Iona is a stunning place Mike, we are lucky to be going there very soon.
Hope that Corncrake turns up
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Mallorca 2024 (7 Viewers)
- Thread starter Mike Montier
- Start date
Hope that Corncrake turns up
Mike Montier
Well-known member
Hi TonyCath
The Corncrake will still be there but apparently they become more difficult to see as the grasses and plants in the fields grow taller as time progresses, and thus they become less conspicuous. I guess also, they are more bold when they first arrive and are advertising for a mate.
In Mallorca, when Nightjars first arrive, they are sometimes out in the open, on the paths, in the daylight, copulating.
I have seen them twice like this, both times just after 5pm.
Good luck and do let us know.
Mike
The Corncrake will still be there but apparently they become more difficult to see as the grasses and plants in the fields grow taller as time progresses, and thus they become less conspicuous. I guess also, they are more bold when they first arrive and are advertising for a mate.
In Mallorca, when Nightjars first arrive, they are sometimes out in the open, on the paths, in the daylight, copulating.
I have seen them twice like this, both times just after 5pm.
Good luck and do let us know.
Mike
JoeDowning
New member
Thank you all for the advice on Wrynecks, I'll be trying Son Real tomorrow!
So far I've visited S'Albufera twice, had 2 red rumped swallows yesterday and a dark morph Eleonora's falcon today with at least 4 others.
So far I've visited S'Albufera twice, had 2 red rumped swallows yesterday and a dark morph Eleonora's falcon today with at least 4 others.
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Strontium Dog
Well-known member
Back home. I actually got eight lifers on this trip as the "cormorants" I got inconclusive views of on two occasions at Son Real were in the main Shags, judging by recent photos and checklists on ebird. I don't know if it's more embarrassing not to realise at the time, or for the fact the common European Shag has eluded me for so long (it's the fifth cormorant on my lifelist ffs).
Great place, good birding. Just need to persuade the missus to go back one day.
Great place, good birding. Just need to persuade the missus to go back one day.
Good, Bad and Ugly (Part2)
Friday 1st June was our last day at Playa de Muro before we moved to Puerto Pollensa it is only a short distance but we have found five days in one area and then moving suits us but restricts our ability to be flexible on bird sightings (twitching) our last bird at this resort was to be a fly past by around a dozen Beeater.
We moved to our new accommodation without issue, my first task was to arrange a taxi for Mortix the following day. Our visit to the site and areas are covered elsewhere on the forum a few things that I didn't mention were the insect bites we picked up on this trip to the island. I of course suffered the most as I didn't spray myself enough I came away with 23 bites and only managed to dispatch one of the little mites.
We bumped into the Northumberland trio, actually duo as Ian was resting they told us of their visit to Mortix which was great to hear.
After a meeting an ex pat and being blamed for the cost of fuel increase throughout the world because I voted for Brexit we retired to our room as it was cool in the room Cath decided put the heating on, within a minute the rooms were filled with the smell of garlic. "What is going on" Cath asked " well I think the heating system is somehow linked to the extract from all the kitchens in the resort" as I fell over myself laughing. What made this so much funnier is that Cath detests garlic and is almost borderline super allergic. You best turn it off I muttered or words to that effect.
Our bird tally (97) slowed down over the last days of the trip as is expected. We are not sure if we will be back in 2025 there are three species that we have unfinished business with so they may well draw us back.
Thank you for reading
T&C
Friday 1st June was our last day at Playa de Muro before we moved to Puerto Pollensa it is only a short distance but we have found five days in one area and then moving suits us but restricts our ability to be flexible on bird sightings (twitching) our last bird at this resort was to be a fly past by around a dozen Beeater.
We moved to our new accommodation without issue, my first task was to arrange a taxi for Mortix the following day. Our visit to the site and areas are covered elsewhere on the forum a few things that I didn't mention were the insect bites we picked up on this trip to the island. I of course suffered the most as I didn't spray myself enough I came away with 23 bites and only managed to dispatch one of the little mites.
We bumped into the Northumberland trio, actually duo as Ian was resting they told us of their visit to Mortix which was great to hear.
After a meeting an ex pat and being blamed for the cost of fuel increase throughout the world because I voted for Brexit we retired to our room as it was cool in the room Cath decided put the heating on, within a minute the rooms were filled with the smell of garlic. "What is going on" Cath asked " well I think the heating system is somehow linked to the extract from all the kitchens in the resort" as I fell over myself laughing. What made this so much funnier is that Cath detests garlic and is almost borderline super allergic. You best turn it off I muttered or words to that effect.
Our bird tally (97) slowed down over the last days of the trip as is expected. We are not sure if we will be back in 2025 there are three species that we have unfinished business with so they may well draw us back.
Thank you for reading
T&C
Jonny Holliday
Active member
A good read - thanks! we have already booked our return to Can Picafort for 2 weeks next spring, so hope you make it out there.........out of interest, what are the 3 species you hope to see?......
Jonny
Jonny, the three are Short toed Lark ( Central Plain), Scops Owl (Puerto Pollensa) and the one and only Jinxy Wryneck ( everywhere and anywhere) with the latter we have spent lots of time between the Boquer gates since 2015
taking into account that this bird is so common on the Island my eyes fail to deliver a tick against it but its also the same in the UK.All three are doable just always a case of time and timing.
T&C
JoeDowning
New member
Wryneck success at Son Real, thank you all, heard one and briefly saw it on a visit on Tuesday, Hoopoes everywhere with a total of 13 across the 3 mile walk and a stunning little Hermann's tortoise. Tawny pipits on the beach and a single Thekla's Lark too.
Went back again today, had 2 Wrynecks calling with nice view of one flying then calling through a trees canopy. A Hoopoe may be trying to nest or mate on one of the islands the cormorants seem to like as it flew to it with food. We had a total of 48 Hermann's tortoise on our walk, practically stepping over them after it had warmed up a little, amazing to see.
Went back again today, had 2 Wrynecks calling with nice view of one flying then calling through a trees canopy. A Hoopoe may be trying to nest or mate on one of the islands the cormorants seem to like as it flew to it with food. We had a total of 48 Hermann's tortoise on our walk, practically stepping over them after it had warmed up a little, amazing to see.
Ian Pollença
Well-known member
Now back in the UK. My No 1 target bird was Quail, but after 7 visits to Maria de la Salut and Vilafranca not one bothered to pop up it's head nor make just a short flight 😔, not at 6 am, 1 pm, 6 pm. Ok, I/we heard it a dozen times in several places along the ways, but for me that wasn't enough. But did get lots more close up viewings of Short-toed Larks which just simply landed on the path right in front of the car (which I really didn't expect), and got to see the female Red-footed Falcon 3 times, and a male Lesser Kestrel too. The sheer beauty and tranquility of Es Blanquer, in the middle of nowhere, is magical. Did get to see a Collared Pratincole at the Dep, Vilafranca which was nice. Several viewings of Little Bittern at Albufera and Maristany. (Rare for me). More Bee-eaters at Son Bosc and 6 more, very close, at a finca on a fence in Can Cuirassa, then a bit of a fly round, just after the heavy rain. Camera was in the car but I didn't want to miss the show. (Every cloud has a silver lining). Did a sea watch at Porto Colom on the tiny off chance of a Storm Petrel, no joy, but did see lots of Scopoli's Shearwater and Balearic Shearwater. Fantastic views of at least 6 Eleonora's Falcons on Dragonera; well worth visiting if only for the stunning surrounding views. Got another great view here too of a Balearic Warbler. (as well as Albercutx tower). Yesterday a visit to Albufera was productive as 3 x Gull-billed Tern dropped into Cibollar 2 to have a good preen. (Oh, 😮 a Lifer!). Happy bunny now. Also running late, as I should really be packing and tidying up the house so I rushed home. But decided to nip into a nice little spot on the way home. A fly by (sort of familiar bird) landed on an open branch and walked on the branch and trunk for one minute (camera in car) in Full view, before disappearing into a hole; Reappeared and again it walked on the branch and around the hole so decided eventually to go to the car for the camera. Can't believe my luck, sorry TonyCath but I don't think I'll ever get better views of a Wryneck. Will try to post a couple of photos but I'm by no means a Techy.
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Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
Just back to this lovely island. Peter S. had the car and offered a lift to S'Albufera. Many vistors and I thought it would be quiet. However amazing day. Glossy Ibis, Little Egrets, and Cattle Egrets everywhere. Many Flamingos, Avocets with young, Purple Herons, Shellducks, Black Winged Stilts, etc enjoying the great weather.
Moustache Warblers showing and singing well..however no sign of reed warblers and great reed warblers.
Several sightings of Ospreys, but few Marsh Harriers or Kestrels.
Swifts overhead, but few barn swallows,etc.
Many Nightingales but so difficult to see.
Stars of the visit were the appearance of two Squacco Herons and the 3 Gull billed Terns as reported above.
We decided to head to Maristany and Albuferata Screen.
Another Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Red Crested Pochards, and a Male Marsh Harrier.
Some 60 species seen or heard. Thanks Peter!
Moustache Warblers showing and singing well..however no sign of reed warblers and great reed warblers.
Several sightings of Ospreys, but few Marsh Harriers or Kestrels.
Swifts overhead, but few barn swallows,etc.
Many Nightingales but so difficult to see.
Stars of the visit were the appearance of two Squacco Herons and the 3 Gull billed Terns as reported above.
We decided to head to Maristany and Albuferata Screen.
Another Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Red Crested Pochards, and a Male Marsh Harrier.
Some 60 species seen or heard. Thanks Peter!
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Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
After reading Ians report above, couldn’t wait to visit the White Plains around Maria de la Salut, despite being a Saturday and the Cup Final on later.
Arranged to meet Kevin and we headed to the usual spot with high hopes.
We bumped into another birder who told us that few distant Kestrels ( maybe common / Lesser ) seen and no red footed falcons! However he pointed out that some 20 Eleonoras were around. We saw several overhead and some very close hawking the fields.
Several farmers were out working and many of the cereal fields had not yet been harvest, which normally signals red footed falcons and Lesser Kestrels.
We wondered if the presence of the Eleonoras had an impact on the other birds.
A few other birds seen including Black Vulture, Red Kites, Booted Eagles, Thekla Larks, Woodchat Shrike, etc.
Had to leave to get back for football, but stopped briefly at Son Bosc for the bee eaters and checked out the Depuradora but very quiet.
As Ian mentioned above.”.The sheer beauty and tranquility of Es Blanquer, in the middle of nowhere, is magical. “
Arranged to meet Kevin and we headed to the usual spot with high hopes.
We bumped into another birder who told us that few distant Kestrels ( maybe common / Lesser ) seen and no red footed falcons! However he pointed out that some 20 Eleonoras were around. We saw several overhead and some very close hawking the fields.
Several farmers were out working and many of the cereal fields had not yet been harvest, which normally signals red footed falcons and Lesser Kestrels.
We wondered if the presence of the Eleonoras had an impact on the other birds.
A few other birds seen including Black Vulture, Red Kites, Booted Eagles, Thekla Larks, Woodchat Shrike, etc.
Had to leave to get back for football, but stopped briefly at Son Bosc for the bee eaters and checked out the Depuradora but very quiet.
As Ian mentioned above.”.The sheer beauty and tranquility of Es Blanquer, in the middle of nowhere, is magical. “
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Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
Seems less Birders on the Island at the moment!
Took a slow post lunch walk along Can Currassa Road.
Of course the Rollers have past though, and no sign of Montagu’s Harrier nor Golden Orioles reported earlier.
Spotless starlings at Pin 16 as ususal.
Some 30 species seen including Purple Heron, Woodchat Shrike, Yellow Wagtail, Spotted flycatcher, etc however nothing really special.
But with the temperature up above 24C, many insects were very active including Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Cleopatra, (Eastern) Bath White, Meadow Brown butterfly, Hummingbird Moths, Violet Carpenter Bees, Violet Dropwing Dragonflies, etc.
What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Took a slow post lunch walk along Can Currassa Road.
Of course the Rollers have past though, and no sign of Montagu’s Harrier nor Golden Orioles reported earlier.
Spotless starlings at Pin 16 as ususal.
Some 30 species seen including Purple Heron, Woodchat Shrike, Yellow Wagtail, Spotted flycatcher, etc however nothing really special.
But with the temperature up above 24C, many insects were very active including Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Cleopatra, (Eastern) Bath White, Meadow Brown butterfly, Hummingbird Moths, Violet Carpenter Bees, Violet Dropwing Dragonflies, etc.
What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
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Thanks for rubbing our noses in this Ian, I have had to go to Stepping Hill for the abrasions caused.
Well done on your successful trip, a few lifers there I know
Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
A return to the White Plains to hunt for Reed Footed Falcons and Lesser Kestrels.
No Eleonoras around this time and many Kestrels were very active but we failed to see both target birds. The Wheatfields had still not been harvested.
Several Black Vultures, Red Kites, Booted Eagle and Marsh Harrier showed up however birding was quiet perhaps due to the windy conditions.
We drove towards Vilafranca, but again few birds seen.
We headed back to the Depuradora and Albuferata Screen area…again very quiet.
Some 40 bird species seen or heard, however it was not to be a special day ..we are spoiled here!
No Eleonoras around this time and many Kestrels were very active but we failed to see both target birds. The Wheatfields had still not been harvested.
Several Black Vultures, Red Kites, Booted Eagle and Marsh Harrier showed up however birding was quiet perhaps due to the windy conditions.
We drove towards Vilafranca, but again few birds seen.
We headed back to the Depuradora and Albuferata Screen area…again very quiet.
Some 40 bird species seen or heard, however it was not to be a special day ..we are spoiled here!
Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
Breaking News!
Declarado un incendio de grandes dimensiones en s’Albufera (Mallorca) Declarado un incendio de grandes dimensiones en s’Albufera (Mallorca)
Smoke was bellowing out as we drove past today.
Declarado un incendio de grandes dimensiones en s’Albufera (Mallorca) Declarado un incendio de grandes dimensiones en s’Albufera (Mallorca)
Smoke was bellowing out as we drove past today.
That's terrible.So sad 😥😥Breaking News!
Declarado un incendio de grandes dimensiones en s’Albufera (Mallorca) Declarado un incendio de grandes dimensiones en s’Albufera (Mallorca)
Smoke was bellowing out as we drove past today.
Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
A little Tern reported ar Albufera today!
Unfortunately I was on a walk with friends around lovely area around Llubi.
I know little about this town, however it is a secret little treasure.
The countryside around the town is very attractive to Birds and Insects.
Although we only saw or heard 25 bird Species including Nightingales, Kestrels, Booted Eagle, various Warblers etc. on this warm day, the walk itself and finding what this lovely town can offer was enough for us.
Highlights including hearing our first Turtle Dove and seeing a possible Honey Buzzard.
Some nice Mammoth wasp species and even their scarab beetles prey were seen.
Unfortunately I was on a walk with friends around lovely area around Llubi.
I know little about this town, however it is a secret little treasure.
The countryside around the town is very attractive to Birds and Insects.
Although we only saw or heard 25 bird Species including Nightingales, Kestrels, Booted Eagle, various Warblers etc. on this warm day, the walk itself and finding what this lovely town can offer was enough for us.
Highlights including hearing our first Turtle Dove and seeing a possible Honey Buzzard.
Some nice Mammoth wasp species and even their scarab beetles prey were seen.
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Ian Pollença
Well-known member
Hi Karl, we had a good walk around Punta de n'Amer 2 weeks ago (even to the very tip for a bit of a sea watch) and returned via the Monument and near the castle. We heard then saw a Balearic Warbler in the scrub. This spot is very close to Cala Millor. Good luck 🤞 Cheers, Ian
Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
A mornings walk up the road leading to Ternelles Valley.
Weather is in high 20s and great blue skies.
This is one of my favourite short walk through Farming and Mountain Environments.
Many singing Serins, Blackcaps, Sardinian Warblers, House Sparrows, Blackbirds, Swifts, Goldfinch, Greenfinches, etc.
Not many birds in the sky above the mountains except for 2 Ravens and distant views of upto 4 Griffon and 2 Black Vultures.
Approaching the locked gate enterance to the Valley, a Wryneck and Wren called. Very difficult to find the birds!
One of the highlights of the walk are the water troughs along the route that attrack many insects including dragonflies.
I think those I photographed and noted included Orange winged Dropwing, Violet Dropwing, Broad Scarlet, Black tailed Skimmer. I am sure StewB will confirm.
Weather is in high 20s and great blue skies.
This is one of my favourite short walk through Farming and Mountain Environments.
Many singing Serins, Blackcaps, Sardinian Warblers, House Sparrows, Blackbirds, Swifts, Goldfinch, Greenfinches, etc.
Not many birds in the sky above the mountains except for 2 Ravens and distant views of upto 4 Griffon and 2 Black Vultures.
Approaching the locked gate enterance to the Valley, a Wryneck and Wren called. Very difficult to find the birds!
One of the highlights of the walk are the water troughs along the route that attrack many insects including dragonflies.
I think those I photographed and noted included Orange winged Dropwing, Violet Dropwing, Broad Scarlet, Black tailed Skimmer. I am sure StewB will confirm.
