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Mallorca 2022 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Mike Montier
- Start date
Mike Montier
Well-known member
I have been driving around all the local country lanes every night recently in the hopes of finding a Long-eared owl but no luck.
I need it for the year list and I would like to get to the magic 200. I’m on 197 so it may be possible.
I also need Spoonbill and as I understand one has recently been seen at s’Albufera, I had better pop in there pronto.
There is a lot of hard weather around further north so Mallorca may benefit from a southern movement of birds. A Redwing would be nice as would Fieldfare and Hawfinch.
I’m not sure if anyone is collating the total number of Monarch butterflies that have been seen in Mallorca this year but it must be a very impressive figure. I’ve seen at least one every day recently, they seem to be everywhere.
At the Cap, I have seen over 150, with 79 in a single morning, and 42 another day.
I’m also not sure if we are any further forward in understanding where they all came from.
I looked into the wedding release theory and found that the normal amount set free are one dozen so I feel that theory is unlikely.
I also saw some coming in-off the sea at the Cap so a natural occurrence may be the answer.
I would be very interested to hear what the current thinking is as I know very little about the movement of butterflies.
It’s been a fabulous thing to have witnessed and I feel very privileged to have been here during this period. I even showed a friend one this morning in his garden and he was over the moon.
We have a local Kingfisher down at the port and this morning I stopped the car just a few feet away from it, perfectly perched on a rock in the early morning sun. No camera!
However, we both sat there, absolutely dazzled by its beauty and electric coloration. I can’t think of a more beautiful bird to see here in Mallorca.
Mike
I need it for the year list and I would like to get to the magic 200. I’m on 197 so it may be possible.
I also need Spoonbill and as I understand one has recently been seen at s’Albufera, I had better pop in there pronto.
There is a lot of hard weather around further north so Mallorca may benefit from a southern movement of birds. A Redwing would be nice as would Fieldfare and Hawfinch.
I’m not sure if anyone is collating the total number of Monarch butterflies that have been seen in Mallorca this year but it must be a very impressive figure. I’ve seen at least one every day recently, they seem to be everywhere.
At the Cap, I have seen over 150, with 79 in a single morning, and 42 another day.
I’m also not sure if we are any further forward in understanding where they all came from.
I looked into the wedding release theory and found that the normal amount set free are one dozen so I feel that theory is unlikely.
I also saw some coming in-off the sea at the Cap so a natural occurrence may be the answer.
I would be very interested to hear what the current thinking is as I know very little about the movement of butterflies.
It’s been a fabulous thing to have witnessed and I feel very privileged to have been here during this period. I even showed a friend one this morning in his garden and he was over the moon.
We have a local Kingfisher down at the port and this morning I stopped the car just a few feet away from it, perfectly perched on a rock in the early morning sun. No camera!
However, we both sat there, absolutely dazzled by its beauty and electric coloration. I can’t think of a more beautiful bird to see here in Mallorca.
Mike
Geordie Dave
Well-known member
Just returned home to a freezing Newcastle after 6 days with Kevin in 16-20° sunny days birding the Alicante area. It is only 200 miles west of Mallorca but in many ways the bird life is very different. We’ve been to the coast, salt pans, the high steppes and the mountains where we had the only poor spell of weather and so missed out on crested tit and ring ouzel. Highlights have been spotted eagle, 20+ azure winged magpies, Richard’s pipit, a group of over 200 rock sparrows with some corn buntings, linnets and tree sparrows mixed in, white headed ducks, crested lark, slender billed and Mediterranean gulls, a group of over 1000 calandra larks and 8 great bustards. Interestingly we also had 12 razorbills, they are not only in Mallorca at the moment. In addition to all of this we had many of the mallorca regulars; kites, booted eagles, a hen harrier and a collection of waders. Final observation was the number of common buzzards and crows, the latter being absent in Mallorca. 112 species in total, we are already planning out next venture!!
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Mike Montier
Well-known member
That’s a very handsome gull David.
Glad you had a great time and thanks for posting your sightings. An interesting comparison to Mallorca as you say.
Mike
Glad you had a great time and thanks for posting your sightings. An interesting comparison to Mallorca as you say.
Mike
Geordie Dave
Well-known member
Mike Montier
Well-known member
I’ve had a funny old day. My wife is away so I thought I would be non-stop birding but fate decided otherwise.
I took the car in for a service and wandered out into the adjoining fields which were full of finches, chiff-chaffs, Stonechats, Starling and Linnet.
A spotless starling flew past on its own whilst common starling began to form large groups.
My car took ages but I was anxious to get to s’Albufera for the Spoonbill. Whilst walking around the back roads, news kept popping up of some good birds. Maties found a Dotterel at Albufereta, the Black stork was re-found from the Es Grau hide and Mike kindly sent a nice photo of the Spoonbill, just to rub in the fact that my car wasn’t ready. By the time I got it back, it was too late to make Albufera.
I headed for Salobrar instead as I thought the harrier roost was worth a look.
I got there a bit late but did see five Marsh harrier making for the reed beds in the near-dark.
I did see two Common crane in flight on the way to Salobrar but I didn’t see where they settled.
There is always tomorrow.
Mike
I took the car in for a service and wandered out into the adjoining fields which were full of finches, chiff-chaffs, Stonechats, Starling and Linnet.
A spotless starling flew past on its own whilst common starling began to form large groups.
My car took ages but I was anxious to get to s’Albufera for the Spoonbill. Whilst walking around the back roads, news kept popping up of some good birds. Maties found a Dotterel at Albufereta, the Black stork was re-found from the Es Grau hide and Mike kindly sent a nice photo of the Spoonbill, just to rub in the fact that my car wasn’t ready. By the time I got it back, it was too late to make Albufera.
I headed for Salobrar instead as I thought the harrier roost was worth a look.
I got there a bit late but did see five Marsh harrier making for the reed beds in the near-dark.
I did see two Common crane in flight on the way to Salobrar but I didn’t see where they settled.
There is always tomorrow.
Mike
Mike Montier
Well-known member
An early morning start down at my local port, camera in hand, waiting for that lovely Kingfisher to show.
It didn’t of course.
I then went up to San Salvador where views of the whole Island are possible. My target bird was alpine accentor but I didn’t see any. As I looked out over Mallorca with mist hanging in the low bits, I felt very lucky indeed. Birding not only takes us to some fabulous places, but also at dawn and dusk, arguably the best birding times.
I then made for Vilafranca where the lanius meridionalis was still present in its favoured location.
Large groups of thrushes were moving around in the distance but sadly they were all too distant. I pondered on what they might be and dreamt about seeing redwing and Fieldfare but I just couldn’t make out any details at all.
I had to come home so I failed to get to s’Albufera yet again.
Still, it was a beautiful day and one which made me feel how fortunate I am to have such an absorbing hobby. Most of my retired friends here are either bored or on the golf course. Same thing I would say.
Mind you, they think I’m the mad one, getting up in the dark and going up north to look at birds.
I suppose they’ve got a point.
Mike
It didn’t of course.
I then went up to San Salvador where views of the whole Island are possible. My target bird was alpine accentor but I didn’t see any. As I looked out over Mallorca with mist hanging in the low bits, I felt very lucky indeed. Birding not only takes us to some fabulous places, but also at dawn and dusk, arguably the best birding times.
I then made for Vilafranca where the lanius meridionalis was still present in its favoured location.
Large groups of thrushes were moving around in the distance but sadly they were all too distant. I pondered on what they might be and dreamt about seeing redwing and Fieldfare but I just couldn’t make out any details at all.
I had to come home so I failed to get to s’Albufera yet again.
Still, it was a beautiful day and one which made me feel how fortunate I am to have such an absorbing hobby. Most of my retired friends here are either bored or on the golf course. Same thing I would say.
Mind you, they think I’m the mad one, getting up in the dark and going up north to look at birds.
I suppose they’ve got a point.
Mike
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derban
Well-known member
Don‘t believe them. Nothing more sane than rising early, immersing yourself in a landscape and then getting to see some lovely birds. And in Mallorca too. It‘s -8 degrees in the mornings here in North Germany 🥶! But still well worth it. Planning to go out again tomorrow. 👍
Mike Montier
Well-known member
All those nights driving round the back roads of Mallorca in search of a Long-eared owl finally paid off tonight.
I connected with a LEO by seeing one emerging from a pine tree on the main road from Santanyi.
Phew! Bit of a last minute thing but I still need two more species yet.
Let’s just see what turns up.
Mike
I connected with a LEO by seeing one emerging from a pine tree on the main road from Santanyi.
Phew! Bit of a last minute thing but I still need two more species yet.
Let’s just see what turns up.
Mike
Mike Montier
Well-known member
Another failed attempt to capture our local Kingfisher but I will get get it one day.
I was on my way to the airport to pick up my wife when a message came through that there was a delay of over an hour so I nipped in to Salobrar.
The path is muddy and as slippery as ice. I felt like a duck on snot.
I made it all the way down and up popped a Bluethroat! Another year tick. 199 now, only one more to join the 200 club. I’m sure Jane will understand and will agree to a trip up north.
Interestingly, I saw at least two Bluethroats last year on December 19th in the same place.
It is quite clear then, that they over-winter at this site so I will go again to hopefully obtain some photos.
It’s been between 18 and 20 degrees most days recently so a trip back to the UK doesn’t appeal, what with the strikes and weather. We are using trains the whole time so that’s a bit of a blow. I also hope it’s not too cold..
Mike
I was on my way to the airport to pick up my wife when a message came through that there was a delay of over an hour so I nipped in to Salobrar.
The path is muddy and as slippery as ice. I felt like a duck on snot.
I made it all the way down and up popped a Bluethroat! Another year tick. 199 now, only one more to join the 200 club. I’m sure Jane will understand and will agree to a trip up north.
Interestingly, I saw at least two Bluethroats last year on December 19th in the same place.
It is quite clear then, that they over-winter at this site so I will go again to hopefully obtain some photos.
It’s been between 18 and 20 degrees most days recently so a trip back to the UK doesn’t appeal, what with the strikes and weather. We are using trains the whole time so that’s a bit of a blow. I also hope it’s not too cold..
Mike
Mike Montier
Well-known member
As I have mentioned, I have been down to my local port every day, initially looking for Razorbill, but more recently, trying to photograph that lovely Kingfisher that seems to be there many times when I drive past.
I looked this morning before going north to s’Albufera but nothing showed.
I went to Es Cibollar 1, but couldn’t find the Spoonbill. Just at that point, up popped a video of a Razorbill being released in my local port!
A bit down, I made for Es Cibollar 2, and after much searching, I saw the Spoonbill half hiding in the distant long grass. I eventually got a glimpse of its head and bill.
I should have been happy as that was 200 up for the year, but I couldn’t get that Razorbill out of my head.
I was therefore in the ridiculous position of twitching the Razorbill back in my home town.
It was nowhere to be seen. Two Kingfishers flashed past but it didn’t help.
Still, the Albufera marsh looked magnificent in the late afternoon sun. The reeds turn a lovely golden colour and a quartering Marsh harrier completed the day there.
Mike
I looked this morning before going north to s’Albufera but nothing showed.
I went to Es Cibollar 1, but couldn’t find the Spoonbill. Just at that point, up popped a video of a Razorbill being released in my local port!
A bit down, I made for Es Cibollar 2, and after much searching, I saw the Spoonbill half hiding in the distant long grass. I eventually got a glimpse of its head and bill.
I should have been happy as that was 200 up for the year, but I couldn’t get that Razorbill out of my head.
I was therefore in the ridiculous position of twitching the Razorbill back in my home town.
It was nowhere to be seen. Two Kingfishers flashed past but it didn’t help.
Still, the Albufera marsh looked magnificent in the late afternoon sun. The reeds turn a lovely golden colour and a quartering Marsh harrier completed the day there.
Mike
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Geordie Dave
Well-known member
Well done on reaching the big 200 Mike; never in doubt man!. Sadly I’ve missed out again. I must try harder next year starting with my visit for 2 weeks in January. Hope to see you then.
Mike Montier
Well-known member
I’ve seen a report with a photo of a Grey phalarope found off Ibiza, on November 29th. A first for the Balearics.
Just shows what can turn up, especially watching the sea.
Mike
Just shows what can turn up, especially watching the sea.
Mike
Geordie Dave
Well-known member
After the uncertainty and disruption around travelling in 2020 and 2021 it was good to see a sense of normality return to
Mallorca. My aim has been to see 200 species in a year but I’ve not achieved that in 4 years so far. Nevertheless I am delighted to have reached 189 this year; just need to try a bit harder in future. I’ve been fortunate to spend 18 weeks on the island this year in 7 separate visits ranging from mid January until my most recent visit at the beginning of November after which direct flights to Newcastle cease for the winter. Whilst my visits in June and July were enjoyable in many respects, for birding they were largely a waste of time. Too hot and no birds and I added almost nothing to my totals. The pick of the year has probably been Dartford and Balearic warblers together and also ring ouzel and Hawfinch in January; gannet and great skua in March; black, griffon and Egyptian vultures in April and Bonellis eagle at Mortix in May; caspian tern, collared pratincole, golden oriole and the famous mallorca golden eagle, 20+ Eleonoras falcons at cami des pol and both hen and montagus harriers and lesser kestrel in May; Bluethroat in October and pectoral sandpiper in November. I was also lucky enough to get views of a young/female rosefinch at La Gola in September. Most of all I will remember the days in the field with my birding pals both resident and regular visitors like myself. We’ve shared many laughs, some good pies and a few beers whilst we’ve generally talked nonsense, put the world to right and entertained each other along the way. Many thanks to Mike M, Mike S, Kevin, Phil A, Peter and Derban for your friendships. Best wishes to all of you and to all the birders from UK and Europe that we’ve spent time chatting to. Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’ve already booked to come back in mid January to start to do it all over again!
Mallorca. My aim has been to see 200 species in a year but I’ve not achieved that in 4 years so far. Nevertheless I am delighted to have reached 189 this year; just need to try a bit harder in future. I’ve been fortunate to spend 18 weeks on the island this year in 7 separate visits ranging from mid January until my most recent visit at the beginning of November after which direct flights to Newcastle cease for the winter. Whilst my visits in June and July were enjoyable in many respects, for birding they were largely a waste of time. Too hot and no birds and I added almost nothing to my totals. The pick of the year has probably been Dartford and Balearic warblers together and also ring ouzel and Hawfinch in January; gannet and great skua in March; black, griffon and Egyptian vultures in April and Bonellis eagle at Mortix in May; caspian tern, collared pratincole, golden oriole and the famous mallorca golden eagle, 20+ Eleonoras falcons at cami des pol and both hen and montagus harriers and lesser kestrel in May; Bluethroat in October and pectoral sandpiper in November. I was also lucky enough to get views of a young/female rosefinch at La Gola in September. Most of all I will remember the days in the field with my birding pals both resident and regular visitors like myself. We’ve shared many laughs, some good pies and a few beers whilst we’ve generally talked nonsense, put the world to right and entertained each other along the way. Many thanks to Mike M, Mike S, Kevin, Phil A, Peter and Derban for your friendships. Best wishes to all of you and to all the birders from UK and Europe that we’ve spent time chatting to. Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’ve already booked to come back in mid January to start to do it all over again!
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Geordie Dave
Well-known member
Mike Montier
Well-known member
Thanks David. I echo what you say about friendships. Our visiting and resident birders are great fun to be out with and we have shared some fabulous times together.
Your photos are superb and a great reminder of what can be seen on this magical Island.
I will do my best to help you and Mike to reach 200. Or anyone else who fanicies trying come to that.
I’m so looking forward to another great year. I dream about what may turn up next.
All the very best to everyone,
See many of you next year.
Mike
Your photos are superb and a great reminder of what can be seen on this magical Island.
I will do my best to help you and Mike to reach 200. Or anyone else who fanicies trying come to that.
I’m so looking forward to another great year. I dream about what may turn up next.
All the very best to everyone,
See many of you next year.
Mike
