randombirder

A quick trip to the dystopian world of Staines Reservoir that once again provided a lot of quality. It took a few minutes to get my eye in but a little ringed plover along the shore of the south basin set things up with a couple great northern diver distantly on the north basin and at least four lingering goldeneye . The continuing black-necked grebe looked prime in their summer plumage, a total of three were relatively close in on the south basin. The long-staying Slavonian grebe was also in mid-moult and too looked mighty fine associating with the black-necked grebes. At the western end, a moulting water pipit also looked rather nice as the subtle blue hues were evident on a single bird feeding along the bank. A common sandpiper was also in the area.

A short break to Cyprus for some winter sun was timed nicely as a wave of welcome unseasonal warm weather had spread across the country with temperatures hitting the late 20s for the five days of our stay. Flying out of Gatwick on easyJet and staying at the eastern town of Protaras, the trip was more about relaxation than intense birding, but it was March, and this is Cyprus, so daily excursions to some nearby sites was inevitable. The usual highlights of spring Cypriot birding are captured in these eBird links visiting sites at Cape Greco, Aiga Napa Sea Caves and the Paralimni Lakes.  Cape Greco - 13th March 2025 The undoubted highlight today was of two male pallid harrier passing over the Cape early afternoon. 14th March 2025 - Cape Greco 15th March 2025 - Cape Greco 15th March 2025 - Paralimini Lake 15th March 2025 - Aiga Napa Sea Caves The Isabelline shrike seen at the Aiga Napa Sea Caves was only my second for the Western Palearctic.