Paphos Life

Spring migration
Spring migration in Cyprus starts early in February with the arrival of the first Hirundines and Wheatears, such as the Isabelline and Northern Wheatear, and with Great Spotted Cuckoo arriving towards the end of the month. Early March sees the first Hoopoe, and by the end of this month the spring migration is under full swing with the arrival of Pallid Harriers, Wryneck, Larks, Pipits, Wagtails, Black-eared Wheatear, Sylvia Warblers (including Ruppell’s and Subalpine), Cretzshmar's and Ortolan Buntings. This migration continues into early April with the additional arrival of various Egrets, Herons, Waders, Rollers, Bee-eaters, Olivaceous Warbler, Shrikes, Golden Orioles, and Black-headed Bunting. Towards the end of April passerine migration drops off, but wader migration continues, with the possibility of the odd rarity arriving continuing into May.
https://birdlifecyprus.org/birdwatching-in-cyprus

We used to hear a cuckoo every spring, but the bird population has radically changed here over the last few years. As far as I can judge, this has not been due to human causes (we have unchanged forest land bordering us) but I believe it has been caused by the proliferation of Hooded Crows, which I guess have raided the nests of smaller species. As a guess, I would say that at least 8 species have disappeared or nearly so, apart from the Cuckoo, including the Cyprus Wheatear, Bee-eaters, Hoopoes (still hear a distant one in Spring/Summer, where we had them actually nesting in the garden). Other than the blasted crows, we still have pigeons and the ubiquitous House Sparrow, as well as an occasional visit from a Kestrel and we used to hear a Scop's Owl, but rarely now. We no longer see game birds, either, despite the land behind us being 'no hunting' (ha! ha!).

I heard one the other morning recently too - in Chloraka..

Dee

The Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius is recorded in Cyprus from January to July and the Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus March to June with occasional sightings in July through to as late as November. And whilst Hooded Crows seem to be on the increase, it's good news for the Great Spotted Cuckoo as they are one of their preferred hosts to bring up their chick, the other being the much maligned Magpie!


Shane

I hope someone tells it to be quiet on a Sunday and a Wednesday

Why Trevor??

MB

They are Hunting Days at the moment..

There was an owl in our back garden a few nights ago. A big old thing, and a magnificent sight.