SPANISH STALKING AND BIRDING....

So here is a shortish update on the highlights of a predominantly 'couple-y' week on Majorca with my lovely 'missus' Ellen - this week was predominantly her holiday before she has to knuckle down to her work placement!!

 Firstly, and most impressively, I managed not 1 but 2 celebrity hand-shakes!!

 Prepare to be amazed at my audacity in grabbing the might mitts of not only former England and Chelski left-back MR GRAHAM LE SAUX but also Spandau Ballet crooner MR TONY HADLEE!! I know, its hard to believe but i snared the pair of grubby paws within 48 hrs of each other on the same street - it seem Pte Pollensa is a real A-lister hangout although I think Ellen was somewhat bemused by my excitement!!

I also did a bit of birding, mostly locally and due to the drought conditions, time of year and heat my total list was a rather modest 74.

 I also had the honour of finally hooking up with long term Twitter buddy MR Jonny Rankin A.K.A @jonny09jonny for a couple of belting birding sessions sandwiching an awesome afternoon/evening birthday celebration that may have medical conditions later in life......

So these were some of the highlights.

Audouins Gull. Regular and frequent on all beaches and waterfronts.
Eleonoras Falcon. Seen several times at various points in the higher ground, Boquer, Formentor etc.
Black Vulture. c10 seen at and around Cuber Res.

Balearic Warbler. seen regularly in Boquer Valley.
Tawny Pipit. 1 seen near entrance to Cuber Res.
Blue Rock Thrush. Regular in Boquer and other mountainous terrain.
Crested/Red-nobbed Coot. seen on canals at Albufera.
Purple Swamphen. as above although more numerous.

Night Heron. Only c4 on canal at Albufera, far fewer than in previous years. this was true of all herons, ducks and waders here - presumably due to drought conditions.
Red-rumped swallow. 1 Seen at Albufera.

Also, the small Salinas near Can Picafort were excellent for waders with a single visit providing 12 species including Curlew Sand, Temmincks and Little Stint, Wood Sand and Avocet. Elsewhere, Stone Curlew were numerous with c30 on the dried out main scrape at Albufera and several seen in other areas.