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Overview
Although very close to extensive tourist development, Son Bou on the south coast of Menorca, is important for both breeding birds and as a resting and feeding area for migrants.
The island's largest reedbed is here as well as marshes, dunes and a sandy beach.
Birds
Notable Species
Breeding species include Cetti's Warbler, Moustached Warbler and Great Reed Warbler in the reeds and Marsh Harrier is common.
Migrants include various larks, pipits and wheatears on the dunes and hirundines over the open water.
Gulls, terns and waders can be found on the nearby beach and an island offshore may have Mediterranean Shag.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Cory's Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater, Mediterranean Shag, Little Bittern, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Egyptian Vulture, Western Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Common Kestrel, Kentish Plover, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Sandwich Tern, European Bee-eater, Tawny Pipit, Common Nightingale, Whinchat, European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Moustached Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Woodchat Shrike
Other Wildlife
To do
Site Information
History and Use
Be aware that the western end of the beach at Son Bou is a naturist beach.
Areas of Interest
Further along this path there is a small headland, good for small migrants, and the route to the car park can then be retraced or a circular route can be made.
To do this follow the track inland across a field, turn right and walk towards the head of the marsh where Egyptian Vulture and Booted Eagle may be seen. Follow the path along the inland side of the marsh and back to the car park.
Access and Facilities
To find Son Bou leave the C721, the main Ciutadella-Mahon road at Alaior and head south following signs for Son Bou and continue until the beach car park. A path to the west from the car park leads through marshes on one side and dunes on the other.
Son Bou is a popular tourist resort and has plenty of accommodation providing the ideal base to investigate this area. However, Son Bou is easily reached from all other tourist areas on the island.
Contact Details
To do
External Links
Content and images originally posted by Steve
Reviews
stu's review
I have visited the 'Marsh' seven times and always seen a great variety of birds including,Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagle, Purple Heron, Cattle and Little Egrett, lots of Warblers (Fan Tailed, Cettis, Sardinian etc) and Beeaters.In the early morning you can sometimes see a variety of small waders on the shoreline. If you then walk along the coast to Santo Tomas you can see Blue Rock Thrush,Crested and Thekla Larks,Stonechats,Winchats,Hoopoes and the occasional Red Kite.
Pros
- Easy access
- beautiful location
Cons
- Nearby growing developments