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I have recently returned from taking the family on a week's holiday to Menorca, staying in Santo Tomas in the south of the island. First and foremost this was a family holiday, and not a birdwatching trip, but I did manage to negotiate some 'time out' and hired a car allowing for an afternoon and two morning excursions further afield. The resort location did provide some good birding however providing easy access to the coastal footpath and a range of habitats within a fairly short distance so some early morning walks were also undertaken.
Bearing in mind this was a non-birdwatching holiday, I was more than pleased with the total of 71 species for the week along with 7 species of butterfly, 3 species of reptile and 2 species of damselfly/dragonfly.
Although this was a first visit to Menorca, the were no new birds for me on this trip, having previously seen most of the specialities of the area on Mallorca, but nonetheless there were still some great birds, really rewarding sightings, a few surprises and great weather. Not much more one can ask.
Systematic list as follows;
BIRDS
Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa.
The only sighting was a single in fields by the coastal footpath to the east of Santo Tomas on 16th
Gadwall Anas strepera
Noted from two wetland sites in the north of the island, with 14 at Es Prat Pool, Tirant Marshes on 12th and 2 at North Son Saura wetland on 13th.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Seen on four occasions mainly around wetland and marsh areas with 40 at Es Prat pool, Tirant Marshes on 12th, 4 at North Son Saura wetland on 13th, whilst on 16th a pair were seen in a field along coastal footpath to east of Sant Tomas and 35 flew past and over the marsh at Son Bou.
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
Noted from two wetland sites in the north of the island. with 4 (2 pairs) at Es Prat Pool, Tirant Marshes on 12th and 14 at North Son Saura wetland on 13th.
Common Pochard Aythya ferina
The only sighting was of 7 at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
The only sighting was of 10 at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Scopoli's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea
2 were seen distantly flying west past Punta d'Alix to the east of Santo Tomas on 16th. Distance precluded observing key features of Scopoli's but presumed this species due to location.
Yelkouan Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan
A total of 27 noted on the sea to the west of Cap de Fornells on 13th. Some of the flock were circulating off the headland and were watched for a period of time, although they were always fairly distant. Descriptions taken added up to a suite of characters consistent with Yelkouan Shearwater although there does seem to be debate on the existence of the species in the eastern Balearic Islands due to taxonomic uncertainty of birds breeding on Menorca. Further investigations into the identification and distribution of this species continuing.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis.
Noted from two wetland sites in the north of the island with 3 at Es Prat Pool, Tirant Marshes on 12th and 2 at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
The only sighting was of a single at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
One high in off the sea heading north at Cala Galdana on 11th, 3 at Es Prat pool, Tirant Marshes on 12th, and a single Port de sa Nitja on the road to Cap de Cavelleria on the same day.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta.
Only seen on the north of the island and all on 12th with 3 at Es Prat Pool, Tirant Marshes, 1 on rocks off Cala Tirant and a single at Port de sa Nitja on the road to Cap de Cavelleria.
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
The only bird of the week was a single immature at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
Three birds (all imms) flew past Punta d'Alix to the east of Santo Tomas on 11th, 2 adults were on rocks at Cala Viola de Levant on the road to Cap de Cavelleria on 12th, 3 adults were on a rocky islet at west end of Santo Tomas on 15th whilst on 16th an adult flew past Punta d'Alix to the east of Santo Tomas, 3 were on a small rocky islet off Son Bou and an immature was diving close inshore off Santo Tomas beach.
Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Two were seen at the Algendar Gorge on 11th, 2 were feeding over a recently harvested field along Cf-3 in the vicinity of Ferragut Vell towards Cap de Cavelleria on 12th, a single was seen at Cap de Fornells on 13th and 2 were seen from the coach back to airport between Sant Tomas and the junction with the Me-1 on 16th
Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
9 (5 female, 3 male + 1 1st-sum male) giving superb views feeding over a recently harvested field along the Cf-3 in the vicinity of Ferragut Vell towards Cap de Cavelleria on 12th
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus.
Only noted on 11th with a single flying over Punta Negra to east of Santo Tomas and a pair showing well at the end of the Algendar Gorge.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus.
The only sighting was of a single sat on rocky islet off Cap de Fornells on 13th before flying off and later showing very well over the headland.
Red Kite Milvus milvus
All sightings came during the first half of the week. A single was seen over the hillside to rear of Santo Tomas on 10th, another was seen travelling along the Me-20 just east of Ferreries on 11th and on 12th a series of sightings began with a single over the back of Es Prat pool, Tirant Marshes, followed by two birds from the track to Cala Tirant (1 over distant fields, 1 near the headland), a single over a recently harvested field along Cf-3 in vicinity of Ferragut Vell towards Cap de Cavelleria and then later 2 over the Cf-3 travelling south from Cap de Cavelleria.
Black Kite Milvus migrans
The only bird of the week was a single which showed very well over a recently harvested field along the Cf-3 in the vicinity of Ferragut Vell towards Cap de Cavelleria on 12th
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus.
A total of 8, comprising of 7 adults and a single immature, and including 5 together, were seen very well in the Algendar Gorge on 11th. Elsewhere two adults flew low north over Es Mercadal on 12th and two adults were circling over the hillside to the east of Santo Tomas on 14th.
Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus.
Two sightings during the week. A female was seen at Es Part Pool, Tirant Marshes on 12th and a male showed well over the marsh at Son Bou on 16th
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
The 12th was a good day for this species with a pair circling towards the headland at Cala Tirant followed shortly afterwards by a darker phase bird which flew over the beach at Cala Tirant (and seen very well) before circling the headland. A single was then seen as it flew low over the Me-18 south of Es Mercadel in vicinity of Binifailla. The only other sighting was of another darker phase bird circling over North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio.
One scoped and seen twice at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Only noted from two wetland sites in the north of the island with a single at Es Prat pool, Tirant Marshes on 12th and 8 at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra.
Only noted from two wetland sites in the north of the island with 20 at Es Prat pool, Tirant Marshes on 12th and 48 at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula.
A single was at Port de sa Nitja on the road to Cap de Cavelleria on 12th
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius.
A single flying around dried up pools adjacent to the track to Cala Tirant on12th
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos.
2 were roosting on rocks in the vicinity of Punta d'Alix to the east of Santo Tomas on 16th
Sanderling Calidris alba.
2 showed very well at the west end of Santo Tomas beach on 12th
Ruff Philomachus pugnax.
A single was seen at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Audouin's Gull Larus audouinii.
Between 2 and 4 (all adults) seen daily at Santo Tomas along the beach and rocky headlands. Often showing extremely well to just a few feet scavenging scraps from beach goers. On 16th a colour ringed individual was seen. Ringing details supplied revealed this bird was ringed as a chick on Isla del Aire, Menorca on 23 June 2005. This was the 17th reported sighting of this bird over the last 10 years, mainly from the southern coast of Menorca but it has also visited mainland Spain on 5 occasions (Huelva and Barcelona twice and Murcia once). Close to the resort a single flew past Punta d'Alix to the east of Santo Tomas on 11th and 2 flew past and were seen on rocks in the same area on 16th. Away from this south coast area the only other bird noted was a single adult which flew past Cap de Fornells in the north of the island on 13th
Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans.
Seen daily and was widespread across the central part of the island. Up to 6 seen from all coastal locations and also noted at the two wetland sites in the north of the island (Es Part pool, Tirant marshes on 12th and 4 at North Son Saura wetland on 13th). The largest gathering on the south of the island was 8 in a field along the coastal footpath to the east of Santo Tomas on 16th, but the largest single count of the week was 22 over a recently harvested field along the Cf-3 in the vicinity of Ferragut Vell towards Cap de Cavelleria on 12th
Rock Dove/ Feral Pigeon Columba livia
Apart from 3 at the Algendar Gorge on 11th all birds seen were coastal. Two were seen over the sea at Santo Tomas on 10th, 14 were along cliffs to east of Santo Tomas on 11th, single at Cala Viola de Levant on the road to Cap de Cavelleria on 12th, 4 around cliffs at Cap de Fornells on 13th and 6 around cliffs by the coastal footpath to the east of Sant Tomas on 16th
Common Woodpigeon Columba palumbus
Seen daily around Santo Tomas and environs (max 7 on 14th) with other peak counts being 5 in the Algendar Gorge on 11th and 15 at North Son Saura Wetland on 13th
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
Seen or heard daily in small numbers and widespread across the central part of the island. In Santo Tomas it was recorded around the apartment and hotel complexes, including by the swimming pool. In the immediate vicinity it was also noted from the track by the Pony Club to the rear of the resort and up to 3 were noted in fields and scrub along the coastal path to the east of the resort. Elsewhere, 5 around the Es Prat area on 12th with a further single along the track to Cala Tirant on the same day, whilst on 13th birds were noted at North Son Saura wetland and Son Parc
Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
A few individuals noted around villages/towns whilst travelling by coach from the airport to Santo Tomas on 9th and it was then noted around Santo Tomas daily
Common (Eurasian) Cuckoo Cuculus canorus.
The only bird of the week was a single on wires along Ctra Camide Tramuntana to the east of Es Prat on 12th
European Scops Owl Otus Scops
Heard calling in an area of pines to the rear of Santo Tomas resort, and then seen perched on the top of a street light for a few moments on the evening of 13th. Heard calling again on the evening of 15th in the same area and seen briefly in flight around street lights.
European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus
Heard churring in area of pines to the rear of Santo Tomas resort on the evenings of 13th ,14th and 15th (starting churring c.25mins after sunset)
Alpine Swift Apus melba
A total of 5 seen (2 very well) from the two Miradors at Morro Llevant, Cala Galdana on 11th
Common Swift Apus apus.
Widespread across the central part of the island. A few small parties noted from the coach travelling from the airport to Santo Tomas on 9th. Seen daily around Santo Tomas (max 7 on 14th) and then noted (mainly pairs) at most other sites visited. Maximum counts were 12 over a recently harvested field along the Cf-3 in the vicinity of Ferragut Vell towards Cap de Cavelleria on 12th and 29 over the marsh at Son Bou on 16th
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
On 12th, 3 showed well on wires along Ctra Camide Tramuntana to the east of Es Prat and a further single was seen in flight from the track to Cala Tirant.
Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops
Widespread in small numbers across the central part of the island. Singles were noted flying past the apartment in Santo Tomas on 10th and 12th, and another was heard in the resort on 14th. On 11th 3 were heard along the length of the Algendar Gorge and a further 3 were seen at the end of the path giving good views, two of which were visiting nest holes in the spectacular cliff face. Elsewhere, on 12th one was heard in the Es Prat area and a single was seen at Cala Tirant and 2 were seen at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
One flew past the apartment in Santo Tomas on 10th, whilst on 11th singles showed well on the landward side of the coastal footpath to the east of Santo Tomas and at the entrance to the Algendar Gorge. The final sighting was of another single showing well at North Son Saura Wetland on 13th
(Eurasian) Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
A female/imm flew past on the landward side of Cala Tirant on 12th and another female/imm flew west along coastal path just east of Santo Tomas on 16th
Common Raven Corvus corax
Seen on three consecutive days. A pair showed well at the entrance to the Algendar Gorge on 11th, a single was seen very well as it flew past Cala Viola de Levant on the road to Cap de Cavelleria on 12th and a single flew across road on the Me-15 south of Ses Salines on 13th
Great Tit Parus major
Just four sightings all week. Singles in Santo Tomas on 10th, along the coastal path to east of Santo Tomas and in the resort itself on 11th, and along the track by the Pony Club to the rear of Santo Tomas on 15th
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Surprisingly scarce and infrequent during the week. On 11th singles were seen along the coastal footpath to the east of Santo Tomas and at the entrance to the Algendar Gorge, further singles were noted on 12th at Es Prat pool, Tirant marshes and over fields by the Cf-3 in the vicinity of Ferragut Vell towards Cap de Cavelleria, whilst on 13th a single was over North Son Saura wetland and 3 were around the cliffs at Cap de Fornells. Finally, 9 moved west along cliffs by the coastal footpath to the east of Sant Tomas on 16th.
House Martin Delichon urbica.
Noted daily in Santo Tomas (max 6) with the only other birds noted being 2 at the entrance to the Algendar Gorge on 11th
Thekla Lark Galerida theklae
The only bird seen was a single Cap de Cavelleria on 12th, showing well on the ground carrying food and in flight
Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon
A single scoped twice feeding (and showing in open) at the base of reeds at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Zitting Cisticola (Fan-tailed Warbler) Cisticola juncidis
2 at the entrance to the Algendar Gorge on 11th (one showed very well), heard Es Prat area on 12th with another 4 seen along the track to Cala Tirant and finally heard at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti
7 were heard along the length of the Algendar Gorge on 11th, 2 were heard along the track to Cala Tirant and another heard at Cala Tirant on 12th, 2 heard at North Son Saura wetland on 13th, single heard by the pony club to rear of Santo Tomas on 14th and 15th and 3 heard (one seen briefly in flight) in dunes and marsh edge at Son Bou on 16th
Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis
A female was noted around the headland at Cap de Cavelleria on 12th
Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala
A male was holding territory and showing very well in bushes outside the apartment in Santo Tomas all week. Up to 2 further males were noted around resort daily. Elsewhere, 6 along the coastal footpath to east of Santo Tomas on 11th, 5 in the Es Prat area and a single at Cala Tirant on 12th, single from track by Pony Club to the rear of Santo Tomas on 15th, and 2 along the coastal footpath to the east of Santo Tomas and 2 in dunes at Son Bou on 16th. Perhaps under recorded as the distinctive scratchy song was a familiar sound in most areas of low scrub and trees.
Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula
Noted daily in Santo Tomas (up to 4), 4 in the Algendar Gorge on 11th, and 3 in dunes at Son Bou on 16th
Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
A familiar souond across the central part of the island. Particularly noted as follows; Santo Tomas, 2 heard daily in resort plus a further 2 along the track by the pony club to the rear of the resort on 14th and 15th. Three heard along the coastal footpath to the east of Santo Tomas on 11th and a single heard on 16th. At the Algendar Gorge on 11th , no count made but regular at intervals along whole length and one was seen briefly in undergrowth about half way down. Heard in the Es Prat area on 12th and at North Son Saura wetland on 13th and finally 1 heard and one seen very well singing in the open in dunes at Son Bou on 16th.
Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Single male showed very well about half way along the Algendar gorge on 11th
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
Single at Es Prat on 12th and single along coastal footpath to east of Sant Tomas on 16th
Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Frequent in the coastal district in the central north part of the island with, on 12th, a pair at Es Prat, singles on the track to Cala Tirant and at Port de sa Nitja on road to Cap de Cavelleria, with 2 further birds along the same road at Cala Viola de Levant and finally a single at Cap de Cavelleria itself. The only other birds noted were in the south of the island with 3 in dunes at Son Bou on 16th.
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Two birds seen on rocks along coastal path to the east of Santo Tomas on 11th
Blue Rock-thrush Monticola solitarius
A possible was seen very briefly as flipped over the cliff edge at Cap de Cavelleria on 12th. A singing male was then far more obliging, showing well over an extended period of time around Cap de Fornells on 13th
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata.
Seen around Santo Tomas daily (up to 3), and also noted with 3 along the coastal footpath to east of Santo Tomas on 11th and a single along the Algendar Gorge on the same day and a further single at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Common and seen daily at Santo Tomas with single counts of up to 20. Noted in small numbers (up to 6) at most other locations visited, although the numerous pairs nesting in the spectacular cliff setting at the end of the Algendar Gorge on the 11th were perhaps the most memorable.
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
A single was along coastal footpath to east of Santo Tomas on 11th, whilst on 12th, 2 were seen in the Es Prat area, a single was along the track to Cala Tirant, a pair were at Cala Tirant, a single was along the Cf-3 in the vicinity of Ferragut Vell towards Cap de Cavelleria and 2 were at Cap de Cavelleria. A single was at Cap de Fornells on 13th and on 16th, 5 were along the coastal footpath between Sant Tomas and Son Bou dunes and a further bird was seen in the dunes at Son Bou. Most of these birds were seen very well and usually engaging in frequent display/song flights.
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
A pair were seen at North Son Saura Wetland on 13th, a female was seen from the track by the Pony club to rear of Santo Tomas on 14th, and another female was seen in Santo Tomas on 16th
European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
Noted in Santo Tomas 10th, 11th and 14th, one along the coastal path to east of Santo Tomas on 11th with 4 in the Algendar Gorge on the same date.
European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
On 11th a single along the coastal footpath to the east of Santo Tomas and 2 in the Algendar Gorge. Singles then noted in the Es Prat area on 12th and Santo Tomas on 14th and finally 2 along the coastal path to the east of Santo Tomas on 16th
Eurasian Linnet Carduelis cannabina
Only birds noted were 2 at Cap de Cavelleria on 12th and 12 in dunes at Son Bou on 16th
Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra
Heard singing from fields along coastal footpath to east of resort on 11th, 3 seen and others heard along Ctra Camide Tramuntana to the east of Es Prat on 12th with 3 heard and 1 seen along the track to Cala Tirant on the same date. The song of this species was also heard whilst travelling around farmland areas of the central island.
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
Italian Wall Lizard - Podarcis sicula
Generally widespread and seen most days
European Pond Terrapin - Emys orbicularis
Single at North Son Saura wetland on 13th
Moorish Gecko - Tarentola mauritanica
Single at Santo Tomas on 11th
BUTTERFLIES
Swallowtail - Papilio machaon
Small White - Pieris rapae
Cleopatra - Gonepteryx cleopatra
Common Blue - Polyommatus icarus
Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta
Painted Lady - Cynthia cardui
Speckled Wood - Pararge aegeria sub aegeria
DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES
Copper Demoiselle - Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis haemorrhoidalis
Scarlet Darter - Crocothemis erythraea
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