Mallorca 2025 (12 Viewers)

[Merlin]

and you are right Stew, I twice saw Monarch butterflies coming in-off the sea at Cap de Ses Salines but rather like the now tiresome debate over migrating Booted eagles over water, there is a stubborn refusal to believe anything that contradicts established thinking.
The same applies to arrival dates for birds. I have so often heard that it can’t be a particular species because the date is too early (or late).
We have to accept that strange things are happening out there, ie unusual species turning up at very odd times.
Personally, I find it all rather exciting.
Mike

Hi Mike

I was in the USA and was watching some Grosbeaks, the reserve warden came to look and I 'foolishly' said that according to the book they do not occur here this time of year, He replied that "birds don't read books buddy", how true!

regards
Merlin

 

[Resso Pete]

Sorry this is a late report, on 8th April, wifey and I had a wander round Son Real, 4 black pigs in the farm yard enjoying the sunshine, a peacock shouting too. Usual Audouin Gulls hoping for food from us on the beach, a handful of Kentish Plovers otherwise just Stonechats around. Saw very few birds at the hide, perhaps due to a pair of mallards swimming around on the pond! On the route 4 we saw our first wild tortoise of the year, 2 actually, our record last year mid October was 14. Don't know if you all knew they can be seen at Son Real, it adds interest to the walk.

 

[mike puxley]

Not sure if anyone else has had the same problem but went looking for the tree sparrows 7:30am Son Bosc bus depot and a coach driver came over and told me to sling my hook (In Spanish obviously!). The depot seems to be a lot busier than previous years.

 

[mike puxley]

Photograph taken at head of Boquer Valley this pm. Ring reads D11(?), may be of interest to someone…..

 

[Phil Andrews]

Photograph taken at head of Boquer Valley this pm. Ring reads D11(?), may be of interest to someone…..

This seems to be the best fit:

Falcons | cr-birding

cr-birding.org

 

[timsg80]

It’s fantastic to be (briefly) back in Mallorca for some spring birding! I’ve sadly been busy with work, but had an epic surprise this afternoon, firstly with a female Subalpine Warbler in the garden in Es Capdellà. Following it as it flew to another tree, I was overjoyed to find a Rufous-tailed Rockthrush! My first in Mallorca. At least two Golden Orioles have been calling today as well in Es Capdellà and both Cinereous and Griffon Vultures flew over yesterday. Otherwise, my only birding so far has been a brief trip to Sa Porassa in Magaluf, which brought a Purple Heron and a Whitethroat as highlights. There must be so many other birds to find out there!

 

[mike puxley]

Arrived early at the look out tower S’Albufereta and found this. Closed off. Obviously a H&S issue.

 

[Houdiny]

I’ve tried to re-find Gregor‘s fantastic Rock Thrush. I had the slim hope of finding it again, but I didn’t have any luck. At least I found a late Song Thrush and fantastic male Golden Oriole. When I tried to get a photo, it of course flew off.

 

[Matthebirder]

Arrived early at the look out tower S’Albufereta and found this. Closed off. Obviously a H&S issue.

It was pretty solid a few weeks ago; it did always sway a bit though!
We used to all stand on the mound nearby but that was before the trees had taken over.

 

[Jonny Holliday]

Whos running the WhatsApp group Johnny? I'm over with a group on May 1st and could be helpful.

Hiya Paul - Mike Puxley is running it - should be useful when more people are on there! any problems drop me a DM or Whatsapp and i will sort it.

we also arrive on the 1st for 2 weeks - mostly family, but might see you about!

 

[Mike Montier]

I have had a request for an up-to-date list of butterflies and dragonflies on Mallorca.
I know there was one, I remember StewB and Mike Swiss making contributions so if anyone knows where to download a copy, perhaps they could post on here.
Many thanks.
Mike

 

[Mcnswiss2]

The Menorca list is pretty accurate for Mallorca

List of butterflies of Menorca - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[Phil Andrews]

These might be of some use (odonata and butterflies).

 

[StewB]

P.

It was pretty solid a few weeks ago; it did always sway a bit though!
We used to all stand on the mound nearby but that was before the trees had taken over.

I wonder if flamingos are breeding there, and it’s to avoid disturbance?

Stew

 

[StewB]

I have had a request for an up-to-date list of butterflies and dragonflies on Mallorca.
I know there was one, I remember StewB and Mike Swiss making contributions so if anyone knows where to download a copy, perhaps they could post on here.
Many thanks.
Mike

This Mallorca butterfly list was originally posted some time ago by Martin (Honey), and I have tried to keep it updated for my own information (although the Monarch references are subject to scrutiny!). I think that as a list it is pretty much complete.

Stew

 

[Mike Montier]

Thanks everyone.
Just another example of how valuable this thread is.
Always willing to help.
Mike

 

[StewB]

I have had a request for an up-to-date list of butterflies and dragonflies on Mallorca.
I know there was one, I remember StewB and Mike Swiss making contributions so if anyone knows where to download a copy, perhaps they could post on here.
Many thanks.
Mike

I've attached a summary that I put together in 2022 of the Dragonflies of Mallorca, based on an internet literature search and my own observations of 20+ years visiting the Island. I'm in the process of updating it, but there are rather a lot of distractions which are slowing progress..

A really good dragonfly source is the report on Balearic dragonflies in 2019, appearing in the Winter 2020 edition of Es Busquaret, authored by Marina Tysoe and Maties Rebassa. It's in Catalan but as it shows scientific names it's pretty accessible if (like me) your Catalan is non-existant. In addition to 2019 records they show previous records, so it's as complete a list as you're likely to get. Here's the link:

Es Busqueret 50

Es Busqueret 50

www.gobmallorca.com

Bird Forum users here have a very wide interest in natural history, so it would be great if members posted dragonfly and butterfly records as well as bird records here.

Stew

 

[JosephK]

Hi everyone.
I’m currently enjoying a vacation here in Mallorca with my family. We arrived yesterday for our stay at the Santuari de Lluc and have been doing some hiking/birding here in the surrounding mountains today.
However I instantly realized that my “old” hiking shoes were way too small and very uncomfortable to wear. We still have 6 days and plenty of birding trips planned so I am semi desperately looking for some new hiking shoes.
So I was hoping that some of you guys might have some idea where a good outdoor sports store on the island (preferably around the north eastern part) might be found?
We are planning a trip to Albufera on Tuesday and i found this store near Port De Polenca called “Sports Island Mallorca” that I’m thinking I might give a shot.
I am size 43 EU so I think most relevant stores would have something my size.
Also we rented a car so transportation from Lluc/polenca area is not a problem.
Any sort of advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance
Joseph

 

[Pancho44]

There's a sports/outdoor shop in Pollenca close to the main square. Probably worth a look.

 

[Pancho44]

Món d'Aventura Outdoor Shop & Adventure Tours - Compra Pollença

Compra Pollença

comprapollensa.com