Menorca villa holidays are a wonderful option not only for those seeking a Mediterranean beach getaway, but also for those keen to learn more about the wildlife of the Balearic Islands. Of particular note is the area around Torre Soli Nou, a lovely villa resort located in Son Bou.
The nearby wetlands are a veritable paradise for ornithologists. It is the perfect setting for a rich ecosystem capable of supporting a wide array of species. So what can you expect to find while exploring this area? Here are the most notable species to keep an eye out for.
Spotted Redshank – Tringa erythropus migrates to the wetlands of Son Bou during spring. Keep an eye out for these waders sporting their black breeding plumage.
Montagu’s Harrier – Circus pygargus is a raptor that breeds in the area around Son Bou during the spring. Males sport a pale grey plumage with black wingtips, while females are identified by a dark brown upper plumage with pale yellow-brown colours underneath.
Black-Tailed Godwit – Limosa limosa is a pretty large shorebird that you can’t miss while exploring the beaches around Torre Soli Nou. The distinctive long bill and orange head help make it easy to identify.
Nightjar – Chordeiles minor can be a challenge to spot considering the nocturnal habits of this particular species. They are most plentiful during the summer, and you can find them nesting during the day – as long as you are stealthy enough not to wake them up.
Great Reed Warbler – Acrocephalus arundinaceus is a bird that makes its home in the many reed banks around Son Bou. You’ll see a lot of them if you’re going to explore the wetlands in Son Bou near your Menorca villa. Holidays in the summer are the best time to view these brown warblers with flat foreheads and strong, pointed beaks.
Nightingale – Luscinia megarhynchos is a passerine bird with a beautiful song that has inspired countless tales and legends throughout the ages. Its plain brown plumage and simple red tail belie value to birdwatchers around the world eager to experience its call.
Starling – Sturnus vulgaris is a beautiful little bird with glossy black plumage and a remarkable ability to mimic sounds. It migrates during the winter, so it can be a treat for birdwatchers around to observe it.
Jack Snipe – Lymnocryptes minimus is a wader with a brown top and a distinctive dark stripe running through the eye. You can’t miss the jack snipe’s distinctive bobbing, and it’s quite a find for avid ornithologists.
Reed Bunting – Emberiza schoeniclus is a medium-sized seed-eating bird that populates the reed beds around Son Bou at certain times of the year. Males are black with a white neck collar, while females are brown with streaks running down the lower parts of the body.
Hoopoe – Last but not the least, the colourful Upupa epops is one species that makes its home all-year round in Menorca. Villa holidays spent exploring the wetlands will enable you to observe this species’ distinctive orange crest and black-and-white wing streaks.
From flocks of starlings darkening the skies to the ubiquitous hoopoes with their beautiful striped patterns, ornithologists will definitely find plenty to love when they stay choose Torre Soli Nou for their Menorca villa holidays.
Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a wide selection of great accommodation for your Menorca villa holidays. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.
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