21st - A brief trip around the north of the Camargue today produced 3 Short-toed Eagles, including one involved in a fracas with a pair of crows ! The recent flooding of the rice fields has led to an increase in the number of terns visible from major roads. At one field I noted around 30 Whiskered Terns, plus a dozen Black Terns and a single Common Tern. Another field close to Mejanes held at least 25 Mediterranean Gulls and a single Greenshank. Mas d'Agon had only 6 Black-winged Stilts present but a couple of Collared Pratincoles flew over after some time and the field opposite La Chassagne held another Stone-Curlew, a pair of Kentish Plovers and several Lapwings. Finally a single female Hen Harrier was seen in flight north of Saint Cecile.

18th - Weather again not good today with intermittent showers and strong south easterly winds. A brief trip to the northern Camargue did turn up a few notable sightings though. In one of the newly flooded rice fields a group of 10 Gull-billed Terns were my first of the year and they were joined briefly by an adult Caspian Tern. Marsh Harriers and Black Kites were not put off by the strong winds and were seen over most reedbeds. Stopping just after Gimeaux I heard my first Nightingale of the year and found a couple of Willow Warblers and a Chiffchaff in a small copse of trees. Also in the area were Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler, Stonechat and Fan-tailed Warbler. In the Albaron area more flooded fields held at least 10 Greenshanks and a Whiskered Tern in summer plumage. Mas d'Agon was virtually birdless, with a few Black-winged Stilts and a Purple Heron the only reward.

17th - A big day today with an early start travelling down to the beach at Piemanson. The decision to start at the beach then work northwards was immediately justified as an adult Osprey flew low over the car giving excellent views. My first for France. Then, within a couple of minutes, a double whammy! A flock of small waders feeding in a lagoon just behind the beach contained not only the standard fare of Dunlin and Little Stint but a winter plumaged, adult Red-necked Phalarope. It remained on the periphery of the feeding flock and gave great views for 5 minutes or so. Just as I decided to digiscope the bird the flock became quite flighty, shifting position a couple of times and then en masse disappearing over to the far side of the lagoon. They did not reappear within the next 10 minutes. I walked along the beach in a strong south-easterly wind in the hope of locating an Audouins Gull, which had been seen in the vicinity a couple of days previously, but, apart from several Kentish Plovers, no luck. A quick scan of the sea turned up an adult Kittiwake but no skuas or auks. Next destination was the Digue a la Mer but on the journey I stopped to view several Mediterranean Gulls in a field. The lagoons close to the pumping station had water in them and a flock of waders close by comprised Dunlins, Little Stints, Ringed Plovers and Sanderling. A flock of around 50 Ruff flew over. Driving through L'Amphise 2 immature Bonelli's Eagles then gave superb views as they jousted above the road, soon to be followed by 3 Black Kites. A brief stop alongside Vaccares resulted in a decent view of 2 Whiskered Terns perched above the fishing nets. Final stop was at Mas d'Agon but due to the weather the best it could offer was a male Garganey and around 80 Black-winged Stilt.

15th - Only a brief visit to Mas d'Agon today, in the evening. On the approach road a couple of fly-over Squacco Herons were a nice surprise as they were my first of the year. The water level was still high in the lagoons, in effect limiting wader numbers. The big news was the return of the Collared Pratincoles. Around 30 adult birds were hawking over the lagoons on both sides of the road, providing spectacular viewing. Like a cross between a tern and a larger swift they certainly exploit their aerobatic skills to the full. A wonderful sight. I also noted a single Whiskered Tern in their midst which seemed less inclined to show off its flying skills. Waders were limited to 27 Black- winged Stilts feeding in an adjacent flooded field. The upside of the high water level was the number of ducks present which included a single male Garganey, 10 Red-crested Pochard and several Mallard, Shoveler and Shelduck. A single Purple Heron in the reedbed joined the resident Grey Herons, Little Egrets and Great Egrets feeding along the water's edge.

14th - The Alpilles were the destination for today's excursion. First, a walk along the Vallon de la Leque, just to the North of Fontvielle. The arrival of at least 4 Alpine Swifts and a dozen or so Crag Martins was noted since the previous visit. These most elegant of swifts gave a superb demonstration of their aerobatic skills in the fresh northwesterly wind. The coniferous woods were empty apart from a confiding pair of Crested Tits and a single Great Tit. The call of a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard far off and on the return journey a flyover Jay and a Corn Bunting singing in one of the fields provided a highlight. Extensive investigation of the "climbing" rock face produced a nice male Blue Rock Thrush, while Sardinian Warblers and Serins were continually flitting through the bushes at the bottom of these impressive cliffs. The plan was to try Les Baux next but the place was packed with tourists and completely out of the question. A good spot was found between Maussane and Mouries which had a panoramic view. A number of raptors were seen over the next couple of hours including an adult Short-toed Eagle, 2 Kestrels, 3 Black Kites and a possible Peregrine. Luck would have it that I had parked next to a water trough which mean't I was treated to intimate views of 8 Goldfinches and 6 Serins as they came to drink. It is the first time I have had such views of a Serin and they really are the most delightful little finches; bursting with colour and song. The final stop of the day was at Le Destet for the Eagle Owl and it duly put in an appearance around 8.50pm, perched high on one of the peaks surveying its territory below. A magnificent sight in the fading twilight!

13th - Today I had a brief walk along the Canal d' Arles in the direction of Mas Thibert. The highlights were 3 magnificent Caspian Terns, my first in the Camargue this year, that were fishing along the canal, and at least 5 roosting Black-crowned Night Herons, which included two 1st summer birds. Also seen were numerous Greenfinches and Goldfinches, a dozen Cetti's Warblers, 3 Sardinian Warblers, 4 Blackcaps and a Kingfisher.

10th - The day once again started damp although the sun quickly broke through leaving a bright and breezy afternoon. We visited 2 very different areas today. Peau de Meau, a CEEP reserve at the very northern edge of the Crau, a stony, dry desert, and the Pont de Rousty, arable land with a few reed edged lagoons. We soon made contact with a pair of calling Hoopoes at Peau de Meau, then a large flock of around 100 Corn Buntings which patrolled the hedge alongside the small stream. Black Kites were numerous over the wooded area to the North and these were soon joined by a couple of Red Kites. As we walked out to the observatory we had excellent views of at least 3 Lesser Kestrels which were later seen hunting, and then perched on fence posts, and a Common Buzzard that soared overhead. From the elevated position in the observatory we spotted a pair of Southern Grey Shrikes in the bushes. They were continually dropping to the ground to pick up insects and other delicacies! In the far distance we managed to pick out a couple of Stone-Curlews but alas no bustards or sandgrouse. On the return journey we heard Tawny Pipits calling and caught a brief glimpse of one in flight but due to the wind they were extremely unapproachable. Finally, at least one Green Woodpecker was heard calling from the trees and we disturbed an impressive Purple Heron as it fed in the small stream by the car park. At Pont de Rousty, Cetti's Warblers and Tree Sparrows were numerous on the walk to the hide and a Willow Warbler was singing from the trees. On the lagoon we found 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Stint, 3 Green Sandpipers and over 30 Shelduck. Swifts and Swallows continually hawked overhead. At least 2 flights of Ruff (numbering around 70) came in to roost on the far lagoons and a pair of Common Terns flew over. On the return walk several Crested and Skylarks sang over the fields and a flock of 35 Wood Sandpipers flew in to roost.

9th - The weather continues to be disappointing with continual drizzle for most of the morning and an overcast afternoon. We visited an area of La Crau today, just south of Entressen. Despite the miserable weather a number of Crested Larks and Skylarks were singing and displaying amongst the coussous. Several Black Kites patrolled the area and a pair of Red- legged Partridges emerged from the scrub to quickly disappear again when our presence was noticed. After some time we spotted a fresh plumaged Southern Grey Shrike perched on top of one of the bushes and had superb views of it. The plaintive calls of Stone- Curlews were soon heard and within minutes a pair were seen flying low over the ground. Good views were then had as they searched the area for food and tried to ignore the attentions of some mobbing Magpies. As we were about to leave a Short- toed Eagle gave us excellent views as it glided overhead. Next stop was the Entressen rubbish tip, not the most salubrious birding site in the Camargue ! Here we were treated to the sight of at least 50 Black Kites circling the tip along with 2 Red Kites and 8 White Storks plus hundreds of Jackdaws and Carrion Crows. Here were excellent opportunities for some close up photography. The fields surrounding the tip also held at least 100 Little Egrets and another 20 White Storks. Unfortunately the smell of the tip got too much for us after a time ! We paid a brief visit to Mas d'Agon in the evening but apart from 3 Garganey, 5 Black- winged Stilts and a pair of Great- crested Grebes performing their mating display there was little to see.

8th - The day began with persistent rain and only relented occasionally until the evening when the sun managed to show itself before disappearing over the horizon. Birding was difficult to say the least, with the morning being a washout. In the afternoon we braved the elements and visited the Salin de Badon. We made the most of the shelter afforded by the elevated hide in the middle of the reserve. Luckily, the weather had not dissuaded the waders from feeding. A flock of around 50 Black- tailed Godwits were calling and feeding on the main lagoon along with half a dozen Avocets, 12 Spotted Redshank (some in full breeding plumage) and a dozen Black- winged Stilts. A number of Snipe and Ringed Plover were feeding quietly along the edges of the lagoon on the exposed mudbanks. The continual flow of birds as they searched out new feeding areas mean't it was some time before we identified a Marsh Sandpiper elegantly walking around amongst the stilts and plovers. A sudden influx of Ruff must have numbered around 80 and some careful checking through the ranks turned up a gem in the form of an adult Pectoral Sandpiper ! The comparison between this rare Neartic wader and the multitude of Reeves around it showed just how alike these species can be ! We left feeling well satisfied with our day, only to find both Yellow Wagtail and Hoopoe amongst the bushes of the reserve on our way to the exit.

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!

4th - Today I decided to visit several areas in the Crau in search of the elusive Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and Little Bustard. Thankfully the Mistral is less forceful this far east and allowed for more relaxed birding. The piste du Vallon immediately turned up trumps with a pair of splendid Hoopoes in fresh breeding plumage. Several other passerines, including a dozen fly-over Serins, Robin, female Blackcap and 10+ Crested Larks, were spotted before the main targets were found. In the long grass, well away from the road, were the Little Bustards. A group of at least 10 birds with a minimum of 4 males looking resplendent with their black and white necks. They were as wary as ever. No sign, however, of any accompanying sandgrouse. Next up was the huge area by the Istres-le-tube airfield. Here an immediate, close up view of a flying Montagu's harrier was a nice start as it was my first of the year. The number of larks, and in particular, Calandra Larks was incredible. I must have counted at least 40 of these splendid birds as they chased each other and sang their beautiful, melodious songs from both ground level and above. Unfortunately, an extended search of the area did not turn up any sandgrouse or bustards. However, at least 3 Lesser Kestrels and 5 Common Kestrels were found, plus Red legged Partridge, 2 more Hoopoes, several Black Kites, a Red Kite and many other larks. Just as I was leaving a splendid 3rd year Bonelli's Eagle appeared over the wooded area to the east of the plain and gave excellent views. Finally, at Eyguieres airfield everything appeared quiet until a Black Kite put up a group of at least 40 Little Bustards! They landed not too far from the southern perimeter fence and I got good views of a number of males. Yet again though no sandgrouse with this group! Apart from Common Stonechat and yet another Hoopoe this was all I found although given that midday was approaching this was not too surprising. In the evening I paid a brief visit to Mas d'Agon again but apart from a great view of a Black crowned Night Heron by the road and 2 Glossy Ibis in flight there was nothing out of the ordinary to report.

3rd - The Mistral continues to blow much to the annoyance of the birds attempting to travel North and the birders waiting for them ! Today I visited the Marais du Vigueirat which has a couple of good, wooded areas offering some respite from the wind. The first area was almost birdless, however, apart from a few Chiffchaffs. In the reedbed I got a decent view of a male Moustached Warbler in good voice and heard another close by. A small flock of passerines were seen in the next wooded area including male and female Blackcap, Cetti's Warbler, Great Tits and Long tailed Tits. Then as I emerged into the flooded fields a Spotted Crake half ran, half swam out from under the wooden walkway and disappeared into the undergrowth! The fields were empty apart from a flock of around 20 Water Pipits but over the far woods I noticed the dark form Booted Eagle that I've seen here before, in the company of a pair of Black Kites. The larger wooded area which runs alongside the main canal was the most productive of the day with several Willow Warblers (my first of the year), Chiffchaff, Great and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Hoopoe, Blackcap, Sparrowhawk, several Cetti's Warblers and a number of tits. The lagoons held Shoveler, Teal, Mallard and 4 Shelduck plus 35 Black winged Stilt and a single Wood Sandpiper. A pair of White Stork were on their nesting platform attending to the growing nest!

2nd - The wind was back from the North today and had increased in strength to around 50 km/hr. I explored the northern reaches of the Camargue this afternoon and took the Gimeaux road towards St. Gilles. Had a look in some likely habitat by a small river and disturbed a roosting Black crowned Night Heron which flew off some considerable distance. Apart from the calls of several Cetti's warblers and a fly over Marsh Harrier everything was keeping a low profile thanks to the wind. Back at Mas d'Agon the waders hadn't completely disappeared. A single Glossy Ibis was braving the elements feeding on the exposed mud. In addition I counted around 30 Wood Sandpipers, which have been around for over a week now, 4 Green Sandpipers, a single Spotted Redshank, a handful of Snipe and 25 Black winged Stilts. I also had a great view of a pair of Water Pipits at the edge of the lagoon and single Stonechat, female Blackcap, Sardinian Warbler and, the ever present, Cetti's Warbler. Better suited to the conditions were the 50 or so Swallows, House Martins and Common Swifts that hawked overhead for insects.

1st April 2008

The wind has shifted to a warmer south easterly today (the icy cold Mistral of the past few weeks has abated!) although still fairly strong (35 km/hr).

At Mas d'Agon the resident group of 10 Glossy Ibis were feeding on the west side of the road along with around 50 Mute Swans and several Mallard. On the opposite side one of the elusive, timid Spoonbills was feeding on the lagoon. It has acquired the yellow breast and head feathers plus aigrettes ( head plumes) characteristic of breeding plumage and looks stunning. As it fed it was being followed by a Grey Heron presumably to take advantage of any fish disturbed by it's frenetic feeding action. After 30 minutes it flew off south presumably to the roosting site just over the reedbed. In addition to the Spoonbill half a dozen Snipe and 5 Curlew were sheltering from the wind.

On the section of exposed mud 45 Wood Sandpipers and 4 Black winged Stilts were probing for food. No sign of any other Sandpipers tonight or the Redshank/Spot R/Godwits seen recently. A number of Swallows/ House Martins present and at least 6 Swifts, having arrived in the past couple of days.

NB Whilst watching a Mallard serenely making its way along one of the canals adjacent to the road I saw a huge fish (probably bream) emerge vertically from the water right in front of it giving the duck quite a shock! It made a hasty detour then carried on its way, unperturbed.

MARCH 2008 HIGHLIGHTS

3rd – White Stork (x2), Black crowned Night Heron (x3, 2ad,1
juv), Red crested Pochard (x4), Water Rail, Bearded Tit (x4)
at Pont de Gau, Caspian Tern, Gannet at Saint Maries de la
Mer.

4th – Glossy Ibis (x10) at Mas d’Agon, White Stork (x2),
Penduline Tit (x4) at La Capelliere.

6th – Tundra Swan (x2) at Salin de la Tour du Valat.

7th – Spoonbill, Black tailed Godwit (x8), Spotted Redshank
(x2) at Mas d’ Agon, Hoopoe, Black tailed Godwit (x80), Bar
tailed Godwit (x35), Tundra Swan ( x27) at Salin de la Tour
du Valat.

10th – White Stork (x2), Spoonbill (x6), Swallow, Black tailed
Godwit (x80) at Mas d’Agon, Swallow at Mas Neuf.

11th – Rock Bunting, Serin, Orphean Warbler at Les Alpilles.

12th – Booted Eagle (x2), House Martin, White Stork,
Moustached Warbler at Marais du Vigueirat.

13th – Black winged Stilt (x4), Red crested Pochard (x10) at
Centre du Scamandre, Purple Swamphen, Bearded Tit,
Black tailed Godwit (x100), Ruff at Pont des Tourredons.

14th – Hoopoe (x2), Southern Grey Shrike (x2) at Peau de
Meau, Eagle Owl, Swallow (x3), Serin (x6) at Le Destet.

18th – White Stork, Moustached Warbler, Lesser Spotted
Woodpecker, Swallow (x30), House Martin (x30), Sand
Martin (x2) at Marais du Vigueirat.
19th – Crested Tit (x4), Serin (x6), Alpine Accentor at Les
Baux, Short toed Eagle (x3) at le Destet.

20th – Glossy Ibis (x4), Purple Swamphen, Siberian
Chiffchaff, Black tailed Godwit (x80) at Pont des Tourredons,
Garganey (x2), Spotted Redshank at Mas d’Agon.

21st – Short eared Owl at Eguyieres airfield, Calandra Lark
(x2) at La Crau, Southern Grey Shrike, Little Bustard (x6) at
Piste du Vallon.

22nd – Red spotted Bluethroat, Yellow Wagtail, Water Rail
(x2), Glossy Ibis (x10) at Mas d’ Agon, Also an unfortunate one-legged Black Tailed Godwit, managing to get about and eat.
Stone Curlew at La Chassagne.

24th – Glossy Ibis (x10), Little Ringed Plover (x6), Ruff (x6),
Snipe (x40) at Mas d’Agon.

25th – White Stork (x2) at La Capelliere, Short toed Eagle
(juv), Black Kite (x3) at Amphise, Ruff (x40) at Mas d’Agon.

26th – Balearic Shearwater (x30), Slender billed Gull (x20),
Kittiwake (x3), Sandwich Tern at Piemanson.

28th – Little Crake, Water Rail (x2), Garganey (x7) at
Gravieres du Puy st. Reparade.

29th – Spoonbill (x2), Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Snipe (x30) at
Mas d’ Agon.

31st – Spoonbill (x6) at Etang de Tour du Valat, Spotted
Crake, Bearded Tit (x2), Wood Warbler at La Capelliere,
Hoopoe, Ruff, Spotted Redshank (x24) at Salins de Badon.