Birds & Nature in Northern Mallorca Majorca

Mallorca is a wonderful destination for anyone interested in birds. Any Mediterranean island is likely to be good for birds during migration times in spring or autumn when migrants are passing between Europe and Africa and may need to rest en route. However, most Mediterranean islands are relatively dry and unattractive to ducks, terns, gulls, herons, egrets and wading birds whereas Mallorca has the fabulous marsh of Albufera, probably the best wetland site on any Mediterranean island.

In addition, Mallorca is home to birds such as Black Vulture, Eleonora's Falcon, Audouin's Gull, Moustached Warbler and Marmora's Warbler which are all very rare or difficult to see in the rest of Europe.

For birdwatchers wishing to visit Mallorca, Puerto Pollensa makes the perfect base as it is close to the Albufuera marsh, the mountains in the north of the island and the seacliffs of Formentor. There are also several great birdwatching spots within walking distance of the town, including the Boquer valley which is great for migrants. if you come during the spring migration season (especially mid-April to mid-May) you'll meet lots of other birdwatchers and get plenty of information on what's about.

Before you go, it's worth getting the following

A Birdwatcher's Guide to Mallorca by Graham Hearl price £9.95 post free
Finding Birds in Mallorca by Dave Gosney price £5 post free
Gosney in Mallorca - a video about a birdwatching trip to Mallorca price £19.95 plus £2 p&p

The total cost of these items should be £36.90, but you can buy all of them, in the form of a Traveller's Pack, from BirdGuides for £31.89 including postage.

For further details please visit the e-store section of our website www.birdguides.com and seek out either the individual products or the traveller's packs.

Dave Gosney of BirdGuides

Puerto Pollensa is without a doubt the nerve centre for bird watching in Mallorca. If you don't have transport you can still reach beautiful places and see exciting birds. There are wonderful walks along the coast, through the mountains and around the town all being very productive at the right time of the year. Spring and Autumn being the best times.

Where else can you see can you see Black Vultures, Bee-eaters, Audouin's Gulls, Ospreys, Night Herons, Eleonara's Falcons, Scops Owls, Hoopoes and many more species within a short walk from your hotel. There are even meetings for 'Birders' held in Spring and Autumn at the Hotel Pollentia every Monday and Friday afternoon at 3pm during the spring & autumn migration seasons. A great place to find out what can be seen and where?

If you have transport there are even more 'goodies' awaiting your attention within a few minutes from the town. A short drive down the coast will take you to Albufera Marsh. This is one of the finest wetland sites in Europe. It is well run and there are plenty of hides to view the birds. Black-winged Stilts, Kentish Plovers, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbills, Flamingos are all very possible. More than 200 species have been recorded here. If you are remotely interested in 'Bird Life', Puerto Pollensa is the place you must take your binoculars to!!!
David Smallridge

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