Cyprus, March 29-April 7, 2011

Part 2. Kouklea scrape


[Kentish Plover]

A very small, now almost completly dried-out scrape immediately behind the beach near Kouklea held a very good selection of waders. This area is little more than 30 metres in diameter and held no surface water although its muddy bottom was still moist and had attracted the birds to feed.



[The Kouklea scrape]

Present were four species of Sandpiper (Common, Green, Marsh and Wood), Kentish and Little Ringed Plovers, a Little Stint and two Ruff.


[Common Sandpiper]




[Marsh Sandpiper (above 3), very long-legged and fine-billed]


[Little Stint]


[Wood Sandpiper]


[Wood Sandpiper and Little Stint]


[Little Ringed Plover with a very bright eye-ring]

A nice surprise here was to find a beautiful brightly-plumaged Citrine Wagtail as well. It appeared almost luminous against the grey background of the scrape.


[Citrine Wagtail]