Majorca, the largest of the Spanish Balearic Islands, is known as being on a major bird migration route for many species of birds when they cross the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe.
Puerto Pollensa is a small remote coastal town pretty much untouched by crowds of tourists a couple of miles from Alcudia. It is situated on a beautiful bay in the northern corner of Majorca, is especially known as a beautiful bird watching site, and can be enjoyed by both the seasoned as well as the beginning hobbyist looking for the perfect introduction to this delightful pastime.
The different habitats that can be explored include the rugged Tramuntana Mountains as well as the Mediterranean’s third largest freshwater marsh with its numerous channels and canals, the rocky Bocquer Valley, the seacliffs at Formentor, together with many fields and forests. The Ternelles Valley is a birdwatcher’s popular walking area. Another is the ruin of Castell del Rei which offers a great view and was built in Moorish times in the 11th century. In Puerto Pollensa you will probably cross a Roman stone bridge at the town’s northern edge which was built in approximately AD120.
It is possible to stay in the same hotel and go to different spots over several days without traveling any large distances. There are professional tours where you are escorted by experts with detailed knowledge of the different areas and perhaps including a local guide who will give interesting and educational information on the sites visited such as the culture and history of the region’s people. Going on foot is a slower but more efficient way to study the birds, other wildlife, plants, etc. That also encourages the taking of pictures and more time to write details of the exploration for those so inclined to record their journey and findings.
Spring and Autumn (particularly April and September) are the best times to be able to see a large number and variety of specialty birds such as the Blue Rock Thrush, Balearic Warbler, the huge Black Vulture, Eleonora’s Falcon, Audouin’s Gull, Moustached Warbler (with about 4,000 pairs on the island), Black-crowned Night Heron, Purple Swamphen, Booted Eagle, and many others.
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