Birdwatching in the Balearic Islands

The islands provide a fine breeding spot for many species of bird, including a large number of endemic species. 

Diverse landscapes such as wetlands, mountains, coasts and dunes also provide a backdrop for spotting birds. 

From the Balearic Islands sustainable tourism tax, nearly 800,000 Euros will be invested into a project to improve the accessibility of bird observatories in the s’Albufera Nature Park in Mallorca; the S’Albufera d’Es Grau Nature Park in Menorca, and the Ses Salines Nature Park in Ibiza and Formentera. 

www.illessostenibles.travel/itsproject/en/mallorca/improving-accessibility-tothe-balearic-island-coastal-lagoons-and-theirbird-observatories 

Menorca 

Menorca’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve title, in addition to many individual protected nature areas, shields the island’s many endemic species. 

The 70-hectare lagoon in the north of the island, s’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, is a popular settling place for water birds such as the Fisher Eagle. Moustached Warblers, Purple Gallinules and Crested Coots can also be watched from the park’s observation points. 

www.menorca.es and www.illesbalears.travel/touristresource/en/menorca/nature-park-albuferades-grau 

Ibiza 

Ibiza is home to species of bird, including the endemic Balearic Warbler in Ibiza and Formentera’s Ses Salines Natural Park. 

Covering nearly 2000 hectares of salt flats, beaches, wetlands, dunes and forests, the park is home to 210 species of birds such as Flamingos and Black-necked storks.

www.illesbalears.travel/tourist-resource/en/ibizaformentera/nature-park-ses-salines-de-ibiza-yformentera and www.ibiza.travel 

Formentera 

While Formentera is well known for its beaches, La Mola, the rockier, most easterly point of the island, is a Special Protection Area and birdwatching spot. 

It offers visitors the chance to see local endemic species such as the Balearic Spotted Flycatcher, as well as iconic lighthouse. 

www.formentera.es 

Mallorca 

The Cabrera Archipelago National Park, made up of uninhabited islets south of the main island of Mallorca, is has coastal cliffs with allow migratory birds and birds of prey such as osprey to build their huge nests. 

Thanks to the rich biodiversity and protected marine life of the surrounding waters, the park is also an excellent place from which to spot seabirds such as the Balearic Shearwater, the most endangered in Europe. 

www.en.balearsnatura.com/parque_natural/parquenacional-maritimo-terrestre-del-archipielago-decabrera/ and www.seemallorca.com 

www.illesbalears.travel 

Lauren Bleakley at lauren@wearelotus.co.uk