After seven days at Puerto de Pollenca, just a summary of our visit:
Firstly two unsavoury experiences - at the S'Albufereta near Torrent de Sant Jordi on the main road, we were targeted by pickpockets who got very close to us but we had our wits about us and kept a good distance from them. Later in the week on the Friday at Alcudia Old Town whilst awaiting a bus a team of pickpockets tried again. This time getting much closer before I spotted the hand manoeuvre. We made a commotion and they disappeared rapidly.
Sunday 19 May - S'Albufereta's back lanes - produced a single Bee-eater, Squacco, a flypast Hoopoe, a single Woodchat Shrike and 2 Booted Eagles.
Monday 20 May - Albufera - Night Heron after much hard work, 6 Eleanora Falcons, half a dozen Bee-eaters at Son Bosc, Glossy Ibis, a successful hunting Osprey and Zitting Cisticola (I've always wanted to type this!).
Tuesday 21 May - S'Albufereta, Can Cuarrassa - walking along the lanes there were Thekla Larks, just 1 Tawny Pippet, Whinchat and Black and Griffon Vultures overhead. The best find however was a single Stone Curlew that stood almost motionless for at least 5 minutes. A walk to Cala de Sant Vicenc turned up a surprise Bonelli's Eagle above the cliffs.
Wednesday 22 May - Ternelles valley - this excursion may not be everyone's cup of tea as you spend over 4 hours walking up the valley with a guide and a small group of other people most of which were not birders. Nevertheless, great views of Black Vultures (5), 3 of which perched on the side of the cliffs giving everyone great views through the scope. Several views of Booted Eagles.
Thursday 23 May - Cuber - after walking over the dam from the east bank we heard an unfamiliar song and after standing around for a few minutes we eventually found a male Subalpine Warbler in the shrubbery. Two Griffon Vultures soared overhead. Along the west bank we heard the kyee-kyee-kyee of the Wryneck although we were unable to find the bird. On the way to Cuber early morning just after Lluc we had a Pine Marten run across the road in front of us. In the afternoon a quick visit to Boquer Valley produced a Balearic Warbler.
Friday 24 May - S'Albufereta - behind the Club Pollentia resort we found Yellow and a Blue-headed Wagtail. Whilst walking to the hide behind the swimming pool in the ditch to the right there was a Viper.
All in all, a successful trip, with thanks to Christina at La Gola for pointing us in the right directions on occasions.