Siesta Time in Alcudia, Mallorca

With arrived in Alcudia about an hour before the market packed up and the town was very busy. To quote the guide book - The medieval town of Alcúdia boasts a beautiful medieval centre as well as an authentic local atmosphere which draws in tourists all year round. However, within an hour the streets emptied and we enjoyed a chance to walk the walls and streets unhindered.

The first human settlement in Alcúdia dates back to 2000-1300 BC, followed by Phoenician and Greek settlements with Roman invaders making it their capital, Pollentia, meaning 'power'. They built an ordered town with well-maintained streets, sewers and drinking water. They also erected an impressive theatre capable of holding 2000 spectators - we didn't have time to visit the site. After the Roman empire declined in the 5th century, Alcúdia was destroyed by Vandals but the town returned to greatness under the Moors, who built Al Qudya ('the town on the hill'). with narrow streets.The walls were added after the Spanish conquest in the early 14th century.

Miscellany from Day Two in Majorca

A second day in the S'Albufera and a range of new species to photograph including Hoverflies  - in flight and feeding, Bees, Terrapin, Red Shield Bug, Chafers mating, Bee orchid and, happily, a Red-Crested Coot pair with three young. The Red-crested Coot is one of Europe's most threatened breeding birds. It was reintroduced into the S'Albufera along with other European sites and now appears to be doing well after a decline a couple of years ago.

 

 

Highlights Day One Mallorca

 It is difficult to choose just a few images from our first day birdwatching in S'albufera. The Black-Winged Stilts were very territorial though always seen off by the even more aggresive Avocets. There are Nightingales everywhere and a very vocal new species to be photographed - the Great Reed Warbler. Kentish Plover and Little Egret complete the set.

England's Green and Yellow Land

Wonderful views on our flight from Stansted to Mallorca yesterday. We passed right over our hotel and the Nature Reserve that we have come to spend our week exploring. Still some green in the Mallorca landscape but the browns already predominate.

Beacon Hill Fort Harwich

On Saturday afternoon, we had a guided tour of Beacon Hill Fort, Harwich, a ruined military fort built to defend Harwich. It is a scheduled ancient monument and the present owners are working hard to make it safe to visit after years of neglect
The first fortification built during the reign of Henry VIII site was abandoned within ten years. The site accommodated Harwich army and militia camp during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars era, and was a naval signal station. In the 19th century, prior to the building of the Breakwater, sea erosion swept away much of the site and the Harwich Redoubt was completed 200 yards to the north in 1810. After World War I, the fort was disarmed and sold but, in 1940, it was bought back into service and a twin 6 Pounder gun position and director tower were built.  The Beacon Hill site also from time to time housed anti-aircraft guns and torpedo tubes.The fort was finally decommissioned in 1956 on the dissolution of coast artillery in the United Kingdom.

Close Up on the Garden Jungle

One of the advatntages of having a wild garden is the amazing diversity of small beasties that share it with me. Here a few flies, shield bugs, bees (female and male Hairy Footed Flower Bee) and spiders.