BirdLife Cyprus December Wetland Counts

BirdLife Cyprus Wetland Counts 14th, 15th, December. On Thursday, visiting the dams of Kannaviou, Evretou and Mavrokolympos in the Paphos area the normal over wintering birds such as Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Coot, Teal and Mallard were present. The Surprise on Mavrokolympos was a Black-necked Grebe which seem to present in some numbers in Cyprus this winter.
On Friday we walked the Paphos headland where the regular flock of Golden Plover were present along with the three Greater Sand Plover, a couple of Dunlin and unusually only one Ruddy Turnstone could be found. The over wintering Whimbrel was seen flying along the coast towards the ship wreck. Also seen Common Sandpiper and Kingfisher.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

Dunlin (Calidris alpina)

Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii)