Mallorca 2016 (2 Viewers)

[Mike Montier]

Quite a few migrant passerines are being seen with Redstart, Pied flycatcher, Bonelli's warbler, Whinchat and Wheatear all being logged at various locations. A bit earlier than normal this year. Also one Hobby over Santa Ponca. Mike

 

[Mike Montier]

A Dotterel has been seen tonight at Salobrar de Campos, the only day I haven't been there in two weeks. Mike

 

[Mike Montier]

Martin, and others!
A friend of mine sent me this photo as she would like to know which species of wasp this is.
The beetles are brilliant and are very common here. I have tried to look them up but I am still not sure.
Many thanks, Mike

 

[_TheBirdNerd_]

Hi everyone,
I'm going on holiday to Mallorca next week, for one week with my family. I'm very excited - it looks so pretty and the bird life is amazing!
I am trying to familariz myself with the birds there before I go (I'm used to UK birds).
We are staying in the Cala d'Or area - is there any particular bird life I should look out for there? We are also visiting the S'Albufera National Park. Are there any particularly good hides? I really want to spot Greater Flamingo, and also Black -Winged Stilt. Is there anywhere particularly good in the park for spotting these?
Thanks.
_TheBirdNerd_

 

[Ian Bell]

It would be great for us foreign birders,If there was a live webcam from S'Albufera Reserve showing the different species arriving through different seasons of the year,such as they have at Urdaibai Reserve In the Basque Country.

Has this ever been suggested/thought of before ?

 

[Dave Harris]

Hi everyone,
I'm going on holiday to Mallorca next week, for one week with my family. I'm very excited - it looks so pretty and the bird life is amazing!
I am trying to familariz myself with the birds there before I go (I'm used to UK birds).
We are staying in the Cala d'Or area - is there any particular bird life I should look out for there? We are also visiting the S'Albufera National Park. Are there any particularly good hides? I really want to spot Greater Flamingo, and also Black -Winged Stilt. Is there anywhere particularly good in the park for spotting these?
Thanks.
_TheBirdNerd_

We stayed in Cala d'Or for a few days last week, didn't see much, Audouins etc. Salobrar de Campos is worth a visit (about 40 min drive) for Flamingos & many waders. You should mop up on most Herons, Swamp-hens etc at s'Albufera, but it's quite a hike from the road to the centre. Tucan Marsh, behind Lidl in Alcudia is also worth a look as birds much closer.

cheers
Dave

 

[Mike Montier]

Hello BirdNerd
You won't have to travel as far as Albufera for the two target species, they are both abundant in the south at the salt pans, Salobrar de Campos.
However, a trip to the main reserve at Albufera is highly recommended. Nearly all visiting birders go there, it is usually marvelous. The best hides are not far from the information center and you will be able to visit them all. You can get a map when you sign in.
Let me know if you have any other species that you would like to see and I will try to help. I live next to Cala d'Or so I can let you know what is being seen locally. Mike

 

[Dave Harris]

This morning we started off at Albufereta from the viewing tower. Two GW Egrets and numerous Purple & Night Herons. Also present the weird grey Little Egret (had it the other day but forgot to mention). Then onto Tucan Marsh, where the water has dropped further. Three Little Stints, Curlew Sand, two Wood Sands and surprisingly two Marbled Teal (not seen them here before). One Squacco and numerous Night Herons flying about.

Yesterday a few more Bee-eaters over the villa. No Scops calling this year, presumably we are too late.

cheers
Dave

Our last full day on the island, back home to blighty tomorrow. We took an early morning walk up towards the peak behind our villa, didn't quite make it to the top, but plenty of birds on small plateu below it (also some deer, are these wild?). Species seen:

2 Stone Curlew
3 calling Wryneck
Cirl Buntings
Crossbill
Hoopoe
Firecrest (everywhere)
3 Nighingale
Redstart
Pied Fly
Alpine Swift
Crag Martins
10+ Black Vultures & a few Griffons
2 Booted Eagles (one mobbing one of the above)

2 hrs up & 1 1/4 down.

Cheers
Dave

 

[honeym]

also some deer, are these wild?

Hi Dave
Deer are not native to the Balearic Islands. The only ones I've ever seen were captive in a touristic country estate (I have some pictures somewhere). I expect they are escapes from somewhere. I'll see if I can find any other references.
Best wishes
Martin

 

[honeym]

Martin, and others!
A friend of mine sent me this photo as she would like to know which species of wasp this is.
The beetles are brilliant and are very common here. I have tried to look them up but I am still not sure.
Many thanks, Mike

Hi Mike
The beetles look like one of the chafer species but not sure which. The wasps may be one of the Polistes species (paper wasps). I'll get them checked out.
They really seem to be enjoying the figs!
Best wishes
Martin (countdown in progress!)
[edit] I've just checked in the published list of bees and wasps and there are three species recorded. My best guess would be either Polistes gallicus or Polistes dominula but I've contacted a friend who might be able to help further.

 

[Mike Montier]

Many thanks Martin.
Dave, like Martin I have never seen deer in the wild in Mallorca. Any idea which species?
Glad you had a good time and thanks for all your posts. Mike

 

[honeym]

Many thanks Martin.
Dave, like Martin I have never seen deer in the wild in Mallorca. Any idea which species?
Glad you had a good time and thanks for all your posts. Mike

There is archaeological evidence that Fallow deer were introduced into Mallorca in Roman times but were subsequently extirpated.
Martin

 

[Dave Harris]

Hi Dave
Deer are not native to the Balearic Islands. The only ones I've ever seen were captive in a touristic country estate (I have some pictures somewhere). I expect they are escapes from somewhere. I'll see if I can find any other references.
Best wishes
Martin

I'm not sure which species they are, but did take some photos. They didn't seem particularly nervous of us, so I guess they may be captive. We saw three, including a well grown youngster. My mate thinks they were fallow, spotted on the hindneck area. Will post a photo upon my return to my pc!

Dave

 

[_TheBirdNerd_]

Thanks guys for your detailed answers. I'll let you know how I get on after my holiday (If I get WiFi at my hotel then I will post my sightings during the week).
Happy birding.
_TheBirdNerd_

 

[Mike Montier]

Some wonderful birds being seen today. A friend went to see the Rollers at Colonia Sant Jordi and told me there are now three. I will go later to check.
A Melodious warbler near Andratx, a Pallid harrier through the Cap at Ses Salines this morning , a Red-rumped swallow and many large groups of Bee-eaters being seen. More later I hope. Mike

 

[Josep Manchado]

a Pallid harrier through the Cap at Ses Salines this morning. Mike

Finally,
After a lot of discussion and asking the more experts, it seems it is not a pallid harrier but a Montagus harrier, a 2cy female.

 

[Mike Montier]

Great photos Pep, Montagu's is still a brilliant bird to see, thanks for letting us know. Mike

 

[Dave Harris]

There is archaeological evidence that Fallow deer were introduced into Mallorca in Roman times but were subsequently extirpated.
Martin

Here's a photo.

 

[Josep Manchado]

Here's a photo.

Where was it?

 

[Mike Montier]

Blimey, I have never seen a deer here in Mallorca. Maybe it's a worry if they start to breed in the wild. Mike