Finsch's wheatear is one of the star attractions of any winter birding visit
to Cyprus. Breeding in Turkey, a few overwinter on the island, but are only
present between about December to mid-February. The abandoned village of
Foinikas near our old haunt of Nata is one of the most likely places to find
them.
Today we didn't make it as far as the village due to the combination of
rapidly deteriorating weather and three large and aggressive looking feral
dogs that we didn't want to meet, but fortunately I did managed to find one of
the wheatears at the side of the track about 1km from the village.
They are far more nervous than the northern wheatears we get in the UK and
won't allow close approach, but this bird showed as well as any I have seen in
the past. The only place outside Cyprus that I have seen this species is
Kuwait.
A white back is diagnostic with this species.
There aren't many finer trees (bushes?) than an almond tree in full bloom, and
the great thing is last years almonds are usually still on the tree and
perfect for eating. This tree was literally buzzing with insects, mainly honey
bees.
This walk takes in some of the most beautiful scenery we have seen in Cyprus.
The place that we used to stay is up there behind the four cypress trees.
No comments:
Post a Comment