Mallorca 2020 (1 Viewer)

Mcnswiss2 · Oct 24, 2020

Little time for bird watching today,however managed to squeeze a quick trip to Maristany to see if any Barn Swallows or Sand Martins were present.
Unfortunately none were seen,however there were several surprises.
Birds seen included Northern Shoverlers, Gadwalls, Little Grebes, Little Egrets (at least 10), Moorhens, Water Rails, Purple Swamp Hens, and 2 Common Sandpipers.
The stars were 2 Kingfishers (they seem to be doing well this year) and 12 Greater Flamingos. First time I have seen them here. Several Young ones present.

As the song goes..You cannot always get what you want....But if you try sometimes ..

honeym · Oct 25, 2020

Mike Montier said:
Western confer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis thanks to Jason.
I’ve never seen one.
Maybe Martin has some records?
Still very impressive numbers of Plain Tiger butterflies being seen.
Mike

Hi

Jason (of course) is correct.

A native of North America west of the Rockies this introduced species has been expending it range within Europe. It was first recorded from the Balearic Islands in the literature in 2010 (from Mallorca and Menorca) and has recently been photographed in Formentera (van der Heyden 2019).

Mike - I'd be interested to know about the WhatsApp group.

Martin

Mike Montier · Oct 25, 2020

Thank you Martin as always.
Perhaps you could help with the attached. A friend sent it and was told it was a cricket. Not sure about that.
Jason or Maties would be very happy to include you on the WhatsApp groups, they are very interesting with lots of butterfly and dragonfly records. I think there are two groups but I don’t have the authority to enroll anyone.
All the best
Mike

Mike Montier · Oct 25, 2020

A surprisingly lively morning at the Cap bearing in mind a “capote” yesterday (zero migrants)
Despite the strong south-westerly winds, streams of birds were seen leaving the Island battling into the wind. Groups of Chaffinch were noted, males first followed by groups of females. Some Crag martins were seen leaving despite this species being largely resident in Mallorca. Meadow pipits were in evidence too.
Then the falcons came, seemingly endless Common Kestrel for a purple patch. Well over 25, final totals later. A Sparrowhawk joined the party and then a stunning female Merlín. What a cracker this species is to see here.
Another Merlín came by even closer.
A surprise of three Alpine Swift flying strongly into the wind.
Many locals were present erecting a new information board, very nice it looked too.
Happy days. It’s been a great autumn, not record numbers by any means but a good craic and I’m even understanding a bit more of the excited conversations these days. My Spanish teacher is not too impressed with some of new words I’ve learnt but these are good guys, lots of laughter and banter. They do pull my leg a lot but it’s all in the best possible taste. My teacher did suggest I change my friends but I wouldn’t swap it for the world.
A long wait now for spring migration but I think there is still time for some late surprises. I bet there’s a Red-flanked bluetail out there somewhere.
Mike

Mike Montier · Oct 25, 2020

I know Patrick doesn’t mind me sharing his images and I couldn’t resist putting this splendid female Merlin on.

Mike Montier · Oct 25, 2020

The finished board with some of the group, the ones that did all the work. I had to leave for a long lunch at our local bar so I made my excuses and left.
Well done everyone.
Photo courtesy of Javi.
Mike

Mike Montier · Oct 25, 2020

Numbers for today:
Cap de Ses Salines.
1 Sparrowhawk
84 Common Kestrel
11 Eleonora’s falcons
3 Merlín
77 Chaffinch
300 Barn Swallows
4 House martins
5 White Wagtail
3 Alpine Swift.
3 Northern gannet
6 Meadow pipit
18 Crag Martin
Mike

Mcnswiss2 · Oct 25, 2020

A nice sunny walk along the valley behind Lluc. Very quiet for birds. Hoping for first Bramblings but no such luck. Distant views of Black Vultures(3), Griffon Vultures(2), and Ravens(4).
Other birds seen included Red Kites(2), Booted Eagles(3), and Common Kestrels(6).
Chiffchaffs, Crag Martins, Chaffinch, Song Thrush, Robins. One Cirl Bunting and a couple of blue tits also seen.
Many families enjoying the sunday sunshine.

honeym · Oct 26, 2020

Mike Montier said:
Thank you Martin as always.
Perhaps you could help with the attached. A friend sent it and was told it was a cricket. Not sure about that.
Jason or Maties would be very happy to include you on the WhatsApp groups, they are very interesting with lots of butterfly and dragonfly records. I think there are two groups but I don’t have the authority to enroll anyone.
All the best
Mike

Hi Mike

Thanks.

Your friend was correct, it is a cricket. It is Gryllus bimaculatus, otherwise known as the Southern Field cricket or Two-spotted cricket but it has several more vernacular names. I regularly get them in the moth trap in s'Albufera.

Martin

Geordie Dave · Oct 26, 2020

Back in the UK after my latest visit and had time to review my notes and download photos. It was a hugely enjoyable visit between the end, or at least late migration passage and the the start of winter with temperatures between 22 and 26 degrees. It means many of the birds have now gone and the winter birds are yet to arrive. Despite there not being larger numbers of birds in evidence I was delighted to see 119 species on this visit. It was good to be able to get around Albufera again, I was there when the fires were raging 3-4 weeks ago, and good to see how quickly the vegetation is recovering. There has clearly been a fair amount of rain since I last left 2 weeks previously and water levels were high on all of the ponds at Albufera causing a general lack of waders. I was pleased to see 4 females of the total of 8 white headed ducks released at Albufera and to see another female the following day at Depuradora. As always it was good to spend time at Cap de Ses Salines with the GORA raptor group even though there were few birds moving through. A group of around 140 ravens circling overhead was an unexpected pleasure though. The other bonuses for me have been the number of Eleanoras falcons still on the island, some very close views of male marsh harriers in full breeding colours and a beautiful black kite low over the fields at Port de Pollenca. Great to catch up with Mike M, Mike S, Kevin and Phil A. Direct flights from Newcastle have now stopped altogether until February/ March next year and this might be my last visit of 2020. Heres to the next time!!

Geordie Dave · Oct 26, 2020

Some photos from the last 2 weeks

Geordie Dave · Oct 26, 2020

Mike Montier · Oct 26, 2020

Thank you Martin, my friend will be very pleased she was correct.
Thanks also for the photos David, I too will miss the company of the British group. We had a lot of fun and saw some great birds.
Sorry about the dismal show at the Cap, we have had some wonderful days there this autumn...just never when us Brits are there!
See you all next year, I will keep posting all sightings here to keep the interest going until we meet again.
Keep safe and enjoy all those Megas which continue to arrive in the UK. What an autumn it’s been for you.
Mike

LaGola · Oct 27, 2020

Mcnswiss2 said:
Thanks Cristina, so glad to be back. I have been following your inputs and lists of birds seen in La Gola. This has cheered us during the lockdown.

When are your opening hours?

Hello Mike! You already know it now but, in case somebody needs it:

From Monday to Friday 9am-4pm this week because in November it will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday, same opening hours.

Regards,
Cristina.

LaGola · Oct 27, 2020

Hello again,
As I have told Mike, this morning there has been an Osprey fishing in the lagoon.
It has been great! But I haven't any good picture

I have started to introduce my sightings in ebird, so now you can also consult them there.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4979311?yr=all

Today, a apart of the Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Little Egret, Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper, Common Snipe, Crag Martins, Black redstarts, Firecrest, Sardinian Warbler, Chiffchaff, Crossbill, Robins everywhere...

Best wishes,
Cristina.

Mcnswiss2 · Oct 27, 2020

After I missed the Osprey at LaGola, but managing to see the Kingfisher etc, decided to set off in the late afternoon to Bocquer Valley.
Pleasent walk up the Valley but few birds seen except for several black redstarts and robins fighting for territory.
Stars were 3 Kestrels, 4 Blue Rock Thrushes and Two Booted Eagles.
Nice insects around.

Mike Montier · Oct 28, 2020

Probably the last visit I will make to the lighthouse at Cap de Ses Salines this morning.
It was a beautiful day, about 25 degrees of sunshine and I had a good feeling about the day.
It was not be, but nevertheless it was very enjoyable, watching both Scopoli’s and Balearic shearwaters going low over a calm sea and lots of Plain Tiger butterflies fluttering by.
Two Common Kestrel went out to sea and four Booted eagles circled up high but did not leave.
11 Barn Swallows were seen low over the water so there was something going on most of the time.
Lots more winter birds arrived in our gardens this morning so they will keep me going for the time being.
Mike

Mike Montier · Oct 28, 2020

The last autumn migrant Kestrel rises up and over the lighthouse, flying strongly out to sea and across to Africa. The whole phenomenon of migration is both fascinating and amazing.
Watching raptors leaving Mallorca is up there with one of the best experiences to be enjoyed here in Mallorca.
Mike

Mcnswiss2 · Oct 28, 2020

Out today for a local walk around Pollensa. Glorious sunshine around 24C here. Birding was quiet but the walk was fun.
Birds seen included Ravens, Kestrels, Booted Eagles(3), Serins, Goldfinches, Black redstarts, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Chiffchaffs, Starlings, Sardinian Warblers, and 10000s Robins.
Several flocks of white wagtails and a single Pipit, most likely Meadow Pipit.
A surprised bird turned up!
Always time for coffee and Ensaimada after a good hike!

Mcnswiss2 · Oct 29, 2020

Still Glorious weather here(23C). A good walk along the beach at Son Real.
Birding still fairly quiet but being out in the sun makes up for it.
Birds seen included Kestrels,Auduoins Gull,Turnstone,Kentish Plovers,Thekla Larks,Meadow Pipit,Stonechats,Kingfisher,GrayWagtails,Firecrest and Curlew Sandpipe

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