At my last sighting on December 4th, there were about 8,000 flamingos that set up in the salt lake. In the northern shore area, alto-birds have already laid many ground-nests and one can observe the flamingos during the expansion of the brood-colony.

Astonishingly, many alto-birds also sit on the nests, as if they were breeding. But this would really be the first time, so far the flamingos have always broken off the brood because obviously too much disturbance occurs during the brood business. The disturbances do not always come from humans.

The ranks continue to close.

Meanwhile, the Akrotiri salt lake in Limassol is filling up more and more with the pink flamingos as winter guests. At my last sighting on November 25, about 8,000 flamingos are currently present in the salt lake. If you observe the flamingos at short distances of 30-40 meters near the mouth of the rainwater canal into the salt lake, a longer walk through the softened salt lake and through the reed areas is required.
For this you have a very nice light at sunrise and the flamingos remain active there undisturbed.

The rows are closing.

In the meantime, 2500 - 3000 flamingos are on the way at the salt lake and more are to be added. Also, you can already find areas in the shore area where the water presses from below and smaller pools form, which are also very interesting for the small Waders and Plover.  Also in the Group of Flamingos are Spoonbills and Glossy Ibis as well as different ducks.

As every year around this time, the wasp buzzards and Eleonora falcons can be observed on the edge of the salt lake.

In the last days we have two chameleons in our garden. In the early morning hours, the animals are often on the hunt for insects in the trees and bushes.

Due to the colour adaptation of the animals to their surroundings, the animals are very difficult to recognize, moreover, they usually move very slowly. It is interesting to see how all body parts are used for moving and positioning.

The second Hoopoe pair has successfully completed its second brood with another 6 chicks. The carob tree with the brood cave inside stands just 30m away from our house, ideally located for photo and video recordings. Especially in the early morning between 6:00 and 8:30 you will find ideal lighting conditions on the brood tree.

After that it becomes restless through the traffic to the zoo. The Hoopoe have become accustomed to the situation, they have been breeding here for several years and usually always successfully. In total, the couple has raised 2 broods with 6 chicks each this year. I hope to see her here again next year from April to July.