9th June - Having spent a week in the drizzle of England it was nice to return to the sun and warmth of the Camargue. We explored a number of areas today including Mas d'Agon, Beauduc and Fielouse. An early start at La Chassagne began with a pair of confiding Stone- curlews giving wonderful views to everyone. Further down towards d'Agon the formerly dry fields were now flooded and playing host to around 25 feeding Black-winged Stilts. An adult Purple Heron soon landed by the shallow canal and then I noticed at least 8 Collared Pratincoles perched along a ridge of earth in the middle of the field. They remained stationery for 20 minutes or so while we had superb views of this rare breeding species. We moved half a mile south to the main Mas d'Agon lagoons and birds were everywhere! Three fly-over Night Herons were soon joined by a dozen Squacco Herons heading out to feed over the marshes. Terns were numerous with at least 20 Common, 15 Sandwich, 10 Whiskered and a pair of Black. A Common Cuckoo flew over giving its distinctive call then a Hobby glided overhead with a nice meal in its talons. Several Bee- eaters were then found hawking over the farm to the south. Our next stop was just north of the Mas Neuf junction where we spotted 3 Great Reed Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, a Fan-tailed Warbler and a Savi's Warbler. The drive down to Beauduc brought the usual egrets and herons. We parked the car and walked the path between Galabert and Fangassier. Unfortunately the flies and mosquitos were out in large numbers. We managed around 30 Ringed Plovers, 20 Kentish Plovers, a single Little Stint and at least 40 Slender-billed Gulls, looking very attractive in summer plumage, before we had to beat a hasty retreat! On the journey back we had good views of 3 Melodious Warblers, heard a couple of Marsh Warblers, saw a single Spoonbill flying over the Etang de Tour du Valat and numerous Crested and Skylarks. Yellow Wagtails were abundant. Around Gageron we also spotted a couple of Rollers perched on telephone wires.