12th - Today we decided to concentrate on the north of the Camargue along the route de Gimeaux. A number of the arable fields are now flooded for rice growing and the number and diversity of birds has increased accordingly. Just after the village there is an extensive reedbed and here we spotted Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Cetti's Warbler and Savi's Warbler all singing. Colin spotted a Melodious Warbler singing in an adjacent tree and I found a Short-toed Lark in a lay-by 100 metres further along the road. Just past the narrow bridge a flooded field held several pairs of breeding Black-winged Stilts plus 2 Wood Sandpipers, around 20 Mediterranean Gulls, several Great and Little Egrets, and a splendid Collared Pratincole which was doing its best to keep up with the continual flow of Swifts overhead. As we continued our journey a pair of White Storks drifted over giving everyone excellent views. Next we were treated to playful aerobatics between a Common and Gull-billed Tern followed by the first of 3 Cuckoos flying close by. Birds were coming thick and fast now as I spotted first a Turtle Dove perched alongside the road, then a pair of Great-spotted Cuckoos that mated as we watched! A wonderful sight! Then suddenly the sky was full of Bee-eaters as they continually gave their characteristic whooping calls and perched on the fence posts by the road. Everyone got excellent photos as they were unexpectedly transported to Africa for a few minutes! Next came a true bonus as I spotted a female Orphean Warbler engaged in a noisy squabble with a pair of Sardinian Warblers. They flew off in an agitated manner after we all had decent views. Our next stop was at Mas Lauricet where unfortunately all the waders had left. However, we did manage excellent views of both Squacco and Purple Herons plus Whinchat, Fan tailed Warbler,Yellow Wagtail, Linnet and several Goldfinches. Over the Petit Rhone we also spotted at least 2 Sparrowhawks, many Black Kites, Marsh Harrier and a single Short-toed Eagle. On the way back we found a feeding Kingfisher. Not bad for a few hours birding !