Paphos Life

Well, recently some of us posted some photos from the nice colourful and noisy bee-eaters, which are on the way to go back to their winter habitat.

However, today I want to share with you some of the many photos I was able to produce yesterday late afternoon when I heard a lot of noise and splosh outside. When I looked through the window I saw first time in the 7 years I am living at this place the obviously rare situation that at least 20 bee-eaters are having fun and a dive into my pool. Perhaps the look of a dirty pool maybe invited them? I couldn't be bothered to hoover the pool again after a lot of rain water went into it these days after torrential rainfall, as I cleaned just the day before that happened.

I hope you forgive the medium quality of the pics as they had to be done through the window because if you go outside all the birds will disappear...

Here you can see some of them having a rest at the wire while the others flying around the pool.


Four of them together having fun






This one had a good dive but no problem to fly off again


dancing in the air...


and finally one right under water


Max

My wife saw a bee eater for the first time yesterday too, when we were driving up the Ezousa Valley.

Wow, Max, what a lovely sight for you. I've had bee-eaters on my wires every May and September (though much less this September), but I have never seen them dive down to the pool, or even get close to it. They usually swoop the other way, over the field in front of the house.

I'd have loved to see this, you're very lucky - and to get some photos too!

Fantastic Max

None here this year, nor in the spring. two years ago a-plenty!

Great photos Max, a lovely sight. Thank you so much for sharing

Great photos Max

Once again, well done on a lovely set of photos, Max.
I have never seen bee eaters over my pool, but the vivid green budgerigar that visited last week did manage to hover, getting feet and belly wet, while he scooped a beakful or two of water.

Dominic wrote: ↑Wed Sep 18, 2019 10:54 am My wife saw a bee eater for the first time yesterday too, when we were driving up the Ezousa Valley.

That’s a surprise Dominic, there have been lots of them around our place for about 2 weeks now, their very distinctive sound helps to spot them.

Ian

It surprised me too, especially as she is often out photographing stuff. I see and hear them every year, but they had somehow eluded her up until now.

Dominic wrote: ↑Thu Sep 19, 2019 12:10 pm It surprised me too, especially as she is often out photographing stuff. I see and hear them every year, but they had somehow eluded her up until now.

No wonder, as soon as you come closer than ca 30 m, they spot you and are gone from the area...that's why close-up pics in good quality is something special and I am proud that I have ca 50 photos in my gallery from the last 7 years...

Max

After saying last week that I have seen less bee-eaters this September, I have now probably seen hundreds over the last 5 days. Quite a few on the wires over my garden too - though of course none drinking from the pool. And I still haven't managed to get a decent photo of one in flight. Hopefully one day....

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.