Tens of thousands of migratory swallows invade the small community of Mesana in the Paphos mountain region from early summer in June until early August, creating elaborate nests and resting on electricity wires.
Even more astonishingly, the birds gather between six and eight in the morning and then disperse, repeating the process religiously for more than two months until they fly to Africa in late August-early September.
Thousands of locals from all over the island and tourists, aware of this rare and dazzling phenomenon, visit the community every year to marvel at nature’s creations and take memorable photos and videos.
Thousands of locals from all over the island and tourists, aware of this rare and dazzling phenomenon, visit the community every year to marvel at nature’s creations and take memorable photos and videos.
Some experts believe this is a migratory communication tactic, with the birds making contact with each other and beginning to plan their journey to the African continent. It could also be a way to organize their large community, but no one knows for sure.
Since ancient times, Cyprus has been a frequent stopover for swallows and other migratory birds, which forge a life en route to even warmer climes. They build their nests and raise their young on houses and other buildings (sometimes even inside them) and, according to folklore, destroying their creations of mud and sticks brings bad luck to the family.
Their arrival is a sign that summer is here and their departure, a call of nature to autumn.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings