We headed for the Akamas today with the hope of adding a few more species to the list. A couple of stops in the hills failed to add long legged buzzard for dad's list but the views out over towards Paphos were impressive.
The first stop was the caravan park just beyond the Baths of Aphrodite, a slightly random place of old caravans under the olive trees. It was however, great for birds. As soon as we got out of the car there were blackcaps everywhere. I would say that there were at least 50 birds throughout the area. Every olive seemed to have several feeding. Mixed in with them were a few other things.
The wood warblers, probably 3 of then, look absolutely stunning in the bright sunshine, the yelow and green so bright contrasting with the white underparts. A nice showy nightingale performed well, male collared fly, 3 female pied fly were present and at least 2 whinchat.
Surprise of the morning was the 'long legged buzzard' I spotted from the car as we headed back. Thankfully the bird was still about by the time managed to stop. The bird didn't 'look right' and getting the scope on it I realised it was a Bonellis eagle. Well happy with that ( we didn't get the buzzard for dad in the end)
We headed up towards Smiyies picnic site for a walk around. Good numbers of serin were present today and we had nice views of ortolan, female masked shrike and a smart male marsh harrier overhead.
Final stop of the trip was Evretou Dam. The drive down was rather interesting and not recommended if it has been wet or you have a low car but our hire car made it fine.
The muddy margins around the end of the lake had several squacco heron and 3 species of wader. 4 common and a marsh sand had already been added to the list but a summer plumage greenshank was new.
The sun was particularly hot so we retired to the pool and shade around the villa for the last few rays
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