We're booked for 2 Jan. All available fingers crossed that it'll work. We can't wait to escape the northern gloom. Yesterday was the first bright day for four weeks. Didn't last though. I just can't wait to get back in our garden on Mallorca and enjoy the view, never mind undiscovered goodies! Hope to see you soon! DavidThanks Stew, nice to know you are out there. I just wish some of our regular visitors could get here, it’s all very frustrating. I know some of them have tried to book, only to have their flights cancelled. Perhaps MikeSwiss, Kevin or David could give us an update on the situation, it may be of help to anyone thinking of booking.
Jason reports that the Pine Bunting is still present at Orient, just to tempt any of you trying to get here.
Also, at least 20 Yellowhammers so that was quite an invasion of this beautiful bunting. Jason also said that other birds were present but hidden from view so goodness knows what may be around in their company.
I have been driving around the Island a lot recently, stopping to look at possible birding sites. I’m thinking about how much of the Island is not covered and what we may be missing. It must be the same in other countries too but this is a relatively small Island and is a magnet for passage migrants and winter visitors so I reckon there are other goodies just waiting to be discovered.
Mike
Hello,I believe that the Great bustard is on Formentor, not Menorca as I stated.
I will give more details when I have them.
I had to check the date though, the 28th December is April fool’s day.
I have fallen for it five years running, having chased after Eagle Owls, Waxwings and last year I found myself in the Bay of Palma looking for a Red-footed booby.
This year I’m not biting, I have a big red ring round the date on the calendar. Mind you, I did that last year..
Mike
A couple more Lesser Black-backed gulls have been seen, at Can Guidet, and the other near Palma seen yesterday, is still around.
I’m walking along the south coast tomorrow, their favoured location, so I hope to connect as a last gasp attempt at holding onto second spot in the Bigyear.
Very strong winds may have brought more gulls to the Island. It will be interesting to see what will be found in the coming days.
Mike
As you know Mike, gull ID hurts my head! I really like the Helm Guide - just enough info to help with most species but not so much that I lose the will to live! The other answer is to find a friendly Larophile who can tell you what’s what and why!Haha Stew! I have been reading up about the differences between Lesser Black backed and Yellow-legged gulls and its a minefield as it always is with gulls. I know many people are not so keen on gulls but I find the whole subject fascinating. I have read about the shape of the head, gonydeal angles, head streaking, orbital rings, mirrors and other features. If anyone knows a good paper perhaps they could post it.
I have seen some Yellow-legged gulls here with darker backs than usual and that’s where the confusion starts. I’m sure I have called LBB a few times incorrectly.
I hope to see some later today and I will post any photos I get.
Mike