Mallorca 2020 (1 Viewer)

[Mcnswiss2]

Quiet Sunday Birdwatching on this Family day.
8 Greater Flamingos reported at Maristany.
Evening walk around Cala San Vincente.
Normal birds seen including Blue Rock Thrush,Ravens, Crag Martins,Sardinian Warbler,Crossbills,Serins,Great Tit,Goldfinches,Black Redstarts and Robins.
Beautiful Scenery.
Still waiting for those special birds!

 

[Josep Manchado]

Are these all the same bird ?

Yes, of course, a Northern wheater changing from completelly soaked to dry

 

[davercox]

OK, thanks Josep

 

[Mcnswiss2]

I have not been on a twitch for a number of years.
Armed with Mike M., Jane and Susan,we headed to Cuber in search of the Elusive Black Stork.
Its a wonderful windy drive up the mountains, passed Mortitx and Lluc through the very sceneic views of the Tramuntana mountains to Cuber. Plenty of room at the car parks although many cars were parked.
The weather was extremely pleasent for a November stroll around the Embass. de Cuber.
In the reservoir itself, there were several Cormorants and Yellow legged Gulls. Along the waters edge and trails Robins,Black Redstarts,Crossbills,Chaffinch,Chiffchaffs,Water pipits and Stonechats were seen.
Several Crag Martins and Blue Rock Thrushes were seen around the cliffs.
Above us 4 Black Vultures and 4 Griffon Vultures Circled overhead.
We had great laughs and some great Chicken and Pea pies for lunch?
Did I miss anything? Oh yes the Black Stork....failed to materialise!
There is always another day.
2 Ravens and Dunnock on the way home.
A great November day with friends!

 

[Mike Montier]

I can’t believe we dipped..

 

[Mike Montier]

Just to really rub it in, the Black stork is back at Cuber.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Let it go Mike...there is a world of birds out there.
Pleasent walk around the Campanet region. Very quiet for birds but very colourful scenery.
Birds seen included Robins,Sardinian Warblers,Song Thrushes, Serins,Kestrels,Wood Pigeons,Meadow Pipits,Stonechats,Crossbills, Black Redstarts.
Interesting Raptor flew high overhead, causing alarm in many birds. Attached photos. Could it be a Short tailed eagle? More than likely a young Booted Eagle!
Still looking for that Special one!
I need your help Mike!

 

[Josep Manchado]

Today Mike Montier by the morning and I in the afternoon we both have got the black stork, i had it always at the other side of the reservoir, but when I was leaving it flys over me, very close, going to the rock cliffs for the night.

 

[Mike Montier]

I couldn't let it go Mike, I just had to go again. My poor wife joined me for our third visit. It was well worth it.
I still have no internet so I will post more when I'm back on.
Mike.
Mike, I cant see your raptor well on my tiny phone screen.

 

[Mike Montier]

Great photo Pep! It flew over our heads too, what a magnificent sight.

 

[Mike Montier]

Booted eagle for me Mike. Beautiful scenery. I'm going to Raixa tomorrow for some honest birding...unless the phone goes.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Well done Pep and Mike for the Black Stork!
Us poor mortals decided to have local visit to Depuradora, S’Amadora,S’Albufera and Maristany.
Some 70 Species seen on a glorious November day. Together with Phil,Keith and Susan, we enjoyed a great days birding with awesome views of Glossy Ibis,Spoonbills,Flamingos,Marbled Ducks,Wigeon,Teal, Osprey, Purple Swamphen,Dunlin,Spotted Redshank,Greenshank,Green Sandpipers,Common Sandpipers,Wood Sandpiper,Kingfishers,Common Snipe etc etc.
Would we swop them for a Black Stork? What do you think?
Photos from Mike and Phil

 

[Mcnswiss2]

And more...

 

[honeym]

Just picked up on a news item:

44 Marbled Duck released into s'Albufera.

https://t.co/r7JBHih6pQ

 

[derban]

How many times have I thought this? Damn dogs!
https://www.theguardian.com/environ...dogs-from-beaches-during-nesting-season-birds

 

[Mike Montier]

Thanks Martin
I didn’t know that but it’s great news for this very attractive species.
Mike, I don’t feel good about traveling over 400 kms just for one bird, it leaves a nasty taste. Not very environmentally considerate but I just can’t help myself sometimes.
I think I would much rather have been with you at Albufera strolling gently around the reserve but I have been blessed with an obsessional personality disorder.
Nice photos of this wonderful Island and the fantastic wildlife that can be seen here.
Mike

 

[honeym]

How many times have I thought this? Damn dogs!
https://www.theguardian.com/environ...dogs-from-beaches-during-nesting-season-birds

I agree but it's the dog owners that are the main problem.

Martin

 

[derban]

Quite right, Martin. Dogs can't help it on their own!

 

[StewB]

How many times have I thought this? Damn dogs!
https://www.theguardian.com/environ...dogs-from-beaches-during-nesting-season-birds

You’ve touched on a nerve there! I totally agree with Martin - dog owners are the real problem, but I won’t start my standard rant here, I don’t want to get banned from the Forum!

However, maybe there’s a tiny glimmer of light at the end of a very long tunnel. Here in Norfolk the Holkham Estate are consulting on a propsal for dog-zoning on their 18 km of beach: https://www.holkham.co.uk/nature-reserve-beach/dogs

I have a feeling that it will go down like a lead balloon with our canine-owning community.

Stew

 

[Mike Montier]

Final figures for the autumn migration of raptors from Cap de Ses Salines are available with due credit to G.O.R.A. and especially to Lalo for compiling the numbers.
653. Common Kestrel
330 Honey Buzzard
220. Marsh Harrier
155. Eleonora’s falcon
67. Booted Eagle
51. Black Kite
36. Hobby
29. Red kite
19 Osprey
10 Montagu’s Harrier
7. Sparrowhawk
5. Merlín
1. Short-toed Eagle
1. Egyptian vulture.

These figures are always interesting. Every year seems to be different.
When I first came to Mallorca I was told that Marsh Harrier was by far the most numerous migrant raptor but obviously that is not so. We are learning all the time.
I was lucky enough to have witnessed the Egyptian vulture going through, only the second one ever at this site.
A good showing of Osprey and Merlín.
I was at the Cap many days but still managed to miss quite a few.
I did however, see 8 of the 10 Montagu’s Harrier and what magnificent birds they are.
I look forward to the spring migration in the north but before then there is plenty of great winter birding to be had here.
Tomorrow I am going to Galatzó hoping to see the Yellowhammers and Friday I’m up north at Albufera to see the amazing murmurations of Common Starling, one of the greatest spectacles in the bird world.
I’m just so sorry not to have seen many of my usual birding pals from the UK. I hope next year will be easier and that we will meet again.
I hope everyone is keeping well
Mike