Thursday, May 17, 2012

Home

After 19 days in Menorca we arrived home Wednesday pm and to rain today. 

Soon I will get out for some local birding and ringing but in the meantime here are a few words and pictures for loyal blog readers - I promise to catch up with everyone later today after some essential homecoming chores. 

One of our favourite places in Menorca is Cap de Cavallaria a rather remote but beautiful spot on the north coast of the island, the furthermost parts and difficult rocky terrain so inaccessible and free from disturbance that it is home to large numbers of breeding shearwaters. Of course the shearwaters are impossible to see in the daytime except somewhat distant out to sea but the sparsely vegetated rocky landscape is home to Raven, Stonechat, Thekla Lark, Short-toed Lark, Tawny Pipit, Corn Bunting, Greenfinch, Linnet, Booted Eagle, Blue Rock Thrush and Kestrel amongst others. 

 Short-toed Lark

 
Tawny Pipit

 Coffee Stop

 Information and distant lighthouse

 Route to the lighthouse

After the trek to the lighthouse and a welcome coffe stop there are Larks, Greenfinch and Spotted Flycatchers usually close by, and very often, migrant Bee Eaters on the roadside wires. 

Spotted Flycatcher

 Bee Eater

That’s all for now - back soon.

9 comments:

  1. Hi Phil: beautifull shots to brighten a damp & dismal NWLancashire day best wishes JWB.

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  2. Hi Phil, looks like you saw some great birds while on your vacation. Wonderful birds and photos. The bee-eater is a gorgeous bird. I am looking forward to hearing more about your trip. Have a great day!

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  3. enjoyed each of your photos Phil but especially the Bee-Eaters!

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  4. Looking good Phil, I'll await the rest of the shots with interest........

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  5. Menorca looks like a great vacation spot Phil. You got some awesome photos of birds I have never even heard of. Of course, ever since I saw photos of Bee Eaters I have longed to see them. They must be one of the most beautiful and interesting family of birds on the planet.

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  6. Un verdadero placer haberte conocido en persona amigo Phil, eres un gram fotógrafo y mejor persona, un abrazo para ti y tu amable esposa, espero verte el año que viene otra vez, un gran abrazo

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  7. Whoa...those bee eaters are cool!!! I've never seen this variety before! Looks like a great vacation and look forward to hearing more. I'm ready for my own vacation:)

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  8. Como siempre magnificas capturas, muy bellas fotos.
    Saludos

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  9. Some stunning shots there Phil.

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