France: Species list (birds)

Just put my trip list together, I recorded 131 species, not bad for a non-birding trip! Recorded more than some specific birding trips that I've read reports for since my return!

1. Mute Swan: Common throughout the Brenne and seen on other Etangs when driving around, several large flocks in north France in vicinity of Calais
2. Greater Canada Goose: Three seen in a field near Etang Foucault surprisingly the only record of presumably feral population
3. Gadwall: Several seen on all trips to the Brenne (e.g. Etang Cistude, Ricot, Foucault, du Blizon)
4. Teal: One drake on 27th May on Etang Foucault
5. Mallard: Common throughout the Brenne and across many other locations, e.g. several pairs around Le Cluzeau, Vienne
6. Shoveler: A pair on 30th May on Etang Ricot
7. Pochard: Common on most waterbodies visited within the Brenne, female at Jardins artistiques de Drulon
8. Tufted Duck: Common on most waterbodies visited within the Brenne and around Calais
9. Red-legged Partridge: A pair seen on two dates near Gite (Le Cluzeau, Vienne), probably under-recorded due to vegetation/crop height
10. Quail: Two heard on two dates near Gite (Le Cluzeau, Vienne)
11. Pheasant: Fairly common in farmland, probably under-recorded due to vegetation/crop height
12. Cormorant: Common in the Brenne where breeding colony, also recorded on River Loire
13. Night-heron: Seen in the Brenne at Etangs Foucault, Bellebouche and Ricot, recorded breeding
14. Cattle Egret: Seen in the Brenne mainly around Etang Foucault and Etang Ricot areas where breeding
15. Little Egret: Fairly common in the Brenne where breeding
16. Great White Egret: Singles seen across the Brenne on each visit (e.g. Etang at Le Temple, Etang des Essarts)
17. Grey Heron: Very common throughout the Brenne and at all other locations visited, regular birds passing over Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne
18. Purple Heron: Very common at Etang Bellebouche where breeding colony viewable from hide, recorded at most Etangs visited and on several marshy areas
19. Black Stork: Single bird circling high over Etang Cistude on 23rd May lost at height in cloud
20. White Stork: Three on a thermal near Belabre on 23rd May
21. Little Grebe: One in full breeding plumage at Etang Cistude on 23rd May was the only record, likely under-recorded
22. Great Crested Grebe: Very common on most Etangs visied within the Brenne, also seen on other waterbodies within the country
23. Black-necked Grebe: Presumably breeding birds recorded at Etangs Bellebouche, Ricot and des Essarts with approximately 8-10 pairs recorded on 30th May
24. Honey-buzzard: Common around Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne and also seen regularly in the Brenne and many other locations when driving around. Best views away from Le Cluzeau at Jardins Artistiques de Drulon where 3 performed very well giving close views
25. Black Kite: Fairly common at most sites visited, especially common in the Brenne, regular over Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne
26. Short-toed Eagle: Two seen in the Brenne from Maison du Parc (La Bouchet) on two occasions, also singles seen at several other locations within the Brenne
27. Marsh Harrier: Common in the Brenne, several also seen over farmland when driving around
28. Hen Harrier: Three adult males seen over farmland in the southwest of the Brenne
29. Montagu’s Harrier: Several birds seen (males and females) across a range of sites within and outwith the Brenne (e.g. at le Cluzeau, Vienne)
30. Sparrowhawk: Breeding pair seen around Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vinne, also seen at Chambord
31. Buzzard: Very common throughout a range of very pale and very dark birds seen
32. Kestrel: Common throughout with breeding pair regularly seen around Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne
33. Hobby: Fairly common in the Brenne, also recorded on several occasions at Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne, also recorded near Calais
34. Water Rail: One heard near Etang Foucault on 1st June
35. Moorhen: Seen on several Etangs, town ponds etc
36. Coot: Common throughout
37. Black-winged Stilt: Over a dozen recorded at Etang Foucault
38. Stone-curlew: One near Etang de la Roche-Chevreux on 20th May
39. Little Ringed Plover: One on Etang Foucault on 27th May, four at Etang de Bellebouche on 30th May
40. Lapwing: Several seen around Calais on journeys north and south, several also seen in Brenne, presumed breeding birds in agitated flight and presumed failed breeders in small post-breeding flocks
41. Common Sandpiper: One on stream at Chateau Guillaume on 24th May
42. Redshank: Two birds seen at Etang Montmelier on 1st June
43. Black-headed Gull: Common breeder in the Brenne, also seen at various other locations when driving around. Flock of 40 over Gite at La Cluzeau, Vienne on 28th May
44. Mediterranean Gull: Common along coast on journey north and south. Also seen in the Brenne and over Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne on 28th May
45. Common Gull: One in Calais on 2nd June
46. Lesser Black-backed Gull: Several in Calais on 2nd June
47. Herring Gull: Common during journeys north and south from Calais when close to coast
48. Yellow-legged Gull: One adult sat on an island on the River Loire north of Chambord on 31st May
49. Great Black-backed Gull: One in Calais on 2nd June
50. Little Tern: One at Etang Foucault on 27th May and two on River Loire on 31st May
51. Whiskered Tern: Very common breeder in the Brenne, seen at most Etangs and flying between Etangs over farmland. Often very vocal
52. Common Tern: Several seen on River Loire on 31st May
53. Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon: Fairly common in towns
54. Woodpigeon: Fairly common throughout
55. Collared Dove: Fairly common throughout, especially in towns
56. Turtle Dove: Recorded all days in a range of habitats, several breeding pairs around Le Cluzeau, Vienne
57. Cuckoo: Very common across most habitats visited with numerous birds seen/heard each day often with multiple birds at same location
58. Scops Owl: One heard calling at Git at Le Cluzeau, Vienne during 4 nights at dusk
59. Tawny Owl: One heard calling at Le Cluzeau, Vienne at dawn on 24th May
60. Swift: Common throughout breeding within towns and foraging widely over adjacent countryside, often sizeable flocks
61. Bee-eater: A ‘new’ breeding colony observed on 30th May with at least 30 birds present. I didn’t check the old sites out.
62. Hoopoe        : Very common throughout, multiple birds seen/heard daily up to at least eight birds on 30th May
63. Wryneck: One bird seen on three dates near Le Cluzeau, Vienne
64. Green Woodpecker: Common, recorded on most days in most areas visited, also often seen in towns/cities
65. Black Woodpecker: A vocal (breeding?) pair observed very well at Chateau Guillaume on 24th May
66. Great Spotted Woodpecker: Very common throughout with multiple birds recorded daily at most locations visited
67. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: At least 2 pairs recorded around Le Cluzeau, Vienne, likely common but likely under-recorded due to vegetation cover
68. Middle Spotted Woodpecker: One seen at Le Cluzeau, Vienne on 23rd May, likely to be under-recorded due to vegetation cover
69. Golden Oriole: Very common in all suitable habitat visited, several pairs breeding around Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne. Very vocal during early part of trip, gradually getting quieter as settling down to breed. A pair seen copulating in a nest. Adult male observed in fight with Jay around nest site for 10 minutes
70. Red-backed Shrike: Common within all suitable habitat, often noticed along minor roads on wires. Several pairs breeding around Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne. Nest found in hedge on 1st June. At least five/six pairs within 500m of Gite (in accessible areas).
71. Woodchat Shrike: One pair found breeding (nest found) at Le Cluzeau, Vienne, the only record of this species on the trip. The pair were nesting in a lone oak tree in a meadow field
72. Magpie: Common throughout
73. Jay: Common throughout
74. Jackdaw: Common throughout
75. Rook: Common throughout
76. Carrion Crow: Common throughout
77. Firecrest: Two pairs recorded in Le Cluzeau, Vienne, one pair found nest building in garden of Gite
78. Blue Tit: Common throughout
79. Great Tit: Common throughout
80. Marsh Tit: Fairly common with several pairs found. Fledged young observed near Le Cluzeau, Vienne on 25th May
81. Crested Lark: Several recorded, mainly in northern areas
82. Woodlark: Common breeder in most areas visited, five/six pairs around Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne
83. Skylark: Common throughout
84. Sand Martin: Surprisingly under-recorded with four birds seen (breeding) at Chateau Chambord the only sighting
85. Swallow: Very common throughout
86. House Martin: Very common throughout
87. Cetti’s Warbler: Several heard throughout time in the Brenne
88. Long-tailed Tit: Fairly common in parkland and woodland
89. Western Bonelli’s Warbler: Recorded in several woodland areas, particularly numerous along eastern side of Etang de Bellebouche
90. Wood Warbler: Several seen/heard around Le Cluzeau, Chateau Guillaume and Bois de Paillet
91. Chiffchaff: Very common throughout
92. Willow Warbler: Only a couple heard in Brenne, not recorded elsewhere, potentially under-recorded if not singing
93. Blackcap: Very common/abundant in all areas visited
94. Garden Warbler: Common in woodland areas visited, breeding around Le Cluzeau
95. Whitethroat: Common throughout
96. Grasshopper Warbler: One heard near Etang Foucault on 1st June
97. Savi’s Warbler: Several heard within the Brenne (within general vicinity of Etang Foucault)
98. Melodious Warbler: Abundant throughout, often very vocal
99. Sedge Warbler: Common throughout Brenne
100. Reed Warbler: Common throughout Brenne, fledged juveniles at Etang Ricot on 30th May
101. Great Reed Warbler: One at Etang du Couvent on 23rd May, one near Etang du Blizon on 1st June
102. Nuthatch: Common in woodland areas, breeding around Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne
103. Short-toed Treecreeper       : Common in woodland areas, breeding around Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne
104. Wren: Fairly common throughout
105. Starling: Common throughout many breeding in ‘natural’ nest areas in trees in gardens/woodland edge
106. Blackbird: Common throughout
107. Song Thrush: Several singing males heard around Le Cluzeau, Vienne, probably under-recorded due to vegetation cover when not singing
108. Mistle Thrush: Common in woodland, often seen along roads through forested areas
109. Spotted Flycatcher: A pair breeding in garden of Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne
110. Robin: Surprisingly under-recorded. Three (two adults and a juvenile) at Le Cluzeau, Vienne on 22nd May, singles recorded in parkland/woodland areas/Brenne
111. Nightingale: Very common/abundant throughout most areas visited. Numerous around Le Cluzeau, Vienne and the Brenne. Occasionally seen very well, but most often heard only
112. Black Redstart: Very common in urban areas, but also recorded in several garden/Chateau’s e.g. Chambord etc. Breeding in garden at Gite in Le Cluzeau, Vienne with fledglings recorded in late May
113. Redstart: Singing male daily in garden of Gite at Le Cluzeau, Vienne. Female with fledgling on 20th May also at Le Cluzeau, two other males heard singing in wooded areas
114. Stonechat: Abundant in all suitable habitat, especially so along road verges
115. Dunnock: Recorded regularly around Le Cluzeau, likely under-recorded
116. House Sparrow: Common throughout
117. Blue-headed Wagtail: Several seen in the north of the Brenne, also seen in the north of France while driving north/south
118. Grey Wagtail: Common at Le Cluzeau, Vienne along river where breeding in garden of Gite
119. White Wagtail: Common throughout across all habitats
120. Tree Pipit: Common in woodland and also in farmland near wooded valleys
121. Meadow Pipit: Surprisingly under-recorded with several seen around Le Cluzeau, Vienne
122. Chaffinch: Abundant throughout
123. Greenfinch: Common in farmland/parkland areas
124. Serin: Appeared more common in towns/villages than in the countryside
125. Goldfinch: Common in farmland/parkland
126. Linnet: Fairly common in farmland throughout
127. Hawfinch: A single at Le Cluzeau, Vienne on 22nd May with two seen there on 26th May, likely under-recorded due to vegetation cover and generally unobtrusive nature
128. Yellowhammer: Several seen in the north of France on both journeys
129. Cirl Bunting: Fairly common in farmland around Le Cluzeau, Vienne where several pairs found breeding, also recorded in many other areas visited
130. Reed Bunting: Several recorded in the Loire area with a couple of vocal males in a reedbed
131. Corn Bunting: Common throughout, especially along road verges on wires/fence posts

 I went to a lot of good birding locations but these were generally visited at times of the day not particularly conductive to good birding, e.g. the middle part of hot days when birds were quieter and heat haze was more of a problem. I think the area I stayed, and the Brenne are excellent birding locations.

Will put together the other species lists over the coming days...

France Day 14: The long and windy road..

The journey back up to Calais went well, all 400 miles of it! Managed to clock up 24 Kestrel and 10 Buzzard but also scored male Montagu’s Harrier on a fencepost, several Marsh Harrier and singles of Honey Buzzard and Hobby flying along the road. Had several Red-backed Shrikes and Hoopoe close to the Gite but then less of those while on the motorways, probably due to speed...

The Sat Nav Lady even took me right past the Bee-eater colony! One to remember for my next trip!

A roadside stop produced Green Woodpecker, Yellowhammer, Crested Lark and Blue-headed Wagtail with another stop giving great views of a number of Mediterranean Gulls. While waiting for our train in Calais I had several Herring, Lesser Black-backed, Great Black-backed, Common and Black-headed Gull and that was about that.

Holiday done. Just the drive back to Yorkshire to do…

I'll put a trip list of birds on the blog over the next few days, initial count suggests 131 species of birds, plus a good range of butterflies and other animals, not bad for a non-birding trip.

France Day 13: I got weed on by a Terrapin! (Brenne)

We took a drive back up to the Brenne for the final time of this trip this morning dropping into a few new Etangs that we'd not been to before.  Again it was a great morning, this area is incredible and I can't wait to get back here again.

We visited Etang du Blizon, part of the Cherine reserve and several smaller Etangs with names I don't have on me at the moment.  Highlights today included several Savi's Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Reed Warbler, Water Rail, Black-crowned Night Heron, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Cattle Egret, Great Egret, loads of Whiskered Tern, tonnes of Black Kite, Marsh Harriers (4 or 5) and a couple of Honey Buzzard.  Colour was provided by loads of Red-backed Shrike, with a handful of Hoopoe, Turtle Dove, Golden Oriole, Green Woodpecker thrown in too. Got a couple of Redshank, Lapwing and surprisingly 3 Canada Geese that were ambling through a cow field! All the usual suspects were still abundant such as Nightingale, Stonechat, Serin, Melodious Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap etc...

Highlight however was not a bird for a change, but was 3 Wild Boar that were foraging along the edge of a marshy area.  Also rescued a terrapin that was walking down the middle of the road! It thanked me by weeing down my leg! Again there was also masses of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies everywhere.

This afternoon/evening we spent some time relaxing around the garden/Gite area connecting with all the regulars Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Red-backed Shrike (3 pairs - I found the nest of one of these this evening), Quail, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Honey Buzzard, Short-toed Treecreeper, Firecrest, Nuthatch, Nightingale, Melodious Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Stonechat, Woodlark, Tree Pipit, Black Redstart, Common Redstart, White Wagtail etc..

Over the two weeks we've been here now its noticeable how much the vegetation has grown, and also that there is a wave of fledglings appearing all over the place.  Finally the Nightingales seem to be less vocal too, presumably some have settled down...

Tomorrow will be a long drive back north but hopefully will connect with something along the route...

France Day 11: More of the Brenne (+Bee-eaters)

Went back into the Brenne again today for a bit of walking and visiting various Etangs, was again a very enjoyable experience with tonnes of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies all showing well. There were many highlights!

First up at a secret location (thanks to a brilliant tip-off) Bee-eater! Or to be more precise, 30(+) Bee-eaters at a breeding colony! In order as to not disturb them we didn't go very close to them at all, therefore the photos below are not great (no surprise there!) but at least you can tell what they are! Such awesome birds!

Bee-eaters (Phone-scoped) 

Bee-eaters (Phone-scoped)

We then went on to an Etang where we walked for a couple of KM to a hide overlooking a Purple Heron colony. This was brilliant and the views we got were great! There was also a male Black-crowned Night Heron and several Little Egrets visible from the hide. Also had a pair of Black-necked Grebe on the lake with 4 Little Ringed Plover looking like they were breeding on some gravel.

Black-necked Grebe (Phone-scoped) 

Purple Heron on nest (young below) (Phone-scoped) 

Purple Heron on nest (young putting head up) (Phone-scoped) 

Spot the Night Heron (Phone-scoped) 

Little Egret (Phone-scoped)

The walk to the hide was fairly productive with tonnes of Western Bonelli's Warblers calling from the woodland. Managed to get a couple of pictures of one showy male.

Western Bonelli's Warbler (Phone-scoped) 

Western Bonelli's Warbler (Phone-scoped)

Later we moved to another couple of Etangs, again it was really hot and it was like getting into an oven on entering the hide.  The Etangs were full of Whiskered Tern, Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe and Coot. Also got a pair of Shoveler, 2 male Black-crowned Night-Heron flew through and 2 Cattle Egret sat on a tree top. Saw a couple of Marsh Harrier hunting the reedbeds and on the drive home found a single Great White Egret in a roadside pool. A highlight was watching an adult Black Kite raiding the Black-headed Gull colony on one of the lakes.

Whiskered Tern (Phone-scoped at distance in the heat haze)

One of the recently fledged Black Redstarts was on the barn roof and the male Common Redstart continues to sing...

Black Redstart (adult) (Phone-scoped)

Black Redstart (Fledgling) (Phone-scoped)

Male Common Redstart still singing away... (Phone-scoped)

France Day 9 & 10: Relaxed (Non) Birding

The last two days have been really relaxing (apart from reading about Western Orphean Warbler in Hartlepool and Roller at Spurn, both would be UK ticks).

Today we've just done a local walk and spent the day lounging about the garden, which had its rewards.  However yesterday we took a trip about 70 miles away to visit two RHS Partner Gardens: Firstly Jardins N.-D. d'Orsan and secondly Jardins de Drulon, but before all of that I checked out another local forest: Bois de Paillet to see what was on offer. Lots of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Golden Oriole, Nuthatch, Short-toed Treecreeper, Marsh Tit and Cuckoo and all the regular fare but nothing too great.

Back to the gardens: Both gardens were very different, the first was part of an old priory with very smart, formal gardens and some very impressive hay meadows (great for butterflies), the second garden was much more 'wild' and was full of wildlife (birds, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies) and some 'interesting' "modern art". Anyone who knows me well will know how much I love "modern art"... but the planting was generally good (though it needed weeding and the grass cutting!).  Both were a little over-priced to get in I thought, more than the actual RHS gardens themselves! Though RHS members would get in free. An enjoyable day out anyhow.

 Jardins N.-D. d'Orsan

Jardins de Drulon

Jardins de Drulon - photos don't really do it justice

I'd left my scope at home for the day but still got incredible views of 3 Honey Buzzards that were flying low over the car park at Drulon. Really great views and my best so far, there was also tonnes of Nightingale in the second garden, with Black Redstarts in both too. Was great day for butterflies, Black-veined White was pretty cool, with 3 species of Blue too.

 A very bright (and big) Blue sp. Anyone any ideas? (Phone-binned)

Black-veined White. Very impressive beast, a lot larger than I was expecting! (Phone-binned)

Late afternoon I visited the closest pair of Red-backed Shrikes to our Gite and got a bonus couple of Hoopoe (see post below or click here for pictures). Again the Scops Owl was calling, and again it eluded me! Also of note was the flock of c.40 Black-headed Gulls that flew over in a thermal with 4 Mediterranean Gulls in with them.

This morning/whole day has been very lazy with just a couple of short walks around the Gite area, focussing really on butterflies more than anything, though while having a cup of Yorkshire Tea in the garden I noticed a Firecrest with nest material, I followed it around and it led me to its nest under construction. I then spent a couple of hours watching the pair build their nest which was really interesting (way too difficult to take pics on my phone and I could only manage the picture below). When a Spotted Flycatcher landed on the branch next to the nest the male went crazy and started jumping about with his crest all raised! The best reward for standing nice and still for so long though was the male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker that flew in and landed on the tree right next to me. I'm not sure who was more surprised, too flustered to get a picture! Also had a pair of Golden Oriole mating in the trees where I saw the male chasing the Jay about this evening and a smart male Cirl Bunting busily feeding up his nest.

Male Cirl Bunting feeding up his nest (Phone-scoped) 

Male Cirl Bunting feeding up his nest (Phone-scoped)

Firecrest about to go in to nest below twig it's on (Phone-scoped)

There was again a few raptors around with 3 Honey Buzzard, 3 Black Kite, Hobby, Kestrel and tonnes of Buzzard all noted going over, also a distant possible Red Kite but was unfortunately scope-less at this point!

Finally Jenny made me put some pictures on of me birding, just incase anyone is worried I'm not getting enough birding in!

Me getting in 5 minutes birding today...

Me getting in 5 minutes birding today...

France Day 9: Pictures from a verge...

Just a quick one tonight as I've been out trying to locate the Scops Owl that's been calling (as it did last night) and I'm pretty tired.

Had an enjoyable day today, will update tomorrow but for now here's a couple of pictures from my phone after spending 20 minutes stood quietly in a roadside verge on the edge of our garden... it involves a pair of Red-backed Shrike and 2 (pair?) of Hoopoe.

 Male Red-backed Shrike (Phone-scoped)

Male Red-backed Shrike (Phone-scoped)

Male Red-backed Shrike (Phone-scoped)

Female Red-backed Shrike (Phone-scoped) 

Female Red-backed Shrike (Phone-scoped) 

Female Red-backed Shrike (Phone-scoped) 

Female Red-backed Shrike (Phone-scoped) 

Female Red-backed Shrike (Phone-scoped) 

Female Red-backed Shrike (Phone-scoped)

Hoopoe (Phone-scoped) 

Hoopoe (Phone-scoped)

France Day 8: The Brenne & Melody Show

Went for a walk round one of the Etangs in the south of The Brenne park today which was rather pleasant. First off we sat in a hide and saw several Black-winged Stilts, Cattle Egret and heard a few Savi's Warblers but  the main attraction here (for me at least) was the numerous Whiskered Terns in full breeding plumage flying about the place, often coming really close to the hide, they were very vocal too. Noticed that there was one Little Tern sat on the fence posts with them too. There was loads of Grey Heron about and 2 Purple Herons too. A few ducks were on the water, mainly Pochard, with several Mallard, Gadwall and a single male Teal. Also had Little Ringed Plover and Lapwing here. This looked a very interesting place so may try and get back early one morning.

View of the Etang

After a short while in the hide we then went for quite a long walk around the lake and through some countryside where there was quite a lot of Black Kite (including 2 that sat in a tree as we walked past - phone picture of one below), one Honey Buzzard and dozens of Common Buzzard about too.

 Black Kite (phone-scoped)

Black Kite (phone-scoped) - it'd just coughed up a pellet

Several passerines were seen/heard including Savi's, Melodious, Sedge, Wood and Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, CommonWhitethroat, and Nightingale. There was plenty of Stonechat and at least 5 Red-backed Shrikes, Common and Black Redstart, Tree Pipit, Woodlark, Skylark and (quite a few) Golden Oriole. Several Hoopoe flew around and there seemed to be Cuckoos everywhere.

After our walk we went briefly to the reserve base where we had a picnic lunch by the pond, here 2 Black Kite, and 2 Short-toed Eagles showed well, though with it being Sunday it was fairly busy with tourists/locals so we decided to make the most of the sun and head back to the Gite.

Late afternoon mainly involved watching the IPL final, though the result didn't go my way unfortunately. I did manage to find plenty of Short-toed Treecreeper, Nuthatch and a (the) pair of Spotted Flycatcher and a single Firecrest in the garden to keep me occupied. There was also a family party of fledgling Blue Tit which were very loud.

Highlight however was not a particularly rare bird, but just a great view of a singing male Melodious Warbler. Readers of my blog (and Dave in particularly) will know that I (we) put in hours (OK days) trying to connect with one when we were on the Scillies last Autumn (they're rare-ish in the North of England!). We eventually gained a few second glimpse of it at some ridiculous range! So I'm enjoying being able to watch these Melodious Warblers here so much. I took the following series of photos this afternoon on my phone. Light was quite bright but you get the idea.

 Melodious Warbler (phone-scoped)

Melodious Warbler (phone-scoped) 

Melodious Warbler (phone-scoped) 

Melodious Warbler (phone-scoped) 

Melodious Warbler (phone-scoped) 

Melodious Warbler (phone-scoped)

France Day 7: Peckers and more...

Lots of photos today. I went for an early morning walk around the local countryside this morning as the Common Redstart woke me up at 0530. The highlights this morning were made up by several species.

1. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Not particularly rare over here I guess but I wasn't really holding out much hope for actually seeing them due to all of the vegetation coverage on the trees. Had a bird fly over that I thought looked good and then it started drumming across the valley so I headed towards the noise where I found a female preening in a tree top, unfortunately the male remained out of view but I'll try to get that another day.  It showed really well although the light was in the wrong direction for pictures so I just got the following record shots on my phone. There was also Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker all within 50 m of here too!

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Phone-scoped) 

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Phone-scoped) 

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Phone-scoped)

2. Woodchat Shrike. Only seen the one Woodchat over here so far, way outnumbered by Red-backs in this area so thought I'd have another look at it this morning to try and get some pics, again light was not great from my angle, think afternoon would be better.

Woodchat Shrike (Phone-scoped) 

Woodchat Shrike (Phone-scoped)

3. Hawfinch. I saw one the other evening but today had 2 birds land in a tree top after flying low overhead calling, unfortunately it was still fairly early so no chance of a decent photograph, just the record shot below.

Hawfinch (honest) (Phone-scoped)

4. Golden Oriole and Jay. No pictures of this but quite interesting watching a stonking adult male Golden Oriole fighting with a Jay for a good 10 minutes. What a sight. It was in an area that I had a female type thing earlier in the week (and daily in this location since) so I think its likely they are breeding in the small copse.

Golden Oriole from a few days ago at same location (Phone-scoped)

There was also plenty of other smart birds (as usual) such as 3 or 4 male Cirl Bunting, lots of Melodious Warbler, several each of Hoopoe, Cuckoo, Woodlark, Tree Pipit, Stonechat, Black Redstart and Turtle Dove, and of course the explosive Nightingales everywhere.

Male Cirl Bunting trying to hide (Phone-scoped)

Turtle Dove (a bit closer than the last photo) (Phone-scoped)

We decided to go and check out a Medieval village today (called Chauvigny) and also go to the local market, was quite an interesting place with some very impressive buildings. We had lunch in the park where I noted a pair of Serin and some Moorhen on the pond. Hundreds of Swift and Jackdaw around the castles.  On the way back to the Gite we stopped at a forest area briefly (due to their being millions of mosquitos), did manage Hen and Montagu's Harrier in this area and tonnes of Tree Pipit.

The late afternoon was spent lounging around the garden soaking up some rays, it was another cracker of a day. While sunbathing I got distracted by my first Black Kite over the garden, 3 Honey and 3 Common Buzzard and several Kestrel low overhead. Smaller birds within the garden included several Nuthatch, and a pair of Spotted Flycatcher, both of which I spent some time phone-scoping and I'm reasonably happy with the results (below). Several Golden Orioles were in the trees but never settled well enough for me to even bother trying to photograph and the Short-toed Treecreepers were too fast too! There's always tomorrow!

Nuthatch (Phone-scoped) 

 Nuthatch (Phone-scoped)

 Nuthatch (Phone-scoped)

Nuthatch (Phone-scoped) 

Spotted Flycatcher (Phone-scoped)