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Southern Cyprus mid-March 2015 trip report
Author: Paul Sharp
This report covers a long weekend birding in Southern Cyprus between the 12th and 16th March
2015.
Planning and logistics
In late January it became clear that I had some annual leave to use by the end of March, some of this
I committed to a trip with my wife to Seville and Coto Donana at the end of March and into early
April. This left 3 days otherwise unused leave, and provided the opportunity to go birding for a long
weekend with my father John Sharp (JLS). He expressed a preference for somewhere warmer, and
with a mid-March weekend in mind we considered the possibilities of Morocco (Atlas and desert),
Lake Kerkini in Greece, and Cyprus.
Cyprus won out because the timing seemed to fall between winter and spring birding at Kerkini, and
because we would need a day or two more to get the most out of a visit to Morocco and enjoy it. So,
why Cyprus? Well neither of us had been there before, meaning the endemics would be new to both
of us, with a reasonable supporting cast of Eastern Mediterranean birds and localised specialities to
add into the mix.
Success Primary targets Secondary targets
Seen Cyprus Warbler,
Cyprus Wheatear
Spur-winged Plover, Scops Owl, Short-toed Treecreeper, Jay,
Coal Tit, Crossbill, Ruppell's Warbler, Masked Shrike,
Cretzschmar's Bunting
Missed Finsch's Wheatear Greater Sandplover, Black Francolin
I researched online what might be seen and where in mid March, and where we might stay, plus
flights and other more mundane matters. Key online resources were the following websites:
Birdlife Cyprus: This has a very useful site guide which adds to the Gosney guide, monthly
bird summaries from previous years plus recent sights -
http://www.birdlifecyprus.org/en/htm...Sightings.html
Army Ornithological Society Cyprus blog: A summary of recent sightings plus from the last
couple of years - http://www.armybirding.org.uk/blog/cyprus-weekly128/
Cyprus birding tours: Includes recent sightings - http://cyprusbirdingtours.com/
In addition to these Wolfbirder’s post on BirdForum re the Anarita area were very useful
(http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=250820), as were numerous trip reports, though
most of these tend to be later in March and onwards into April and May. For site details we took
‘Finding Birds in Southern Cyprus’ by Dave Gosney, and combined this with the perfectly adequate
INSERT map to get us to these sites – in combination these two items were sufficient.
On the mundane side of things I booked us on flights with EasyJet from Gatwick to Paphos, the flight
out required an overnight stay beforehand at Gatwick, but both outbound and inbound flights
allowed time for birding on our arrival and departure days. I had not really registered that the flights
would be 4 – 4 ½ hours, probably a sensible upper limit for a long weekend when you add in ‘airport
time’.
I booked us a 4WD/SUV from Europcar via HolidayAutos, this turned out to be a slightly beat up
automatic Honda CRV, which was ideal in terms of clearance and ability to cover some of the un-
surfaced tracks we used. It did lack a boot cover which was a pain and meant we couldn’t leave stuff
in the car whilst we were away from it, but was otherwise fine. In practice you could get away
without a 4WD/SUV, but it was nice not to have to worry about the condition of some of the tracks/
parking.
As to accommodation, my choice of location was to be close to either Paphos or Cape Greko for the
collection of sites close to each of these, rather than halfway between the two and always driving a
distance. On balance I think this is the right approach, though the sites around Akrotiri would mean
something in this area would also be viable. For Cape Greko I looked at accommodation in Konnos
Beach/Protaras, but none of the places I liked seemed to have opened for the season.
In the Paphos area I tracked down the Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (VNI, http://www.vasilias.nikoklis.com/);
it was evident that the owners were used to and welcomed birders, it seemed reasonably priced and
well located, so we booked in. I can heartily recommend the VNI as birding accommodation based
on our stay, we thoroughly enjoyed it and it is good value for money. It was easy to get out before
6am for some pre-breakfast birding, have a late and filling breakfast at 09.30 and then go out for the
day, returning for dinner. The rooms are OK, and the location very birdy. We saw Scops Owl in the
garden, Great Spotted Cuckoo passing through the small-holding and Alpine Swift overhead. Plus the
Swallows nesting in the bar and restaurant (locked in over-night) are charming. A week there might
be enough.
Before we went I pulled together an idea of where we would try to visit each day, and what we
would hope to see. The idea was to try more for the winter birds at the start, and migrants at the
end of our trip. Mid-March is very much at the beginning of the migration season in Cyprus, and
reports in the lead up to our visit suggested that migrants were arriving late and in small numbers.
Fortunately by the time we got there this had changed – I think we were probably lucky with some
of the migrants we saw in that they were on the early side.
Below is the plan I had pulled together, alongside some comments of what we actually did. I tend to
be overambitious, and this trip was no exception – we didn’t fit everything in, and hopefully my
comments will give an idea of what is practical in a day.
12 March Thursday Kidasi We visited this area first, but didn't see Finsch's Wheatear
(they seemed to have left wintering sites just before we
arrived).
Aspro' Dam,
Anarita Mast &
Foinikas Village
We didn't have time to also visit these sites - see Saturday
(Anarita) and Monday (Aspro’ Dam).
13 March Friday Paphos Headland Visited pre-breakfast (outside the fence) but Greater
Sandplover appeared to have left some weeks before we
arrived. Saw a good selection of birds.
Paphos Water
Treatment Plant
First stop after breakfast, worth a short visit.
Mandria area Initially seemed quiet until we approached the picnic area,
with the adjacent rough ground being very good.
Kensington Cliffs Actually visited after Kourion Stadium, the light here was very
difficult in the late afternoon. A short visit.
Kourion Stadium An excellent spot and we spent much longer here than
anticipated, very good for migrants.
Bishops Pool Did not have time to visit.
Akrotiri Salt Lake A short last stop before dark.
Akrotiri Gravel Pits Did not have time to visit.
Akrotiri Reedbeds Did not have time to visit.
Phasouri
Reedbeds
Did not have time to visit.
14 March Saturday We visited Anarita Park & Mast pre-breakfast in the hope of
Finsch's Wheatear (not seen).
Troodos
Mountains
There was still quite a lot of snow on the ground and it was
generally cold and windy, we spent a decent amount of time
birding in this area - it was a nice contrast.
From Troodos we descended to Lemesos and on to Zakaki
Marsh and Lady's Mile Beach, then we drove round to
Phassouri Reedbeds and Akrotiri Gravel Pits first in a lightning
storm and then gathering dusk.
15 March Sunday Cape Greko Our first stop was at Kermia Beach, from which we moved on
to Cape Greko 'Sea Caves', the pines at the start of the main
headland and headland itself before a short visit to the picnic
area by the Stone Arch near the Agioi Anargyroi chapel. We
saw some good birds but it was relatively quiet.
Paralimni Lake The habitat here looked great, but it was hard work finding
any birds.
Ayia Napa
Sewerage Works
We didn't visit this area - migrants weren't really around on
the day.
Orolinki Marsh We spent a reasonable period of time here through to dusk
and it was very birdy.
16 March Monday Paphos Headland Pre-breakfast we had a walk around Vasilias Nikoklis Inn, then
visited Aspro' dam and pools, finishing off with a short visit
before driving to the airport for mid-day.
If I was going to repeat the trip I would set aside one day for each of the following areas (so four full
days) if possible: (i) Paphos Headland & Water Treatment Plant, Mandria, Aspro Dam, Anarita Mast
and Park, (ii) Kourion Stadium, Kensington Cliffs (morning), Akrotiri & Phassouri sites, Lady’s Mile &
Zakaki Marsh), (iii) Troodos and (iv) Cape Greko, Paralimini Marsh & Orolinki Marsh.
Sites – some comments
Paphos Headland: We parked at the entrance to the archaeological park near the port, and saw
some good birds in the scrub of this carpark. From here we walked around the headland to a café
below the lighthouse on the far side and back. We did not go into the park, holes in the fence
seemed to be repaired, and the park opens from 8:30am. Another birder we met had seen good
birds within the park (orchard area). The area outside the fence is busy with dog walkers, joggers etc
from quite early on, so it is worth getting here for first light.
Paphos Water Treatment Plant: Easy site to see Spur-winged Plover well.
Mandria: Turn right at the Fish & Chip shop, then left past the church, bear right following signs to
the beach. Check the ploughed fields as you approach the beach for Stone Curlew. At the beach turn
left and drive along the beach track (unpaved) to the obvious picnic area, looking back and down to
the rough pasture – this is great for pipits, larks and wheatears. Offshore check the tops of the low
rocks for Shag.
Kourion Stadium: Well recommended, reportedly one of the best places to see Cyprus Warbler,
though we struggled to see one here. There are various ‘Kourion’ archaeological sites – the museum
is better sign posted, but it is the stadium you want. From the car park walk around the outside of
the stadium to the right, and check up the slope beyond the far right corner of the stadium towards
another fenced archaeological area – this area was great for migrants.
Kensington Cliffs: From Kourion Stadium turn right to get here. The light in the late afternoon is very
bad for viewing the cliffs (for Griffon Vulture), best visited in the morning.
Akrotiri Salt Lake: Despite high water levels the birds here were very distant, lots of Flamingos, best
viewed from the restaurant as described by Gosney.
Anarita Park & Mast: These areas have different habitats to each other and are well worth a visit –
follow directions as mentioned earlier.
Troodos: Quite a contrast to all the other sites, mountainous pine forests around a visitor centre and
set of tourist outlets. The best area for us was as follows: As if coming out of the Ben Nevis café (on
foot), turn right, walk up the road to the first junction, turn left, and then take the next right up a
small road leading past a number of small residential properties. This area was much quieter with
fewer tourists, and was where we saw most of the specialities. We had our best views of the local
Coal Tit sub-species from inside the café itself from a table by the windows. Food was good too.
Zakaki Marsh: This may be much reduced, but there is a good hide, and it still attracts good birds,
well worth a visit.
Lady’s Mile Beach: Gulls were present in numbers at the Zakaki Marsh end of the beach, and a few
waders on the adjacent pools.
Phassouri Reedbeds: Coming from Akrotiri drive past the Aerial Fields, and then take the first paved
road that angles off to the left, as this then bends around to the right take the turn on the left with
an obvious dead-end sign and follow this, it brings you to Phassouri reedbeds. If you continue on
beyond this it brings you to Akrotiri Gravel pits – we found this to be the easiest way to get to this
area. Looking from the Gravel pits towards the reedbeds at dusk is good for roosting harriers.
Cape Greko: Nothing really to add to info already online and in Gosney’s booklet.
Paralimni Lake: Best area was north of Sotira (shown in Gosney), take a paved road right from the
edge of the village of Sotira.
Orolinki Marsh: This has two good hides, it is worth visiting both, each overlooks different areas with
different birds. Very birdy.
Asprokremmos Dam, Copse & Pools: As per Gosney, the pools on our visit were pretty non-existent.
Scrub from the Dam and Copse provided the best views we had of Cyprus Warbler.
Daily log
Thursday 12 March
Having left Gatwick 25 minutes late we landed at Paphos on time at 1:40pm, first birds at the airport
were Hooded Crow and then Feral Pigeon. We picked up our CRV from Europcar and by 2.15pm had
checked into the Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (VNI). A short search of the surrounding scrub produced a few
Sardinian Warblers, and there were plenty of Spanish Sparrows around the Inn too.
We drove the 20 minutes up to Kidasi to look for Finsch’s Wheatears, parking by the old road bridge
just beyond the village. From this spot we picked up a few Red-rumped Swallows amongst a large
group of Barn Swallows and House Martins. Walking up the left side of the river we saw Blackcap
and Chiffchaff in the adjacent trees, and then circling over the distant hills a pair of Long-legged
Buzzards. We followed the track as it curved up and left into the hills, seeing a few Woodpigeons as
this track petered out in a shallow level bowl.
From here I picked my way up to the ridge line, flushing two Chukar, and from the ridge as I scanned
the old walls below I picked up a male Cyprus Wheatear. My father made his way up to join me, and
we spent a while watching a small group of Cyprus Wheatears and a single Black-eared Wheatear. A
staccato call drew our attention to a Great Spotted Cuckoo flying over, before we descended along
the ridge line, down into the flatter area below (where we were probably supposed to be), and back
to our car.
We then returned to the VNI for dinner, hearing Scops Owl (as we did each night) from the Inn.
Friday 13 March
At 5.45am we left the VNI for a pre-breakfast visit to Paphos Headland –our hope being to see
Greater Sandplover.
Shortly after 6am we were parked up by the entrance to the archaeological park, seeing a single Sub-
alpine Warbler and a few Sardinian Warblers in the carpark bushes. Continuing around the
headland (outside the fence), we picked up Black Redstart, Corn Buntings and our first Isabelline
Wheatears. Pipits inside and long the fence turned out to be a mix of Red-throated and Meadow,
and a little later on a single Tawny Pipit. Fan-tailed Warblers called and were seen over the park –
whilst a few Quails called from nearby, unseen.
The noisy calls of Hooded Crows and Jackdaws alerted us to their harassment of a Short-eared Owl
which gradually circled up and gained height. The rocky shoreline only revealed the odd Common
Sandpiper by way of waders, and we had seen pretty much nothing out to sea until we bumped into
another visiting birder (who had seen Crimson-winged Finch and Masked Shrike at the headland the
previous day).
As we walked round to where the finch had been the previous day with this birder he picked out the
only Yelkouan Shearwater of our trip. Further scanning offshore produced a flock of 34 Black-
headed Gulls and two Mediterranean Gulls. Unfortunately the only finches we saw were a Linnet
and a few Goldfinches and Serins. Returning to the car we added a few Stonechat and a couple of
Yellow-legged Gulls offshore.
After breakfast at the VNI, a short scan of the adjacent hills (once again signalled by calling Hooded
Crows) revealed three soaring Common Buzzards, a Sparrowhawk and three Kestrels. We then
returned in the Paphos direction to the sewerage works (the sites a birder goes to on holiday…). At
these we easily (and well) saw Spur-winged Plovers, and our first Cattle Egrets. A brief visit to the
adjacent Acheleia soak-away added little (a Northern Wheatear), so we moved on to Mandria.
At first our searching of the fields near the beach revealed little – White Wagtails and Meadow
Pipits, plus the common Crested Larks. Driving along the un-surfaced road towards the picnic site it
became clear that the rough ground held good numbers of birds, so we spend some time searching
this area. Here amongst the more commonly seen birds we added more Red-throated and Tawny
Pipits, and our only Greater Short-toed Larks and Desert Wheatear.
Moving on to the picnic area we checked the shoreline and offshore rocks, and these revealed a
single Little Ringed Plover and two Shags. From here we checked further fields as we looped back to
Mandria, but with little new seen.
From Mandria we drove to Kourion Stadium near Episkopi, this took some finding, but we eventually
parked by the ruins.
Bird calls led us anti-clockwise from the carpark (right) around the stadium walls. These calls quickly
revealed the first of several stunning male Ruppell’s Warblers and a few Sardinian Warblers. As we
followed the walls around I had a brief sighting of a female Cyprus Warbler, but this was very elusive
and my father never caught sight of it. We continued on towards the far left corner of the stadium,
seeing a fly-over Marsh Harrier, and then as we tracked back picked up a few Cyprus Wheatears and
a Eastern Black-eared Wheatear.
A calling fly-over bunting led us up-hill towards a further fenced-off archaeological area. Here we
saw 16 Cretzschmar’s Buntings, and then a real highlight of the trip, a superb Masked Shrike. A last
loop around and through the stadium produced a Woodlark, and Isabelline Wheatear. From here
we drove to Kensington Cliffs – this site took some finding.
On parking the car we quickly became aware of Alpine Swifts flying overhead. It took rather longer
to scan the sea-cliffs looking into the strong sunlight, but eventually we picked up 3 Griffon Vultures
perched on these cliffs.
We decided to close the day by heading over to the Akrotiri Salt Lake to see Flamingos, and though
distant this proved straightforward. We also picked up a few distant Shoveller, Mallard and
Shelduck, plus our first Black-winged Stilts of the trip.
Saturday 14 March
Pre-breakfast we had another (failed) go at seeing Finsch’s Wheatear, this time visiting the Anarita
Park and Mast areas.
Setting off at 05:45 again, we followed Wolfbirder’s directions heading up to the ‘two plateaus’ area.
Initially (by mistake) we took the turning before that which heads up to the two plateaus, this led up
to a small parking/turning area and adjacent flatish area leading on to another hill. This was a
fortuitous error, as walking across the flat area we picked up a few Cretzschmar’s Buntings, and
then on reaching the slopes leading up to the next hill, a male Cyprus Warbler, singing from the
bush-tops, much to my father’s relief in particular. From this spot, looking back down towards the
track we had taken we saw a Cyprus Wheatear, and another (female) Cyprus Warbler.
Moving on to the correct track we made our way up to the second plateau area and birded from
here. Good views were had of Ruppell’s Warblers, and a few more Cretzschmar’s Buntings, plus
hundreds of Spanish Sparrows up towards the goat farm, but no Finsch’s Wheatear. From here we
picked our way over to Anarita Mast.
After a short stop to admire a few pipits scurrying around some muck heaps we drove up to the
Mast area, where the flat scrubby habitat is quite different from that of the Anarita Park hills. Here a
black-throated Eastern Black-Eared Wheatear gave us a moment of false hope re Finsch’s, and we
enjoyed good views of Spectacled Warblers and Stonechats before leaving for breakfast.
After breakfast we set of up to Troodos – a fairly straightforward and scenic drive. Arriving at the
visitor centre carpark we were a bit surprised by the amount of snow. That and we were cold, as it
was also overcast and windy. A few Chaffinches and other common birds drew us to the edge of the
carpark by the (closed) visitor centre and I briefly spotted a Coal Tit, unfortunately this eluded my
father, but we assumed it would be easy to see more – it wasn’t. We also picked up the first of
several Short-toed Treecreepers, these are smartly marked birds, often drawing attention to
themselves by calling.
Walking up towards the main tourist area we added hundreds more Chaffinch, and a few other
common finches, before making our way up to an area of spread out domestic properties and open
pine forest. Here we picked up more Short-toed Treecreepers, added Siskins to the list of finches for
the trip, and then heard calling Crossbills. We eventually tracked down a female and immature bird,
and then latter a mixed group of 5 male and female birds, these posed well for us. During this period
I thought I heard, and then eventually saw a single Hawfinch, but this flew before my father caught
sight of it.
We walked up to the furthest of the properties, and just as we were conceding it was time to return,
and that we had not even heard Jay, two flew from a tree, one posing nicely. From here were turned
back towards the main area of cafes, and as we did so caught up with two more Hawfinches, which
we both saw well, our first Blackbird of the trip, and then overhead two Bonelli’s Eagles. By now
cold and hungry we retired to the ‘Ben Nevis’ café for some hot food and drink. Thankfully the
window table we bagged duly delivered good views of Coal Tit, and once fed we moved on.
It looked like the best road down from the mountains would bring us into Lemesos, and reasonably
near to Zakaki Marsh, so we resolved to head there and bird some of the sites from there around the
Akrotiri area. Parking up at Zakaki we quickly spotted Little Ringed Plover on the pools over the
road, and then headed up into the hide. From the hide we enjoyed excellent views of Ferruginous
Ducks, our first Little Egrets and Green Sandpiper, plus other common waterbirds.
It was clear that there were numbers of mostly Black-headed Gulls over at the near end of Lady’s
Mile Beach, so we headed over there, stopping for our first and only Starling, and the first of many
Kentish Plovers. Amongst the Black-headed Gulls were good numbers of smart pinkly washed
Slender-billed Gulls; always nice to see.
From here we drove along the edge of the salt/sand flat alongside the beach and up to Akrotiri.
Checking the pools beside this track produced a new wader in the form of 3 Little Stints. As we
progressed storm clouds and lightning appeared ominously in our direction of travel, and as we
approached the Aerial Farm it started to rain heavily. A brief look at the salt lake from the edge of
Akrotiri added nothing new, and so we eventually found our way to Phassourri reedbeds. These
produced our first Common Snipe and good views of quartering Marsh Harriers, but the rain meant
there was no chance of small birds here. We continued on to the Akrotiri Gravel Pits, again adding
little new in the rain, before returning to the reedbeds for the last half hour of light. As the rain
eased we saw good numbers of Marsh Harriers coming in to roost, before finally heading off for
dinner.
Sunday 15 March
A full day in the Cape Greko and surrounding area. We started with a stop at Kermia Beach, where
we quickly picked up single Audouin’s Gull, Little Egret and Spectacled Warbler. From here we
moved on to the sea-caves/rubbish dump area at the base of Cape Greko. Whilst we picked up some
nice birds here it was apparent that it was rather a quiet day.
Walking the ‘fields’ produced many Spectacled Warblers and good numbers of Ruppell’s Warblers,
plus a few Eastern Bonnelli’s Warblers and Chiffchaffs. We slowly picked up a few larks – the ever-
present Crested, a couple of Skylarks, and the highlight, one or two Lesser Short-toed Lark. A Red-
rumped Swallow was picked out overhead, and offshore a single Audouin’s Gull, possibly the bird
from Kermia. As we returned to the car we added a Cyprus Wheatear to the few Northern and
Isabelline Wheatears we had already picked up.
As we drove through the pines at the start of the entrance track to the headland at Cape Greko we
picked up some small bird movement and so stopped. After a lot of effort we eventually added first
a few Chiffchaff, but then more encouragingly an Eastern Orphean Warbler, single ‘Ehrenberg’s’
Common Redstart and Blackcap.
Moving on to the headland we added more Ruppell’s and Spectacled Warblers, a couple of Lesser
Whitethroat, and single Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler. Another Cyprus Wheatear was seen around the
car park, an area where we also saw two Woodlark, and nearby a few Cretzschmar’s Buntings. As
the heat built and our sightings dwindled we decided to move on.
We had a short visit to the area around the blue-roofed chapel, but added nothing further.
Next stop was Paralimni Lake, where after a few largely bird-less stops we made our way to the
Sotira pools. Although difficult to see – being largely obscured by surrounding bushes, these with
patience revealed a few birds. Lots of Ruff were present, as where a few Spotted Redshank,
Greenshank and good numbers of Green Sandpiper. A passing Marsh Harrier attracted attention
from the resident Spur-winged Plovers, but out in the middle of the lake there were only two
Flamingo mooching about.
From Paralimni Lake we drove over to Orolinki, and thankfully a marked increase in bird numbers,
and the ease of seeing birds.
First stop on exiting the motorway was the hide by the petrol station. From this we enjoyed the
masses of water-birds and gulls. Highlights included Flamingos, Cattle and Little Egrets, a single
Avocet, lots of ducks, and amongst the many Black-headed Gulls, good numbers of Mediterranean
and Slender-billed Gulls, plus two nice adult Armenian Gulls.
At the first hide we looked at the map on the ground floor to work out where the second hide was,
and with a brief stop to check the small pool on the opposite side of the road (Spur-winged Plover),
we made our way around to the second hide.
The pools visible from the second hide had a different set of birds to the first, these included Red-
crested Pochards, our only Wigeon of the trip, a pair of Garganey and a reasonable selection of
waders. The highlight was a single Marsh Sandpiper, but there were plenty of Ruff, a few Spotted
and Common Redshank, and distant Little Stint and Little Ringed Plovers.
We returned for the last half hour of light to the first hide – the light was better than from the
second, to see if any other heron or gull species came in to roost. Whilst the Cattle Egret numbers
grew to an impressive 216, we added nothing new.
On our return drive home we discussed having a look for Scops Owl after dinner, but before we got
there another owl surprised us; a Barn Owl briefly ghosting through our headlights as we exited the
motorway!
Back in my room I was just about to get in the shower when I heard a Scops Owl calling, seemingly
just outside. I wrapped a towel around my waist, put on my bins and stepped out on the balcony.
Thankfully no photographic evidence of this exists. Incredibly I saw a Scops Owl fly out of the tree in
front of me, and then tracked down another calling from a higher branch.
On went some clothes, around to my father’s room and back, and yes it was still there – we enjoyed
watching this bird for a good while, a real highlight.
Monday 16 March
Our last half day, and we started with a 90 minute walk up the valley from the VNI, before returning
for breakfast at 07:30am. The walk was rather disappointing, the valley bottom staying in shade for
most of our walk, and we only saw birds we had regularly seen to that point. It was interesting to see
a gathering of 140 Jackdaws in one large bare tree, but otherwise nothing notable was seen.
On returning to the VMI I spotted our car had a flat tyre, what a pain. Europcar provided an
incredibly prompt and professional response. By the time we had finished breakfast the tyre had
been repaired, and we could be on our way. After picking up a couple of Alpine Swifts above VMI
our first stop was at the Asprokremmos Dam.
Initially we parked at the North-West end of the dam, and checked the adjacent scrub and pines,
plus the bird-less lake itself. An early highlight was a showy if slightly distant male Cyprus Warbler
that sang from the culvert-side scrub below the dam. More Alpine Swifts and Common Swifts were
present overhead, though a short walk through the pines was disappointing – a few Chiffchaff and
Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers.
We then drove along to the ‘amenities area’ and from here walked up to and through the orchard to
the scrub beyond. As we walked towards the orchard it was great to see three Hoopoes feeding, and
in one case dust-bathing in front of us. These silently slipped away as we got closer. Moving on to
the scrub beyond the small copse produced brief views of another male Cyprus Warbler, plus to
prove that some birds do use the reservoir, a single Cormorant.
Whilst on the dam we had not been able to see any pools in the area below it, but we decided to
check the Aspro’ Pools area anyway as we were so close. A small pool spanning the access track held
a Green Sandpiper, and at the two very small pools present below the dam we added a Blackcap,
but no crakes.
There was just enough time left for a short visit to Mandria, so we made our way through the village
and on towards the beach. Stopping to check various bare and ploughed fields eventually paid off as
my father spotted three Stone Curlews on the far side of one. Lifted by this we drove on towards the
small headland. Initially the rough grass seemed quieter than our previous visit but gradually we saw
a few pipits, larks and wheatears.
Driving up to the picnic area it became clear that this was where most of the birds were – a flock of
20-odd larks plus a Tawny Pipit. We identified these larks as Lesser Short-toed, but it seems likely
that this was somewhat hasty as a local birder more experienced with the larks on Cyprus identified
a similar number of Greater in exactly the same spot that day. A short sea-watch produced perhaps
the rarest (local) sighting of our trip, an adult Gannet flying steadily past. With that sadly we had to
depart for our own flight North.
Concluding thoughts
We had a great trip, thoroughly enjoying Cyprus and the birding, it is a great destination for early
spring birding. We will have to return another time for Finsch’s Wheatear…
I would like to thank all of those that provided help and advice during the trip, and the helpful
birders we met along the way.
Happy birding, Paul.
Southern Cyprus mid-March 2015 trip report
Author: Paul Sharp
This list covers a long weekend birding in Southern Cyprus between the 12th and 16th March 2015.
Species list
1. LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (1)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake / Sotira Pools (4), Orolinki Marsh (12)
2. YELKOUAN SHEARWATER Puffinus yelkouan
Surprisingly (to a first time visitor) only a single shearwater seen.
13/03/2015: Pathos Headland (1)
3. NORTHERN GANNET Sula bassana
I was unaware of how uncommon a sighting Northern Gannet was in Cyprus.
16/03/2015: Mandria (1, adult in steady flight West)
4. GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
With the exception of the single bird seen at the Aspro’ Dam all birds noted were seen in
large flocks in flight overhead.
13/03/2015: Mandria (56), Kensington Cliffs (76)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (1)
5. EUROPEAN SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis
13/03/2015: Mandria (2)
6. CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis
13/03/2015: Paphos water treatment plant (3)
15/03/2015: Orolokini Marsh (216, evening roost)
7. LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (5)
15/03/2015: Kermia Beach (1), Paralimni Lake (2), Orolinki Marsh (6)
[GREAT EGRET Ardea alba]
13/03/2015: Akrotiri Salt Lake (22 large white egrets were too distant to be identified
with certainty but probably of this species)
8. GREY HERON Ardea cinerea
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (1)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (7)
9. GREATER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus roseus
13/03/2015: Akrotiri Salt Lake (320)
14/03/2015: Akrotiri Salt Lake (150)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (2), Orolinki Marsh (29)
10. COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna
13/03/2015: Akrotiri Salt Lake (17)
11. EURASIAN WIGEON Anas Penelope
15/03/2015: Orolokini Marsh (2)
12. EURASIAN TEAL Anas crecca
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (2)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (8), Orolinki Marsh (120)
13. MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos
13/03/2015: Akrotiri Salt Lake (2)
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (4), Phassouri Reedbeds (1), Akrotiri Gravel Pits (3)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (2), Orolinki Marsh (40)
14. GARGANEY Anas querquedula
15/03/2015: Orolokini Marsh (2)
15. NORTHERN SHOVELER Anas clypeata
13/03/2015: Akrotiri Salt Lake (8)
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (80)
16. RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina
15/03/2015: Orolokini Marsh (4)
17. FERRUGINOUS DUCK Aythya nyroca
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (5)
18. EURASIAN GRIFFON VULTURE Gyps fulvus
13/03/2015: Kensington Cliffs (3)
19. WESTERN MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (1, migrant flying over), Akrotiri Lake (1)
14/03/2015: Phassouri Reedbeds (6)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (1), Orolinki Marsh (1)
20. EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus
13/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (1)
21. COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo
13/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (3)
14/03/2015: Phassouri Reedbeds (1)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (1), Orolinki Marsh (1)
22. LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD Buteo rufinus
13/03/2015: Kidasi (2)
23. BONELLI'S EAGLE Aquila fasciatus
14/03/2015: Troodos (2)
24. COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus
Seen more often than noted below.
12/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (1), Kidasi (2)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (2), Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (4), Kourion Stadium (2)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (1), Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2), Phassouri Reedbeds (1)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (2), Cape Greko Headland (1), Paralimni Lake (2)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (4)
25. CHUKAR Alectoris chukar
12/03/2015: Kidasi (2)
13/03/2015: Phaphos water treatment plant (2)
14/03/2015: Anarita Mast (1)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (3)
[COMMON QUAIL Coturnix coturnix]
13/03/2015: Paphos Headland (2+ heard only, calling from inside of fence)
[WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus]
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (1 heard only)
26. COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus
14/03/2015: Phassouri Reedbeds (3)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (3), Orolinki Marsh (4)
27. EURASIAN COOT Fulica atra
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (3)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (11), Orolinki Marsh (30)
28. BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus himantopus
13/03/2015: Akrotiri Lake (8)
14/03/2015: Lady’s Mile Beach pools (7)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (4), Orolinki Marsh (11)
29. PIED AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (1)
30. EURASIAN STONE-CURLEW Burhinus oedicnemus
16/03/2015: Mandria (3)
31. LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius
13/03/2015: Mandria (1)
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (1)
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (3)
32. KENTISH PLOVER Charadrius alexandrines
14/03/2015: Lady’s Mile Beach pools (8), Akrotiri Gravel Pits (14)
33. SPUR-WINGED LAPWING Vanellus spinosus
13/03/2015: Phaphos water treatment plant (11)
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (1)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (7), Orolinki Marsh (14)
34. LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta
14/03/2015: Lady’s Mile Beach pools (3)
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (3)
35. RUFF Philomachus pugnax
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (70), Orolinki Marsh (30)
36. COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago
14/03/2015: Phassouri Reedbeds (1)
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (6)
37. SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (3), Orolinki Marsh (2)
38. COMMON REDSHANK Tringa tetanus
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (5)
39. MARSH SANDPIPER Tringa stagnatilis
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (1)
40. COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (4)
41. GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (1), Akrotiri Gravel Pits (3)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (9), Orolinki Marsh (4)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ pools (1)
42. COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (3)
43. MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (2)
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (14)
44. COMMON BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (34, single flock with 2 Med. Gulls)
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (1), Lady’s Mile Beach (180)
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (80)
45. SLENDER-BILLED GULL Larus genei
14/03/2015: Lady’s Mile Beach (13)
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (16)
46. AUDOUIN'S GULL Larus audouinii
15/03/2015: Kermia Beach (1), Cape Greko Sea Caves (1, may have been the same bird as
seen at Kermia)
47. YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (3)
14/03/2015: Kensington Cliffs (4), Lady’s Mile Beach (2)
16/03/2015: Mandria (1)
48. ARMENIAN GULL Larus armenicus
14/03/2015: Akrotiri Gravel Pits (1, adult, moult into summer plumage not yet complete,
seen by JLS only)
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (2, adults, coming out of winter plumage)
49. (FERAL) ROCK DOVE Columba livia
Commonly seen, noted as follows:
12/03/2015: Phaphos Airport (5), Kidasi (18)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (20)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (20)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (1)
50. COMMON WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus
12/03/2015: Kidasi (3)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (3)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (4), Troodos (2)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (5)
51. EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto
12/03/2015: Kidasi (2)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (4)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (4)
52. GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO Clamator glandarius
12/03/2015: Kidasi (1)
14/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2)
53. BARN OWL Tyto alba
15/03/2015: A6 Mandria exit (1)
54. EURASIAN (CYPRUS) SCOPS OWL Otus scops
15/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2 seen, plus heard calling each night from 12-15 March
inclusive)
55. SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (1)
56. COMMON SWIFT Apus apus
12/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (4)
14/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2)
15/03/2015: Orolinki Marsh (15)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2), Aspro’ Dam (12), Mandria (4)
57. ALPINE SWIFT Tachymarptis melba
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (1), Kensington Cliffs (11)
14/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (8)
58. EURASIAN HOOPOE Upupa epops
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (3)
59. GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK Calandrella brachydactyla
13/03/2015: Mandria (9)
60. LESSER SHORT-TOED LARK Calandrella rufescens
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (1 or 2, may have been the same bird seen twice)
[16/03/2015: Mandria (24 larks initially identified as this species, more likely to have
been Greater short-toed Lark)]
61. CRESTED LARK Galerida cristata
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (3), Mandria (4), Kourion Stadium (2), Akrotiri Lake (2)
14/03/2015: Aspro’ Mast (3), Lady’s Mile Beach (2)
15/03/2015: Kermia Beach (4), Cape Greko Sea Caves (7), Cape Greko Headland (8), Cape
Greko Rock Arch (2), Orolinki Marsh (5)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (2), Mandria (6)
62. WOODLARK Lullula arborea
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (1)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Headland (2)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (2)
63. EURASIAN SKYLARK Alauda arvensis
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (2)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (1)
64. BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica
12/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (10), Kidasi (6)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (10), Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (30), Kourion Stadium (8)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (8), Zakaki Marsh (3)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (8), Orolinki Marsh (30)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (6), Mandria (8)
65. RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo daurica
12/03/2015: Kidasi (6)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (1), Cape Greko Headland (1)
66. COMMON HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum
12/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (20), Kidasi (20)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (4), Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (20)
67. TAWNY PIPIT Anthus campestris
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (1), Mandria (3)
16/03/2015: Mandria (1)
68. MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (8)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (3), Aspro’ Mast (2)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (4)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2), Mandria (4)
69. RED-THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (3), Mandria (5)
14/03/2015: Aspro’ Mast (2)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (1)
70. WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba
12/03/2015: Kidasi (1)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (4), Paphos water treatment plant (14), Mandria (8)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (4), Aspro’ Mast (12), Zakaki Marsh (4)
15/03/2015: Kermia Beach (2), Cape Greko Sea Caves (4), Cape Greko Headland (2),
Paralimni Lake (5), Orolinki Marsh (3)
16/03/2015: Mandria (8)
71. EUROPEAN ROBIN Erithacus rubecula
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (2)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (2), Troodos (1)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Headland (1)
72. WESTERN BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros
13/03/2015: Paphos Headland (3), Kourion Stadium (1)
14/03/2015: Troodos (1)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (2)
73. (EHRENBERG'S) COMMON REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus samamisicus
15/03/2015: Pines at Cape Greko Headland (1 male)
74. COMMON STONECHAT Saxicola rubicola
12/03/2015: Kidasi (1)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (3), Kourion Stadium (1)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (1), Aspro’ Mast (2)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (1)
75. ISABELLINE WHEATEAR Oenanthe isabellina
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (6), Mandria (4), Kourion Stadium (2)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (2), Aspro’ Mast (1)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (1)
16/03/2015: Mandria (2)
76. NORTHERN WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (2), Phaphos water treatment plant (1), Mandria (4),
Kourion Stadium (2)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (1), Aspro’ Mast (2)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (1)
77. CYPRUS WHEATEAR Oenanthe cypriaca
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (1)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (2)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (2)
78. EASTERN BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR Oenanthe melanoleuca
12/03/2015: Kidasi (1)
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (1)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (1), Aspro’ Mast (3)
79. DESERT WHEATEAR Oenanthe deserti
13/03/2015: Mandria (1)
80. EURASIAN BLACKBIRD Turdus merula
14/03/2015: Troodos (1)
81. SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (2), Cape Geko Headland (4)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (1)
[CETTI'S WARBLER Cettia cetti]
Heard only (and more often than noted below).
12/03/2015: Kidasi (2)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (1)
15/03/2015: Paralimni Lake (1), Orolinki Marsh (1)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (1)
82. ZITTING CISTICOLA Cisticola juncidis
12/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (1)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (3), Paphos water treatment plant (1), Mandria (3)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (2)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (1)
83. SPECTACLED WARBLER Sylvia conspicillata
14/03/2015: Aspro’ Mast (2)
15/03/2015: Kermia Beach (1), Cape Greko Sea Caves (8), Cape Greko Headland (4), Cape
Greko rock arch (3)
84. SUBALPINE WARBLER Sylvia cantillans
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (1)
85. SARDINIAN WARBLER Sylvia melanocephala
12/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (1), Kidasi (3)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (2), Kourion Stadium (8)
14/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (3)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (2), Cape Greko Headland (2), Cape Greko rock-arch
(1)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (4), Aspro’ Dam (4)
86. CYPRUS WARBLER Sylvia melanothorax
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (1)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (2)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (2)
87. RÜPPELL'S WARBLER Sylvia rueppelli
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (5)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (1)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Sea Caves (5), Cape Greko Headland (4), Cape Greko rock-arch
(2)
88. EASTERN ORPHEAN WARBLER Sylvia crassirostris
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Headland pines (1)
89. LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Headland (2), Cape Greko rock-arch (1)
90. EURASIAN BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla
12/03/2015: Kidasi (1)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (1)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Headland pines (1)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (1)
91. EASTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER Phylloscopus orientalis
15/03/2015: Cape Greko sea caves (3), Cape Greko Headland (3), Cape Greko rock-arch
(2)
92. COMMON CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita
12/03/2015: Kidasi (1)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (2)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko sea caves (3), Cape Greko Headland (3), Cape Greko rock-arch
(1), Orolinki Marsh (2)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2)
93. (CYPRUS) COAL TIT Parus ater
14/03/2015: Troodos (5)
94. GREAT TIT Parus major
13/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2), Kourion Stadium (4)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Headland (2)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2), Aspro’ Dam (3)
95. (DOROTHY’S) SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER Certhia brachydactyla
14/03/2015: Troodos (5)
96. MASKED SHRIKE Lanius nubicus
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (1)
97. (CYPRUS) EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius
14/03/2015: Troodos (2)
98. EURASIAN MAGPIE Pica pica
12/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2), Kidasi (8)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (2)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (8)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko sea caves (3)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (4)
99. WESTERN JACKDAW Corvus monedula
12/03/2015: Kidasi (8)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (12), Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (12)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (30)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko sea caves (12)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (140), Aspro’ Dam (8)
100. HOODED CROW Corvus cornix
Commonly seen, noted as follows:
12/03/2015: Paphos Airport (5), Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (4), Kidasi (2)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (20)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (20), Phassouri Reedbeds (18)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko sea caves (6)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (20), Aspro’ Dam (12)
101. COMMON STARLING Sturnus vulgaris
14/03/2015: Zakaki Marsh (1)
102. HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus
Commonly seen, noted as follows:
12/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (6)
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (12), Mandria (6)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (20), Troodos (20)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Headland (10)
103. SPANISH SPARROW Passer hispaniolensis
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (18)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (60))
15/03/2015: Kermia Beach (6), Cape Greko sea caves (4)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (30), Mandria (12)
104. COMMON CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs
12/03/2015: Kidasi (3)
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (1)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (1), Troodos (200)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko Headland (1)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (4)
105. EUROPEAN SERIN Serinus serinus
12/03/2015: Kidasi (3)
13/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (1), Mandria (4)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (8), Troodos (8)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (6)
106. EUROPEAN GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris
12/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (2)
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (2)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (2), Troodos (12)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko sea caves (4), Cape Greko Headland (6)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (5)
107. EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis
12/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (8), Kidasi (18)
13/03/2015: Paphos Headland (2), Kourion Stadium (6)
14/03/2015: Aspro’ Mast (20), Troodos (30)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko sea caves (8), Cape Greko Headland (8)
16/03/2015: Vasilias Nikoklis Inn (18)
108. EURASIAN SISKIN Carduelis spinus
14/03/2015: Troodos (4)
109. COMMON LINNET Carduelis cannabina
13/03/2015: Paphos Headland (1)
110. (CYPRUS) RED CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra
14/03/2015: Troodos (5)
111. HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes
14/03/2015: Troodos (3)
112. CRETZSCHMAR'S BUNTING Emberiza caesia
13/03/2015: Kourion Stadium (16)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (4)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko sea caves (1), Cape Greko Headland (3)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (1)
113. CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra
Commonly seen, noted as follows:
13/03/2015: Phaphos Headland (3), Kourion Stadium (3)
14/03/2015: Anarita Park (10), Aspro’ Mast (30)
15/03/2015: Cape Greko sea caves (1), Cape Greko Headland (1)
16/03/2015: Aspro’ Dam (2)