Phil Akers
Well-known member
That surprises me Stew with the length of the rear claw?
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Mallorca 2023 (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Mike Montier
- Start date
southernsteve
Well-known member
Hi all, the time has come and I'll be out again on Sunday afternoon for some much needed sun, I won't say heat because it's been like a sauna back here in the UK, especially the south, this past week, and birding, though how much of the latter I get remains to be seen. I've seen the post re the Pacific Plover, was selfishly hoping it was an American one so I could knock the reserve off my list if need be, seen a couple in Kent over recent years, as I want to try and concentrate this trip more on the mountains and areas to the south. Looking at the 10 day forecast at least for Palma, it looks like storms are forecast, great, had that in May when I was out, so can anyone recommend anywhere that could be worth doing from the car, basically park up and view and possibly photograph out the window. I know from experience the mountain roads just don't have any pull ins so I'm guessing out on the central plains might be worth a go. Hopefully I'll pump into some you again during my week, won't have my laptop so need to try and access this on my phone, that should be fun, and photos I get I'll post when I get home. Thanks, Steve.
I believe the length of the claw is within its limits for Tree pipit.
Clear Tree pipit for me.
Mike Montier
Well-known member
Cap de Ses Salines was quiet this morning with zero passage of raptors.
A constant trickle of Barn swallows totaling around 60 birds was the only thing that kept me awake.
Also, 3 Common swift, 1 Pallid swift and 2 Bee-eaters.
Red-veined darters were all around and a Hummingbird hawk-moth buzzed about. It didn’t keep still long enough for a photo.
A kestrel sat on a post nearby making the most unusual postures, rocking backwards and forwards, stretching its neck out each time. It looked like it was trying to regurgitate something.
There is always something to watch, even during the quiet times.
Mike
A constant trickle of Barn swallows totaling around 60 birds was the only thing that kept me awake.
Also, 3 Common swift, 1 Pallid swift and 2 Bee-eaters.
Red-veined darters were all around and a Hummingbird hawk-moth buzzed about. It didn’t keep still long enough for a photo.
A kestrel sat on a post nearby making the most unusual postures, rocking backwards and forwards, stretching its neck out each time. It looked like it was trying to regurgitate something.
There is always something to watch, even during the quiet times.
Mike
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StewB
Well-known member
We’ll, it does look quite a robust bird (I always think meadow pipit looks a bit wimpish), there’s quite a contrast between the yellowish breast and the white belly and it seems more heavily streaked in the centre of the breast and weaker on the flanks (meadow pipit is, I think, more uniformly streaked). I’ve just checked Collins and it suggests that the hind claw of tree pipit is curved, which this does seem to be.
That’s just my view - I don’t insist upon it, and am very happy to be corrected!
Stew
StewB
Well-known member
We arrived in Puerto Pollenca just after 8.30 this morning. After a bit of breakfast I abandoned Mrs B to the unpacking and set off for a flying visit to the Albufera in the hope that the Pacific Golden Plover had survived another night. Phew! the bird was still there, on the grassy area between the first two Sa Roca hides and showing quite nicely! What a record for Mallorca, and despite its missing foot it was feeding quite actively and seemed quite settled.
A quick dash round the hides produced some Crested Coots, an Osprey (perched on the pole from Es Cibollar I), purple heron, grey heron, greenshanks, avocets, spotted redshanks and common sandpipers. One of the seven greater flamingoes from Es Cibollar I was wearing a white Darvic ring with the code KAJA, which is apparently from a French ringing scheme.
En route to the Albufera I paused at the screen overlooking Sa Barcassa and had counts of 45 greater flamingoes and 71 cattle egrets. An Osprey was over the main reserve.
On my way back I called at Cami Volantina to check for dragonflies. As usual it was excellent, with Violet Dropwings, Lesser Emperors, Emperors (including ovipositing females), Broad Scarlets, Keeled Skimmers, Blue-tailed Damselflies and a couple of Willow Emeralds. Sadly there were at least three Red-eared sliders.
Not a bad start to our stay!
Stew
A quick dash round the hides produced some Crested Coots, an Osprey (perched on the pole from Es Cibollar I), purple heron, grey heron, greenshanks, avocets, spotted redshanks and common sandpipers. One of the seven greater flamingoes from Es Cibollar I was wearing a white Darvic ring with the code KAJA, which is apparently from a French ringing scheme.
En route to the Albufera I paused at the screen overlooking Sa Barcassa and had counts of 45 greater flamingoes and 71 cattle egrets. An Osprey was over the main reserve.
On my way back I called at Cami Volantina to check for dragonflies. As usual it was excellent, with Violet Dropwings, Lesser Emperors, Emperors (including ovipositing females), Broad Scarlets, Keeled Skimmers, Blue-tailed Damselflies and a couple of Willow Emeralds. Sadly there were at least three Red-eared sliders.
Not a bad start to our stay!
Stew
Attachments
Went to Cuber Reservoir yesterday morning with the hope of Moltoni's Warbler. A beautiful location understandably very popular with walkers. Sadly no Moltoni's but plenty of Sardinians to keep me honest! The highlight for me was Red Crossbill (Balearic subspecies and a year tick) and four Blue Tits, my first 'Balearics). A lovely lunch at Ca'n Gallet followed.
Unfortunately it clouded over and proceeded to rain, so any hoped for raptor action was washed out, and a visit to Mortitx was changed to a trip to the monastery at Lluc - well worth the visit!
Chris
Unfortunately it clouded over and proceeded to rain, so any hoped for raptor action was washed out, and a visit to Mortitx was changed to a trip to the monastery at Lluc - well worth the visit!
Chris
Up to the Boquer Valley this morning hoping for better luck with Balearic Warbler. Less than three minutes after arriving at the location Pep had given me (many thanks Pep!) we had our warbler. Nice views and even managed a few dodgy shots! We then headed to Maristany where I managed to add Marbled Duck to my year list and Iberian water Frog to my life list. A nice selection of birds there and managed to get a glimpse of Purple Swamphen.
Then it was off to the winery at Mortitx to keep my wife happy (and of course always a chance of Bonelli's Eagle!). The only raptor was a lone Griffon, but I wasn't really bothered, my day had already been made. My wife did spot the Red-backed Shrike so I took a couple of photos.
Back to Pollenca for lunch, then I left my wife at the hotel and headed to the Cami de Ternelles. My main motive was to check out Stew B's storage tanks for dropwings. Absolutely delighted to find a Violet Dropwing there (many thanks Stew) a dragonfly that is only recently being found in Bulgaria and a lifer for me. Also Blue emperor and Broad Scarlet present, along with a Geranium Bronze. I decided to walk as far as the gates and was rewarded with another Griffon and two Black Vultures - another year tick. A couple of photos attached.
Chris
Then it was off to the winery at Mortitx to keep my wife happy (and of course always a chance of Bonelli's Eagle!). The only raptor was a lone Griffon, but I wasn't really bothered, my day had already been made. My wife did spot the Red-backed Shrike so I took a couple of photos.
Back to Pollenca for lunch, then I left my wife at the hotel and headed to the Cami de Ternelles. My main motive was to check out Stew B's storage tanks for dropwings. Absolutely delighted to find a Violet Dropwing there (many thanks Stew) a dragonfly that is only recently being found in Bulgaria and a lifer for me. Also Blue emperor and Broad Scarlet present, along with a Geranium Bronze. I decided to walk as far as the gates and was rewarded with another Griffon and two Black Vultures - another year tick. A couple of photos attached.
Chris
StewB
Well-known member
I stayed local today, starting at the Albufereta. A largish flock of passerines along the approach track were mainly greenfinches but with several serins and a few house sparrows thrown in. As I followed them towards the metal gates to the finca I clearly disturbed eight stone curlews from the weedy field.
From the viewing tower I could see at least 105 flamingoes on the main pools, with at least a dozen grey herons dotted around and a marsh harrier drifting by. There were another 17+ flamingoes on Sa Barcassa, and still a large flock of cattle egrets in the corner near the viewing screen. Quite a few swallows were still around too.
There were no surprises at Maristany, although two imm. flamingoes were unusual. Most of the usual suspects were present, including red-crested pochards (4+), marbled ducks (2) and lots of little grebes. Wader-wise numbers were very low, but I did manage to find several common sandpipers, a green sandpiper and a greenshank.
I stopped along the front to look at he offshore breakwaters at Puerto Pollenca. The eastern breakwater held seven shags and 20+ Audouin’s gulls (with a few yellow-legged gulls for good measure). The western breakwater held just 6+ Audouin’s
Stee
From the viewing tower I could see at least 105 flamingoes on the main pools, with at least a dozen grey herons dotted around and a marsh harrier drifting by. There were another 17+ flamingoes on Sa Barcassa, and still a large flock of cattle egrets in the corner near the viewing screen. Quite a few swallows were still around too.
There were no surprises at Maristany, although two imm. flamingoes were unusual. Most of the usual suspects were present, including red-crested pochards (4+), marbled ducks (2) and lots of little grebes. Wader-wise numbers were very low, but I did manage to find several common sandpipers, a green sandpiper and a greenshank.
I stopped along the front to look at he offshore breakwaters at Puerto Pollenca. The eastern breakwater held seven shags and 20+ Audouin’s gulls (with a few yellow-legged gulls for good measure). The western breakwater held just 6+ Audouin’s
Stee
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Mike Montier
Well-known member
It seems there has been an influx of Wheatears today. There have been some storms so I guess they have been put down whilst in migration.
A flock of 22 is exceptional.
Mike
A flock of 22 is exceptional.
Mike
StewB
Well-known member
After learning that the red-backed shrike was still at Mortitx yesterday I set out early (ish) to have a go for it. I spent an hour and a half on the outward leg scrutinising the poles in the vineyard and quite a while on the return leg all to no avail! Well, you can’t win ‘em all! (He said through gritted teeth!).
As ever though, Mortitx doesn’t leave you empty-handed. There were quite a lot of redstarts (including some cracking males), a whinchat and a fly-by juv/fem golden oriole. There were lots of chaffinches, greenfinches and serins in among the vines. Walking through the valley there were blue rock thrush, several crossbills and more redstarts. I heard at least three wrynecks (and glimpsed one) and saw a flock of 30+ birds that looked really good for true rock doves.
Raptor wise, despite the rather overcast conditions, at around 10am vultures started lifting off. I saw at least eight different black and four different griffon vultures, but there were probably many more, as birds were then on view continuously throughout the morning. A peregrine was over the crags beyond the small reservoir and eight or so crag martins were high above.
Sadly it was just a little too cool for dragonflies at the reservoir, but as I got back to the car there were three migrant hawkers patrolling the trees along the track.
Stew
As ever though, Mortitx doesn’t leave you empty-handed. There were quite a lot of redstarts (including some cracking males), a whinchat and a fly-by juv/fem golden oriole. There were lots of chaffinches, greenfinches and serins in among the vines. Walking through the valley there were blue rock thrush, several crossbills and more redstarts. I heard at least three wrynecks (and glimpsed one) and saw a flock of 30+ birds that looked really good for true rock doves.
Raptor wise, despite the rather overcast conditions, at around 10am vultures started lifting off. I saw at least eight different black and four different griffon vultures, but there were probably many more, as birds were then on view continuously throughout the morning. A peregrine was over the crags beyond the small reservoir and eight or so crag martins were high above.
Sadly it was just a little too cool for dragonflies at the reservoir, but as I got back to the car there were three migrant hawkers patrolling the trees along the track.
Stew
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Mike Montier
Well-known member
I believe that 2 Great bittern have been seen at s’Albufera in flight.
This is good news as I think in the census, only one was seen.
I can’t understand why there are not more of this species on the Island but I do remember hearing Bittern booming here in the 1980’s.
I have still never seen one but I live in hope.
The Pacific golden plover may have moved on but I would be grateful to hear of any sightings.
Thanks, and good birding everyone.
Mike
This is good news as I think in the census, only one was seen.
I can’t understand why there are not more of this species on the Island but I do remember hearing Bittern booming here in the 1980’s.
I have still never seen one but I live in hope.
The Pacific golden plover may have moved on but I would be grateful to hear of any sightings.
Thanks, and good birding everyone.
Mike
southernsteve
Well-known member
Bittern are so hard to see at the best of times, I'd put money on there being more than just two in all those reeds. There's a pair at Oare Marshes in Kent that have only been seen a handful of times, even by the locals.
StewB
Well-known member
With some non-birding things on today’s agenda, and poor weather forecast for this afternoon I made the most of a free couple of hours and headed for Ca’n Cuarassa.
A walk via the two screened pools was unproductive, except that I could hear a bee eater calling. Looking up, I saw a group of six swifts drifting around with a bee eater among them! The birds soon headed off inland.
From the main track I could see two more bee eaters on the telegraph wires to the east, and later I could hear (but not see) more heading south overhead. More evidence of movement was in the shape of groups of swallows (including a group of 40+) heading through continuously.
An osprey flew through heading east, stone curlews were calling from the orchards towards the end of the main track and there was a lot of thekla lark activity around the gardens and open areas to the west.
At Pins16 a bare tree at the back of the plot was being used as a drying station by starlings which were bathing in an unseen pool. A maximum of nine birds were on view, and ‘scope views revealed that both species were present. I could see two adult spotless, there were four or five juvenile common starlings and one or two adult common. I can’t recall seeing mixed flocks before.
Stew
A walk via the two screened pools was unproductive, except that I could hear a bee eater calling. Looking up, I saw a group of six swifts drifting around with a bee eater among them! The birds soon headed off inland.
From the main track I could see two more bee eaters on the telegraph wires to the east, and later I could hear (but not see) more heading south overhead. More evidence of movement was in the shape of groups of swallows (including a group of 40+) heading through continuously.
An osprey flew through heading east, stone curlews were calling from the orchards towards the end of the main track and there was a lot of thekla lark activity around the gardens and open areas to the west.
At Pins16 a bare tree at the back of the plot was being used as a drying station by starlings which were bathing in an unseen pool. A maximum of nine birds were on view, and ‘scope views revealed that both species were present. I could see two adult spotless, there were four or five juvenile common starlings and one or two adult common. I can’t recall seeing mixed flocks before.
Stew
Neville Davies
Member
Hi Michael. As you know I have had success with Great Bittern at the Albufera over the years. In almost every year I have visited I have seen at least one, on one occasion in 2002 I had 4 together in flight. This May I had 1 only. In 1993 whilst staying at the Habitat Apartment in Puerto Pollensa, one came in early evening from over the Cala San Vicente ridge, dropped down to the garden pool and promptly roosted the night there. Bitterns are an awesome bird and the Albufera is probably the most reliable site to see them... I suspect there are at least several pairs in the marshes.
Neville Davies
Member
The spotless raised a small family there this year which is a good record for the north (my previous sightings have all been from the south mainly around Ses Sallines).
StewB
Well-known member
Yes, they bred there last year too - seemingly moving from their previous site at the Club del Sol.
Phil Akers
Well-known member
I had one more try this morning at finding the Red Backed Shrike at Mortitx. I drew a blank, I think its moved on.
Thunder and rain was forecast for today so I made off to the Albufera next, where I would be able to shelter in the hides. As it turned out I managed to avoid the rain anyway,
The Pacific Golden Plover was still on view in the field at Sa Roca. There were quite a few Brit birders around and so I pointed out where to see it, they were all quite pleased. I spent a while getting a photo of it with a view of it`s missing left foot and sure enough there is round stump where the foot should be. I watched the bird walking around for a while and it appeared to be fine, not even a limp. I get the impression that this isn't a recent injury.
The variety and number of birds on view at the Albufera was excellent today, Its really picked up. There were also a lot more birders around, various nationalities, all of whom seem to speak very good English.
Some of today`s notable birds: Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher, Purple Swamp Hen, Spotted and Common Redshank, Greenshank, Flamingo, Squacco heron, Lesser Black Backed Gull (not mature), Slender Billed Gull, Purple Heron, Gt White Egret, Whimbrel, Stone Curlew, lots of Shoveller and Teal.
And of course the variety and number of birds will continue to increase as we move further into Autumn.
Cheers
Phil Akers.
Thunder and rain was forecast for today so I made off to the Albufera next, where I would be able to shelter in the hides. As it turned out I managed to avoid the rain anyway,
The Pacific Golden Plover was still on view in the field at Sa Roca. There were quite a few Brit birders around and so I pointed out where to see it, they were all quite pleased. I spent a while getting a photo of it with a view of it`s missing left foot and sure enough there is round stump where the foot should be. I watched the bird walking around for a while and it appeared to be fine, not even a limp. I get the impression that this isn't a recent injury.
The variety and number of birds on view at the Albufera was excellent today, Its really picked up. There were also a lot more birders around, various nationalities, all of whom seem to speak very good English.
Some of today`s notable birds: Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher, Purple Swamp Hen, Spotted and Common Redshank, Greenshank, Flamingo, Squacco heron, Lesser Black Backed Gull (not mature), Slender Billed Gull, Purple Heron, Gt White Egret, Whimbrel, Stone Curlew, lots of Shoveller and Teal.
And of course the variety and number of birds will continue to increase as we move further into Autumn.
Cheers
Phil Akers.
