Little Crake, Asprokremnos pool, Cyprus

May 9 , 2010:
Here the Little Crake was very secretive and usually stayed well-hidden in the reed-bed. It was mainly active in the evening coming out at dusk to feed along the margins of the pool. In the failing light, photography was difficult.





It is a very small bird not much larger than a House Sparrow and its size can be appreciated when seen next to the Moorhen.



Although the pool is only small there was a surprisingly large number of Moorhen present with more than ten seen together at one time.



The pool dries out quickly in the heat and water is run off as well but this is periodically replenished from the dam. It provides a haven for water-birds such as the crake in what is otherwise a very dry area.