Mallorca 2023 (4 Viewers)

[Josep Manchado]

I have recorded Hawfinch twice recently in places I wouldn’t expect.

Mike

Hello
It is needed to be very careful with Merlin, it is a great, super great tool, but for exemple, there are some sounds (sub-sounds) of the Robin, the Merlin identify as Hawfinch and Grey flycatcher.
I have got at least 7 reports of hawfinch and 8 o 10 of grey flycatcher, until i discovered in a forum than it is an bad identify of Merlin, so it is a very good tool, but we cant believe it with the eyes closed.
Regards
Josep

 

[carstengp]

Hello
It is needed to be very careful with Merlin, it is a great, super great tool, but for exemple, there are some sounds (sub-sounds) of the Robin, the Merlin identify as Hawfinch and Grey flycatcher.
I have got at least 7 reports of hawfinch and 8 o 10 of grey flycatcher, until i discovered in a forum than it is an bad identify of Merlin, so it is a very good tool, but we cant believe it with the eyes closed.
Regards
Josep

Yes indeed - in my garden in Denmark during winter time I get the Robin "tick" calls identified as Hawfinch quite often. If I go back and listen to the recording it's very clear that it's just a single call from the very same bird that gets interpreted as another bird of the wrong species. Surely at some point the AI model will learn to consider the context to a greater degree to avoid things like that. And given that this island does not seem to have a single place where a Robin can not be heard I'm surprised the misidentification hasn't happened for me yet during the first 3 days of my visit

 

[Mike Montier]

Thanks Pep and I agree.
That’s why I asked.
There is not a Blue tit in my garden but Merlín keeps saying there is.
I doubt the Hawfinch too. I would never claim a record on the recording alone, I would have to se the bird for myself.
As you also say, it’s a great tool, a very nice addition to our birding equipment but I feel it should be used with caution.
It’s an aid, not definitive.
I’m recording right now on my balcony and it seems to be mostly accurate, although obviously not 100%
Mike

 

[Alf King]

Thanks Alf, very helpful. I completely understand about the hearing. I lost an ear in surgery many years ago and my one remaining ear is fading. Merlin gets between 6 and 10 species every morning from the balcony and I don’t hear any of them.
I have been birding with some very skilled birders over the years and they find many species on call. That’s why Merlín helps to make up for the loss.
Mike

An interesting article:

Arjun Dutta: is AI a birder's friend or foe?

Apps like Merlin Bird ID are becoming increasingly popular among birders. But what factors need to be considered when it comes to artificial intelligence?

www.birdguides.com

 

[Alf King]

Just an afterthought Alf, there was a big influx of Cliff swallows, earlier in the year so maybe Merlín wasn’t wrong!
Mike

Not in West Yorkshire there weren't Mike.

 

[Mike Montier]

Thanks Alf. An interesting article as you say.
Sorry the Cliff swallows didn’t quite make it up your way.

Tonight we met up with Tim and Jo for our annual outing at s’amardor, albufera, to watch the murmurations of Common starling.
Just before they arrived I had a big shock of seeing a Stock dove flying low past and very close.
It was a very fine sight, bathed in the rays of the late afternoon sun.
Never has a Stock dove looked so good.
It’s funny how such a relatively common bird in the UK, can look so stunning in a different setting.
Here in Mallorca it’s an official rarity and the first one I have ever seen here.
It was great to see Tim and Jo. The conversation flowed rather manically as we recalled our various trips watching wildlife in some very exotic settings abroad. They are both so well travelled and thus have lots of stories about their experiences.
Jo makes the most fantastic sandwiches and tonight’s offerings were the best ever.
Crystal rolls with egg, rocket and Marmite. Absolutely beautiful.
To follow, the most unctuous flapjacks with chocolate chip and marshmallow together with a most welcome mug of tea!
The starlings came but rather distantly.
It didn’t seem to matter somehow, such was the occasion.
Lots of Marsh harrier kept us on our toes.
The sunset was sensational.
As I leaned back on the tower railings watching the last rays of sunshine whilst taking another bite of my second flapjack, I felt a very lucky boy indeed.
Thanks Tim and Jo, it was memorable.
Mike

 

[Geordie Dave]

I picked up Phil A and his pal Garth in Pollenca today and headed to Randa in search of Ring Ouzel. We didn’t have long to wait before several birds began to show, even coming down to drink at the small pond. We guessed there were at least 7 and possibly as many as 10 or even more; they were very flighty and never settled anywhere for long. This meant very few photo opportunities but we did at least manage a few poor record shots. We had a single merlin overhead and another fairly large raptor with a white rump, perhaps a hen harrier. Next stop was Sa Barrala and the polo pitches where 200+ meadow pipits, 50-60 serin and 2 red kites were the only birds of note. We decided to move first to the beginning of Eddies track and then to the pools on the Es Trenc road. Both were remarkable for an almost complete absence of any birds. Our final stop was to Vilafranca to look for the usually reliable Iberian Grey Shrike. After looking for almost an hour and about to give up we eventually located it briefly before it flew away. The high winds that were forecast failed to appear and we had a very enjoyable, slightly cool day. One more bird added to my Big Year list, can’t be bad.

 

[Mike Montier]

I went to Cala Gamba today to visit a friend in hospital but took the opportunity to scan the nearby bay which is well-known for Red-breasted mergansers.
I soon as I looked, I saw what I’m sure was the distinctive outline of a merganser but it was very distant. I began to run round to the quayside for a better view, when all the birds spooked and promptly left the scene!
I never saw it again.
After the huge influx of Mediterranean gulls, I was half expecting to see loads but I only located one.
A bit despondent, I slunk back towards the hospital but my wife said there was a “little bird” on the wall.
Lifting my binoculars, I saw to my delight that it was a Kingfisher. I managed a few photos before it dived into the sea and away.
I’m not sure what ratio of birds have been found by my non-birding wife but I bet it’s more than half!
Lots of Sandwich terns too.
Mike

 

[carstengp]

My first visit to the island is coming to an end and first of all let me thank everybody contributing to these Mallorca threads, so much useful info that would be difficult to get in any other way! I've been based in Alcúdia and managed to get by all the main locations nearby. 2 visits to S'Albuferata had some very close up views of Little Egret and a not so close view of a flock of Stone Curlews in flight as highlights. Also went twice to S'Albufera and had awesome encounters with Flamingos, Stilts that were just a few meters from a Cibollar hide, Cattle Egrets on horses and best of all the Purple Swamphen also showed up.
Spent a couple of hours in the "pond hide" at Son Real getting lots of drinking visitors, my favorite was the Crossbills. Went to Randa on a quite chilly Monday morning and had quite a few not 100% certain sightings of shy black birds before finally one of the Ring Ouzels flew up from near the reservoir and placed itself in a tree with no leaves - first lifer of the day! Continued down south to do the Hotel Fontsanta trail. Flamingos and stilts were quit far away but the smaller ponds had Dunlin, Little Sting, Greenshank, Avocet, Ruff and second lifer of the day: Kentish Plover.
I was also very surprised by the diversity of Maristany given the location. Lots of Cettis Warblers - not keen to be photographed though.

 

[E L Cord]

Did anyone catch the 18 ish Common Cranes on Sunday 26th in a field on the old Road from Port de Pollenca to Pollenca?
I’ve seen Cranes fly over but none on the ground ,what are they doing here,it’s late for migration,maybe over wintering in Mallorca?

 

[Mike Montier]

Hi E L Cord
18 is a great number, well done. I, and quite a few other people, haven’t seen any yet.
This year, there seems to have been only fly-overs.
The last 4 years or so have been quite poor for this species.
I well remember seeing Common cranes wintering at Salobrar de Campos in quite big numbers and driving round the area, a few groups could be seen feeding in the fields.
The answer is that many pass through on migration whilst other groups over-winter here. I’m sure it’s all dependent on the weather elsewhere so I’m hoping things will improve soon.
Thanks for posting the good news
Mike

 

[Geordie Dave]

A slightly later start this morning was followed by a leisurely walk around Son Real. We went out on the blue route 4 down to the beach via the hide at the drinking pond. We came back on the white route 2. It was 24° at times and the sky bright blue. The beach area was almost completely deserted and for most of the time we felt as though we had the whole of the estate to ourselves. The pool at the hide was very quiet, we stayed for an hour hoping for a sight of a Hawfinch but it wasn’t to be. Having missed out in my visits in January and March I’m running out of time to see one here this year. Ironic as I saw 8 together in Northumberland only 2 weeks ago. The only birds of note were a vivid red male crossbill and 2 hoopoe. The views from the beach were stunning and Mallorca looked at its finest. We completed our walk, 12,000 steps in all before returning to Port de Pollenca and a couple of pints at Aries Bar. All in all a lovely day out.

 

[Mike Montier]

Should have stayed a while longer at port Pollença David, apparently there are up to 6 Razorbills there today.
There was a big influx last year so maybe we are in for another bonanza of this great seabird.
One has been seen in Porto Colom.


I know exactly what you mean about Son Real.
We were there today on a walk with friends , organised by derban and Anne.
It was just as you say, sunny, hot and with stunning surroundings.
I got there early and went to the hide.
No sign of any Hawfinch, just Siskin, Dunnock and many common birds.
The necropolis was the highlight for me, what a view!
It was a glorious day.
Mike

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Back in the island..glorious blue skies at 20C compared to the snow and ice back home (-3C)!
The airport and roads were so quiet compared to those a few weeks ago.
A visit to S’Albufera was so enjoyable. 50 Species seen or heard included some 60 Flamingos, Avocets, Marsh Harriers, Booted Eagles, Black Winged Stilts, Kingfishers.
No sign of the reported Common Cranes and Spoonbill.
Bumped into Geordie Dave and Peter S. who had spotted Golden Plovers from the Screen at S’Albuferara.
A quick trip added to a perfect day.
Great to be back.

 

[Geordie Dave]

My love of birdwatching has always been about more than seeing rare and scarce species and chasing rarities, all of which I’m guilty of. It has always been about spending time outdoors, enjoying the seasons, meeting fellow likeminded people, learning and sharing experiences. Today was a glorious Mallorca day, 24° but tempered at times by some cool breezes. I picked up Peter S in Gotmar and we headed first to the screen at Albufereta then on to Depuradora, S’Amarador, Cami des Pols and finally to Albufera main reserve with a target of spoonbill which had been reported earlier; sadly we couldn’t find it. This didn’t detract from an excellent day in which we’ve seen Cetti’s warbler, fan tailed warbler, a very late whinchat, flamingo, black winged stilt, avocet, kingfisher, red crested pochard, dozens of marsh harriers, Osprey and booted eagles. We’ve also had strong contenders for common buzzard and a lesser black backed gull and I’m reliably informed we’ve seen 50 species in the day. Our last port of call was at Sa Roca hide at Albufera. The pool was full of birds. I was struck by the sheer beauty of their plumage in the brilliant, sharp, clear november light. The shoveller and gadwall were particularly impressive but best of all was a close by adult male teal which looked to have been hand painted, an absolutely stunning bird. After 27,000 steps it was it was time to retire for a drink and at a little over 6,000 steps per mile it was well deserved. A great day out, many thanks Peter and to Mike S and Susan who we met for an hour at Albufera. We go again tomorrow.

 

[derban]

Bright and early, MikeM picked me up from home and drove to the sports bar in Maria, where we met Geordie Dave and Mike Swiss, and also enjoyed a coffee (not to mention a generous piece of MikeM's delicious breakfast pa amb oli). We the proceeded to the surrounding fields, chauffeured in some style by Mike Swiss. Birding was not easy because of the high winds and, well, something of a lack of birds. Nevertheless, red kite and kestrel were in evidence, as were meadow pipit, song thrush, booted eagle and corn bunting. And then, as the tension mounted, my target bird of the day – incredibly a lifer for someone like me so often on Mallorca – two black vultures appeared, clearly identified after a slight initial uncertainty. We enjoyed the traditional pies, I am not sure if in celebration or as bait for the vultures. MikeM then chauffeured me home, leaving the other two for further adventures to be recounted here later. But I am a lucky lad – thanks to all three for the good banter, chat and support in finding my target bird and especially to MikeM for sharing so generously!

 

[Geordie Dave]

Derbans day trip to Maria Part 2.
After our exploits on the beautiful central plains Mike S and I spent the rest of the day visiting numerous sites in the north seeing very little. First to Son Real where we spent an hour in a the hide hoping for Hawfinch but to no avail. We did see around 15 common passerines including a group of 12 greenfinch, several goldfinch, crossbill, a pair of blackcaps and then 2 hoopoe. We moved on to Son Baulo for cafe con leche at El Puput cafe then a walk along the sea front where turnstones, audouins gulls and sandwich terns were noted. Still hopeful of spoonbill we moved on to Albufera where we missed out once again! We did see a very small, dark, fast flying raptor low over the water in front of Cibollar 1 hide which we were decided was a merlin. The afternoon was disappearing now and we made a final stop at the screen at Albufereta. The wind had picked up and the light was beginning to fail so we made the smart move to head first to Aries then to Rosa Blanca bars. Im told we saw 53 species in total but that didn’t really matter. Today wasn’t just about birding, more about being around local people in the sports cafe at Maria and then for us to venture out for the day for almost 8 hours of walking and birding in 22° of glorious sunshine. Yet again another lovely day.

 

[Mcnswiss2]

Thanks Davey, Mike and Derban. Indeed a great day.
A few photos including the nice Horseshoe Whipsnake at Son Real.

 

[Paul Freestone]

Booked again for four nights on 1st May!! Already looking forward to coming over.

 

[derban]

Derbans day trip to Maria Part 2.
After our exploits on the beautiful central plains Mike S and I spent the rest of the day visiting numerous sites in the north seeing very little. First to Son Real where we spent an hour in a the hide hoping for Hawfinch but to no avail. We did see around 15 common passerines including a group of 12 greenfinch, several goldfinch, crossbill, a pair of blackcaps and then 2 hoopoe. We moved on to Son Baulo for cafe con leche at El Puput cafe then a walk along the sea front where turnstones, audouins gulls and sandwich terns were noted. Still hopeful of spoonbill we moved on to Albufera where we missed out once again! We did see a very small, dark, fast flying raptor low over the water in front of Cibollar 1 hide which we were decided was a merlin. The afternoon was disappearing now and we made a final stop at the screen at Albufereta. The wind had picked up and the light was beginning to fail so we made the smart move to head first to Aries then to Rosa Blanca bars. Im told we saw 53 species in total but that didn’t really matter. Today wasn’t just about birding, more about being around local people in the sports cafe at Maria and then for us to venture out for the day for almost 8 hours of walking and birding in 22° of glorious sunshine. Yet again another lovely day.

Hi David,

We discussed a book on waders yesterday, was this the one?



Thoroughly to be recommended to all - a very thorough photographic guide with images of birds at all ages and in a range of plumages. Unfortunately it seems to be out of print now, only available second hand on Amazon for well north of 50€.

David