Mallorca 2021 (1 Viewer)

[Josep Manchado]

Is it silent? Here in the UK there are so many DSLRs at a good bird that the shutter noise is very distracting - a camera which gives great results like yours and is silent would be a huge step forward!

Stew

Absolutelly silent, for hides or similar is perfect, with my DSLR scared away many nice birds!

 

[derban]

StewB, I believe most mirrorless cameras nowadays have a silent mode. Also, Canon and Nikon for example offer adapters so that legacy lenses can still be used. A further issue is size and weight with mirrorless bodies being generally smaller and lighter. I decided on Olympus a couple of years ago when I became interested in birding. There is a compromise here because the Olympus/Panasonic micro four-thirds system does not offer the image quality and low noise of a full frame sensor but it is significantly smaller and lighter than other systems. This was important to me because, well, I am not getting any younger and also it is possible to carry a fairly comprehensive system easily as hand luggage. And also it costs less than full frame. I must say it was a compromise that works for me. All we need now is for birds to to deactivate their sensors that make them fly away just as you think you might get a stunning shot...

 

[Mike Montier]

A Great spotted cuckoo was reported at albufera by Maties, and a Roller was reported by Miguel at Can Cullerassa.
Biel &Co. saw a Red-throated pipit at Pla de Lanzell which is where I’m headed tomorrow.
I was going to call in at the Cap de Ses Salines but didn’t get past the entrance by the botanic gardens.
7 Raptors were in the sky, clearly on migration.
I picked out a Common buzzard amongst the Marsh Harrier and they all headed west.
I walked down the camino de sa barrala late afternoon and what a pleasant way to spend an evening.
The Flamingoes are still busy making nests so I will keep an eye on them.
No sign of any pratincoles but hopefully they will pop into view when I next go there with derban.
Mike

 

[derban]

Looking forward to it Mike!

 

[ggshrike]

A Great spotted cuckoo was reported at albufera by Maties, and a Roller was reported by Miguel at Can Cullerassa.
Biel &Co. saw a Red-throated pipit at Pla de Lanzell which is where I’m headed tomorrow.
I was going to call in at the Cap de Ses Salines but didn’t get past the entrance by the botanic gardens.
7 Raptors were in the sky, clearly on migration.
I picked out a Common buzzard amongst the Marsh Harrier and they all headed west.
I walked down the camino de sa barrala late afternoon and what a pleasant way to spend an evening.
The Flamingoes are still busy making nests so I will keep an eye on them.
No sign of any pratincoles but hopefully they will pop into view when I next go there with derban.
Mike

Reading your posts Mike makes me realise how much I'm missing getting out there and enjoying the birds and scenery!!

 

[Mike Montier]

Another really happy morning spent on Pla de Lanzell, near Vilafranca.
Black and Red kite, lots of Corn buntings, Quail and Short-toed larks.
I was watching a pale morph Booted eagle when a monster bird approached. It took me some time and a text to realise it was a splendid adult Bonelli’s eagle. Bad photo below but it does show the size comparison.
I was watching Corn buntings when an interesting Lark appeared. I dropped my binoculars and lifted my camera but then the “derban effect” kicked in and it was gone, so I will never know. I searched the field for over an hour without seeing it again.
Late April and early May is a wonderful time to be here so I’m even sadder that regular Mallorca fans can’t join me here.
Hopefully, that will change soon.
Mike

 

[StewB]

StewB, I believe most mirrorless cameras nowadays have a silent mode. Also, Canon and Nikon for example offer adapters so that legacy lenses can still be used. A further issue is size and weight with mirrorless bodies being generally smaller and lighter. I decided on Olympus a couple of years ago when I became interested in birding. There is a compromise here because the Olympus/Panasonic micro four-thirds system does not offer the image quality and low noise of a full frame sensor but it is significantly smaller and lighter than other systems. This was important to me because, well, I am not getting any younger and also it is possible to carry a fairly comprehensive system easily as hand luggage. And also it costs less than full frame. I must say it was a compromise that works for me. All we need now is for birds to to deactivate their sensors that make them fly away just as you think you might get a stunning shot...

Thanks! I’m not much of a photographer- I take photos with my Canon bridge camera - with sounds turned off. (I once sat in a hide at S’Albufera with a lady who had every conceivable sound on her bridge camera turned on. It was like sharing a hide with R2D2). I do truly find the shutter noise from DSLRs at birding sites a pain, so the transition to mirrorless can’t happen quickly enough for me. My son-in-law is in business as a photographer and he’s been using the Sony system for a couple of years. He swears that the results he gets are superior to previous DSLRs, and the size, weight and flexibility are a huge improvement.

Stew

 

[Mike Montier]

I wish today had been as successful as yesterday but alas, migration was virtually at a standstill at the tower, Albercutx.
Four distant dots were apparently Marsh harriers but I wouldn’t have known.
I’ve been four times this year and drawn a blank every time.
Still, we met some nice people and had a good laugh, mostly at my expense when I attempted to speak Spanish all day.
A Collared pratincole at the depuradora and a couple of Honey Buzzard were the only other sightings.
I feel sure the weekend watch will be much more fruitful.
Mike

 

[Mike Montier]

I was in a bit of a bad mood when I got home from the tower today and I forgot that 2 Common Buzzard went through early on.
Quite scarce on migration, although every year is different. I remember a big influx one year and it was great to see so many of these raptors passing through.
Only about 6 pairs breed here.
I must be alone in loving the sound of cameras whirring away. I remember waiting around to see a rare bird with many people just chatting away. Then the bird would show and all the cameras would clatter loudly together which for me all added to the excitement of the occasion.
So, it’s a happy sound.
Sorry.
Mike

 

[StewB]

I was in a bit of a bad mood when I got home from the tower today and I forgot that 2 Common Buzzard went through early on.
Quite scarce on migration, although every year is different. I remember a big influx one year and it was great to see so many of these raptors passing through.
Only about 6 pairs breed here.
I must be alone in loving the sound of cameras whirring away. I remember waiting around to see a rare bird with many people just chatting away. Then the bird would show and all the cameras would clatter loudly together which for me all added to the excitement of the occasion.
So, it’s a happy sound.
Sorry.
Mike

I can just about forgive you Mike!

Stew

 

[Mike Montier]

The first job I ever had was working in a photographic studio in Soho. London.
We had a Hasselblad camera there and the noise that made was incredible, so much so that it was nicknamed “kerrplonk”.
Some groups of Bee-eaters have been seen but generally they are thin in the ground so far.
Whinchats are around as are Pied flycatchers. Terns are more scarce than normal too.
I have not seen many warblers on my local patch nor many other migrant passerines so it’s a poor time at the moment with many grey days, today being just the same.
Early May is the top time for Rollers and I hope to find some in the local fields here in the south-east.
A few Eleonora’s have been seen but it’s still early for this species.
Pep saw three Red-footed falcons at Vilafranca where I also saw one and a couple of Lesser Kestrels are still at that site.
An immature Egyptian vulture was seen yesterday after I left. This must have been a migrant which is fairly unusual.
Collared pratincole are proving hard to catch up with this year, a few have been seen but a couple of birders have been unable to connect. A long-stayer is needed to rectify this situation.
More news later I hope.
Just waiting for a bombshell to arrive, let’s hope for a mega.
Mike

 

[derban]

On the subject of hardware, I hope this is not an inappropriate query but, well, here we go. I am quite new to birding and now I am on the lookout for a telescope to complete my basic kit, but I can't spend lots of cash on a Svarovsky/Zeiss/Whathaveyou. My budget will probably be around €500. If I look for something around 65mm objective diameter it should keep the price (and weight) down.

Is this just a waste of money or am I likely to find something decent in this price range? My binoculars were also in the category of "decent" as opposed to spectacular and I am very satisfied with what they offer, so I wondered if all you experienced birders have any suggestions for something of similar quality. By the way, I have had a look on E-Bay but found that difficult. There seemed to be a lot of "professionals" selling at around the normal market price, or if they were significantly cheaper, I wondered if I would want to buy from them. Oh, and one more question – zoom eyepiece or fixed magnification?

I would welcome any hints and tips. Thanks in advance!

 

[Mike Montier]

I can help you with one bit derban, I bought a zoom lens for my Swarovski 65 to replace to broken fixed lens.
I asked that very question, ie which is better?
The geezer at In Focus, Denbydale, told me that he had not sold a fixed lens in years.
I guess that’s the answer then.
I’m sure others can help you with the other bits.
Mike

 

[honeym]

Hi
There are a couple around your price bracket that I've seen and was quite impressed. Search for Vortex Viper or Diamondback, or the Hawke Endurance. Check out the various models and magnifications and also straight versus angled. As mentioned, many people like a zoom lens but you do have to check them for a degraded image at maximum magnification. For instance, a 25-50 zoom should be a better option than a 20-60.

 

[StewB]

On the subject of hardware, I hope this is not an inappropriate query but, well, here we go. I am quite new to birding and now I am on the lookout for a telescope to complete my basic kit, but I can't spend lots of cash on a Svarovsky/Zeiss/Whathaveyou. My budget will probably be around €500. If I look for something around 65mm objective diameter it should keep the price (and weight) down.

Is this just a waste of money or am I likely to find something decent in this price range? My binoculars were also in the category of "decent" as opposed to spectacular and I am very satisfied with what they offer, so I wondered if all you experienced birders have any suggestions for something of similar quality. By the way, I have had a look on E-Bay but found that difficult. There seemed to be a lot of "professionals" selling at around the normal market price, or if they were significantly cheaper, I wondered if I would want to buy from them. Oh, and one more question – zoom eyepiece or fixed magnification?

I would welcome any hints and tips. Thanks in advance!

I think a ‘scope is a pretty essential bit of kit. Once you’ve got one, I doubt that you’ll go far without it!

Martin gives great advice - certainly mid-range ‘scopes offer really good value for money. I’d add to look for nitrogen-filled or other anti-fogging measure. I guess as a photographer you already have a tripod (or two!), as you’ll need one as part of the set-up. I don’t suppose you get to the UK at the moment. Cley Spy here in Norfolk have a good selection of second-hand ‘scopes (and also a really good selection of new scopes too). Let us know what you settle on!

Stew

 

[Mike Montier]

A group of 25 Black kite has been seen on the Island.
Opinion is that they will be seen leaving the Island tomorrow at the Albercutx tower.
They probably will, I won’t be there.
Also, groups of Bee-eaters have been seen so they may also be seen going north.
Mike

 

[derban]

I think a ‘scope is a pretty essential bit of kit. Once you’ve got one, I doubt that you’ll go far without it!

Martin gives great advice - certainly mid-range ‘scopes offer really good value for money. I’d add to look for nitrogen-filled or other anti-fogging measure. I guess as a photographer you already have a tripod (or two!), as you’ll need one as part of the set-up. I don’t suppose you get to the UK at the moment. Cley Spy here in Norfolk have a good selection of second-hand ‘scopes (and also a really good selection of new scopes too). Let us know what you settle on!

Stew

Many thanks StewB, honeym and Mike for all the useful infos about scopes. I feel reassured about the basic choices I‘d made and would love a shop like Cley Spy just around the corner – it is important to handle these bits of kit before buying if possible. However I am based in north Germany when not on Mallorca so I won't be in Cley any time soon, but I have happy memories of it from a holiday many years ago plus my favourite beer mug from the pottery there! The specialist shops I know of in Hambug and surroundings have been a bit difficult to access of late. Something about a virus, I seem to remember. But I will have a look at Vortex and Hawke. And I will let you know what I decide on! Thanks again, David.

 

[Mike Montier]

The large group of Black kite, recently seen on the Island, did not appear to leave today, just 2 were seen on their way north.
8 Marsh Harrier, 1 Montagu’s Harrier, 3 Booted Eagle and 3 Honey Buzzard were logged.
Maybe tomorrow will be better.
It’s nice that Honey Buzzard are beginning to come through. I think most birders agree that they are a highlight.
A few Grasshopper warblers have been seen, never easy here.
The first Nightjar that I know of has been heard. They breed very close to where I live so I will be visiting their favoured location many evenings throughout the summer. Last year was above average after a few poor years for this species.
Scops owls are calling most evenings around here, there are many around Mondragó.
Mike

 

[PJSharp]

On the subject of hardware, I hope this is not an inappropriate query but, well, here we go. I am quite new to birding and now I am on the lookout for a telescope to complete my basic kit, but I can't spend lots of cash on a Svarovsky/Zeiss/Whathaveyou. My budget will probably be around €500. If I look for something around 65mm objective diameter it should keep the price (and weight) down.

Is this just a waste of money or am I likely to find something decent in this price range? My binoculars were also in the category of "decent" as opposed to spectacular and I am very satisfied with what they offer, so I wondered if all you experienced birders have any suggestions for something of similar quality. By the way, I have had a look on E-Bay but found that difficult. There seemed to be a lot of "professionals" selling at around the normal market price, or if they were significantly cheaper, I wondered if I would want to buy from them. Oh, and one more question – zoom eyepiece or fixed magnification?

I would welcome any hints and tips. Thanks in advance!

Hi Derban,

From personal experience I can recommend the Opticron MM4 telescope with the 60mm objective diameter, which should be spot on for your price range. The zoom lens is great. I have this combination and also a much more expensive Leica, which is also much heavier. I use the Opticron way more often, because it is easy to carry and easy to pack.

All the best, Paul

 

[derban]

Hi Derban,

From personal experience I can recommend the Opticron MM4 telescope with the 60mm objective diameter, which should be spot on for your price range. The zoom lens is great. I have this combination and also a much more expensive Leica, which is also much heavier. I use the Opticron way more often, because it is easy to carry and easy to pack.

All the best, Paul

Hi Paul,

Many thanks for the personal recommendation. I will certainly look into the Opticron, although they are not big in Germany, where I am based when not in Mallorca. It certainly seems to tick all the boxes and the fact that you use it far more often than a Leica says a lot! Thanks again and best wishes,

David