Any Mediterranean island is likely to be a good place to go bird watching during the migration season as these islands are the places where migrant birds passing between Europe and Africa are likely to rest along the way. Majorca is particularly attractive to ducks, gulls, egrets, terns and wading birds because unlike most islands nearby, it has some excellent marshland.
The area of Majorca around Puerto Pollensa and Alcudia is well known by bird watchers in the area, and for anyone wishing to spend their holiday birding, staying in this region is a good idea. The Albufera Marshes which are just a short drive down the coast are one of the best wetland sites on any of the Mediterranean islands, and also in Europe. The area has many hides from which you can view a wide variety of birds including Black-winged Stilts, Spoonbills, Flamingos, Kentish Plovers and many more – in fact, more than 200 species have been recorded here.
One thing worth noting about the marshlands of Albufera is that in the 1860’s it was attempted to drain them – luckily this attempt failed, but what it did leave is a canal area running through the wetlands and very accessible footpaths making it one of the most accessible wetland areas, as vast bodies of water and reeds can be seen from the paths and hides. It is very worthwhile if you do come here to visit the reception building where there is a notice board containing details of recent sightings.
As well as the marshland, this area has both the Tramutana mountains and a good area of sea cliffs nearby, and there are several excellent bird watching spots within walking distance of Puerto Pollensa including the Boquer Valley which if you visit during the migration season (April-May), is great for migrant birds such as Rock Thrush, Marmora’s Warbler, Stone Curlew and Cirl Bunting. Both Black and Egyptian Vultures can also be seen here and if you’re lucky there is also a chance of seeing an Eleonora Falcon here. The Cuber Reservoir is another local area where you might want to visit, and often a good number of raptors can be seen here.
Naturetrek offer birdwatching holidays that are based in Puerto Pollensa. After all, where else in the world could you hope to see Bee Eaters, Black Vultures, Ospreys, Night Herons, Audouin’s Gulls, Scops Owls and many more bird species just a few minutes walk or drive from your hotel.
