7th - Today we made the most of the light westerly breeze and explored the Digue a la Mer for migrants. Within a couple of minutes we had connected with out first Northern Wheatear, a male looking very smart in fresh plumage. This was soon followed by at least 3 Willow Warblers (the least shy of our finds), a male Subalpine Warbler, several male Redstarts, a Song Thrush and another male Northern Wheatear. Reaching the canal we discovered a number of Redshank and a single Spotted Redshank feeding alongside the water. Several Linnets were singing from the scrub and there was a continual movement of Flamingoes overhead. The short walk along to the lighthouse produced a couple of Spectacled Warblers perched atop bushes singing, a single Hoopoe, several male and female Redstarts, many Black Redstarts and a number of Curlews feeding out in the lagoons. We spent around an hour at the lighthouse during which time we managed to spot more of the same species plus a stunning Short toed Lark which gave excellent views perched in a nearby tree. Black Kites were frequent overhead. On the way back we found an additional Chiffchaff and a Blue headed Wagtail along the path. The lagoon by the pumping station was now filling with water and a number of Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover and Dunlin were taking advantage giving good opportunities for photographs.

Towards evening we paid a visit to Mas d'Agon but en route stopped at the field opposite La Chassagne. A good decision as it turned out. Feeding in the long grass was a splendid adult Whimbrel and resting behind it a Stone- Curlew, my 4th this year at this site! Clearly this species is attracted by the desolate nature of this small piece of land. The water level on the lagoons is still too high for most waders so we were limited to several Black winged Stilts, 4 Curlews and a single Wood Sandpiper. However, a number of wildfowl included at least 3 Garganey including 2 males, and a pair of Great-crested Grebes were performing their wonderful mating display. As the sun went down we were treated to a great view of a fly-over Whiskered Tern, my first of the year!