[Hedgeland]

I have attached a trip report from Mallorca from 6th to 13th June 09.
Had a really nice week for my first dabble into birds out of the UK with 23 new species for me :)

[MKinHK]

A nice report - mkes it ll sound very easy - Eleanora's is a bird I'd love to see!

Cheers
Mike

[wolfbirder]

I just love Mallorca! Nice report, brought back all my memories!!

[Stephen C]

Well for someone who's only been birding a year or so, this is pretty thorough, especially with the species list in scientific names! Very good.

Your point is well made about the lack of stopping and viewing spaces on roads. This is a mystery to me in the whole of Spain. Scenic roads through the most amazing countryside and they don't seem to think anyone would want to stop and look at it.

A great place and one to which we (i.e. me an the missus) always keep never (!) getting back to despite enjoying it so much a few years back.

All the best

[Rob Smallwood]

Still remember my first visit to Mallorca, we visited the Albufereta late one evening and ended staying to dusk. We were driven back to the car by the mossies only to find that Eleanora's were flying down to hawk moths by streetlight. We sat in the car for ages watching them until in the end there were c30 hawking insects attracted by the car headlights...magic!

[wolfbirder]

It has always provided very fond memories for me has this island. My better half just says "not Mallorca again!".

On the other hand I took my elderly parents for 9 days to Mallorca last year and they loved it.

There are a few small parking slots around 15-17km mark along Formentor (either side of the tunnel), but i always try to go early as possible, then you can also enjoy the views from the cafe at the end.

[Hedgeland]

Thanks for your comments - its a lovely place that seems to bring may many memories for people. I guess being so accessible from the UK and the species/habitat makes it such a popular place.

Would love to go back in April/May. Just need to convince the wife......or maybe Lesvos :)

[mattygeee]

Hi,
Thanks for your post and pics, I really enjoyed your report. Very thorough. Reminds me of childhood years when my Grandparents lived in Pollensa. I bet its changed a bit. I must go back.

Thanks again for an interesting read.

M.

[Peewit]

A super report. I can relate to many of the species that you have been lucky to see.

My OH and I where on a sailing holiday at Menorca 8th - 22nd May 2009, and it is our '3rd' visit to the same island - this year.

We first visited in 2005, and I knew little, basic, or no knowlege about 'Spanish' birds.

In 2007, I picked up some local species, but missed out on many others. I did not have a good camera either.
I do remember remember seeing a Woodchat Shrike sitting on a utility wire while on the bus on the way back to the airport.

This year, I feel I have picked up a lot more species now. It does take a lot of practice and searching out information to know what birds exist on the islands. A good Menorcan bird book has helped us no end.

A good local bird guide is a must to explain species that are around. We booked that opportunity for 4 hours with a guide at the local Reserve helped no end. A great learning experience.

We may go to Menorca later this year for a birding week. OH likes bird watching too. No doubt we will sail next year in our favourite place once more, and bird watch once more.

You have seen a few different species than us, but you where on holiday in a different place. Never the less still very interesting.

Interesting to compare notes, and you have super pictures too.