Trevor's Tweet

{Note: click on photos to enlarge the image} Finches are a large family of small to medium-sized songbirds, many with distinctive and attractive songs. Most Finches are colourful and have strong triangular-shaped bills that are adapted primarily for eating seeds, though they will also take insects during the summer months. In certain species, such as the Hawfinch and Bullfinch, the beaks are strong enough to open nuts. Male Chaffinch in full breeding condition Female Chaffinch, less colourful than the male Chaffinch and Goldfinch, sharing nest building resources Male Chaffinch and Serin sharing a muddy pool Finches occupy a wide range of habitats, though in the UK and Europe they primarily live in deciduous woodlands, orchards, parks and gardens. The Chaffinch is now one of the commonest songbirds in the UK and its distinctive song is easily recognised and a clear sign of spring and summer. It is not so commonly seen or heard in Cyprus. The Greenfin...

(Note: Click on Photos to enlarge the images) Harriers and Buzzards are two families of medium-sized raptors that are seen all over Cyprus. Both families are predominantly summer visitors, and several species regularly breed here. Long-legged Buzzard soaring Marsh Harrier hunting, Mandria Individual birds can be hard to identify in the field as they are often seen silhouetted against the sky, making the distinguishing features difficult to see. The use of binoculars or telescopes is obviously very helpful, but the general form and flight pattern also helps. Montagu's Harrier - female hunting Montagu's Harrier - juvenile at Anarita Park Marsh Harrier hunting Montagu's Harrier - male at Anarita Park Montagu's Harrier - female hunting, Anarita Marsh Harrier - hunting over reed beds, Akrotiri Harriers generally have relatively narrow wings and long tails and are often seen gliding slowly and quite low to th...