22nd - A trip today to Saintes Maries de la Mer to check out some terns and gulls and to walk along the Digue a la Mer in search of migrant waders. On arrival I had a quick look around La Brise camping site where a Red- throated Pipit had been reported on Saturday. After an extensive search the only birds seen were a pair of Hoopoes, Crested Lark and several Greenfinches-no sign of any pipits. I took up a sheltered position behind the beach for a sea watch and immediately it was clear there had been a huge influx of terns in the past week. In the first 10 minutes I had seen literally hundreds, comprising Little, Sandwich, Common, Gull-billed and even a few Whiskered. No sign of any Caspians though which was something of a surprise as I had regularly seen one or two over the winter at this site. The number of gulls was also very impressive with the majority being Black-headed and Yellow-legged with an occasional Kittiwake or Little Gull thrown in. After around 40 minutes I finally got to see the gull I was hoping for ! Two adult Audouins Gulls flew past at close quarters giving excellent views! My first seen in France. By this time the tourists were beginning to emerge from their motorized rabbit hutches so rather than walk the Digue I decided to drive back up along the western shore of Vaccares. I located a large flock of waders close to the "Terek Sandpiper bay" which comprised the usual Dunlin, Little Stint, Grey Plover (in stunning breeding plumage), Ringed and Kentish Plovers. In addition a pair of Oystercatcher and 5 Avocet were feeding along the shore, plus 3 Curlews. The flooded fields north of Vaccares produced 6 Redshank, 2 Spotted Redshank and at least 9 Greenshank. Yellow Wagtails were everywhere and were all of the nominate race. A visit to Mas d'Agon again produced nothing but 30 Black-winged Stilt.