The Serra de Tramuntana is the mountain range along the north-west coast of Mallorca. It is a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. It has a length of around 90 km from Pollença in the northeast to Andratx in the southwest, with a maximum width of 15 km and an altitude of 1,445 meters. It covers more than 1,000 square km (around 30% of the island), in 18 municipalities, with a population of some 8,000 people in the central areas and another 40,000 in the buffer zone.
The Serra de Tramuntana is the largest land protected area in the Balearic Islands; it hosts the wildest sites and the greatest diversity of habitats: Holm oak and Aleppo pine forests, Mediterranean scrub (garrigue), ancient olive groves, inland and sea cliffs, gravel coves, medium and high mountains and hidden agricultural valleys. We will be looking for Black (aka Cinereous) and Griffon vultures, Bonelli’s and Booted eagles, Peregrine, Raven, Blue rock thrush, Cirl bunting, Wryneck, Moltoni’s warbler, etc. We will also have the opportunity to find several endemic plant species.
The tour focuses on two of the main birding sites in the Tramuntana mountains: the Mortitx valley and the Cúber reservoir. Mortitx is a mountain valley with dramatic views while waslking through a large vineyard, very ancient olive groves, Aleppo pine and Holm oak woodlands and Mediterranean scrub (garrigue). Some of the main species here are the Black and Griffon vultures, Bonelli’s eagle, Cirl bunting, Firecrest, etc. The route is about 4 km with some gentle slopes.
As an extension to the Mortitx valley, we can visit the Cúber reservoir where we can find again the Black and Griffon vultures, as well as the Booted eagle, Blue rock thrush, the very rare Moltoni’s warbler and, occasionally, the Osprey fishing in the reservoir. The route is flat and the path is very easy.
Duration: the Mortitx valley is a half-day tour and the Cúber reservoir extension makes it a full-day tour.
Practical recommendations: in spring, autumn and winter bring your raincoat and waterproof walking/trekking shoes. At the end of spring and in summer a hat and sun protection are highly recommended. And of course, do not forget your binoculars, telescope and camera. Remember to bring enough water and your lunch.
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