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Mallorca 2023 (11 Viewers)
- Thread starter Mike Montier
- Start date
Phil Akers
Well-known member
I had my 1st birding day out for quite a while yesterday, been very busy. It had to be good old faithful S`Albufera.
I arrived at the car park nice and early and I had the walk to the visitor centre all to myself. On the way I counted 37 Night Herons in the canal side bushes, a good number of them juveniles. There were also 3 Grey herons perched in the bushes.
At the
Looking out from the
A brief viewing from the
So, over the canal and down the lane to the
There was a great variety birds. At the back of the lagoon there were BH Gulls perched on the posts, Cormorants and Little Egrets on the horizontal branch. Lots of Flamingos wading around. A young LBB Gull made a brief appearance. A lovely Kingfisher kept flying across the front of the hide and eventually perched very obligingly on an overhanging branch. There were a few young LR Plovers on the islands, also Dunlin and Com. Sandpiper.
There were single Common and Spotted Redshank and 6 Grey Plovers, young birds I think. There was also a single adult Grey Plover still showing some breeding plumage.
We considered walking down the the
We then had a brief stop at Maristany. The Coscoroba swan was still around. We found a couple of Greenshanks, Marbled Duck, Little Grebes and a fem. Red Crested Pochard.
A final visit to the Albufereta was decided upon. We had a walk around the mound and called in at the hide which produced a couple of greenshanks, little and Cattle Egrets. No Stone Curlews around, we usually find a few. But on the walk back passing a recently ploughed field we heard Meadow Pipits calling and after a brief search we found 3.
So once again a great day out in good company.
Cheers Phil Akers.
I arrived at the car park nice and early and I had the walk to the visitor centre all to myself. On the way I counted 37 Night Herons in the canal side bushes, a good number of them juveniles. There were also 3 Grey herons perched in the bushes.
At the
new Sa Roca hide there were plenty of Shovellers and Teal, BW Stilts, Mallards and a Purple Swamphen on the island. There was a female Marsh Harrier gliding over the reed beds behind the lagoon, but no small waders, the water was too deep.Looking out from the
centre hide there were a few Mallards and Teal on the island and looking across to the R/H side, 2 more Purple Swamp hens were wading around but there was little else to see.A brief viewing from the
Ses Pardes hide found Com. Coots, Mallards and a few Gadwall. This hide always seems to be the least productive.So, over the canal and down the lane to the
Es Cibollar 2 hide which I had all to myself for a while until a couple more birders popped in and out. And then I was joined by Mike Swiss and Peter Shaw. It`s always nice to have some company and of course 2 more pairs of eyes.There was a great variety birds. At the back of the lagoon there were BH Gulls perched on the posts, Cormorants and Little Egrets on the horizontal branch. Lots of Flamingos wading around. A young LBB Gull made a brief appearance. A lovely Kingfisher kept flying across the front of the hide and eventually perched very obligingly on an overhanging branch. There were a few young LR Plovers on the islands, also Dunlin and Com. Sandpiper.
There were single Common and Spotted Redshank and 6 Grey Plovers, young birds I think. There was also a single adult Grey Plover still showing some breeding plumage.
We considered walking down the the
Es Columbars hide, but decided against it. We had a brief look in at the 3 Sa Roca hides but nothing new had turned up.We then had a brief stop at Maristany. The Coscoroba swan was still around. We found a couple of Greenshanks, Marbled Duck, Little Grebes and a fem. Red Crested Pochard.
A final visit to the Albufereta was decided upon. We had a walk around the mound and called in at the hide which produced a couple of greenshanks, little and Cattle Egrets. No Stone Curlews around, we usually find a few. But on the walk back passing a recently ploughed field we heard Meadow Pipits calling and after a brief search we found 3.
So once again a great day out in good company.
Cheers Phil Akers.
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Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
Thanks Phil, clearly you do not need another Camera.
A great day out ...thanks Peter...Some 50 species seen or heard including Osprey, Red Kites, Marsh Harrier, Kingfishers, etc.
Star were the Grey Plovers.
Great fun
A great day out ...thanks Peter...Some 50 species seen or heard including Osprey, Red Kites, Marsh Harrier, Kingfishers, etc.
Star were the Grey Plovers.
Great fun
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Mike Montier
Well-known member
Speaking of cameras, I dropped my P900 on a marble floor whilst packing to come to Singapore.
I will therefore be in the market for a replacement. I know we’ve had ongoing healthy debates about Canon v Nikon so I will sort it out when I get back. The cheaper option will probably win.
Having watched many videos of birding Singapore, showing juicy images of colourful birds perched obligingly nearby, I have found the birding here to be very hard.
It’s tough going, having to work so much just for a glimpse of some species. To add to the pain, a togger showed me three images of rarities he had just seen up the road on the next reserve, including some species I really wanted to see. It was mighty painful.
We are going to an island tomorrow so I hope to improve.
All the best,
Mike
I will therefore be in the market for a replacement. I know we’ve had ongoing healthy debates about Canon v Nikon so I will sort it out when I get back. The cheaper option will probably win.
Having watched many videos of birding Singapore, showing juicy images of colourful birds perched obligingly nearby, I have found the birding here to be very hard.
It’s tough going, having to work so much just for a glimpse of some species. To add to the pain, a togger showed me three images of rarities he had just seen up the road on the next reserve, including some species I really wanted to see. It was mighty painful.
We are going to an island tomorrow so I hope to improve.
All the best,
Mike
Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
Sorry to hear about your camera Mike.
Hope you are going on the “bum” boat to Pulau Ubin to find the real original Chicken !
Back to Mallorca, a few minor trips to Can Sa Vincente and Maristany.
Very Quiet again at both.
One firecrest seen in the woods at CSV and only one Balearic Warbler seen on the fishermans walk. A distant Booted Eagle and two Ravens seen, a few Sardinian and Robins calling.
An African Monach or Plain Tiger butterfly was seen, different to the Monach photo I published above.
Maristany water levels were high. Many Shoverlers and Little Grebes.
The highlights were a single Kingfisher, Green Sandpiper, 3 Greenshanks, a few Common Pochards and a single Wigeon.
Cettis Warblers were abundant.
A dozen or so Barn Swallows were still here.
The famous Coscoroba swan was also present.
Many dragonflies including Red Veined Darter very busy on the water.
Hoping for a few more special birds….
Hope you are going on the “bum” boat to Pulau Ubin to find the real original Chicken !
Back to Mallorca, a few minor trips to Can Sa Vincente and Maristany.
Very Quiet again at both.
One firecrest seen in the woods at CSV and only one Balearic Warbler seen on the fishermans walk. A distant Booted Eagle and two Ravens seen, a few Sardinian and Robins calling.
An African Monach or Plain Tiger butterfly was seen, different to the Monach photo I published above.
Maristany water levels were high. Many Shoverlers and Little Grebes.
The highlights were a single Kingfisher, Green Sandpiper, 3 Greenshanks, a few Common Pochards and a single Wigeon.
Cettis Warblers were abundant.
A dozen or so Barn Swallows were still here.
The famous Coscoroba swan was also present.
Many dragonflies including Red Veined Darter very busy on the water.
Hoping for a few more special birds….
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Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
Resteraunts and Shops closing this weekend. Season over. Phew!
However, Fewer Birders on the island so less bird news.
EBird information and Local reports help:
citau.gobmallorca.com
Today birding local up North In La Gola area. The Centre will reduce its opening hours now.
Birds seen included Little Egret,Kingfisher, Booted Eagles, 12 Ravens, Common Sandpiper, Sardinian Warblers, Crossbills, Serins, Audouins Gulls, Cettis Warbler, Blackcaps, Starlings.
Weather still perfect.
However, Fewer Birders on the island so less bird news.
EBird information and Local reports help:
GOB CitAu
Registre ornitològic de les Illes Balears. Observacions d'aus de Mallorca, Menorca i Eivissa.
citau.gobmallorca.com
Today birding local up North In La Gola area. The Centre will reduce its opening hours now.
Birds seen included Little Egret,Kingfisher, Booted Eagles, 12 Ravens, Common Sandpiper, Sardinian Warblers, Crossbills, Serins, Audouins Gulls, Cettis Warbler, Blackcaps, Starlings.
Weather still perfect.
Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
Sunday Morning Stroll around S’Albufereta.
Young Night Heron and Purple Heron showed well.
Several Grey Plovers and Lapwings on the island, and Great Crested Grebe seen from the hide.
Nearly 100 Flamingoes, at least 50 Cattle Egrets, 50 Little Egrets and 5 Great White Egrets seen. 4 Marsh harriers, 1 Red Kite and I Kestrel in the sky.
Some 45 Species seen or heard including Meadow and Water Pipits, Water Rails, Linnets, Stonechats, Barn Swallows, Zitting Cisticola, Kingfisher.
My “Merlin” picked up Fieldfare..is it too early?
Young Night Heron and Purple Heron showed well.
Several Grey Plovers and Lapwings on the island, and Great Crested Grebe seen from the hide.
Nearly 100 Flamingoes, at least 50 Cattle Egrets, 50 Little Egrets and 5 Great White Egrets seen. 4 Marsh harriers, 1 Red Kite and I Kestrel in the sky.
Some 45 Species seen or heard including Meadow and Water Pipits, Water Rails, Linnets, Stonechats, Barn Swallows, Zitting Cisticola, Kingfisher.
My “Merlin” picked up Fieldfare..is it too early?
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Strontium Dog
Well-known member
Quite excited now as, inspired by this topic, we just booked 11 days next year at the Eix Lagotel. I've never been to Mallorca before and am very much looking forward to it.
H Johnsson
Well-known member
Good news Mike less cyclist on the island and more space for birding on popular places. I also like your last sentence weather still perfect. I will arrive soon.Resteraunts and Shops closing this weekend. Season over. Phew!
However, Fewer Birders on the island so less bird news.
EBird information and Local reports help:
GOB CitAu
Registre ornitològic de les Illes Balears. Observacions d'aus de Mallorca, Menorca i Eivissa.
Today birding local up North In La Gola area. The Centre will reduce its opening hours now.
Birds seen included Little Egret,Kingfisher, Booted Eagles, 12 Ravens, Common Sandpiper, Sardinian Warblers, Crossbills, Serins, Audouins Gulls, Cettis Warbler, Blackcaps, Starlings.
Weather still perfect.
Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
Mike Montier
Well-known member
It’s all kicked off today with news from Maties, Biel, Pep and Max.
At Sa Barrala Salobrar de campos, there are marsh harriers, a hen harrier, young Pallid harrier and a Montagu’s. What a bagful.
Max saw a Richard’s pipit at Albufereta, and a Lesser yellowlegs is at Salobrar, also found by Biel. What a day he has had.
Pep reports 2 Red-throated pipits also from Sa Barrala.
Thanks all for the news, so glad there are such good birds around.
I hope many birders can go and enjoy them.
Mike
At Sa Barrala Salobrar de campos, there are marsh harriers, a hen harrier, young Pallid harrier and a Montagu’s. What a bagful.
Max saw a Richard’s pipit at Albufereta, and a Lesser yellowlegs is at Salobrar, also found by Biel. What a day he has had.
Pep reports 2 Red-throated pipits also from Sa Barrala.
Thanks all for the news, so glad there are such good birds around.
I hope many birders can go and enjoy them.
Mike
BielBernat
Member
Yes Mike! What a great birding day we had at Sa Barrala / Salobrar Campos!
The day started with a young Pallid Harrier that was eating a dove without worrying about our presence, so we could enjoy the bird at short distance for at least 15-30', then the bird was attacked by a Hen Harrier!! While this happens, one Montagu's Harrier appears flying over the fields and several Marsh Harriers were flying around the area.
We report the observations by whatsapp, so Pep called telling us that he was on the way to the place.
Few minuts later 2 Red Throated Pipits were seen flying and screaming over us wiht a group of Meadow Pipits and I could record the calls!!
The morning was exciting at the moment, but highlights were about to come...At the central part of the Salobrar saltpants we found a juvenile Lesser Yellowleg, an unmistakable bird! According to my information, this specie has not been seen in Mallorca for 12 years!
And finally when we were about to leave the place I found a very dark Pipit that we identified as a possible Rock Pipit, we took some photos and spoke with some experts because there were possibilities that the bird could be a Water Pipit on a winter form...I never saw Rock Pipit till today....But finally during the afternoon one of the experts Dani López Velasco answer us giving the confirmation! 3 rarities in a single morning and one of them a "bimbo" ("lifer") for me!! What a joy!!
A great and unforgettable birding day with Toni Soler.
I hope the birds stays at the area for some days and more people could enjoy these amazing birds!
We have to confirm it, but taking a first look to the photos that we took there's the chance that there were not 1 but 2 different Pallid Harrier on the area...!!
Sorry, my written English is not very good...
The next days could be very interesting for birding around Mallorca, a lot of wintering birds have yet to arrive...and the strong west winds could bring with them some interesting and rare species!!
Some photos from today's birds and the links of the Ebird lists from today below:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S153454651
https://ebird.org/checklist/S153460797
The day started with a young Pallid Harrier that was eating a dove without worrying about our presence, so we could enjoy the bird at short distance for at least 15-30', then the bird was attacked by a Hen Harrier!! While this happens, one Montagu's Harrier appears flying over the fields and several Marsh Harriers were flying around the area.
We report the observations by whatsapp, so Pep called telling us that he was on the way to the place.
Few minuts later 2 Red Throated Pipits were seen flying and screaming over us wiht a group of Meadow Pipits and I could record the calls!!
The morning was exciting at the moment, but highlights were about to come...At the central part of the Salobrar saltpants we found a juvenile Lesser Yellowleg, an unmistakable bird! According to my information, this specie has not been seen in Mallorca for 12 years!
And finally when we were about to leave the place I found a very dark Pipit that we identified as a possible Rock Pipit, we took some photos and spoke with some experts because there were possibilities that the bird could be a Water Pipit on a winter form...I never saw Rock Pipit till today....But finally during the afternoon one of the experts Dani López Velasco answer us giving the confirmation! 3 rarities in a single morning and one of them a "bimbo" ("lifer") for me!! What a joy!!
A great and unforgettable birding day with Toni Soler.
I hope the birds stays at the area for some days and more people could enjoy these amazing birds!
We have to confirm it, but taking a first look to the photos that we took there's the chance that there were not 1 but 2 different Pallid Harrier on the area...!!
Sorry, my written English is not very good...
The next days could be very interesting for birding around Mallorca, a lot of wintering birds have yet to arrive...and the strong west winds could bring with them some interesting and rare species!!
Some photos from today's birds and the links of the Ebird lists from today below:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S153454651
https://ebird.org/checklist/S153460797
Mike Montier
Well-known member
Your English is near-perfect Biel.
That must be one of your best days ever so thanks for sharing it.
What a great day.
Cambodia is a severe culture shock for us, an extraordinary place and I will post a couple of photos later.
All the best to you lucky birders in Mallorca.
Mike
That must be one of your best days ever so thanks for sharing it.
What a great day.
Cambodia is a severe culture shock for us, an extraordinary place and I will post a couple of photos later.
All the best to you lucky birders in Mallorca.
Mike
Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
Congratulations Biel and Pep.
Awesome birds.
While you were finding such beauties, Phil A and myself searched for such rarities in S'Albufereta and S'Albufera.
Of course we never did and even failed to find possible reported Richards Pipit there.
We still had a great day with nearly 50 Species in both sites.
Highlights included 4 Ospreys, at least 10 Marsh Harriers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, Grey Plovers, Young Purple Heron, over 100 Flamingoes, 70 Cattle Egrets, 4 Kingfishers, etc.
Just as we were leaving some 100,000 or more Starlings were murmurating..
Never seen them so close to roosting by the Cibollar 2 hide
Photos from Phil and myself.
Weather still glorious, however changes are coming...
Awesome birds.
While you were finding such beauties, Phil A and myself searched for such rarities in S'Albufereta and S'Albufera.
Of course we never did and even failed to find possible reported Richards Pipit there.
We still had a great day with nearly 50 Species in both sites.
Highlights included 4 Ospreys, at least 10 Marsh Harriers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, Grey Plovers, Young Purple Heron, over 100 Flamingoes, 70 Cattle Egrets, 4 Kingfishers, etc.
Just as we were leaving some 100,000 or more Starlings were murmurating..
Never seen them so close to roosting by the Cibollar 2 hide
Photos from Phil and myself.
Weather still glorious, however changes are coming...
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Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
Peter S and I visited Ternelle Valley walk yesterday and decided to risk Cancurrassa Road, S’Albuferata and Maristany Today as birding was rather quiet yesterday.
On the road to Ternelles we had Black and Griffon Vultures as well as Two Ravens and a Blue Rock thrush.
Today was rather Windy possible due to tail of the Storm Ciaran.
However we still heard or saw some 50 Species, including 2 Booted Eagles, Black Vultures, Kestrels, Kingfishers, Avocets, Purple Heron, Great Crested Grebes, and possible Spotless Starling.
Hoping that the storm brings in some rareties!
On the road to Ternelles we had Black and Griffon Vultures as well as Two Ravens and a Blue Rock thrush.
Today was rather Windy possible due to tail of the Storm Ciaran.
However we still heard or saw some 50 Species, including 2 Booted Eagles, Black Vultures, Kestrels, Kingfishers, Avocets, Purple Heron, Great Crested Grebes, and possible Spotless Starling.
Hoping that the storm brings in some rareties!
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Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
Trying to escape the blustery weather, decided to head inland to the White Plain area near Maria de la Salut.
Recently a long legged Buzzard was reported there!
However, the wind was still busy and of course no sign of the LLB!
Very quiet and the area quite desolate.
Several Thekla Larks and Red Legged Partridges were calling, a few Common Kestrels and Crag Martins were doing acrobats in the sky.
Two Red Kites, a single Griffon and two Black Vultures passed nearby.
The Olives were abundant in the orchards, looking like a bumper and good quality year.
Though quiet for birds at this time of the year, its a great place to escape the tourists and cyclists.
Recently a long legged Buzzard was reported there!
However, the wind was still busy and of course no sign of the LLB!
Very quiet and the area quite desolate.
Several Thekla Larks and Red Legged Partridges were calling, a few Common Kestrels and Crag Martins were doing acrobats in the sky.
Two Red Kites, a single Griffon and two Black Vultures passed nearby.
The Olives were abundant in the orchards, looking like a bumper and good quality year.
Though quiet for birds at this time of the year, its a great place to escape the tourists and cyclists.
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Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
A Sunday morning visit to Son Real. Quiet for birds as expected but great to see local families enjoying the sunshine.
A visit to the hide for 30 mins revealed some 10 species including Greenfinch, Goldfinches,Firecrest, Linnets, Great tit, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Song thrush and Crossbills.
A walk on the beach showed Turnstones, Audouin Gull, Shags and Kentish Plovers.
A great Sunday
Ps Luton drew against Liverpool
A visit to the hide for 30 mins revealed some 10 species including Greenfinch, Goldfinches,Firecrest, Linnets, Great tit, Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Song thrush and Crossbills.
A walk on the beach showed Turnstones, Audouin Gull, Shags and Kentish Plovers.
A great Sunday
Ps Luton drew against Liverpool
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Mcnswiss2
Well-known member
A mornings walk upto the enterance of Ternelles with Phil A.
Robins, Chaffinches, Sardinian Warblers, Blackcaps, singing well.
Several Black Vultures and Griffon Vultures overhead, a Red Kite, Kestrel, and Peregrine were soon added to the list.
Great tit and Crossbill heard, Crag Martins and Blue Rock Thrush noted.
Several nice butterflies seen including 7 Monachs ( USA style), Cleopatra, Hummingbird moth, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Common and Langs Short tailed blue.
Weather looks fine for the next week.
Robins, Chaffinches, Sardinian Warblers, Blackcaps, singing well.
Several Black Vultures and Griffon Vultures overhead, a Red Kite, Kestrel, and Peregrine were soon added to the list.
Great tit and Crossbill heard, Crag Martins and Blue Rock Thrush noted.
Several nice butterflies seen including 7 Monachs ( USA style), Cleopatra, Hummingbird moth, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Common and Langs Short tailed blue.
Weather looks fine for the next week.
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Val35
Well-known member
Hi, just curious to know if some of you have been seawatching in Mallorca this past couple of days ?
There was a huge influx of Storm/Leach's petrels, Sabine's Gulls and Kittiwakes in Western France and even some inland records as far East as lac du Der for Leach's Petrel...Saw nothing in Corsica this weekend though...
There was a huge influx of Storm/Leach's petrels, Sabine's Gulls and Kittiwakes in Western France and even some inland records as far East as lac du Der for Leach's Petrel...Saw nothing in Corsica this weekend though...
