Mallorca 2012 (1 Viewer)

[honeym]

Thanks for the correction. I don't use that route a lot - but when I do I usually have a key, so I've not seen any no entry sign.

I've always been led to believe that access on foot outside of normal opening hours is OK.

The bricking up may have been to deter the (sometimes) large groups of cyclists.

I'll check and get back.

Martin

 

[Peewit]

Any right of way to walkers, cyclists etc.. is always a bone of contention when it comes to using any pathways in Spain...especially if any pathways are over private land. Territorial is the name of the game

Menorca is a lot more flexible than it used to be so it is easy to get about the island now. :-O
I still remember the Ranger at S'Albufera Reserve going out of his way to get us the best birding spots on the island as long as we remained in the car.

As I have mentioned before on this area of the forum, it is always safer to have backup, and advice from someone local before setting out so you do not come against any problems at all.

Regards
Kathy
x

 

[honeym]

Hi Sean

Yes. Just follow the Ses Puntes track through the pines, over the cattle grid where there's a viewing platform on your right, then a derelict house on the left, then you reach a locked gate. There's an access point on the side, then follow the track through a derelict finca/small-holding and you then reach a chain across the path with a house on your right. The road then heads off along the side of the water works. When the chain-link fence on your right runs out there's a signed track to the Depuradora with more chain-link fence and thick bushes (on the right). Take the right fork at the junction and then continue until you reach the viewing platform on your right.

Best wishes

Martin

Hi Sean

I have to apologise. That route is now no longer possible as the gate is officially closed and with a no entry sign.

The Park is trying to get all visitors to enter via the Park's official entry point (off the main road). The main reason for this is that of late, many groups of cyclists and joggers want to enter by the ses Puntes route to engage in their sport - both of which are banned activities (but often ignored).

As usual, it's the many that have to suffer because of the actions of a few.

Martin

 

[Peewit]

Hi Sean

I have to apologise. That route is now no longer possible as the gate is officially closed and with a no entry sign.

The Park is trying to get all visitors to enter via the Park's official entry point (off the main road). The main reason for this is that of late, many groups of cyclists and joggers want to enter by the ses Puntes route to engage in their sport - both of which are banned activities (but often ignored).

As usual, it's the many that have to suffer because of the actions of a few.

Martin

Ditto - so agree with what you say here :t:

Regards
Kathy
x

 

[tbcash80]

Hi - are the other entry points closed too ? (eg the long track from the bridge on the Sa Pobla road.)

Many thanks for any information.

 

[Mike Montier]

Thank's Martin. We will respect the no entry and go through the main gate in future. Not a problem but we do enjoy walking rather than getting back in the car but we will comply. Mike

 

[eanin1]

Thanks Martin

By the way can the water works be seen from the reserve itself. On a map of the reserve there is a pathway called Cami De Pep or something similar and it seems to cross the bottom of S'Albufera above the waterworks.

regards
Sean

 

[honeym]

Hi Sean

No. Cami den Pep is some distance from the Depuradora and there's a lot of Arundo donax, the Giant Reed, plus the odd canal, in the way. It can only be viewed from the platform next to the Depuradora.

tbcash80

I'm not sure which one you mean. The one leading into s'Albufera running parellel to the main canal and past the tower hide (Cami d'Enmig) - or the one that skirts the back of the Park (Cami des Polls).

I can't imagine the latter being closed but the former might.

Martin

 

[tbcash80]

QUOTE=honeym;2486795]Hi Sean

No. Cami den Pep is some distance from the Depuradora and there's a lot of Arundo donax, the Giant Reed, plus the odd canal, in the way. It can only be viewed from the platform next to the Depuradora.

tbcash80

I'm not sure which one you mean. The one leading into s'Albufera running parellel to the main canal and past the tower hide (Cami d'Enmig) - or the one that skirts the back of the Park (Cami des Polls).

I can't imagine the latter being closed but the former might.

Martin[/QUOTE]

Hi Martin

I meant the former - the track past the tower.

Mark

 

[honeym]

Hi Mark

OK, I'll see if I can find out.

Martin

 

[tbcash80]

Thanks Martin

We are staying for a week at the other end of the island - Calvia west of Palma.

Any recent news of interest from this area from anyone would be appreciated ?

And a few trips will hopefully be made to the Salines. Has the birding here been adversely affected by the guided tours ?

Many thanks in advance

Hi Mark

OK, I'll see if I can find out.

Martin

 

[honeym]

Hi

Looking at the Forum GOB site it looks like the fight to save the last wetland area in Palma (Ses Fontanelles) has failed.
See http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4028025/20120713/obres-ses-fontanelles-comencaran-setembre.html
Work begins in September to 'develop' it into a major shopping centre. More habitat loss.

Martin

 

[Mike Montier]

A couple of White storks have been around Santa Ponça most of the summer and it is always a top spot for migration, you should do well. Salinas will be great for waders returning. Guided tours do not have a good effect on the Flamingos, they are nervous at the best of times.Do post what you see. I don't think I can stand to read about more habitat loss, it makes me weep.

 

[honeym]

Sorry Mike. Me too!
Martin

 

[honeym]

Sorry Mike. Me too!
Martin

 

[Peewit]

A couple of White storks have been around Santa Ponça most of the summer and it is always a top spot for migration, you should do well. Salinas will be great for waders returning. Guided tours do not have a good effect on the Flamingos, they are nervous at the best of times.Do post what you see. I don't think I can stand to read about more habitat loss, it makes me weep.

Hi Mike

So sorry to hear about the problems going on with habitat loss. I really hope that there is some solution to issues close to our hearts on here with the conservation of Spanish Islands

Menorca remains free of all the overkill to a point with commercialisation, excess buildings, pubs, and hotel complexes. I pray that it remains that way for many years to come.
Fornells has shown that it has grown with some new building work, but on the whole it remain unsold for the last 2-3 years - so that is good to a point. I assume it is holiday lets but who knows...as they remain empty.

I have noticed a lot more vehicle activity closer to Ses Selines. There are various issues such as dog mess when owners let their dogs loose on the sand area close to the Minorca Sailing company...simply to poo everywhere on the beach. That is plain annoying as I like to watch the birds at the saltpans as much as I can.

It is a definate 'them' and 'us' thing going on - I feel that many people are locked in their own worlds of non interest in their environment and it is just the way it is - they are blind to the bigger picture.

That is the way of our cluttered, money orientated world - sadly.

Regards
Kathy
x

 

[tbcash80]

A couple of White storks have been around Santa Ponça most of the summer and it is always a top spot for migration, you should do well. Salinas will be great for waders returning. Guided tours do not have a good effect on the Flamingos, they are nervous at the best of times.Do post what you see. I don't think I can stand to read about more habitat loss, it makes me weep.

Thank you Mike. When you say "Santa Ponca" where do you mean ? I usually have a look around the lighthouse area for Balaearic Warbler but no luck for a while. And there is the path from the windmill towards Calvia. Is there anywhere else ?

7 eleonora's falcons over St Elmo last evening.



Help appreciated - Mark

 

[Mike Montier]

My birding pal from Bolton has an apartment in Santa Ponça and he knows every square inch of it so I will SKYPE him and ask. He has some great walks from the centre of the town and I will post all the info. I have only been a couple of times so am no expert! Mike

 

[tbcash80]

My birding pal from Bolton has an apartment in Santa Ponça and he knows every square inch of it so I will SKYPE him and ask. He has some great walks from the centre of the town and I will post all the info. I have only been a couple of times so am no expert! Mike

Many thanks. Alpine swifts and bee-eaters over Calvia this pm.

 

[Mike Montier]

Thanks for the records, much appreciated. Alpine swifts and Bee-eaters are always great birds to see. I contacted my friend last night but he has been taken to hospital sadly. He has asked his wife to bring in his pager and binoculars! Typical birder. I will get info as soon as possible. Mike