This time last year Sue and I holidayed in Cyprus with the lovely warm, sunny climate of Paphos for company. I wish we could be there now to escape the cold, rain and the constant winds of North West England. In the absence of any birding, ringing or photography on which the blog optimistically promises but often fails to deliver, I decided to cheer myself (and perhaps others) up by posting a few pictures from a Cyprus archive. Just look at those blue skies and then double click the pics for a warming experience.
The Collared Dove just happens to be perching on part of a World Heritage building at the ancient site of Nea Pafos. The main attraction of Nea Pafos is the collection of Roman mosaics that lay undiscovered under the headland until a farmer accidentally found them with his plough back in 1962. Since then archaeologists have been slowly unearthing the most amazingly detailed mosaics, along with the ruins of the magnificent buildings that used to house them.
Crested Larks and Black Redstarts were everywhere. So were multitudes of lizards, not always easy to spot against the rocks where they hid.
North of Paphos along the coast road is the stunning little port of Ayos Georgios, where a much photographed church stands on the cliff top. We lingered for a coffee at the Greek tavern next door whilst watching Blue Rock Thrushes dart about the crags.
Even the crows look better on sunny days, while the local football team goalpost makes a handy perch for a Kestrel.
Here’s a view towards Coral Bay where I had a lifer of Cyprus Warbler close to the tiny vine terrace.
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6 comments:
I lived in Cyprus for 15 months while I was in the Army. At that time I wasn't interested in birds at all, although I do rememeber seeing some vultuers by the beach one time. The sadest part was that there were so few free flying birds. I mentioned it once and was told that the locals shot anything that flies - hence no birds. This was in the late 1970s.
What beautiful images of a very awesome part of our world and oh the skies sure were very blue and one can just imagine the warmth of the sunshine above. The birds are all unique and so lovely, could never pick a fav out of these shares.
Hi Phil: Quite a contrast Best wishes JWB.
I just love this kind of sky! It's perfect for photography. I'm here waiting for the perfect blue sky like this for weeks now. It's been cloudy again and again...
Really beautiful pictures. Paphos is a beautiful place, once you are there it is difficult having to leave again! It looks like you saw some really beautiful birds, really wonderful photography.
Really beautiful pictures. Paphos. is a beautiful place, once you are there it is difficult having to leave again! It looks like you saw some really beautiful birds, really wonderful photography.
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