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Page 2 Site 1 Ian Cameron reports that from 26/04/99 there were no more meetings at the Hotel Pollentia. Apparently the management felt that the visiting birders didn't spend enough at the bar to justify giving them a room. The local birdwatchers are looking for an alternative venue. Page 4 Site 10 There's also a chance of Mediterranean Gulls in the bay. Page 5 The development of the Hidro park has restricted access to the marsh from that side. There is still access from the 'Alcudia by-pass' but the path begins closer to the roundabout than my map suggests. Look for a track around the back of a Go Kart facility. Page 6 The owners of the farmhouse at the beginning of the Boquer Valley have been very friendly and tolerant of birdwatchers but they sometimes, quite reasonably, close the path to the valley early in the mornings. Page 8 L Greenwood reports that this area is still fenced off and inaccessible. In theory it is possible to get 'passes' from the Hotel Formentor just down the road but, in practice, birdwatchers have tried this without success. Page 10 Site 2 There is now a small observation hide overlooking a small pool. It can be accessed via the Club Pollentia complex. Page 12 Site 2 John Hale recommends another site in the Arta mountains for Thekla Lark but it involves a 45-minute walk from the road. Park at the Ermita de Betlen, walk down the road for about 50 metres and take a small path to the right. Follow this path into the mountains – the larks should be easy to see in the second valley you reach. Ian Cameron also had Theklas on the left-hand side of the road as you pass the Communications Tower. Page 16 The lighthouse at the point is worth a visit for good views of shearwaters (I Cameron). Page 18 Travelling from Pollensa towards Cuber, look for a footpath to the right to Mortitx Gorge. This is probably now the easiest place on the island to see Black Vultures (Andy Hirst, John Hale). Other birds to look for here include Booted Eagle, Blue Rock Thrush, Cirl Bunting and, if you're lucky, Marmora's Warbler and Rock Thrush.
Click on the map for a more detailed version (provided by Andy Hirst). Page 20 Site 3 Night Herons have continued to be seen here but the latest news (October 1999) is that they've moved to the opposite side of the canal. Apparently they've been ousted by Little Egrets which roost there in impressive numbers. In October 1999, the evening roost also included 3 Glossy Ibis and a Sacred Ibis. Page 22 Site 10 The Watkinson hide has been moved to a site close to point 6 on my map. The track down to site 10 is now closed. New sites Cala san Vicente This is a popular package resort so the following notes from Jim Sherwin may be helpful. From his hotel (the Don Pedro) he saw Osprey, Eleonora's Falcon, Blue Rock Thrush, Crag Martin, Audouin's Gull and Yellow-legged Gull. The park opposite the hotel had Crossbill, Firecrest, Serin, Sardinian Warbler, Nightingale and Redstart. Nightingales are easier to hear along the footpath through the valley to Puerto Pollensa. The fields by km 3 on the Pollensa road produced Wryneck, Hoopoe, Woodchat and Cirl Bunting. Scops Owls are easy to hear in the resort. One pair bred in the air vent of a house on Calle Moulin. Jim also heard Long-eared Owl calling from the nearby woods. Torrente de Can Rou Small pools just north of Alcudia usually hold at least a few waders and gulls. Audouin's Gulls occur regularly and the waders have included Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper (Paul Suter). |
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