Marais du Viguierat, Gimeaux - 12/9

The final full day mean't a visit to Viguierat. I arrived as the sun came up and soon located a female Blackcap, adult Melodious Warbler and a flock of Long tailed Tits along the sentier du Cabanes. Further into the reserve I found a Marsh Warbler skulking around in the wet bushes while Cetti's Warblers called constantly. The wet marshes were strangely quiet and only a pair of Zitting Cisticolas were seen in the maquis. A single juvenile Turtle Dove added some interest in a tree at the edge of the reserve. The path alongside the river held a calling Great Spotted Woodpecker but little else. The wet meadows opposite the entrance were now playing host to 12 Wood Sands and 50+ Yellow Wagtails and a single adult Purple Heron flew from the adjacent reeds. Overall rather disappointing with no raptors, no Bluethroats and no rare waders ! After breakfast we decided to head for Gimeaux and after only 5 minutes I spotted some birds soaring over the road. 3 Black Storks were soaring at great height giving a wonderful spectacle. Just the filip needed. Further along the Gimeaux road George noticed a bird alongside the road and an emergency stop revealed a splendid adult Red - backed Shrike hunting from some bushes 30 metres from the road. Another great spot ! The rest of the journey proved less enthralling but still some excellent birds.