No. 18. The Coronavirus Tweet
[Remember to click on a photograph to enlarge the image] The timing of the arrival of the COVID19 pandemic was most unfortunate for the birding fraternity of the northern hemisphere. Here in Cyprus the enforced lockdown started just as the spring migration was entering its peak period - the months of March and April. During February and March the early arrivals of Swallows (Barn and Red-rumped) and Martins (House and Crag species) were frequently seen around the ponds at Secret Valley, supported by the occasional sightings of Little Egret, Cattle Egret and Grey Heron (see Tweet No. 3 for photographs). The familiar flock of up to 30 Coots were often present at the ponds, but then they suddenly disappeared. The Redstarts were still present in February and Hoopoes and Kestrels were commonly sighted (again, see earlier Tweets for photographs). Northern Wheatear - male in fine breeding plumage Black-eared Wheatear Northern Wheatear - female just arrived on Mandria beach ...