{"id":292,"date":"2022-02-09T10:32:05","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T10:32:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/?p=292"},"modified":"2022-02-24T08:37:37","modified_gmt":"2022-02-24T08:37:37","slug":"mallorca-18th-april-to-2nd-may-2009-trip-report-includes-bird-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/2022\/02\/09\/mallorca-18th-april-to-2nd-may-2009-trip-report-includes-bird-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"Mallorca – 18th April to 2nd May 2009 Trip report includes bird photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GETTING THERE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Casesnovas\"Again, as in previous years, we chose Villa Select to provide both our accommodation and our flight. Our choice this year was the beautiful Villa Casesnovas<\/a>. The villa is situated within the triangle of Pollensa, Puerto Pollensa and Alcudia. A little further out than any of our previous villas, but it did mean we were within a 10min drive of the premier birding site \u201cAlbufera\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our carrier was Monarch Airlines. Both outward and inward flights were bang on time with both planes approximately 75% full. The flight out was 06:20 am, possibly a little early for some, but great when you are sipping your first cold drink at your destination by lunch time. Return flight was mid morning giving us the luxury of a leisurely breakfast.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For superb self catering accommodation and late availability list I strongly recommend you check out Villa Select\u2019s web site<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Villa Select can be contacted on 0845 277 3370 or by email<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WEATHER<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Birding<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the main the weather was dry and warm with temperatures in the mid 20s for most of the holiday. Night time temperatures dropped to single figures making early morning birding a bit parky. Rain was restricted to a couple of nights and the Friday morning prior to our departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

COST OF LIVING<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With virtual parity between the Pound & Euro Mallorca ain\u2019t cheap any more, with most food stuff costing at least the same as England. Eating out at night had risen, both in the cost of the meal and the poor exchange rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CAR HIRE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As with the cost of living, the price of car hire had also increased, with an equivalent car in England costing at least 25% less.
Fuel however was slightly cheaper with diesel costing approximately 89p per litre.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"NowThese trips to Mallorca have turned into bi-annual events with Lesvos being visited in alternate years. It amazes us how much the island changes over such a short period. New roads, including dual carriageways, have materialised in the Pollensa Bay area. Many are roads to \u201cnowhere\u201d; this indicates that further large scale development of the bay area is on the cards. The main thoroughfare through Alcudia has also been upgraded, with all the traffic lights being replaced with roundabouts, all sporting their own piece of sculpture. Brightly coloured cycle lanes have also been installed. The spine road that runs from south to north has also been upgraded. With a \u201cmotorway\u201d & dual carriageway terminating approximately 10k short of Alcudia, making transfer times from the airport to the north of the island comfortably less than 1hr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With all the development of the infrastructure and the continued building of holiday accommodation, many of the small scrubby areas that used to be so attractive to passing migrants have disappeared. <\/a>This has greatly reduced the wild flowers & weeds and in turn the insects on which the birds feed. We have noted a steady decline over the last 10 years in the numbers of birds that either nest on Mallorca or stay briefly to fuel up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birding sites that once were a must to visit a few years ago are now a shadow of their former selves. It\u2019s not surprising when you see that most of these are the ones that have suffered most from urbanisation. The Boquer Valley is a prime example; birding here has declined to such an extent that it\u2019s best left to the walkers. I could not have imagined myself saying that a few years ago. Other northern sites that have also markedly declined, to such an extent that a cursory visit is all they warrant, are \u201cCasas Veyas\u201d (no access), \u201cAlbufereta\u201d (no management), \u201cBack Lanes\u201d, \u201cSmelly River\u201d and \u201cLenair Road\u201d (lack of areas to park).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Albufera\"As I have stated in previous reports, the bird species are still there, it\u2019s the numbers that have declined, making the birding challenging at the very least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

S\u2019Albufera<\/strong> – On a more positive note, after many years of resources being channelled into the visitor centre, toilet blocks, pretty boardwalks, hides and viewing platforms, all great for the human visitor, it now looks like the park authority is getting to grips with improving the habitat for the birds\u2026.and how it shows! With improvements to water level management and the general habitat, bird numbers and species were up considerably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MOANS, GROANS AND MEMORABLE MOMENTS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moan<\/strong>
<\/a> Once again we had problems with Hertz car rentals. Although we had documentation which clearly stated that the price taken over the internet was guaranteed, we still had to spend 15 minutes arguing with the staff, who were quoting 40 \u20ac more. We were also charged 8 \u20ac a day for a second driver when the web site clearly stated the second driver was free. This added a further 112 \u20ac to the bill. We had a similar situation several years ago in Lesvos. On our first venture out in the vehicle we had a puncture. There was no spare tyre, so we had to wait several hours whilst they delivered a replacement. We were charged 120 \u20ac for the pleasure when we returned the vehicle. Total cost of the vehicle rose from the 344 \u20ac quoted, to 576 \u20ac. \u201cNever again Mr Hertz\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Groan<\/strong>
Those pillocks in Lycra who invade Mallorca in their thousands during the early spring. We believe in \u201clive and let live\u201d but when they decide to ride 3-4 abreast in their hundreds on the road, completely ignoring the lovely new cycle lanes provided, it\u2019s difficult to look benevolently upon them. Meeting several dozen of them, spread right across a very narrow winding lane and gesticulating to me to get over, was the last straw. My outburst of \u201csingle file dicken ze headens\u201d <\/em>was greeted with hysterical laughter from my own passengers. Well you have to laugh!              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memorable moments<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


\"SalinasThe hospitality shown to us by a Geordie called Malcolm, whose help and hospitality, whilst we were waiting for our exchange vehicle, was very greatly appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dozen or so Bee-eaters that decided to hang around the villa for a couple of days giving great views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local Stone Curlews being called up, to give great illuminated views as they flew over the villa at night.

Not sticking to our own rule of not venturing down to the Salinas de Levante until we have had at least 3 dry days. Then, finding on our arrival, that \u201cEddie\u2019s Track\u201d was hock deep in mosquito infested water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embarking on what we thought would be an hour\u2019s walk through the Albufera. We finally reached the visitor centre 6hrs later. Incidentally this also occurred on the hottest day of the holiday at 28\u00b0c.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SITES VISITED<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Albufera, Albufereta, Casas Veyas, Boquer Valley, Cuber Reservoir, Son Serra de Marina, Son Marc, Depuradora, Postage Stamp Wood, Cala de San Vicen\u00e7, S\u2019Illot and Salinas de Levante.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bird Photos<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bird Species List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  • Great Crested Grebe<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Podiceps cristatus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Only sighting was a pair displaying on the Grand Canal Albufera.<\/li>
  • Little Grebe<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Tachybaptus ruficollis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Small numbers of birds, main sites being the Albufera, Albufereta and San Serra de Marina.<\/li>
  • Shag<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Phalacrocarax aristotalis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Odd birds seen on the breakwaters at Puerto Pollensa first week.<\/li>
  • Night Heron<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Nycticorax nycticorax<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Numbers at the Albufera roost appeared to be down, with no more than a dozen birds encountered during our visits. More than 20 birds seemed to be the norm in 2005.<\/li>
  • Squacco Heron<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Ardeola rallioides<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0More birds were encountered during this trip than any previously with up to 6 birds seen together.<\/li>
  • Cattle Egret<\/strong>\u00a0Bubulcus ibis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Now the most common of the egrets on the Island with several hundred seen in the roost near the entrance to the Albufera.<\/li>
  • Little Egret<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Egretta garzetta<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Although not now as common as the former, still good numbers were seen most days in suitable habitats.<\/li>
  • Great White Egret<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Egretta alba<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Only 1 sighting, a bird flying with a Little Egret at the back of the Albufera.<\/li>
  • Grey Heron<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Ardea cinerea<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Birds were very common at all suitable habitats.<\/li>
  • Purple Heron<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>Ardea purpurea<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A good year for this species with 5 birds seen\u00a0flying low over the Albufereta.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Sacred Ibis<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Threskiornis aethiopicus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Never 100% sure of the status of these birds. They have been at the Albufera for many years. 3 sightings of a single mature bird in flight.<\/li>
  • Greater Flamingo<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Phoenicopterus ruber<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Just 7 adult birds seen at the Salinas de Levante. Up-to 50> have been encountered at the same site in autumn.<\/li>
  • Shelduck<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Tadorna tadorna<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0From only 2 sightings in Oct 2005 to many dozens of breeding pairs at the Albufera, Depuradora, Albufereta and the Salinas de Levante.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • Gadwall<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Anas strepera<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A common duck with small numbers seen at suitable locations.<\/li>
  • Teal<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Anas crecca<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Numbers down this spring with 1 female the only sighting.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • Mallard<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Anas platyrhynchos<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Extremely common at all suitable habitats.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Shoveler<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Anas clypeata<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Small numbers, mainly at the Depuradora.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Red-crested Pochard<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Netta rufina<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Another success story with more birds being encountered year on year.<\/li>
  • Pochard<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Aythya farina<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 3 sightings of up to 2 males at the Depuradora. \u00a0<\/li>
  • Tufted Duck<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>Aythya fuligula<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Just a single sighting of a male on the Grand Canal at the Albufera.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Griffon Vulture<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Gyps fulvus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a01 bird seen at the Son Marc Valley during our first visit.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Black Vulture<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Aegypius monachus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Only sighting was six individuals during the trip to Cuber reservoir.<\/li>
  • Marsh Harrier<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Circus aeruginosus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A very common raptor, with six seen in the air at the same time over the Albufera. \u00a0<\/li>
  • Montagu\u2019s Harrier<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Circus pygargus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A fly past at the villa by a male at the end of the first week.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Golden Eagle<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Aquila chrysaetos<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A single sub-adult bird caused confusion with a low fly-over at the Albufera.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Bonelli\u2019s Eagle<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Hieraaetus fasciatus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A low fly-by over the villa during the first week.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Booted EagleHieraaetus pennatus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Odd birds seen, but again numbers appeared to be down on previous visits. \u00a0<\/li>
  • Osprey<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Pandion<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0haliaetus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Several encounters during the trip, with 1 bird successfully catching a large fish at the Albufereta and another bird tucking into a fish on the traditional roosting post at \u201cOrange Bridge\u201d.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Kestrel<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Falco tinnunculus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Common over the whole island.<\/li>
  • Eleonora\u2019s Falcon<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Falco eleonorae<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Birds not seen until late in the second week of the trip & then in very small numbers.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Red-legged Partridge<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Alectoris rufa<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Several sightings with a resident pair in the fields below the villa. \u00a0<\/li>
  • Moorhen<\/strong>\u00a0Gallinula chloropus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Birds in small numbers at all suitable locations.<\/li>
  • Purple Gallinule<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Porphyrio porphyrio<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0All sightings confined to the Albufera this trip. Since their introduction these birds have spread right across the north of the island taking up residence at all suitable locations. \u00a0<\/li>
  • Coot<\/strong>\u00a0Fulica atra<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Birds abundant at all suitable habitats.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Red-knobbed Coot<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Fulica cristata<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Reintroduced a few years ago, these birds have now achieved full breeding status. Birds are now common at the Albufera. Some introduced birds still contain white neck rings. These were used to separate the species during the winter, when hunting is permissible. \u00a0<\/li>
  • Stone Curlew<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Burhinus oedicnemus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A very good year with many sightings throughout the trip. A pair was very vocal at night in the fields adjacent to the villa.<\/li>
  • Collared Pratincole<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Glareola pratincola<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Several birds seen at the Albufera early in the first week.<\/li>
  • Avocet<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Recurvirostra avosetta<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a050> at the Salinas de Levante.<\/li>
  • Black-winged Stilt<\/strong>\u00a0Himantopus himantopus \u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Very common breeding wader.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Little Ringed Plover<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Charadrius dubius<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Common at suitable sites.<\/li>
  • Ringed Plover<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Charadrius hiaticula<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0More birds encountered in the north of the island than previously. Probable cause is the habitat management taking place on the Albufera.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Kentish Plover<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Charadrius alexandrinus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Very common this trip, again the habitat management may account for the increase.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Grey Plover<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Pluvialis squatarola<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A singleton at the Salinas de Levante the only sighting.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Knot<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Calidris canutus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A single male at the Albufera and our first for the Island.<\/li>
  • Little Stint<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Calidris minuta<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0More birds in the north of the Island than previous years. Habitat improvements and water level management, probable cause. \u00a0<\/li>
  • Temminck\u2019s Stint<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Calidris<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0temminckii<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0Small numbers during first week of the trip. All sightings at the Albufera.<\/li>
  • Curlew Sandpiper<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Calidris ferruginea<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Far more birds encountered; probable cause the same as the stints.<\/li>
  • Dunlin<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Calidris alpina<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 A single sighting for the trip at the Albufera. \u00a0<\/li>
  • Ruff<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Philomachus pugnax<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Odd birds seen, all sightings confined to the back of the Albufera reserve.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Snipe<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Gallinago gallinago<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Small numbers seen during most visits to the Albufera.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Spotted Redshank<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Tringa erythropus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Up to 5 birds seen at Bishops (1) hide during the first week.<\/li>
  • Redshank<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Tringa totanus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Small numbers; more numerous in the south.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Greenshank<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Tringa nebularia<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0One of the few wader species where the numbers were down on previous years. Most sightings at the Albufereta.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Green Sandpiper<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Tringa ochropus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Only a couple of sightings, both during the first week and both at the Depuradora.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Wood Sandpiper<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Tringa glareola<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Another species which has benefited from both habitat and water level management with many more birds than in previous springs.<\/li>
  • Common Sandpiper<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Actitis hypoleucos<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Numbers clearly up on previous years.<\/li>
  • Turnstone<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Arenaria interpres<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A singleton at the Albufera at the end of the 2nd week.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • Black-headed Gull<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Larus ridibundus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A small number of birds seen loafing on the rocks in the corner of the lagoon viewed from \u201cOrange Bridge\u201d.<\/li>
  • Audouin\u2019s Gull<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Larus audouinii<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Fewer gulls obvious than in previous visits.<\/li>
  • Yellow-legged Gull<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Larus cachinnans<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0Abundant.<\/li>
  • Common Tern<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Sterna hirundo<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 \u00a03 pairs at the Albufera which will hopefully breed on the newly created tern islands.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Whiskered Tern<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Chlidonias hybridus<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 \u00a05 birds hawking over the Depuradora at the beginning of the first week, with a singleton during the second. \u00a0<\/li>
  • Stock<\/strong>\u00a0Dove<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Columba oenas<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A couple of sightings of single birds, with 4 seen flying over the Albufera during the second week.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Wood Pigeon<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Columba palumbus\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Common at all suitable locations.<\/li>
  • Swift<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Apus apus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A strong daily migration with many thousands passing through, especially during the second week.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Pallid Swift<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Apus pallidus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Dozens of birds over the Albufera early in the first week.<\/li>
  • Collared Dove<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Streptopelia decaocto<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Numbers appear to have stabilised with birds encountered most days.\u00a0<\/li>
  • European Bee-eater<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Merops Apiaster<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Many birds passing through the island during the second week.<\/li>
  • Hoopoe<\/strong>\u00a0Upupa epops<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Birds numbers appear to have declined. No birds were seen at the Depuradora where previously a flock of 6 birds were in residence.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Sand Martin<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Riparia riparia<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Just a handful of birds seen early doors.<\/li>
  • Crag Martin<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Ptyonoprogne rupestris<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Sightings were down this year with a few birds at the Boquer Valley and several around the dam at Cuber Reservoir. Best sighting was a dozen or so flying around Palma airport terminal.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Swallow<\/strong>\u00a0Hirundo rustica<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Strong passage during the whole trip with numbers increasing daily.\u00a0<\/li>
  • House Martin<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Delichon urbica<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Only birds seen were odd birds with migrating swallows and swifts.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • Thekla Lark<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Galerida theklae<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A couple of birds encountered at the most reliable site, Son Serra de Marina. As this site is so reliable I no longer venture far to find them.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Meadow Pipit<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Anthus \u00a0pratenis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A single bird in the Son Marc Valley.<\/li>
  • Tawny Pipit<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Anthus campestris<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A single bird display flying at Cuber.<\/li>
  • Yellow Wagtail<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Motacilla flava<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Many sighting of the nominate race, with good numbers of\u00a0feldegg<\/em>\u00a0also observed.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Wren<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Troglodytes troglodytes<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A singleton at Cuber.<\/li>
  • Nightingale<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Luscinia megarhynchos<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A very good year for this species with birds singing at all suitable locations.<\/li>
  • Redstart<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Phoenicurus phoenicurus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A male and female seen at different locations in the Son Marc valley and a female feeding on the lawn of the villa.<\/li>
  • Stonechat<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Saxicola torquata<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Very common at all suitable locations.<\/li>
  • Northern Wheatear<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Oenanthe oenanthe<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 1 male seen at the Salinas de Levante. \u00a0<\/li>
  • Blue Rock Thrush<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Monticola solitarius<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Birds at all usual haunts.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Blackbird<\/strong>\u00a0Turdus merula<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Birds common at all suitable sites.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Cetti\u2019s Warbler<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Cettia cetti<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Very, very common at all suitable locations. \u00a0<\/li>
  • Fan-tailed Warbler<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Cisticola juncidis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Birds seen at most suitable locations.<\/li>
  • Great Reed Warbler<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Acrocephalus arundinaceus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Numbers of these birds appear to have tumbled over the years with less than half a dozen pairs encountered over the whole of the Albufera.<\/li>
  • Balearic Warbler<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Sylvia balearica<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Several birds reported at the Boquer valley but our only sighting was at the traditional site at Cala Sant Vicen\u00e7.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Sardinian Warbler<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Sylvia melanocephala<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0The commonest of all the warblers with several territories around the villa.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Blackcap<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Sylvia atricapilla<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Only sightings were during our 2 visits to the Son Marc Valley.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Wood Warbler<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Phylloscopus sibilatrix\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 2 encounters, 1 at the pines near the Boquer and the 2nd at Cuber.<\/li>
  • Chiffchaff<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Phylloscopus collybita<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Just a couple of sightings during the trip at suitable sites.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Willow Warbler<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Phylloscopus trochilus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Again a couple of birds seen during the trip.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Firecrest<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Regulus ignicapillus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Sightings at the traditional site at Casas Veyas.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Spotted Flycatcher<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Muscicapa striata<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Very common, with the Son Marc valley literally dripping with them.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Pied Flycatcher<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Ficedula hypoleuca<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A single male hawking for insects in the Son Marc valley.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/li>
  • Great Tit<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Parus major<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Small numbers of birds seen at most suitable sites.<\/li>
  • Golden Oriole<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Oriolus oriolus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A single bird flew through the villa garden at the beginning of the second week.<\/li>
  • Woodchat Shrike<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Lanius senator<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0A common bird; all suitable locations appear to\u00a0 have birds in residence.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Raven<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Corvus corax<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Odd birds at the Boquer valley and a few in Son Marc.\u00a0<\/li>
  • House Sparrow<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Passer domesticus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Birds common everywhere.<\/li>
  • Chaffinch<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Fringilla coelebs<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Common at all suitable habitats.<\/li>
  • Serin<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Serinus serinus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Small flocks, especially where conifers occur.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Greenfinch<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Carduelis chloris<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Abundant.<\/li>
  • Goldfinch<\/strong>\u00a0Carduelis carduelis<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0The second commonest finch of the summer.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Linnet<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Carduelis cannabina<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Birds not uncommon.<\/li>
  • Crossbill<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Loxia curvirostra<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Any large area of conifers will contain Crossbills. The Formentor peninsula holds a very large population.<\/li>
  • Cirl Bunting<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Emberiza cirlus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0Although not prolific, both Son Marc & the Campanet valley hold good populations.<\/li>
  • Reed Bunting<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Emberiza schoeniclus<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A single sighting of a male at the Albufera.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>
  • Corn Bunting<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Miliaria calandra<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 \u00a0From being a common bird some 10 years ago, a steady decline has taken place with only 2 sightings throughout the trip.\u00a0<\/li>
  • Waxbill<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Estrilda astrild<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A singleton at the back of the Albufera was the only sighting this trip.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Pat and Judy Hayes<\/strong>  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u00a9 Pat Hayes ","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":293,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ghostkit_customizer_options":"","ghostkit_custom_css":"","ghostkit_custom_js_head":"","ghostkit_custom_js_foot":"","ghostkit_typography":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-292","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mallorca","category-trip-reports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/292","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=292"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/292\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1392,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/292\/revisions\/1392"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/293"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=292"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=292"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realbirder.com\/bird\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=292"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}