Glossy Ibis & Scandinavian Rock Pipit

 Glossy Ibis, Baile an Raeannaigh, 26th April 2016 (D.Farrar).

Littoralis Rock Pipit, Feohanagh, 26th April 2016 (D.Farrar).

Hoopoe, near Ventry

Hoopoe, near Ventry, 25th April 2016 (Stephanie Holstead, with thanks to Jill Crosher).

Mallorca birding trip

Mallorca is a fantastic birding destination and, just a two and a half hour flight from Dublin, you can immerse yourself in a wide range of Mediterranean birds and some specialised hard-to-find species.

Balearic Warbler, Mallorca, April 2016 (All photos: Michael O'Clery).

High on every birder's wish list is the endemic Balearic Warbler, resident in the scrub covered mountainous area and relatively easy to find in the right habitat. The higher mountains also have Black and Griffon Vultures and a range of other raptors.

Balearic Warbler habitat, Mallorca, April 2016.

The above photos shows just were we saw Balearic Warbler and also in this scrub and woodland area were the Mallorcan race of Crossbill, Wryneck, Marsh Harrier, and Alpine, Pallid and Common Swifts. Scopoli's Shearwaters were in rafts on the water of the bay below.

Mallorca also has fantastic wetland habitat and many species of waterfowl, herons, egrets and waders. Beautiful birds, such as Avocet and Black-winged Stilt are common and there is a network of hides and footpaths in one of the best such wetlands, Parc Natural de s'Albufuera which makes birding a real pleasure. Moustached Warbler is also found in the reed beds here, a much sought after species for the European birder.

Avocet, Mallorca, April 2016.

Marbled Teal, Mallorca, April 2016.

Another rare and localised species is Marbled Teal (above) and these are relatively easily seen at Albufuera in small ponds, as well as Purple Gallinule and Red-crested Pochard in good numbers.

Purple Gallinule, Mallorca, April 2016.

Red-crested Pochard, Mallorca, April 2016.

The beautiful Iberian race of Yellow Wagtail, Mallorca , April 2017.

A fantastic trip, and highly recommended for ease of access, fantastic climate , food and people and, above all of course, terrific birding.

Much of the information needed for a birding trip to the island can be found HERE. Base yourself in or around Alcudia in the north-east of the island for easy access to the main birding sites.

With thanks to Alessia Comis at Pidelaluna and Pollença Town Council.

Glaucous Gull & White Wagtail, Black Rock

 First summer Glaucous Gull, Black Rock, 22nd April 2016 (D.Farrar).

White Wagtail, Black Rock, 22nd April 2016 (D.Farrar).

Short-eared Owl & RIng-necked Ducks

Short-eared Owl, Sandy Lane, near Ardfert, 11th April 2016 (Kilian Kelly).

Short-eared Owl, Sandy Lane, near Ardfert, 11th April 2016 (Kilian Kelly).

Short-eared Owl, Sandy Lane, near Ardfert, 11th April 2016 (Kilian Kelly).

Male and female Ring-necked Duck, Lough Namona, 9th April 2016 (Pat McDaid).

Male and female Ring-necked Duck, Lough Namona, 9th April 2016 (Pat McDaid).

3 Ring-necked Ducks at Lough Namona

Male and female Ring-necked Duck, Lough Namona, 3rd April 2016 (Pat McDaid).

Two male Ring-necked Duck, Lough Namona, 3rd April 2016 (Pat McDaid).

Two male and a female Ring-necked Duck, Lough Namona, 3rd April 2016 (Pat McDaid).

An unusual site for this trio, on this deep, oligotrophic (acidic) lake near Waterville, which rarely holds duck of any species. Perhaps these are birds on the move, just making a temporary stopover?

Dark, Arctic-type, Ringed Plover (left), Black Rock, 31st March 2016 (David O'Connor).