BIRD LIFE CYPRUS - September 2003 Autumn 2004

Raptor Watch Field Meeting - P H Woods (long standing member of LDBWS.)

As a member of Cyprus 'Bird Life International' I would like to describe one of our field meetings held in autumn to watch the raptor migration. It was an evening trip held on the 19th September 2003. The location was the vast expanse of the Akrotiri reedbed area. At this time of year Cyprus is very hot with temperatures set in the high 80's so insect repellent and lots of liquid refreshment are advisable. Eight 'Raptorphiles' met up at the Akrotiri car park and immediately moved on to the centre of the reed beds on the northern shore of the dry salt lake. Here also we were situated amongst much scrubland. By 4.30 pm we were all in position having found an open space among the maquis to park our vehicles. Our leader on this particular meeting was Jeff Gordon an expert and very knowledgeable ornithologist with many years of experience in Cyprus and the Middle East.

Soon the Bee-Eaters could be heard overhead and everyone was soon observing these beautiful birds about us attracted by the many beehives situated in the distant Eucalyptus trees. A Spectacled Warbler was noticed flitting about in the scrub. A sudden shout turned our attention upwards; five Honey Buzzards appeared overhead and as they soared away these were quickly followed by the sighting of a Black Kite. Then the harriers began to arrive flying low for a suitable place in which to settle and roost. There were male and female Marsh Harriers, Pallid Harriers likewise Montagus Harriers, adults and immature birds. We were surrounded by these superb birds and watched them continue to fly in and settle close by so near in fact that discussions took place regarding the colouring and marks on their facial masks and neck collars in order to distinguish the females from the numerous juveniles that were about. Looking through my telescope I had superb views of all three harrier species and perched atop the low shrubs they made thrilling raptor watching. A Peregrine flew across our view and settled some way off on the salt flats its image blurred by the heat haze. More Honey Buzzards flew over and more Black Kites too all on their way to winter in Africa and a single Roller put in an appearance showing us all what colourful birds they are. Suddenly shots rang out from the direction of the Eucalyptus trees where we had noticed the beehives on our drive in so Jason who was the Conservation Officer for the Sovereign Bases in Cyprus jumped into his vehicle and sped off to investigate. Not long after the shooting stopped and on his return as we had all guessed local Cypriots had been laying in waiting and shooting at the lovely Bee Eaters which were so attracted to the many bees swarming around the hives Jason had stopped the slaughter temporarily.

Gradually as the evening drew on the raptor movement stopped so it was decided that it was now time to leave we drove carefully back through the maquis so as not to disturb the roosting birds..Our only disappointment was that we had not seen the Lesser Spotted Eagle that had been previously seen in the vicinity
Birds seen - Honey Buzzard 10. Black Kite 5. March Harrier 23 Pallid Harrier 8 Montagus Harrier 7 Peregrine Falcon 1 Bee Eater 74 Roller 1 Spectacled Warbler 2