b

Son Bou

Menorca, Balear islands  >  Spain

The wetland of Son Bou has the largest and most important reed beds on the island of Menorca.

Added* by ErnestoCavallini
Most recent update 10 november 2025
This birdingplace has not been rated yet. Click here to be the first to rate this area with 1 to 5 stars

Description

The beach of Prat de Son Bou is the largest beach on Menorca and located on the southern shore of the island. Just behind the beach lies the protected Son Bou wetland which has huge reed beds. The reed beds are fronted by dunes and coastal scrub and the beach. The town of Son Bou has encroached on to the eastern most part of the reserve but the western end is little affected.

Because Menorca is on the migratory route for various species of birds travelling backwards and forwards between Europe and North Africa, a lot of birds make a stop here or overwinter in the area. Birds you can observe include, gulls, herons, waders, Rørhøg, Rød Glente, Hærfugl, Rødhovedet Tornskade, Vestlig Sortstrubet Bynkefugl, Sydlig Nattergal, Sorthovedet Sanger, Cistussanger, Tamarisksanger, Sultanhøne, Stylteløber and a significant number of wintering waterfowl. Also a good chance of spotting Ådselgrib.

_________________________

Español: La playa del Prat de Son Bou es la más grande de Menorca, situada en la costa sur de la isla. Justo detrás se encuentra el humedal protegido de Son Bou, que tiene enormes extensiones de cañaverales delimitadas por dunas, matorrales costeros y la playa. El pueblo de Son Bou ha invadido la parte más oriental de la reserva, pero el extremo occidental está poco afectado.

Como Menorca se encuentra en la ruta migratoria de muchas especies que van y vuelven de Europa al norte de África, muchas aves hacen paran aquí o incluso invernan. Entre otras aves, se pueden observar gaviotas, garzas, limícolas, Rørhøg, Rød Glente, Hærfugl, Rødhovedet Tornskade, Vestlig Sortstrubet Bynkefugl, Sydlig Nattergal, Sorthovedet Sanger, Cistussanger, Tamarisksanger, Sultanhøne, Stylteløber y un número significativo de aves acuáticas invernantes. También hay muchas posibilidades de avistar Ådselgrib.

Details

Access

The Son Bou wetland is located on the southern shore of Menorca bordering the village of Son Bou. Upon arrival in Son Bou you will find a car park to access the beach. Press P on the map for directions. From the parking you can explore the area on foot. You can start by walking along the beach where you can enjoy the presence of Audouinsmåge, waders and other seabirds. About 500 m away you will find wooden walkways that will allow you to walk inside the dune system. You can make a 7 km circular walk around the edges of the area.

_________________________

Español: El humedal se encuentra en la costa sur de Menorca, junto al pueblo de Son Bou. Al llegar a Son Bou, encontrará un aparcamiento para acceder a la playa (Pulsando P en el mapa obtendrá las indicaciones). Desde el aparcamiento, puede visitar la zona a pie. Puede empezar caminando por la playa, donde podrá disfrutar de la presencia de la Audouinsmåge, limícolas y otras aves marinas. A unos 500 m las pasarelas de madera le permitirán pasear por dentro del sistema de dunas. Se puede haver un recorrido circular de 7 km por los límites de la zona.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , Sea , Beach , Dunes

Conditions

Open landscape , Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail , Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Post comment, tip or bird sighting
Rate this area
Add to my favourites
Remove from my favorites