Mallorca 2022 (1 Viewer)

[honeym]

Had Confirmation of this species today. Maybe a new one for the island.?

Hi Craig
Plexippus paykulli has been identified previously from Mallorca, at least from four years ago. See:

Plexippus paykulli - 1017924 - Biodiversidad Virtual / Invertebrados

Nombre científico: Plexippus paykulli, Provincia/Distrito: Baleares / Illes Balears, País: España, Fecha: 13/07/2018, Autor/a: Matilde Martinez, Id: 1017924

www.biodiversidadvirtual.org

Martin

 

[eagle33]

Hi Craig
Plexippus paykulli has been identified previously from Mallorca, at least from four years ago. See:

Plexippus paykulli - 1017924 - Biodiversidad Virtual / Invertebrados

Nombre científico: Plexippus paykulli, Provincia/Distrito: Baleares / Illes Balears, País: España, Fecha: 13/07/2018, Autor/a: Matilde Martinez, Id: 1017924

www.biodiversidadvirtual.org

Martin

Well found (the record). Thanks martin

 

[Mike Montier]

Hi southernsteve
I saw 11 Monarch butterflies the day before you at Cap de Ses Salines.
I’m trying to understand why so many should be there in the south and I’m keeping track of as many records as possible, so if you could please give a rough estimate of how many you saw, that would be very helpful.
Thanks
Mike

 

[Mike Montier]

What a brilliant day out on the Island of Dragonera.
I thoroughly recommend a day trip there.
It’s 15 euros for a return ticket on the wee ferry and there is lots on the Island to see and enjoy.
Close-up views of many Eleonora’s falcons are guaranteed with super photo opportunities of the birds flying close to the cliffs and over the sea.
All morphs were present with juveniles as well.
Sadly my camera choice today wasn’t up to the job but they give an idea. Oh for a better set-up.
A Lesser black-backed gull was a year tick, many Redstarts, a striata spotted flycatcher, Balearic warbler, Wheatear, Willow warbler and common finches were all present too.
Great to meet Martin for the first time, a very experienced birder from Extremadura. We talked, and talked and I could have continued for several days without stopping.
Just one of those days when it all goes so well. Makes up for all those birdless days at the Cap…where I shall be back in the morning.
Mike

 

[Mike Montier]

7 Common crane were seen flying over the Cap by mateu today.
The last two years have been very poor for this species so let’s hope this winter will be better.
The salt pans at Salobrar are usually the best place but fly-overs occur quite frequent too.
Mike

 

[southernsteve]

Hi southernsteve
I saw 11 Monarch butterflies the day before you at Cap de Ses Salines.
I’m trying to understand why so many should be there in the south and I’m keeping track of as many records as possible, so if you could please give a rough estimate of how many you saw, that would be very helpful.
Thanks
Mike

Hi Mike, I probably saw a good dozen or so at Cap de Ses Salines, and another half dozen or more at Cap Blanc on Friday, plus 1 at Aburfera on Thursday. I wish now I'd payed more attention as I think I saw a couple at Es Carnatge on Monday afternoon as well. They certainly appeared to be coming in off the sea, of course where from is a mystery

 

[Mike Montier]

Thanks southernsteve, very helpful.
If I have just one more birdless day at the Cap…
Absolutely nothing today.
I did see six more Monarch butterflies and interestingly, they all came in from the sea. I picked them up quite far out.
What wonderful things they are too, with such a distinctive flight, gliding as they go. I could watch them all day. Sadly though, they move through very quickly and then they are gone.
I also saw two Plain tiger butterflies.
A very nice couple from Surrey saved the day though. We whiled away the time, chatting about California, the recent weather disasters, the state of the UK and other interesting topics. We’re it not for them, I would have packed up and headed for home.
Perhaps when Houdini arrives later in the week, things will hot up. I’ve had many good days birding with him and Mara.
Hurry up and get here is all I can say.
Mike

 

[StewB]

Thanks southernsteve, very helpful.
If I have just one more birdless day at the Cap…
Absolutely nothing today.
I did see six more Monarch butterflies and interestingly, they all came in from the sea. I picked them up quite far out.
What wonderful things they are too, with such a distinctive flight, gliding as they go. I could watch them all day. Sadly though, they move through very quickly and then they are gone.
I also saw two Plain tiger butterflies.
A very nice couple from Surry saved the day though. We whiled away the time, chatting about California, the recent weather disasters, the state of the UK and other interesting topics. We’re it not for them, I would have packed up and headed for home.
Perhaps when Houdini arrives later in the week, things will hot up. I’ve had many good days birding with him and Mara.
Hurry up and get here is all I can say.
Mike

Watching Monarchs arrive over the sea - wow! I guess it also resolves the migration v release debate.

Stew

 

[STS21]

Hi all,

I'm visiting from 4th - 18th October, staying in Santa Ponça. I'd love to see Eleonora's, Bonelli's, vultures etc. but, in particular, I'm keen to see Balearic Warbler. It looks like I'll be not far from wherever the ferry to Dragonera leaves, so any info would be most welcome. Or indeed info from any other part of the island.

Thanks in advance,

Thomas

 

[Houdiny]

Perhaps when Houdini arrives later in the week, things will hot up. I’ve had many good days birding with him and Mara.
Hurry up and get here is all I can say.
Mike

Haha, we‘ll do our best! 😜

Cheers
Martin

 

[Geordie Dave]

I’ve had a busy time since arriving just over a week ago for my latest visit, this time for 3 weeks. Unsettled weather at the start meant ad hoc visits whenever it looked good to venture out. So far we’ve managed 2 visits to Albufera, 2 to Albufereta and 2 to La Gola plus Depuradora, Son Real, Can Cuarassa, the Maria de la Salut and Villafranca central plains area, a very dry Maristany, a long walk around the Llenaire backroads and a look at the scrape behind the hotel next to Albufereta. Delighted to see rosefinch at La Gola on Thursday, my first in mallorca to go with the 2 I saw in Northumberland UK this summer. The Iberian shrike is back in its “usual” spot in Villafranca hopefully for the whole of the winter. Not been able to catch up with caspian tern this time although did see one in April at Albufereta. Also missed out on bluethroat that has been reported from Depuradora. Weather, now that the storms have passed, has been fantastic. Lisa and I have signed up for a “walk 100 miles in October” challenge for a cancer charity. 2 days in, 12 miles done and 88 to go. It would be great to do them all on this beautiful island but we’ve only 10 days left. Tomorrow Cami des Pols and S’Amarador. Great to be back.

 

[nbalblas]

Hi all,

I'm visiting from 4th - 18th October, staying in Santa Ponça. I'd love to see Eleonora's, Bonelli's, vultures etc. but, in particular, I'm keen to see Balearic Warbler. It looks like I'll be not far from wherever the ferry to Dragonera leaves, so any info would be most welcome. Or indeed info from any other part of the island.

Thanks in advance,

Thomas

Hi Thomas,

We've had 4 Balearic Warblers at this location 39,7459000, 3,1766323, in Son Real, really easy with great views. Hope it helps.

Nathan

 

[southernsteve]

Starting to trawl through my photos from last week, and here's the first day, from Monday 26th Sept at Es Carnatge, which is the area between the main road and beach at Can Pastilla, just off the end of Palma Airports runway.

 

[StewB]

I’ve written up my notes from our visit in September. Hopefully this link will work if you’re interested:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mXaX5aF-v9hqpSQhfzrYCbpx-lENgFTF/view?usp=drive_web

Stew

 

[Scridifer]

I’ve written up my notes from our visit in September. Hopefully this link will work if you’re interested:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mXaX5aF-v9hqpSQhfzrYCbpx-lENgFTF/view?usp=drive_web

Stew

Absolutely brilliant Stew, I can't thank you enough! Hoping to visit for a few days the same time next year and your notes will be invaluable. Primary targets will be Balearic Warbler and Eleonora's Falcon, but herps, butterflies and odonates also of interest (especially those Dropwings!)

Chris

 

[Mike Montier]

A Hobby flew low past me on its way south from Porto Petro this morning.
My home town seems a good place for Hobby. I see them going low out to sea every year. They are fabulous birds, made better by the thought of their long journey ahead.
Migration is an amazing phenomenon.

I had a very brief seawatch this afternoon. It was too early in the afternoon for much action but I did see a dozen Balearic shearwaters and three Scopoli’s.
Mike

 

[Geordie Dave]

I decided to spend half a day exploring the south and south west margins of Albufera today on a glorious 24° C autumn morning. It actually turned in to a largely bird less trip. First to Depuradora and a trip around the back lanes at Son Bosc. Then on to S’Amarador and finally to Cami des Pols. The regular mute swan and plenty of gadwall were the only things of note at S’Amarador. I’ve never seen the ponds at the Depuradora so devoid of birds. The 3-4 miles walk up the Cami des Pols and back was very enjoyable but very quiet. Last time I was there earlier this year I saw more than a dozen Eleonoras falcons, lots of marsh harriers and booted eagles; today nothing. Never mind there’s always tomorrow.

 

[southernsteve]

Tuesday 27th Sept, first full day of birding on Mallorca and a trip down to the south of the island visiting Cap Blanc, Salobrar salt pans and Cap de ses Salines. It became clear very quickly this trip was going to involve a lot of walking and hard work to see anything. On the plus side, I would be visiting some lovely countryside that on a normal family holiday I wouldn't see. I did manage to see my only life bird of the trip at Cap Blanc, a female Blue Rock Thrush

 

[phil turney]

Yo Mike, it’s NOT postage stamp wood, it’s a small wood across the road from there. I think postage stamp wood is protected???

Cheers, john

Ps. I’m not a new member. I’ve been reading the forum for a few years.

Pps. We have met a few years back when we were both windswept and interesting (billy connolly quote).

 

[htcdude]

Hi all,

I'm visiting from 4th - 18th October, staying in Santa Ponça. I'd love to see Eleonora's, Bonelli's, vultures etc. but, in particular, I'm keen to see Balearic Warbler. It looks like I'll be not far from wherever the ferry to Dragonera leaves, so any info would be most welcome. Or indeed info from any other part of the island.

Thanks in advance,

Thomas

Hi Thomas,

A few years back we stayed in Santa Ponça and went to Sa Dragonera. Really easy to get to and not too far. I was too early in the year for Eleonora's but did have a couple of Balearic Warbler in a couple of places on the island, best views were down the end though. Also had Booted Eagle, Purple Heron flocks and plenty of other things there too, so well worth a visit!

Hope you have a good trip.

Nige