[Astrokev]

Hi All,

I'm due to visit the Polis area on the north-west coast of Cyprus in August.

I guess this isn't the best time to visit due to the mid summer heat, but I'd be grateful for any tips and suggestions of worthwhile local sites to visit, together with any "must see" sites within a few hours drive of this area.

Many thanks in advance.
Kevin

[ApusApus]

[color="Sienna"]Hi Kevin

You're right, not the best time of the year to visit unfortunately! Best areas to try and see something are in the mountain regions, well within a couple of hours driving distance from Polis. But like all birdwatching it can be hit or miss. To quote you can see "Pallid Swifts, Crossbills, Jay, Masked Shrike" and endemic species such as "Cyprus Wheatear, Short-toed Treecreeper, Coal Tit and Scops Owl" if you are luckly!

Best of luck

[color="sienna"]
Shane

[melanothorax]

When exactly in August will you be here? The second half of August, and especially the last week, are actually fairly decent for birding...

[Astrokev]

Originally Posted by melanothorax

When exactly in August will you be here? The second half of August, and especially the last week, are actually fairly decent for birding...

15th August for 2 weeks. Looks like I may get to see a few good birds after all?

I've read Demoiselle Cranes can frequent Akrotiri lake around this time?

[StuartReeves]

Originally Posted by Astrokev

15th August for 2 weeks. Looks like I may get to see a few good birds after all?

I've read Demoiselle Cranes can frequent Akrotiri lake around this time?

Perhaps a little early: http://www.freewebs.com/richbonser/c...tember2006.htm

[melanothorax]

Originally Posted by Astrokev

15th August for 2 weeks. Looks like I may get to see a few good birds after all?

I've read Demoiselle Cranes can frequent Akrotiri lake around this time?

Yes, the first week that you'll be here might not be exciting, but the second week might be. Indeed there is a decent chance to see the Demoiselle's then. You'll also catch the starting phase of raptor migration, which although it won't peak until the 10-15 of September (probably), you still might see Honey Buzzards, Red-footed Falcons and Black Kites, I think.

And in general there are a lot of other rare early migrants that you might see. You never know - you just gotta get out there and take your chances.

[melanothorax]

Originally Posted by StuartReeves

Perhaps a little early: http://www.freewebs.com/richbonser/c...tember2006.htm

Stuart,
In 2006, you're right, the Demoiselle Cranes weren't around much. If I'm not mistaken they were very regular in 2008-2010 however, and a less predictable last year. I'm going on the assumption that they'll migrate as they did in the three years before last year of course...

[Astrokev]

Thanks to all for the helpful replies.

If you can suggest any specific sites in addition to Akrotiri lake I'd be very grateful.
Thanks.

[pete wragg]

Originally Posted by Astrokev

Thanks to all for the helpful replies.

If you can suggest any specific sites in addition to Akrotiri lake I'd be very grateful.
Thanks.

Gosney's book gives details and maps of several areas in the north-west. At £7.50 there's no reason not to buy it.

Pete.

[Astrokev]

Originally Posted by pete wragg

Gosney's book gives details and maps of several areas in the north-west. At £7.50 there's no reason not to buy it.

Pete.

Excellent. Thanks