RFI - Menorca in September

[Keith Dickinson]

Got a weeks holiday in Port Addaia in the NE of the island, first week in September. Not primarily a birding trip but I will have a couple of days to get away with bins and scope. Where would be best to head for?
I have been before, many years ago, but stayed over on the west of the island.
I know Son Bou's marsh was good back then, is it still as good or has it been developed?
Also will Es Grau be any good at this time of year? I know it was good for over-wintering ducks etc, but will there be anything around in September?
Thanks for any tips:t:

[honeym]

Hi Keith

This, and the links therein, may help:

http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/balearics/menorca3/menorca.htm

Martin

[Keith Dickinson]

Cheers Martin for the link.
I already had this report bookmarked as I used it when I went in 2001.
It's more which area is going to be best nowadays that I'm wondering. Not got loads of time so I want to spend it well.

[wolfbirder]

You can cover most of the island easily keith, with a car, as a central spine road takes you to all points. Personally I prefer the area on the coast between Cuitadella down to Fornells, as the area is good for raptors, passerines, and sea-watching. A must is the slightly inland Cala Tirant (also goes under another name?) pool and scrub, near Fornells. The countryside around Cala Tirant is also good. I have quite a detailed report under Vacational Trip reports on ths site. Guess you have already looked tho.

On the other coast Son Bou is a good reedbed but get there early as it is a popular beach. Es Grau? is the largest inland pool, but that will take a day to check out. I did not find it that good actually, whereas the areas already mentioned are quite isolated and more away from the crowds, and you can bird them easily using the car.

I really enjoyed Menorca, a lovely island. Cala Galdana is a lovely family resort, but there again that applies to the whole area.

[Richard G]

Hi Keith,

I've said it before on here but I love Menorca as a holiday destination.

You could try the La Vall area which is towards the north west of the island. Has wonderful pine forests & small ponds as well as a couple of beautiful beaches. When we visited last year it produced Turtle Doves, Bee Eaters, Woodchat Shrikes and a variety of BoP.

Hope that helps.

Richard