Mallorca weekender

I was fortunate enough to attend a press trip in north Mallorca over the weekend, my first visit to the island. Ever keen to add to my Western Pally Tally, I was pleased to come away with four lifers, especially as we were limited in terms of where we could go, when and for how long. In time a formal report will appear, and as it wasn’t an independent trip (thus no Cloudbirders summary) this post will be a quick look at the key birds seen. In total, 88 species were logged, not bad for a day and a half in the field.

Balearic Warbler

Only recently elevated to full species, having previously been treated as a race of Marmora’s Warbler, this smart sylvia is endemic to the Balearic Islands (not found on Menorca). Thus, it’s the main attraction for visiting birders. The Boquer Valley is the famous site for them but, despite hearing a singing male, we didn’t connect here, probable due to visiting in the middle of the day.

However, we later visited Talaia d'Albercutx and were treated to great views of at least three males and a female around the base of the tower. Smart birds. A female Montagu’s Harrier drifted over here too.

Mediterranean Flycatcher

A recent split from Spotted Flycatcher (though perhaps not for long … ), I won’t lie: this isn’t a thriller. They were actually a lot harder than anticipated with loads of nominate Spot Flys moving through the island at the time. But, there were one or two individuals that seemed cold-toned enough, with limited breast and head streaking. Below is one example.

Eleanora’s Falcon

I’ve wanted to see this species ever since I picked up my first Collins. Unfortunately it was a little underwhelming, in that we saw just one bird, a seemingly tired and distant individual at Cap Formentor. Still, a tick, though I’ll be making future arrangements to see a bustling colony.

Moltoni’s Warbler

The fourth and final WP tick, but sadly no photos from me. This was a real jammy one as we didn’t visit the well-known Cuber Reservoir site. Instead, I fortuitously stumbled upon a skulking male at Albufereta, with two others getting on it.

Audouin’s Gull

Impressive beasts and super showy around Pollenca, even coming to frittata and olives in places!

Scopoli’s Shearwater

You can see the extensive white on the under primaries below. I’m seriously impressed by anyone who can nail this from a headland.

Other stuff

Kentish Plover, Pollenca.

Firecrest, Mortitx.

Balearic Woodchat Shrike, Mortitx.

Cirl Bunting, Mortitx.

Bonelli's Eagles, Mortitx.

Shearwater flock, Cap Formentor.

Balearic Shearwater, Cap Formentor.