12th - An afternoon visit to the Alpilles around Aureille today. On the journey a flock of around 40 Cattle Egrets were seen feeding in a rice field in the Baux valley. I followed the GR6 path to the east and then took the first footpath on the left. A calling Southern Grey Shrike was the first bird I saw and it was soon joined by its mate which gave excellent views on the top of a rocky outcrop. At least 3 male Subalpine Warblers were heard calling from the scrub and soon one was seen flying into a small tree accompanied by a juvenile. A male Stonechat then appeared on the other side of the path giving its characteristic 'chaak' call. A little further on I noticed a raptor appear over the rocky ridge to the south. On closer inspection it turned out to be an adult Bonelli's Eagle which was soon joined by another and they gave wonderful views for about 5 minutes before disappearing behind the ridge. A Kestrel then flew over the path and perched high on top of the cliff to the North where a Crag Martin was flying around. Then I caught a glimpse of a passerine standing on top of a rock near the path. I assumed it was another shrike but having scoped the bird it was a splendid male Black-eared Wheatear! This was the first time I've seen this species in the Alpilles and only the second I've managed this year. A little further along the path passed through a stand of dead trees and here I spotted a male Dartford Warbler, a pair of Black Redstarts and heard a pair of Serins calling. On the walk back I spotted a Stock Dove, a Black Kite and an adult Short-toed Eagle that was hunting over the olive fields.