Birdwatching in North Cyprus
North Cyprus is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Miles of wild coastline and spectacular peninsulas jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea are not only havens for the endemic wildlife populations on the island, but are also prime locations for migrating birds to set down during the spring and autumn. Some 340 species of migratory birds visit North Cyprus annually. They are viewed virtually anywhere along the coastline, although more especially on the Karpas Peninsula, which is about an hour’s drive north-eastwards by Northern Cyprus car hire from Nicosia airport.
Spring birds in North Cyprus
Spring begins early. The first arrivals over from North Africa tend to be the Hirundines around mid February. These include mixed groups of Swallows, with their distinctive pronged tails, and red and blue flashings upon their heads; and Martins defined by their white underbelly and black collars. The Hirundines join many of the island’s over wintering birds at this time, which include Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Thrushes, Stonechats and Robins.
March sees the Common Swift, Pallid Swift and Alpine Swift move through the island, along with masses of warblers, wagtails, larks and pipits. By month’s end you may spot a Nightingale or Wryneck! April, with its warming temperatures, brings a colossal increase in bird numbers. Bee-eaters arrive in droves, as do marsh harriers and redstarts.
Autumn birds in North Cyprus
North Cyprus can see the autumn influx of birds begin as early as July with Waders heading back south. In general, visiting bird populations are more skewed towards raptors in the autumn. September and October especially are good months for spotting significant numbers of Buzzards. Totals of over a 1,000 a day are not uncommon. Other raptors to look out for are the Black Kite, Ospreys, Harriers and Red Footed Falcons. Small numbers of Eagles may also be seen.
Arguably one of the more spectacular sights in autumn is the flocks of Cranes that descend over North Cyprus. The experience of seeing several hundred, if not more than a thousand, noisy birds all circling around overhead before landing is something you’re unlikely to forget!
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