Resident raptors and waterbirds Meet 9.30 am, Stroumbi, Esso Petrol Station, opposite turn off to Polemi. 4x4 not necessary. Saturday 19 th May: Akrotiri Peninsula Leader: Dan Rhoads. Mobile: Late spring migrants and waterbirds Meet 9.30 am, Phassouri Reed beds, near the hide (note new meeting point). 4x4 not necessary. Social Event Saturday 26 th May: End of Season Get Together Lunch at pm Kyrenia Restaurant, Avdimou Details to be announced. Important Announcement: Participation in BirdLife Cyprus field meetings is at one s own risk. BirdLife Cyprus accepts no liability or responsibility for accidents, illness, injury or loss or damage to property that might occur. Field trips require light to moderate exercise. Please contact the field trip leader for more information on difficulty, distances and terrain of a particular field trip. Σημαντική Ανακοίνωση: Η συμμετοχή σας στις εξορμήσεις του Πτηνολογικού Συνδέσμου γίνεται με δική σας ευθύνη. Ο Πτηνολογικός Σύνδεσμος Κύπρου δεν φέρει καμία ευθύνη για τυχόν ατυχήματα, ασθένειες, απώλειες ή ζημιές σε προσωπικά αντικείμενα. Οι εξορμήσεις απαιτούν ελαφριά με μέτρια άσκηση. Παρακαλώ επικοινωνήστε με τον εκάστοτε υπεύθυνο εξορμήσεων για περισσότερες πληροφορίες που σχετίζονται με το βαθμό δυσκολίας, αποστάσεις και συνθήκες των εξορμήσεων.

6 FIELD MEETING - LARNACA SALT LAKE January 21st 2012 Martin Hellicar Ruddy Shelducks, five of them sitting in plain view of the sewage works hide, were a lovely introduction to the morning s birding. Sadly, and long before most people had turned up, something scared them off and they flew off in the direction of the main salt lake never to be found again. But there was plenty more to maintain interest levels. Coots, Mallards, Teal and Shovelers were in their hundreds, as would be expected for January. The five Gadwalls were harder to pick out amongst the throngs of waterfowl. There were dozens of Little Grebes and a couple of Black-necked Grebes. There were Black-headed Gulls aplenty, plus some four Slender-billed Gulls and a solitary Little Gull. A passing Marsh Harrier spread panic, while nine Great Cormorants sat along the pond edge, looking as reptilian as ever. A Kestrel was seen next to the field behind the hide, with other non-waterbirds seen around the hide including White Wagtails, Crested Larks, Fan-tailed Warblers and Meadow Pipits. Down to Spiro s pool, we picked out a fine Grey Plover in the puddles on the seaward side, along with about 10 Kentish Plovers. There were some 20 young Flamingoes on the pond, plus House Sparrows, Stonechats, Skylarks and Sardinian Warblers in the surrounding scrub and fields. A solitary Shag was spotted on one of the yellow boys in the bay, as were two large (unidentified) gulls. A female Hen Harrier was seen hunting low over the scrub of the airport. At Meneou pools filled to the brim like everywhere else there were hundreds of flamingoes and dozens of large gulls in the distance, near the airport fence (too far off to positively identify). After midday, we moved over to the main salt lake and enjoyed a pleasant stroll down the track beyond the Tekke mosque. The salt lake offered hundreds more Flamingoes and also hundreds of Shelduck. Plovers were well represented: Kentish Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 2 Redshanks, 1 Little Ringed Plover and 4 Green Sandpipers. A Little Owl sat by a small cave on one of the hills behind the salt lake, while we also added Goldfinch, Linnet, Chiff-chaff, Chaffinch, Corn Bunting, Spectacled Warbler, Spanish Sparrow and Cattle Egret to the trip list. Less welcome was the sight of a hunter firing on a flock of Starlings, though a check of the hunting map showed he was within the law. All in all, it was an enjoyable outing with the rain holding off just long enough to allow us to see some 41 species. FIELD MEETING - AKROTIRI PENINSULA February 4th 2012 June Neal I m about to record the sightings for the field meeting on Cypriaca, the Cyprus database web site, supported by BirdLife International, The Audubon Society and RSPB. It has prompted me to write up the field report. The day was fine and dry, albeit very muddy and with many water-filled potholes. It turned out that not many species were about, let alone many unusual birds but we enjoyed the social aspects, catching up with news, talking to visitors and introducing our 4 new to birding people to the birds that were around. Altogether 25 of us gathered. Starting at Phassouri Reedbeds, where the water level was the highest any of us could recall we saw a juvenile Black-winged Stilt, at first hiding in the vegetation with feeding Common Snipe nearby. Despite the lack of birds nobody was really interested in counting the number of Coot feeding on the pools or along the edges. There were roughly 123 in sight, with more probably in the reeds and farthest pool. Five Little Grebe were also feeding, with 3 of them scurrying across the water, at first looking like ducklings. White Wagtails, Common Stonechat, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Zitting Cisticola (Fan-tailed Warbler), the occasional Common Greenfinch and Chaffinch were seen and several Cetti s Warbler were heard calling loudly.

7 A female Western Marsh Harrier (or was it two?) appeared over the reeds and at least ten Mallard took flight, which had previously been hidden in the reedbed. Bearing in mind the warnings I d received about the dreadful state of the tracks across Akrotiri Gravel Pits and Lady s Mile we confined our outing to the better tracks, heading first for the lookout point beside Sylvana s Restaurant. The wind from the south was strong, resulting in large waves across the salt lake. There was a solitary adult Greater Flamingo feeding on the lake and the remainder were feeding in the more sheltered pool. Given that there had been thousands of Flamingoes present over the last few months we discussed the possible cause of them departing. Was it lack of food? Was the weather a factor, with food at Larnaka being available in more sheltered conditions? Whatever the reason(s) only 43 fed in the pool, mainly juveniles. A couple of male Northern Pintails, 17 Common Shelduck and a few well-concealed duck were also in the pool. Grey Herons, about 40, were visible on the far shore. Our trip to the end of the track where the salt lake joins Lady s Mile was the wettest we d ever seen and there were many plovers feeding, unfortunately too far away for many of us to identify. Definitely Kentish Plover, Dunlin and Little Stints were there in large numbers. After a coffee break at Bishop s Pool we circuited the lake, finding a male Ferruginous Duck, a female Tufted Duck and a Black-necked Grebe amongst the many Eurasian Teal, Moorhen and Coots. The vegetation yielded 2 Eurasian Blackbirds, several Common Chiffchaffs, Cetti s Warblers, Greenfinches and Serins. Robins and Sardinian Warblers were heard calling. A Common Buzzard put in two brief appearances. A few people stayed for lunch and the more adventurous amongst us ventured around the Gravel Pits seeing Eurasian Curlew, Marsh and Hen Harrier, or along Lady s Mile seeing Armenian and Heughlin (Siberian) Gulls, with a lone Barn Swallow at Zakaki Pool being the highlights. Others travelled onto Kensington Cliffs finding Eurasian Griffon Vulture and Blue Rock Thrush and other people seeing hosts of passerines at Gemasogeia Dam plus a few egret and more Grey Heron. In some ways the water levels were too high to attract many birds, especially in the more exposed areas where the wind was a disadvantage. It was, however, a pleasant morning s birding allowing our newcomers to see the more common birds of the area, with a few highlights. The topics of conversation were interesting too, making the outing a good social get-together. The group at Phassouri Reed Beds. Photograph by Albert Stöcker

8 THE THIRD REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS BIRD RACE June Neal During the 2011 Bird Race, a total of 1002 sightings were recorded with 151 species of bird being seen (or heard) during the 24 hours. The total number of birds observed exceeded This data was added to the Worldbirds.org database, Cypriaca. The event was well-publicised in the press and made the general public more aware of the birds and island s conservation needs. The winning team, the Shrikes, saw 119 species - Stavros Christodoulides, Dan Rhoads, Lefkios Sergides and Melis Charlambides. This year s Bird Race will take place on Saturday 7th April. The teams can take part for whatever period of time they wish, during the 24 hours of that day and must stay within the boundaries of the Republic. Join in and see if you can out-bird the previous year s winning team by seeing as many species as you can in the areas of your choice. A first time visitor to the island has already put forward his name, Rob, and wishes to join a team from the west side of the island. Rob has decided that he d learn a lot more about Cypriot birds by joining in with more experienced birdwatchers who know the island. If you d enjoy having Rob on your team and showing him around our beautiful island, please contact me so I can put you in touch with him. Rob has already found sponsors for his participation so, this year, we are encouraging any participant to also find sponsors for the race. The decision is individual, as is the amount of sponsorship involved but it has been suggested that sponsoring between 5 and 10 cents per species recorded, would contribute valued funds to a BirdLife Cyprus conservation project. There is no rule that participants must have sponsorship but it may be very motivating! There will also be a prize of a BirdLife Cyprus publication for the individual who raises the most sponsorship money. Full rules are reproduced below. If you want to join in this very interesting event please contact me on: chris.june.neal@cytanet.com.cy or by telephone or A printed list of possible bird species will be available at the BirdLife Cyprus AGM on Sunday 11 March This can also be ed to participants. SPRING 2012 FUND-RAISING BIRD RACE 1. The race to find the greatest number of bird species will take place within the administrative borders of the Republic of Cyprus but including the Sovereign Base Areas that are accessible to the public. It will start ANY TIME from of Saturday, 7 April up to of the same day. 2. There is no official starting or finishing point. 3. Judges for the race are June Neal, Colin Richardson and Melis Charalambides. This will not prevent their taking part as a Team Member, but they will not be Team Leaders. 4. The teams are made up of 2 to 5 people, one of which is the Team Leader. This person has the responsibility for recruiting members for his/her team and collecting the entry fee of five euros per person for members (8 euros in the case of non members), which is to be passed onto any person on the Council of BirdLife Cyprus BEFORE Sunday, 1 April The team s name and Team Leader s contact details, plus Team Members names will be forwarded to June Neal before the Race date. 5. Each participant may wish to obtain sponsors for the race. This is not obligatory. Sponsorship money, for BirdLife Cyprus conservation projects, can be either on the basis of species seen, or for a sum of money for participation in the race. This decision is between the sponsor and the race participant. A form is available from June Neal upon application by either chris.june.neal@cytanet.com.cy or by phone (00357)

9 6. Members of a team may drop out before the end of the race, as long as the Team Leader and one more Team Member complete the race together. 7. In the case of a Team Member not being able to attend then the Team Leader should inform the judges the day before the race. If possible, the Team Leader or the judge may recruit a standby Team Member. 8. Team Members must provide their own vehicle, petrol and insurance as well as equip themselves with binoculars, telescopes, identification guides, maps, etc. 9. There will not be any service stations or rest stations. Any problems encountered during the race (e.g. engine trouble) will be solved by Team Leaders without help from a judge. 10. In case of bad weather only the judges will decide whether to stop the race or not. 11. Contestants must not disturb birds in any way. 12. It is forbidden to attract birds using songs, calls, decoys, food, or any other artificial means. Pishing is acceptable. 13. Participants can count any species of birds observed in a wild state and identified to species level. Domesticated species, or species viewed while in captivity, or during releases into the wild, or in ringing nets, or dead cannot be counted. Exotic species and escapes, cannot be counted either because of the risk of confusion. Rarities seen during the race will require the usual report to be submitted to BirdLife Cyprus Recorder. 14. Team Leaders guarantee the respect of the rules and correct identification of each species. For a species to be counted the Team Leader, plus at least one more member, must have seen or heard the bird and identified it. 15. On 9 April each team must submit their list of species observed, the total numbers of birds and the places in which it observed each species. This list can be posted to the BirdLife Cyprus office showing the postal date of 9 April, or ed on the electronic version (available in advance) to chris.june.neal@cytanet.com.cy or given to a judge, by hand, with prior arrangement. Completed forms not sent on or by 9 April will be disqualified. The names of birds can be written using Cypriot or English or Latin names. The team must also declare the places it visited in chronological order (e.g. Pafos Headland, Mandria, Asprokremnos Dam, Aspro Pools, Kensington Cliffs etc). The relevant forms will be given to the Team Leaders by the judge before the start of the race. Any other proof (e.g. photographs) or available data will be optional. 16. The winning team will be the one that manages to identify the highest number of birds, while the judges will decide which of all the species recorded is the most rare. There will be certificates awarded to the winners at the End of Season luncheon at Avdimou, in May The participant with the most sponsorship money raised for the Bird Race will be awarded a BirdLife Cyprus publication, either at Avdimou or sent by post to the participant s home address. 18. Please forward the sponsorship money raised to the BirdLife Cyprus office, by cheque in euro, to arrive no later than Monday, 7 May Alternatively, please contact BirdLife Cyprus office for Bank Transfer details. The transfer should reach the BirdLife Cyprus account by 7 May All funds raised, whether through the participation fee or sponsorship, will be used exclusively for conservation purposes. 20. BirdLife Cyprus accepts no liability or responsibility for problems, accidents, illness, loss or damage of property that might occur during the Race. 21. All participants by signing up and paying the fee for the Race, accept these rules and regulations. ΑΓΩΝΑΣ ΠΑΡΑΤΗΡΗΣΗΣ ΠΟΥΛΙΩΝ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΣΗ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΙΚΗΣ ΕΝΙΣΧΥΣΗΣ ΑΝΟΙΞΗ Ο αγώνας για την καταγραφή του μεγαλύτερου αριθμού ειδών πουλιών θα διεξαχθεί μέσα στα διοικητικά όρια της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας, καθώς και τις περιοχές των Βρετανικών

10 Βάσεων όπου επιτρέπεται η πρόσβαση του κοινού. Ο αγώνας θα ξεκινήσει οποιαδήποτε στιγμή από τις το Σάββατο, 7 Απριλίου 2012 και θα διαρκέσει ως τις την ίδια μέρα. 2. Δεν ορίστηκε επίσημο σημείο αφετηρίας ούτε τερματισμού του αγώνα. 3. Κριτές ανέλαβαν οι June Neal, Colin Richardson και ο Μελής Χαραλαμπίδης. Οι κριτές μπορούν να λάβουν μέρος στον αγώνα ως απλά μέλη ομάδας, αλλά δεν μπορούν να είναι ομαδάρχες. 4. Οι ομάδες αποτελούνται από 2 με 5 άτομα, ένας από τους οποίους είναι ο ομαδάρχης. Ο ομαδάρχης έχει και την αποκλειστική ευθύνη στελέχωσης της ομάδας του/της, συγκέντρωσης του εισιτηρίου συμμετοχής. Το ποσό αυτό θα είναι 5 Ευρώ για μέλη του Πτηνολογικού και 8 Ευρώ για μη-μέλη. Το ποσό που θα συγκεντρώσει ο ομαδάρχης πρέπει να το παραδώσει σε οποιοδήποτε μέλος του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου του Πτηνολογικού ΠΡΙΝ την Κυριακή, 1 Απριλίου Ο ομαδάρχης πρέπει επίσης να στείλει το όνομα της ομάδας, τα στοιχεία επικοινωνίας του ομαδάρχη της ομάδας, καθώς και τα ονόματα των μελών της ομάδας στην June Neal πριν από τον αγώνα. 5. Οι συμμετέχοντες μπορούν εφόσον το επιθυμούν, και χωρίς να είναι υποχρεωτικό, να βρουν ένα χορηγό για τον αγώνα. Η χορηγία μπορεί να είναι είτε ένα προσυμφωνημένο ποσό, είτε να υπολογιστεί με βάση τα είδη που θα δει ο/η συμμετέχων. Αυτό θα το αποφασίσουν από κοινού ο/η χορηγός και ο/η συμμετέχων. Υπάρχει ειδική αίτηση που μπορεί να συμπληρωθεί για χορηγίες, και μπορείτε να την προμηθευτείτε από την June Neal. Επικοινωνήστε μαζί της στο chris.june.neal@cytanet.com.cy ή στο (00357) Επιτρέπεται η αποχώρηση μελών κάποιας ομάδας πριν από τη λήξη του αγώνα, με την προϋπόθεση να ολοκληρώσουν τον αγώνα ο ομαδάρχης και ένα άλλο μέλος. 7. Σε περίπτωση που κάποιο μέλος ομάδας αδυνατεί να συμμετάσχει, ο ομαδάρχης οφείλει να ενημερώσει τους κριτές την προηγούμενη ημέρα του αγώνα. Τότε, αν υπάρχει δυνατότητα, ο ομαδάρχης ή ο κριτής μπορούν να ορίσουν αναπληρωματικό μέλος. 8. Τα μέλη της ομάδας πρέπει να φροντίσουν να έχουν δικό τους αυτοκίνητο, βενζίνη, ασφάλεια καθώς και κυάλια, τηλεσκόπια, οδηγούς αναγνώρισης, χάρτες, κλπ. 9. Δεν θα υπάρχουν σταθμοί ανεφοδιασμού ή ξεκούρασης. Τυχόν προβλήματα στην διάρκεια του αγώνα (π.χ. μηχανικές βλάβες) θα επιλύνονται από τους ομαδάρχες, χωρίς την βοήθεια κριτή. 10. Σε περίπτωση κακοκαιρίας οι κριτές θα αποφασίσουν αν θα πρέπει να διακοπεί ο αγώνας ή όχι. 11. Οι συμμετέχοντες δεν πρέπει με κανέναν τρόπο να ενοχλούν τα πουλιά. 12. Απαγορεύεται η τεχνητή προσέλκυση πουλιών (φωνές, καλέσματα, ομοιώματα, παροχή τροφής). Το pishing επιτρέπεται. 13. Στον αγώνα προσμετρούνται όσα είδη πουλιών παρατηρήθηκαν ελεύθερα σε άγρια κατάσταση και αναγνωρίσθηκαν σε επίπεδο είδους. Δεν περιλαμβάνονται οικόσιτα είδη, είδη που εθεάθησαν σε αιχμαλωσία, σε απελευθερώσεις ή σε δίχτυα δακτυλίωσης, όπως επίσης και νεκρά δείγματα. Για τα εξωτικά είδη, δραπέτες ή φυγάδες, θα υπάρχει αποκλεισμός λόγω της πιθανής σύγχυσης στην αναγνώριση. Αν κάποιοι δουν ένα σπάνιο είδος θα πρέπει να συμπληρωθεί η συνήθης φόρμα και να σταλεί η παρατήρηση στον Υπεύθυνο Καταγραφών του Πτηνολογικού Συνδέσμου. 14. Οι ομαδάρχες εγγυούνται τη σωστή τήρηση των κανονισμών και τη σωστή αναγνώριση του κάθε είδους. Για να γίνει καταγραφή ενός είδους είναι απαραίτητο το πουλί, να το παρατήρησε ή να το άκουσε και να το αναγνώρισε ο ομαδάρχης και τουλάχιστον ένα άλλο μέλος της ομάδας. 15. Στις 9 Απριλίου, η κάθε ομάδα πρέπει να καταθέσει την λίστα με τα είδη που παρατήρησε, τον συνολικό αριθμό από το κάθε είδος και την περιοχή στην οποία παρατήρησε το κάθε είδος. Οι ομάδες μπορούν να στείλουν την λίστα στο γραφείο του Πτηνολογικού Συνδέσμου Κύπρου με το ταχυδρομείο (σφραγίδα 9 Απριλίου), ή να την στείλουν με ηλεκτρονικό ταχυδρομείο στη διεύθυνση chris.june.neal@cytanet.com.cy ή να την δώσουν με το χέρι σε κάποιο κριτή, αλλά πρέπει να το έχουν συνεννοηθεί από πριν. Όποια ομάδα στείλει τη λίστα της μετά της 9 Απριλίου θα ακυρώνεται. Οι

11 ονομασίες των ειδών πρέπει να αναγράφονται είτε με την αγγλική, είτε με την κυπριακή, είτε με την επιστημονική ονομασία τους. Επίσης η ομάδα πρέπει να δηλώσει και τους βιότοπους που επισκέφτηκε με απλή χρονολογική σειρά (π.χ. Φάρος Πάφου, Μανδριά, Φράγμα Ασπρόκρεμνου, Aspro Pools, Γκρεμοί Επισκοπής, κλπ). Οι σχετικές φόρμες θα παραδοθούν στους ομαδάρχες από τους κριτές πριν από την έναρξη του αγώνα. Οποιαδήποτε άλλη απόδειξη (π.χ. φωτογραφίες) ή διαθέσιμο στοιχείο θα είναι προαιρετικό. 16. Νικήτρια θα ανακηρυχθεί η ομάδα που θα καταφέρει να δει τον μεγαλύτερο αριθμό ειδών πουλιών, ενώ οι κριτές θα αποφασίσουν ποιο από τα είδη που καταγράφηκαν ήταν το πιο σπάνιο. Θα δοθούν αναμνηστικά στους νικητές κατά το γεύμα στην Αυδήμου, τον Μάιο Ο/η συμμετέχων που θα συλλέξει τη μεγαλύτερη χορηγία για τον αγώνα, θα λάβει μία έκδοση του Πτηνολογικού ως έπαθλο, είτε στην Αυδήμου, είτε με το ταχυδρομείο στην προσωπική του/της διεύθυνση. 18. Η χορηγία θα πρέπει να σταλεί στον Πτηνολογικό με επιταγή, και να έχει φθάσει το αργότερο μέχρι τις 7 Μαΐου Εναλλακτικά ο/η συμμετέχων μπορούν να έρθουν σε επαφή με τον Πτηνολογικό για τα στοιχεία της τράπεζας για απευθείας κατάθεση, η οποία και πάλι πρέπει να έχει πιστωθεί στον λογαριασμό του Πτηνολογικού το αργότερο μέχρι τις 7 Μαΐου. 19. Όλα τα ποσά που θα συλλεχθούν είτε από συμμετοχές ή χορηγίες θα χρησιμοποιηθούν για σκοπούς προστασίας της φύσης. 20. Ο Πτηνολογικός Σύνδεσμος Κύπρου δεν φέρει καμία ευθύνη ή υπαιτιότητα για τυχόν προβλήματα, ατυχήματα, ασθένειες, απώλειες ή ζημιές σε προσωπικά αντικείμενα, που τυχών προκύψουν κατά τη διάρκεια του αγώνα. 21. Όλοι οι συμμετέχοντες δηλώνοντας συμμετοχή και πληρώνοντας το ποσό συμμετοχής αποδέχονται αυτούς τους κανόνες. AUTUMN RAPTOR CENSUS 2011 Alan Turtle Birdwatchers in Cyprus are very fortunate as every autumn they can witness one of the major events in birding, namely the autumn migration of birds of prey. Cyprus is one of the few favoured locations in Europe that can claim to see so many raptors in one location, varying from Booted Eagles, Egyptian Vultures and Buzzards to the smaller raptors such as Hobby, Merlin and Lesser Kestrels. Raptors, in their flight south to Africa, tend to avoid long expanses of sea and restrict themselves to the short sea passages. These locations include the Straits of Gibraltar, Straits of Messina, Malta and the Eastern Mediterranean flyway, which covers the countries from Turkey through Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Cyprus can be considered a part of this East Mediterranean flyway, although the numbers seen in Cyprus are less than the all land route. In Cyprus raptors can be sighted in many places but the Akrotiri Peninsula is considered to be one of the best locations, as it appears to act as a southerly funnel for raptors passing south. Arguably, Bishop s Pool is the one of the best locations on the Peninsula as it seems to attract raptors and it also gives the observer access to waders and the ducks on the pool. Entering the hides is not recommended due to the heat but the hides do provide valuable shade if you stay in their shadow. The 2011 Raptor Census was organised by Michael Miltiadou for Birdlife Cyprus and I was lucky enough to be asked by Mike to assist in the count. This was an honour for me, as to be included meant that my skill in identification was at least improving was my second year as a contributor to the count but I would still not like to admit how many times I got it wrong when in the presence of experienced observers such as Mike Miltiadou and Peter Chambers. Peter, I should add, could be classed as an off-island birder but he probably spends more bird-hours in Cyprus than many locals as he visits the island for both the spring and autumn migration. We must not forget Ann, his wife, as she is also part of the team that meets at

12 Bishop s Pool during the migration period which runs from late August to early November. As official observers in the count, we submit our sightings on a regular basis which includes the species, time of sighting and location, weather conditions plus flight direction and estimated height. Visiting and local birders sightings can also be included and Bishop s Pool tends to be a hive of activity for passing on valuable recent sightings. In previous years Akrotiri Environment Centre has also been a hub for raptor counting and viewing but it did not appear to be used so extensively this year. I have been working and living in Cyprus for the past 14 years (allowing for extensive international travel) with the last 3 years in retirement here. Hence it is only for the past 3 years that I have really been able to appreciate the sights of the autumn migration. It is truly one of the wonders of birding to see the multitudes of Honey Buzzards, Kites and occasionally Eagles and Vultures soaring above you; rising on the thermals above Akrotiri Salt Lake before heading south. A Montagu's Harrier and Booted Eagle photographed by Alan this autumn. For those of you (like me) who are not in what I call the eagle-eyed identification class, the benefits of using a digital zoomed lens camera cannot be overstated as it makes bird identification so much easier. A second-hand camera is probably the cheapest way to enter the market. There is a disadvantage, however, in using a camera in that you are losing valuable time viewing the bird through the viewfinder (trying to get your bird in focus) rather than through binoculars but at least it gives you a firm record of your sighting. Surprisingly, the strong sun of Cyprus is not beneficial in viewing raptors, as in many cases the plumage cannot be seen due to the strong contrast between the bright sky and the bird itself. Good species identification has to be achieved by having a thorough knowledge of bird profiles, noting the relationship between the size of the wings to the body, the shape of the wings, body and tail, etc. Flight agility is also a good clue but estimating bird size is always difficult. Note the speed of the wing beats, as generally the larger the bird the slower the wing beat. Not much help, of course, if the bird is gliding or soaring. A preliminary report on the Autumn Migration 2011 can be read on the Birdlife Cyprus Website - Newsletter section - but suffice it to say 2011 was a poor year with significantly lower numbers than usual. Looking back over the census period, there are definitely magic moments to recall. 24 th September was definitely one of them, when the Honey Buzzards were coming through all the time with hardly any time to jot down your sightings. However, you will appreciate that this is not the normal experience, with most days involving extensive time periods between birds. There are some rules which I have found do apply, which I am sure many birders will relate to: 1. The star birds always come through just before you arrived or just after you left! In 2011 the birds in this category were Short-toed Snake Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Osprey, Merlin, and Northern Goshawk.

13 2. The critical period is when you are sitting down with a sandwich in one hand and a coffee in the other! Light Phase Booted Eagle applied in my case to this category. However, I must not complain as I managed to grab my camera to get a photo of it just before it disappeared over the hide. 3. Technology always fails you at the critical time! In this case, a Saker Falcon carried out several flights at low level across Bishop s Pool and practically all the time I was restricted to viewing it through my camera s viewfinder trying to get it in focus. It was only when I got home that I found out my lens setting had somehow been altered to a focusing distance of less than 1.8m. As you will appreciate, these rules do break down on the odd occasion and my star moment occurred when sighting a large bird flying high with a kettle of Honey Buzzards in proximity. I could not identify the bird with my binoculars - the plumage reminded me of a juvenile Marsh Harrier but it was nearer in size to that of an Eagle. In these circumstances I resorted to my standard practice of getting out my camera set at maximum zoom and hoped that I can identify it later. It was a busy time but I eventually referred to my field guide and the photo I had taken showed only the profile of the bird. It was now obvious: a juvenile Egyptian Vulture!! Carrying out a survey of raptors can be very difficult because it is almost impossible to know with certainty whether you are counting new birds or the same ones flying around in the same area.this is where your notes on flight direction and height come in, as you can assume that birds coming from the same direction normally north to south are new birds. From experience we have found that at around 3 pm there can be a change of direction which we realised was returning birds. We assume they had got to the southern tip of Akrotiri or perhaps further out to sea and found that that there was an extensive patch of sea ahead of them, checked their watches and decided it was safer to return and find somewhere inland to roost for the night. This leads on to another observation that the majority of raptors sighted in Cyprus are juveniles. It is known that large birds cannot fly for long periods over the sea and in some cases can fall into the sea from flight exhaustion. I myself have seen Honey Buzzards flying in at only 30m at Cape Greco looking very tired. Fortunately they were able to pick up rising thermals inland which enabled them after rising many thousands of feet to head off again towards the south. On this basis, it is possible that the birds which do fly south from Cyprus in autumn eventually realise by experience that it is hard work to fly over the extensive sea passage to Egypt and, for the spring raptor passage northwards, they follow the experienced mature birds over the all land passage avoiding Cyprus altogether. Hence the raptor migration in Cyprus is almost non-existent. One could also apply the Darwinian theory that the juvenile birds which fly south to Egypt do not make it and hence are not seen again in the spring. I doubt that this theory is correct as there would be many sightings of dead birds floating in the East Mediterranean in the autumn which is not the case. As an ex-mariner myself, I can confirm this. It looks as if 2011 was a poor year for raptors in Cyprus. The suggestions range from conservation problems generally to the effect of the weather. Bad weather en route to Cyprus could cause the birds to deviate further east avoiding the Cyprus route altogether. I often refer to the weather site Westwind (link below) which I noticed showed a number of low weather systems passing over Greece this autumn and then heading north-east over western Turkey. This site shows the extent of the low cloud/rain systems. Maybe for next year s survey we could include not only the weather over Akrotiri but also the weather conditions over south-eastern Europe to see if there is a connection. Fortunately, technology is advancing all the time and with the recently introduced satellite trackers which can be fitted to large birds, many of the secrets of migration will be discovered for the first time. The next few years will be very interesting. One of the recognised reference books which I can recommend for detailed information on raptors is Dick Forsman s The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East. This became invaluable

14 during this last survey period, as some excitement was generated by a possible sighting of a Levant Sparrowhawk. However, a photograph taken showing the bird in profile indicated that the bird in question had 6 flight fingers on its wing (Eurasian Sparrowhawk). Forsman s book states quite specifically that the Levant Sparrowhawk has 4 fingers only. For the casual birdwatcher interested in identifying raptors, I would recommend a book I have just obtained which is the New Holland European Bird Guide by Peter H. Barthel and Paschalis Dougalis. It has a section on raptors and most importantly shows adults and juveniles in flight compared directly on the same pages with other raptor species in flight which is very useful. I purchased it in the UK for 11 (14 euros) but it is almost certainly obtainable over the internet. Collins Bird Guide is also another useful reference book. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Mike Miltiadou and Peter Chambers for their help in educating me about raptors and Mike in particular for his vast general knowledge given to me about birds in Cyprus. Also, I would like to thank both Frank and Margaret Moren who I remember many years ago telling me about the special place that is Bishop s Pool. Westwind weather site: WHAT CAN YOU SEE AROUND SOUNI? June Neal During the last 5 years I have followed a lot of track and trails around Souni, usually on my morning walks. There s a lot to see and hear. Here are a few of my findings... In the spring and autumn months there are abundant numbers and species of bird, usually more active as well as easier to see in the early morning. Late afternoon can be good for birds of prey and European Bee-eaters migrating toward the Akrotiri Peninsular. In autumn, look out for these birds, especially ahead of storm clouds as they head south to winter in Africa. Some stop overnight and can be found in their roosts the following morning before moving on. European Bee-eater (D. Nye) Cyprus Warbler (M. Gore) Some endemic birds, such as the Cyprus Warbler, can be seen foraging for food in low bushes most of the year. The male birds sing from a high perch in the spring time, to attract the females. Breeding can commence as early as March. Little Owls may be seen sitting atop a pile of rubble, on a low bare branch or in a carob tree. Several breed locally and their young can be very noisy in late spring. Little Owl (D. Nye) Cyprus Wheatear (A. McArthur)

15 The Cyprus Wheatear returns from its wintering grounds in the Middle East in early spring, adding its calls to the bird song that starts at dawn. The Great Spotted Cuckoo breeds in the area, laying eggs in the host nests of Magpies. Hoopoe and Masked Shrikes also return to breed near the wooded areas. A migrant from Africa sets up home in quiet, isolated areas of Souni often in hollow carob trees the European Roller. Several pairs raise their families in the area north of the village. During the winter months migrants from northern Europe take up residence around Souni. Many Eurasian Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, European Robins, Common Stonechat, Western Black Redstart and Common Chaffinches appear, sometimes with a Brambling or two. European Serin move to lower ground from their Troodos breeding areas, to winter in the pines in Souni and to feed with the local Goldfinch families, in the small-holdings where there is an abundance of food insects, seeds from seed heads and grasses. Occasionally Hawfinches have been seen feeding on olives. Photograph: European Robin (J.Neal) Spring flowers are numerous in Souni s fields, especially if there have been regular rain showers. You may be lucky and see the hares and foxes too. Field Anenome February Giant Orchid March Pink and White Cistus To enjoy Souni and its nature, take the Kantou turning off the motorway and travel north up the Omodos Road F601. Pass the first right-hand turning across the valley, and continue uphill until you see the pedestrian crossing signs and the mini-market on your left. Turn right at the junction on the traffic calming stretch of road, sign-posted Souni 1 km. You will pass the old mediaeval bridge and new picnic area in the valley. Continue uphill to the cross road and turn immediately left onto Alexander The Great Street and go uphill to the Lordos development area. Park here and take any of the tracks. Uphill will take you to a valley with an incredible view of the Troodos mountain range to the north. This is Bambos Valley. In early spring most of the birds mentioned above can be found plus all of the Flycatchers, Cretzschmar s Buntings and possibly Common Cuckoo. There is a circular long walk down, up and around the valley which brings you back to the far side of the Lordos area. To the west is a track that goes through pine woods, around George s fruit farm and then along the ravine in either a northerly or southerly direction. You can loop back to the Lordos area whichever direction you decide upon.

16 The Lordos development site was originally a carob grove and walking east you follow another ravine that passes through small-holdings and close to goat farms, where you may see many species of bird. Once back in the village head north again and return to your car. The villages of both Souni and Zanakia (Zanadja) which is on the opposite side of the main road are both good for seeing birds too and worth a walk around. Morning is the best time to visit the earlier the better. If anyone fancies joining me for an early walk please get in touch. ROBERT(BOB) FROST Peter Flint Robert Frost had a longer continuous active involvement with Cyprus birding than probably any other non-cypriot birder. He was stationed at RAF Akrotiri and was a member of the original Cyprus Ornithological Society (COS 1957), but with others, transferred to the newly founded Cypriot COS in With his wife Fay by his side he returned many times on birding holidays, usually with some purpose in mind, such as studying the occurrence of Great Blackheaded Gulls in early spring in the south east, the autumn raptor migration through Akrotiri, or as a member of many RAF Ornithological Society expeditions, including those to the Akamas of which he was one of the instigators, and where he documented the first breeding of the Sardinian Warbler. Some of the results of his observations he published as short notes or papers in RAFOS Journals, COS Bird Reports and in Sandgrouse. In the field Robert was a careful and reliable observer, always putting the interests of the bird first. He had planned to return to Cyprus in autumn 2010 for yet another raptor watch but had to cancel it due to his deteriorating health. Robert had a wide interest in wildlife beyond birds, which culminated in 2011 with the publication of Ladybirds (Coccinellidae) of Britain and Ireland of which he was one of the authors and justly proud. Robert was an old fashioned gentleman, steady, determined and modest, and bore his long illness with good grace and stoicism, retaining his sense of humour to the end. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Robert Frost and an old photo from a Field Meeting of COS 70 at Ayia Irini near Morphou,with Robert his wife Fay and their 2 sons on the left. In the photo you can also see our first Chairman Dr. Andreas Artemiou (with a dark tie and open jacket ) who unfortunately died in a car accident on the 1 st of March 1971 not long after this photo was taken, Evripides Michaelides the then Director of the Forestry Department and our 2 nd Chairman, Pavlos Neophytou, Nikos Neophytou (Pavlos brother), Pampos Theodosiou, Savvas Prastitis our then Vice Chairman, Peter Flint (looking down with binos in hand ), Socratis Tengerakis, Andreas Agrotis, Dr Chr. Taliotis and others.

17 PLOVERS AND CREAM COLOURED COURSERS Jane Stylianou When asking for advice on whether to write about the rarer plovers that turn up in Cyprus at this time of year, or Cream-coloured Coursers, it was suggested that I should actually combine the two and I was sent a photograph taken by Stavros Christodoulides in March 2010 to prove the point. (See right). It shows a Eurasian Dotterel Charadrius morinellus in the Akrotiri Gravel Pits area, with a Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor out of focus in the background. Two scarce visitors for the price of one. Dotterels and Cream-coloured Courser are both noted as scarce passage migrants. The Dotterel can turn up in both spring and autumn but the Courser is seen on spring passage usually in March and April. Spring 2011 was not up to recent 'standards' for these two birds with only one Dotterel noted at Paralimni Lake and that was in mid-april. Other years have been better. Akrotiri Gravel Pits seems a good location to check. Two Coursers were there from March 2010 with one staying until 7 April. One turned up there in March Three were at Petounta Point between 10th and 20th March This species has also been seen at Cape Drepano in April 2009, Mandria in March 2005 and Paphos Headland in April of that year. In March 2008 a lucky birder saw one from his airplane window at Paphos Airport. Collins Bird Guide (2nd edition) notes that the bird 'requires bare flat terrain to accommodate ground-running behaviour' and that seems to hold even when it is stopping off on migration. Other sites that it has been seen at are Kivisili, Paphos Sewage Works, Mandria beach fields towards Timi beach, Lady's Mile, Larnaca Sewage Works and Kouklia. Cream-coloured Courser. The photo on the right shows the blue-grey crown and the extended white supercilia. Photographs by Dave Nye. The Cream-coloured Courser is unmistakable. Although structurally it is similar to a plover it has longer legs and a curved bill. It runs with its head held high. It has a sandy-buff plumage with a distinctive blue-grey crown and white supercilia which meet at the back of its nape, as does its black eye stripe. In flight it shows black underwing and outerwing. The Dotterel is a typical plover in shape and behaviour. Most of the individuals that turn up in Cyprus are in the duller winter plumage although occasionally individuals turn up that are in the process of acquiring their brighter breeding plumage. In all plumages has 'long white or ochrous-buff supercilium and plain upper wing with a narrow pale leading edge' (Collins Bird Guide 2nd edition). A pale breast band

18 is usually visible, even in winter plumage. The Dotterel is slightly smaller than the more common Eurasian Golden Plover that winters on Cyprus. Eurasian Dotterel. Photograph by Dave Nye Despite last spring's poor show, Dotterel are pretty regular most springs in ones or twos. In 2008 thirteen spent a day at Larnaca Airport Fields, allowing several lucky local birders to get good views, although the Airport Security services were not as impressed. In 2010 one was at Akrotiri Gravel Pits in mid-february as well as the two seen there on 20 and 21 March. Another was near Larnaca Desalination fields on 27 March and three were at Paphos Headland the same day. In 2009 Larnaca Desalination plant was the stop-over again for one on 20 and 21 March, with another at Petounta Point at the beginning of April. Individuals have also been seen at Mandria. Mandria is also a great spot to check for the even rarer Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus. The male Caspian Plover is a striking bird in its breeding plumage and luckily many of those that pass through Cyprus are in that plumage. This is a scarce passage migrant from late March to early June. Although noted as similar to the Greater Sand Plover, it is slimmer and more elegant being slightly larger than the Ringed Plover. In summer the male has 'pure white forehead, lores and cheeks, dark ear-coverts, and broad chestnut breast-band distinctly bordered black at lower edge' (Collins Bird Guide 2nd edition). The female lacks the chestnut breast-band and its forehead and checks are not as pure white. The back of both sexes is grey-brown. In flight a short white wing bar is noticeable on its darker wings. Left: Male Caspian Plover.Right: Female Caspian Plover. Photographs by Dave Nye In 2011 Caspian Plover were at Mandria and Spiro's Beach in early April and in 2010 they turned up at several sites during that month - Paphos Airport, Larnaca Airport Fields, Mandria, Larnaca Sewage Works and Desalination fields. Twice in recent years it has been seen on Lady's Mile but it seems as if it has a preference for the habitats found at Mandria and the Larnaca Sewage Works coast habitats. The rarest plover seen in recent years is the White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus. This bird is smaller than the Spur-winged Lapwing with very long yellow legs which, together with its striking flight pattern which displays its all-white tail, are diagnostic. On 20 March 2010 the fifth bird of this species since 2001 was seen in a wetland area inland from Pissouri Bay while on 12 March in 2008 one was at Phassouri Reed Beds. One had been at that location in May 2007 as well, while in that year one was also seen at Cape Drepano on 22 April. Let s hope this spring is better than that of 2011 for the above mentioned species which should be seen at favoured sites from March onwards.

19 SYSTEMATIC LIST FOR JANUARY 2012 Colin Richardson 3890 bird records received 154 species and forms recorded in January 2012, compared to 157 in January 2011 [The list is edited and contains records that have not been corrected or corroborated] LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis Νεροβούττης Agia Eirini Dam: Jan (NCP) Akhna Dam: Jan (AKe) Akhna Dam: Jan (AKe) Athalassa Park: c50 1-Jan Bishop's Pool: 40 7-Jan (CR) Bishop's Pool: Jan (MB) Fresh Water Lake, Famagusta: Jan (NCP) Geunyeli Dam: Jan (NCP) Kanli Dam: Jan (NCP) Larnaca Sewage Works: c10+ 6-Jan (SC) Oroklini Marsh: c30 13-Jan Oroklini Marsh: Jan (CP) Panagra Dam: Jan (NCP) Partenitis Dam: 3 18-Jan (SC) Phasouri Reed-beds: 8 31-Jan Zakaki Marsh: 3 30-Jan (MB) Kensington Cliffs: 4 14-Jan (JN) Kensington Cliffs: 1 flying high over cliff edge, nest prospecting? 15-Jan (CR) Kensington Cliffs: 6 28-Jan (JN) Spiros Pool: 2 On buoys offshore 20-Jan GREAT WHITE PELICAN Pelecanus onocrotalus Ροδοπελεκάνος GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus Σκουφοβούττης Asprokremmos Dam: 3 19-Jan (CR, WAS) BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis Μαυροβούττης Bishop's Pool: 1 1-Jan to 13-Jan (WAS) Bishop's Pool: 1 24-Jan (MB) Geunyeli Dam: 2 20-Jan (NCP) Kanli Dam: 1 20-Jan (NCP) Larnaca Sewage Works: 12 5-Jan (WAS) Larnaca Sewage Works: 4 24-Jan (LAC) GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo Κορμοράνος Akhna Dam: 5 7-Jan (AKe) Asprokremmos Dam: Jan (CR, WAS) Athalassa Dam: Jan (SC, JS) Fresh Water Lake, Famagusta: 18 flew over 19-Jan (NCP) Germasogeia Dam: Jan (ADT) Kouris Dam: Jan (ADT) Larnaca Sewage Works: Jan Ormidhia Seafront: c50 21-Jan (SC) Polemidia Dam: 8 16-Jan (ADT) Great White Pelican, Fresh Water Lake, January 23rd. Photograph by Nick Pegler Fresh Water Lake, Famagusta: 1 19-Jan (NCP) Fresh Water Lake, Famagusta: 1 29-Jan (AKe) Akhna Dam: 1 31-Jan (BB) [possibly Fresh Water Lake bird?] EURASIAN BITTERN Botaurus stellaris Βουρωδιός Kanli Dam: 1 Flushed from reeds flew to west side of lake 20-Jan (NCP) Oroklini Marsh: 1 5 & 23-Jan (WAS, LAC) Oroklini Marsh: 2 21-Jan (LAC) Paralimni Lake: 1 9-Jan (AKe) CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis Γελαδάρης EUROPEAN SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis Θαλασσοκόρακας Agios Amvrosios: 2 one carrying nesting material 20-Jan (NCP) Agios Amvrosios: 6 24-Jan (NCP) Agios Filonas: 2 27-Jan (MC, CC) Cape Andreas: 2 28-Jan (MC, CC) Gerospikou: 1 resting on rock 16-Jan (MVw) Cattle Egret, Paphos Sewage Works, January 21st. Photograph by Dave and Jan Walker

20 Agia Eirini dump: 2 24-Jan (NCP) Aradippou Farms: 5 18-Jan (SC) Fresh Water Lake, Famagusta: Jan (NCP) Fresh Water Lake, Famagusta: Jan (AKe) Mia Milia Water Treatment Plant: 1 22-Jan (NCP) Pyla Fields: 2 13-Jan (BB) Oroklini Marsh: 47 5-Jan (RM) Oroklini Marsh: 53 6-Jan (RM) Oroklini Marsh: Jan Oroklini Marsh: Jan (CP) Oroklini Marsh: Jan (AKe) Paphos Sewage Plant: 4 23-Jan (CR) Paralimni Lake: 2 30-Jan (AKe) Partenitis Dam: 2 18-Jan (SC) Phasouri Reed-beds: 3 1-Jan to 22-Jan (WAS) Phasouri Reed-beds: 1 28-Jan Trachoni Pools: 1 21-Jan (NCP) LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta Χιονάτη Agia Thekla Area: 2 10 & 27-Jan (AKe) Agias Trias: 1 13 & 17-Jan (JS, AKe) Akhna Dam: 8 3-Jan (AKe) Akhna Dam: 9 13-Jan (AKe) Akhna Dam: 7 26-Jan (AKe) Athalassa Dam: 1 1-Jan (SC) Clapsides Saltmarsh & Beach: 1 23-Jan (NCP) Germasogeia Dam: 1 16-Jan (ADT) Lady's Mile: 5 7-Jan (SC) with M & C Charalambides & A Leventis Larnaca Salt Lake: 1 21-Jan (JN) Larnaca Sewage Works surrounding floods: Jan (SC) Moni Beach: 1 14-Jan (WAS) Oroklini Marsh: 1 6-Jan (SC) Oroklini Marsh: 2 28-Jan Paralimni Lake: 1 7-Jan (AKe) Paralimni Lake: 4 30-Jan (AKe) Potamos Liopetri: 1 2 & 16-Jan (AKe) Spiros Pool: 1 6-Jan (SC) GREAT EGRET Ardea alba Χανούμισσα Akhna Dam: 3 1 & 27-Jan (AKe, MC,CC) Akhna Dam: 4 13 & 28-Jan (AKe) Athalassa Park: 1 1-Jan Bishop's pool: 1 flew over, later seen at Zakaki Marsh 16-Jan (PWr) Fresh Water Lake, Famagusta: 2 19-Jan (NCP) Fresh Water Lake, Famagusta: 1 29-Jan (AKe) Germasogeia Dam: 2 7 & 16-Jan (MB, ADT) Geunyeli Dam: 1 20-Jan (NCP) Mia Milla Water Treatment Plant: 1 22-Jan (NCP) GREY HERON Ardea cinerea Ψαροφάς Akhna Dam: 8 5-Jan (AKe) Akhna Dam: 4 22-Jan (LAC) Akrotiri Salt Lake: c50 14-Jan (SC) Akrotiri Salt Lake: 80+ Behind Zakaki canal 18-Jan Akrotiri Salt Lake: 70+ Behind Zakaki canal 28-Jan Geunyeli Dam: & 29-Jan (NCP, AKe) Kouris Dam: 3 16-Jan (ADT) Lady's Mile: c50 most flying towards Akrotiri Salt Lake 14-Jan (SC) Mia Milla Water Treatment Plant: 4 22-Jan (NCP) Paralimni Lake: 7 7 & 25-Jan (AKe) Polemidia Dam: 2 16-Jan (ADT) Silverbeach Saltmarsh: 1 23-Jan (NCP) Zakaki Marsh: Jan (MB) GREATER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus roseus Φλαμίνγκο Akrotiri Salt Lake: c Jan Akrotiri Salt Lake: c Jan Akrotiri Salt Lake: 2600 includes 15 in pool 28-Jan (JN) Akrotiri Salt Lake: c Jan Clapsides Saltmarsh & Beach: Jan (MC, CC) Clapsides Saltmarsh & Beach: Jan (AKe) Famagusta Lake (Karaolos): Jan (AKe) Famagusta Wetlands: Jan (NCP) Larnaca Airport Pools North: c300 6-Jan (SC) Larnaca Airport Pools South: c600 6-Jan (SC) Larnaca Airport Pools South: Jan Larnaca Salt Lake: Jan (PMR) Larnaca Salt Lake: c2,000 6-Jan (SC) Larnaca Salt Lake: c4, Jan (SC) Larnaca Salt Lake: Jan Meneou Pools: c100 6-Jan (SC) Meneou Pools: Jan Meneou Pools: 700 approximately 21-Jan (JN) Oroklini Marsh: 5 2-Jan (RM) Oroklini Marsh: Jan (RM) Oroklini Marsh: Jan (SC) Oroklini Marsh: Jan (RM) Oroklini Marsh: Jan (AKe) Paralimni Lake: Jan (AKe) Silverbeach Saltmarsh: Jan (NCP) Spiros Pool: Jan Spiros Pool: c80 21-Jan (SC) MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor Κύκνος Mute Swan, Clapsides, January 19th. Photograph by Nick Pegler Clapsides Saltmarsh & Beach: 2 Juveniles 19 & 23-Jan (NCP)