21st December 2024 – In and around Paphos, Cyprus

We joined the main group of our natural history tour to Cyprus today but, as they were visiting the Archeological Park in Cyprus (which we did yesterday), we were kind to ourselves and had a gentle stroll around the park focussing on the birds.

Yesterday we started with a Sardinian warbler and today it was in the same spot to greet us; yet I failed again to get a decent shot. Stonechats were two-a-penny again but we were not complaining as they are lovely little birds and much more accommodating than warblers. We did manage to see a Cetti’s warbler but it soon disappeared into the depths of a bush before I could operate my camera.

Photography with a bridge camera was not easy as the light wasn’t great today. At my time of life compromise is a constant!

Stonechat

At first I thought it must be a stonechat from its position but then realised it was a meadow pipit.

This kestrel was clearly not a stonechat
Kestrel obligingly flying past

Some new plants to us in the park – Fagoniao cretica

I think these hooded crows are more handsome than our carrion crows

… and quite attractive in flight

Coffee on the quay and a chance to add to our list with these great cormorants in the harbour

In the afternoon we travelled inland and in the Anarita Park our guide Andy had a great spot with a Finsch’s wheatear.

If you look closely you can see the Finsch’s wheatear on the top of the post. You might realise what a good spot this was as this is a highly cropped photo of a shot with my bridge camera with 600 mm lens.

The Finsch’s wheatear a little closer

Another good spot – this time by our botanist guide Jessica – Hyacinthella millingenii 

We ended our day at the Agia Vagara settling pools which was a little disappointing as the light had more or less failed by then: we saw a few common snipe and a jack snipe, a teal and a pair of coots before we got caught in a heavy shower which had been threatening for most of the day.

Although the forecast for the week had looked very good before our arrival I think it must have been written by the Cyprus Tourist Board because the reality is now somewhat disappointing. It’s definitely better than the UK though.

Christmas in Paphos

Comments

3 responses to “21st December 2024 – In and around Paphos, Cyprus”

  1. rogerrees2 Avatar
    rogerrees2

    Finsch’s wheatear eh! Nice.

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