Cyprus-Forum.com

[IDIC]

I wonder if anyone can help me.
My Wife and I are spending Christmas in Limassol and it is many years since we last visited Cyprus. One of my hobbies is bird watching and I particularly want to try and see the Griffon Vultures that nest on Kensington Cliffs.
I’ve looked at the many web sites about bird watching in Cyprus and they cant seem to make up their minds about just how accessible Kensington Cliffs are. I know that the general area includes the RAF Base and that you need to be aware of the security issue but is it possible to get close enough to be able to see the Vultures?
Any advice you can give me would be very gratefully received.
Kind Regards
Colin

[Get Real!]

Why go searching for vultures when they can come to you? Buy a piglet from a butcher and leave it out in the open for 2-3 days. Then, hire a pickup truck and drive as close to the vultures as possible with your piglet in the rear and play the waiting game…

[Fireplace]

Good luck in your search for grifton vulture, but beware of vulture called Developer???

[Oracle]

In May/June of this year a Griffon Vulture settled down in my son's school playground whilst the children were outside playing. It stayed long enough for the children and teachers to get a good view and the experience left my son really impressed by its size and beauty.

I know this is far (Polis area) from their usual sighting grounds so I hope it means their numbers are increasing.

[Tim Drayton]

I recommend that you consult the following web page, which has some information about bird watching locations in the Limassol area:

http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/ ... ov2001.htm

It does not contain a very positive message concerning access to the site you have asked about:

"You Cannot get into Kensington Cliffs at all (unless you have a pass)"

I would also ignore the recommedation for the Pavamar Hotel - it has since been demolished!

[IDIC]

Thanks for the tips guys.

Dont bother buying from the Butcher! It is cheaper to lie down near the Vulture's roost and dont move for a few hours. You will get some real close ups that way!

Thanks for the advice Tim, it looks like the best place to see them is on Quarry Beach. I've got hold of a book about watching birds in Cyprus and that also says Quarry beach is the best option so that's were I will make for.

[SSBubbles]

IDIC

I sent you a PM the other day with some information.

[Tim Drayton]

IDIC,
You might find the following report of interest (just scroll down to birds):

http://www.naturalist.co.uk/reports2002/cyprus2.php

[IDIC]

Thank you Tim & Bubbles for your help. I've made contact with the guy that Bubbles told me about and I've downloaded that report Tim.

Very Many Thanks

IDIC