Mallorca 2012 (1 Viewer)

[gus guthrie]

can I ask the same question as Eagle33 ...aka...craig shaw.....is there a way of keeping up to date on sightings on the island ...for example a website ?
will be coming out for the first 2 weeks of october.

 

[osprey31]

To be honest, i've always found Mike's posting & the info contributed by others on here to be the best way of keeping up to date.
There doesn't appear to be anyone who has a regular blog about the islands birdlife

 

[Mike Montier]

GOB have one but it is in Catalan, you can use the translate button but it still doesn't make sense, they do use Scientific names mostly so that is a great help. Go to GOB then "forum aus" and some sightings are listed. Good luck! Mike

 

[RussB]

Hi there! I didn't know such a thread existed, even on BF!

I've booked for a week at Puerto Pollensa from late Sept into early Oct with the ladyfriend. As I've not been since I was a nipper I'm wandering is it still the migration hot spot it once was? I'll probably miss lots of stuff but so long as there's the odd bird around I'm not overly fussed!
I'd be most obliged if you could give me a bit of info...
1, Is the Boquer Valley still likely to be producing the birds, and if so is access any more restricted?
2, As I can't be axxxxd with a rental car is there any other decent birding spots within a good walk of the resort? I'm always happy just blogging around with the sletchbook waiting to see what's what so anywhere I could sit and look at Woodchat Shrikes, or even better Audouin's Gulls, would be ace
3, Is there still a chance of Eleonora's at this time of year?
4, My big birding passion is field sketching so the Albufera seems to be the best bet. Would anyone know if there is public transport going anywhere near the reserve.
5, I also love to just walk off the beaten track out of curiosity. Is there such a thing as 'off the beaten track' in Mallorca or will I likely be trespassing and risking arrest or a savaging by some huge hound?

I'm sure there are other things that will crop up I'd like to ask.

Many thanks for your time.

Russ

 

[nickderry]

Hi there! I didn't know such a thread existed, even on BF!

I've booked for a week at Puerto Pollensa from late Sept into early Oct with the ladyfriend. As I've not been since I was a nipper I'm wandering is it still the migration hot spot it once was? I'll probably miss lots of stuff but so long as there's the odd bird around I'm not overly fussed!
I'd be most obliged if you could give me a bit of info...
1, Is the Boquer Valley still likely to be producing the birds, and if so is access any more restricted?
2, As I can't be axxxxd with a rental car is there any other decent birding spots within a good walk of the resort? I'm always happy just blogging around with the sletchbook waiting to see what's what so anywhere I could sit and look at Woodchat Shrikes, or even better Audouin's Gulls, would be ace
3, Is there still a chance of Eleonora's at this time of year?
4, My big birding passion is field sketching so the Albufera seems to be the best bet. Would anyone know if there is public transport going anywhere near the reserve.
5, I also love to just walk off the beaten track out of curiosity. Is there such a thing as 'off the beaten track' in Mallorca or will I likely be trespassing and risking arrest or a savaging by some huge hound?

I'm sure there are other things that will crop up I'd like to ask.

Many thanks for your time.

Russ

Off the top of my head: Yes, there is a bus to S'Albufera, with a bus stop right on the entrance to the reserve, don't know more than that though as I hired a car.

In May, I had about 5 or 6 Audouin's Gulls very close in the harbour at Port de Pollensa, giving some very good views.

Hope you have a great trip - look forward to seeing the sketches!

 

[eanin1]

Hi Russ
We stayed in Puerto Pollensa in 2004 and audoins gull were regularly to be seen on the beach and just off shore.In the evening time groups of 4 and 5 could be found on the beach near the pine walk end.
Stayed in Playa de muro this year right beside the S'Albufera. The bus stops right outside entrance at the small car park and I think its just 1.50 euro from Puerto Pollensa.

regards
Sean]

 

[davercox]

Buses

Hope this site is kept up-to-date.

 

[Marmot]

Although it is about 3 years since we went back to Cala Bona [we have stayed there over a dozen times in last 20 years] the Audoins Gulls were always in the Harbour normally from about 6 to over 20 of them depending on the time of day.

There was even one with the ring number MP2 who we saw year after year which was 13year old when we took this photo in 2008, I wonder if he is still hanging around.
http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=213617

 

[RussB]

Thanks for the info, guys!
The place is obviously still pulling the birds, as I've found out by reading back through the thread!
I generally don't go mad to see new birds but it, Eleonora's apart - which I'd love to see, it would be daft not to at least spend a bit of time looking for Balearic Warbler, 'tached Warbler (I would think these are very difficult) and Thekla Lark. Embarrasingly, I've never seen Dartford Warbler either!

Looking back on the thread as been really useful, but if anyone has any extra info I'd be most appreciative!

Nick, your Audouin's sketches have got me wanting to go now!!

Cheers again.

Russ

 

[Mike Montier]

Spent the morning at Salobrar de Campos and Cap de ses salines. Migration well undrer way now with Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover , Little Stint and a White Storrk over. At the Cap one Golden Oriole and a Common Buzzard were nice birds. Two Whinchat, a Pied Flycatcher and one Wheatear. Mike

 

[Mike Montier]

Russ. Bóquer is still open as before and should be good for migration at that time. It can still be spectacular if you get the day right. You should be fine for Eleanora's, they are a late migrant. The light is good for sketching so you should enjoy yourself. You can walk pretty much anywhere, I have always found Majorcans very friendy and have even been invited in for lunch more than once. There are private houses and paths but these are always marked as such. Have a great time. Mike

 

[nickderry]

Russ. Bóquer is still open as before and should be good for migration at that time. It can still be spectacular if you get the day right. You should be fine for Eleanora's, they are a late migrant. The light is good for sketching so you should enjoy yourself. You can walk pretty much anywhere, I have always found Majorcans very friendy and have even been invited in for lunch more than once. There are private houses and paths but these are always marked as such. Have a great time. Mike

Agreed, the Boquer is a great place for sketching, as long as you remember to sit on the rocks and not the prickly little plants!

 

[davidg]

I've just received the updated 'Finding Birds in Majorca' book from Birdguides and it looks excellent with lots of maps and clear directions. Only a week until my trip and I can't wait to put the book to use but still a bit peeved to have paid six quid for the 20 year old guide just a few weeks ago!

David

 

[RussB]

Thanks for more useful info, guys!
If anything else comes to mind I know where to come! I'll definitely be paying regular visits here for an update of the Mallorcan migration, and I really look forward to sharing my experiences with ya.
Game on!

Cheers again

Russ

 

[super-silly-um]

Hi folks,
What a useful thread. I'm coming to stay in Puerto Pollensa in October (arriving 13th). I've ordered the book/dvd package from bird guides. Have I chosen a good time to come ? Is there anything important I should know that the bird guides pack won't cover ?
Any help is much appreciated.

Cheers. Richard

 

[honeym]

Hi

I read (Forum GOB) that the rain arrived in Mallorca yesterday, as forecast, bringing with it many migrant birds (at least to Alcanada) including Bee-eater, Tree Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Redstart, Whinchat, Wheatear, Willow Warbler, Golden Oriole and many Pied Flycatcher (c.100-150).

Things are hotting up (as the heat cools down).

Martin

 

[Mike Montier]

Things are hotting up with over 40 Honey Buzzard around Cap de Ses Salines and Salobrar de Campos this morning. Also one Black Kite. Record numbers of Pied Flycatchers also, a big fall in front of the storms coming from the North, ideal! More to come..

 

[Mike Montier]

Richard, the guide should cover every site really well and is bang up-to-date. 13th October is still a good time with plenty of migration so you should have a great time. Let us know if you need any specific species and we will try to help. Mike

 

[eagle33]

hi mike, i notice you cover Cap de Ses Salines and Salobrar de Campos is this the favoured spots for migrants and rares to turn up or is there hotspots or anywhere can turn up stuff special.. i presume wind direction dictates too?

 

[Mike Montier]

In the Autumn, the south seems to be better for raptors, especially Santa Ponça area and Cap de Ses Salines but the North at Albercutx is better in the Spring. The other reason that I cover them is because I live in the South! The North is better all-round with many great sites, s'Albufera, Albufereta, Albercutx and the Bóquer Valley, all excellent. It all depends on the winds and we have just had a big storm from the North pushing migrating birds this way. Mike