4th - Today I decided to visit several areas in the Crau in search of the elusive Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and Little Bustard. Thankfully the Mistral is less forceful this far east and allowed for more relaxed birding. The piste du Vallon immediately turned up trumps with a pair of splendid Hoopoes in fresh breeding plumage. Several other passerines, including a dozen fly-over Serins, Robin, female Blackcap and 10+ Crested Larks, were spotted before the main targets were found. In the long grass, well away from the road, were the Little Bustards. A group of at least 10 birds with a minimum of 4 males looking resplendent with their black and white necks. They were as wary as ever. No sign, however, of any accompanying sandgrouse. Next up was the huge area by the Istres-le-tube airfield. Here an immediate, close up view of a flying Montagu's harrier was a nice start as it was my first of the year. The number of larks, and in particular, Calandra Larks was incredible. I must have counted at least 40 of these splendid birds as they chased each other and sang their beautiful, melodious songs from both ground level and above. Unfortunately, an extended search of the area did not turn up any sandgrouse or bustards. However, at least 3 Lesser Kestrels and 5 Common Kestrels were found, plus Red legged Partridge, 2 more Hoopoes, several Black Kites, a Red Kite and many other larks. Just as I was leaving a splendid 3rd year Bonelli's Eagle appeared over the wooded area to the east of the plain and gave excellent views. Finally, at Eyguieres airfield everything appeared quiet until a Black Kite put up a group of at least 40 Little Bustards! They landed not too far from the southern perimeter fence and I got good views of a number of males. Yet again though no sandgrouse with this group! Apart from Common Stonechat and yet another Hoopoe this was all I found although given that midday was approaching this was not too surprising. In the evening I paid a brief visit to Mas d'Agon again but apart from a great view of a Black crowned Night Heron by the road and 2 Glossy Ibis in flight there was nothing out of the ordinary to report.