14th - The Alpilles were the destination for today's excursion. First, a walk along the Vallon de la Leque, just to the North of Fontvielle. The arrival of at least 4 Alpine Swifts and a dozen or so Crag Martins was noted since the previous visit. These most elegant of swifts gave a superb demonstration of their aerobatic skills in the fresh northwesterly wind. The coniferous woods were empty apart from a confiding pair of Crested Tits and a single Great Tit. The call of a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard far off and on the return journey a flyover Jay and a Corn Bunting singing in one of the fields provided a highlight. Extensive investigation of the "climbing" rock face produced a nice male Blue Rock Thrush, while Sardinian Warblers and Serins were continually flitting through the bushes at the bottom of these impressive cliffs. The plan was to try Les Baux next but the place was packed with tourists and completely out of the question. A good spot was found between Maussane and Mouries which had a panoramic view. A number of raptors were seen over the next couple of hours including an adult Short-toed Eagle, 2 Kestrels, 3 Black Kites and a possible Peregrine. Luck would have it that I had parked next to a water trough which mean't I was treated to intimate views of 8 Goldfinches and 6 Serins as they came to drink. It is the first time I have had such views of a Serin and they really are the most delightful little finches; bursting with colour and song. The final stop of the day was at Le Destet for the Eagle Owl and it duly put in an appearance around 8.50pm, perched high on one of the peaks surveying its territory below. A magnificent sight in the fading twilight!