This Cyprus Wheatear was probably the pick of grounded migrants observed at k76 during the week. These photos were taken in the heat of the day hence they're a little hazy and the light is harsh; the bird also proved incredibly difficult to get close to - even in the car! Nice bird though and the first I've seen since my dad showed me them on family holiday to Cyprus in 1996, so more or less like a lifer. Note the tail and rump pattern in the fourth shot down.
When we saw this I thought it was an adult female, but I reckon its likely a 1st sum now with that moult contrast btw the adult greater coverts and the older primaries. What do you think? I guess that th extensive dark cap still makes it a female though.
ReplyDeleteYo - think you've got it spot on, female for me too and as you say the moult contrast would appear to indicate 2cy.
ReplyDelete