Hundreds of flamingos have returned to Akrotiri Salt Lake following the season’s first rainfall last week.
Experts at the Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre estimate that nearly 300 flamingos are now present in the salt lake area, with numbers increasing daily.
The centre’s director, Dr Thomas Hadjikyriakou, expressed excitement at the birds’ return and encouraged birdwatchers to utilise the centre’s facilities for optimal viewing.
“We’re all very excited to see them back. Not many people have had the chance to see these beautiful creatures up close before, so I suggest they take the opportunity to visit us”, he said.
The centre features an observatory equipped with three telescopes overlooking the salt lake and can accommodate up to 100 visitors simultaneously.
However, Hadjikyriakou cautioned visitors against approaching the birds or walking in the lake, as this could disturb their habitat.
The flamingos gather at the salt lake annually to feed on brine shrimp and plankton, with many staying year-round if conditions remain favourable.
“They typically stay between October and February, but there’s no way to predict how long they’ll be here”, Hadjikyriakou said, advising visitors to take the opportunity to see them now as their departure time is uncertain.
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