Cyprus Marsh Frog

Another longer trip today, stopping on the edge of Polis to see a very large example of Boissier Oak, and then again at Polemi to see fields filled with Tulipa agenensis before arriving at Mandria beach. One group headed off to Lark Corner to look for migrant birds, while the rest of us enjoyed a leisurely stroll looking at the coastal flowers.

From there we headed to the river and irrigation ponds at Agia Varvara, where very large numbers of Cyprus Marsh Frogs were calling. The high spot for the birders was the sight of a Baillon's Crake and Little Crake close together on the edge of a pool. A range of waders including Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Little Ringed-plover were present on areas of bare mud, as was a very brightly coloured Citrine Wagtail. We then headed to the Asprokremmos Dam, where we added several more interesting bird species, including two Stone Curlew and a group of Alpine Swifts coming down to drink from the reservoir.

The minibus broke on the way home, which provided an unscheduled walk along a country lane, where we found the deep purple flowers of Undulate Anchusa, as well as flowering Mediterranean Hawthorn.