S’Albufera des Grau in the north-east of the island was declared a National Nature Park in 1995 and covers around 5,100 hectares. There is a good visitors centre and a circuit of paths with many viewing points and hides. However, a telescope would be desirable as you are some way back from the lake and the dismal weather did not help photography. The main bird life at this time of the year are coots but we did see little grebe, great crested grebe, little egrets, one redshank and a purple heron (first for me). There were also yellow-legged gulls with their chicks and some Audouin gulls. We kept our eyes peeled for osprey but had no luck; however, I did spot a hobby flying over the lake.

Hobby

Little grebe

Great crested grebe

Yellow legged gull

Yellow legged gull and chicks

Little egret

Purple heron

Purple heron

Purple heron

Great crested grebe

Great crested grebe

Great tit (and not a bird feeder in sight)

The port of Es Grau with sea front restaurants

Audouin gull

Back at the hotel the sun shone briefly and I took a few photos of swallows, butterflies and a green lizard.

Typical Menorcan gate made of old olive wood

Barn swallows