27/02/17 Cyprus Warbler, one of only two Cyprus endemic species. It is also a short distant migrant. Spring has arrived in Cyprus, they are becoming more numerous and the male has started singing to attract the female.

15/02/17  Cyprus Scops Owl. While at Evretou Jan spotted a distant bird in a tree, the shape was not clear so Dave decided to slowly get closer, as he neared it became clear that it was a Scops Owl, getting a little closer and realising it was not one but two perched together in the same tree, excitement was in the air. We were all able to approach without disturbing the birds as these nocturnal species were sleeping.

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Paphos Area

A few more photo's from this week around the Paphos area. With early reports of Great Spotted Cuckoo and Isabelline Wheatear we wait with expectation of the of the spring passage migration getting under way in the next few weeks.

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), a passage migrant and winter visitor to Cyprus

Female Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus), a common breeding bird found throughout Cyprus

Cyprus Warbler (Sylvia melanothorax), an endemic species to Cyprus

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Paphos Headland

Paphos Headland, a pleasant walk along the headland with warmer spring like weather with the sea being very calm. We found most of the over wintering birds with the exception of the Whimbrel. There were Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, and Greater Sand Plover present and as we neared the point circa 70 Eurasian Golden Plover came in to land on the rocky outcrops.

Golden Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Dunlin

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