We have only been back a couple of weeks but it feels like a lifetime ago already. Back to our autumn migration here in the UK that, just like last year, never really got off the ground in our neck of the woods. Wishing we were still back in Cyprus with vis mig happening every day. It was Simon's birthday while we were away, so it was nice to spend it birding at Akrotiri. An excellent days list on a special day......with wine and cake for tea !
We stayed at the Helios Bay Hotel, same place as we stayed in the spring, in a self catering apartment. Spotless clean, good location between Pathos and Coral Bay and a sea view. Booked this time through Booking.com at an excellent price. We flew from Doncaster which is a 15 minute drive for us, although the car parking charges are absolutely staggering. We got ourselves a room upgrade and had a ground floor, garden room that overlooked the sea. Perfect. And we did adopt the local feral cats, feeding at least 5 each evening. They had all got used to coming into the garden rooms, they were fed by quite a few people, and they showed no fear and would snooze on our sofas.......we could have brought them all home and I have to admit that on the last day, I did have a tear when we had to leave little ginger xx
Car hire was reasonably priced and we did have a puncture. A phone call to the Avis hire folk at the airport and a mechanic was soon on his way with a repair kit and a pump. We have since had the credit card bill and was pleased to say that there was no charge for this, well impressed Avis !
The weather was absolutely scorchio, hotter than we expected which did curtail birding from around 11am to 4pm most days. We used our Gosney Guide to Southern Cyprus, a godsend for birders with accurate locations and birding spots. Worth it's weight in gold !
The sites we visited were the fields at Mandria, Lark Corner, Pathos Sewage Works, Aspro Dam, Cape Drepanum, Mavro Dam, Polis, Latchi, Troodos Mountains, Akamas Peninsula, Akrotiri Salt Lake, Phasouri Reedbed and Kensington Cliffs.
The highlight of the trip has to be the migration of the bee eaters. We saw 1000's and 1000's fly over us, it was spectacular and we will never forget listening to their constant calls that we heard whenever we stopped. It was stunningly good ! And the Honey Buzzards at Akrotiri one morning rising on the thermals, 100's of them, fabulous ! So, an excellent autumn break was had by all. Looking forward to our next trip in January.......but who knows where that will be......and if we can afford it after this winters gas bill !!
1 comment:
Top quality blog - really enjoyed these insights on Cyprus and its birds.
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