Mallorca 2015 (1 Viewer)

[Josep Manchado]

And both Hawfinch and Brambling were seen last Saturday at a place called Clot d'Albarca but I am none the wiser.

Clot d'Albarca is just behind Lluc (the big Monestir in the Tramuntana between Soller and Pollença). Yo need to park there in the parking (payment parking) and walk around 2 kms by a non paved path just behind the big cross, going down to the flat valley beside the stream, until a big flat areas, cars are not allowed there.

The plow flats, with olives trees are very nice for birds and there were lot of passerines and in between them several Hawfinch, 1 brambling and 1 or 2 redwings and several dunnock.

And Mike I am very, very sad you have to go again to Hospital, I hope it be short.
Best wishes
Pep

 

[honeym]

Hi Pep
Presumably the lower part of this valley.
Best wishes
Martin

 

[Mike Montier]

Thank you Pep for all the information and your good wishes. I will be in hospital for ten days but will then be chasing you in the Bigyear. Next year I will be trying very hard! Mike

 

[Josep Manchado]

Thank you Pep for all the information and your good wishes. I will be in hospital for ten days but will then be chasing you in the Bigyear. Next year I will be trying very hard! Mike

Next year probably I will be very busy, so it will be hard to hold on your numbers...

 

[Mike Montier]

Nice photo Martin, thanks. I will go there for a day out soon and take a picnic. Mike

 

[Josep Manchado]

Nice photo Martin, thanks. I will go there for a day out soon and take a picnic. Mike

It is a very privatized place, you can stay only on the main path, all other space is closed or forbidden, no places to stop, to picnic or just to sit. The valley is very good for birds in winter, but it isn't friendly at all, that is why we didn't include it on our book or our map, just because the difficulty and lack of space of the area.

 

[Mike Montier]

Ok Pep, thanks. I will keep to the path and tell others too. Mike

 

[kevinh]

Thanks guys for all the info. I will try the sights mentioned.

Sorry to hear about your problems Mike. Hope you make a speedy recovery. I will give you a ring when I come over.

Kevin

 

[Ben Nevis]

Sorry to hear you are still In pain with your back Mike.Hopefully,your op shall be 3rd time lucky.

 

[kevinh]

Went to see if I could find Hawfinch today in the valley that Pep described near Lluc. There is a sign on the entrance saying entrance is only allowed on Sunday's. I took a chance and went in regardless and was soon discovered and politely asked to leave.
I called at the Depadura on the way back and saw the male Hen Harrier that Martin reported in an earlier post

 

[HartleyPoole]

Coming mid-Feb to a place called Alaró - will prob have a day or two (or three or four ) in the week where I can disappear for a couple of hours. Any tips on sites to visit would be most appreciated.

 

[Mike Montier]

Alaro is a great place to stay. A walk up to the castle would be good with one of the most famous restaurants situated half way up. Alpine accentors will greet you at the top and a good selection of raptors.
If you have transport then you will be near many other good sites, it all depends on what target birds you have in mind. Let me know what you would like to see and then I could suggest some nearby sites to visit. The weather can be bad in February especially near the mountains with snow at times on the highest peaks. Mike

 

[HartleyPoole]

Thanks Mike - will have a hire car - anything that's not North East England regular will do me but saying that I'm easily pleased. I will photograph anything!

 

[Mike Montier]

Expect Griffon and Black vultures, Crag Martin, Wryneck, Hoopoe and Flamingos and Common crane in the south. Not too many of those in NE England!
Have fun and let me know if I can help further. The north coast is good with Albufera, Son Real and Albufereta all close to each other. Also a look into Tucan Marsh (Maristany) is worth doing for rare winter ducks. Mike

 

[Mike Montier]

A magic evening spent at the Depuradora, Albufera where there were two Bluethroats showing at the edge of the second lagoon and then to s'Amarador to watch an estimated one million Starling coming in to roost in the reed beds. The shapes they make in the sky are amazing, quite one of the best things to see in the bird world. To cap it all, the Jack snipe flew to roost just before dark. Mike.

 

[honeym]

A magic evening spent at the Depuradora, Albufera where there were two Bluethroats showing at the edge of the second lagoon and then to s'Amarador to watch an estimated one million Starling coming in to roost in the reed beds. The shapes they make in the sky are amazing, quite one of the best things to see in the bird world. To cap it all, the Jack snipe flew to roost just before dark. Mike.

Hi Mike
It sounds idyllic.
Nothing like those numbers but here's a couple of photos of part of the flock that was building up while I was there.
Martin

 

[Mike Montier]

Thanks Martin. They are amazing and well worth the trip. S'Amarador is a fantastic site with some parking next to the platform. There is an all round view of the reed beds and it will be a great place for migration too. There were thirteen Marsh Harrier together last night plus plenty of Egrets and Herons. Mike

 

[Mike Montier]

The Hawfinch has been seen again at Son Real. Pep: was it seen near the Finca or further down the track? Hope your new job is going well. Mike

 

[Josep Manchado]

The Hawfinch has been seen again at Son Real. Pep: was it seen near the Finca or further down the track? Hope your new job is going well. Mike

I dont know, I only know it was on the pines wood, i guess near or around the houses.
The new job is fine, with many exciting challenges ahead on Tramuntana and Dragonera

 

[Mike Montier]

Thanks Pep. Good luck with the new job, I am sure you will do great work on the preservation of this wonderful Island. I will be back in hospital in January or February but will be trying hard in the Bigyear! Mike