Days 2-5:- Over these tthree days we will visit the steppe-like habitat of La Crau and it's nearby airfield to track down some of the target specialities of the area, notably Little Bustard that can form large flocks at this time of year plus Hen Harrier, Rock & Cirl Buntings, Crested Larks, and an outside chance of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. However the extensive lakes and pools of the Camargue will be our main focus as we shall endeavour to find a range of wetland species and possibly rare wintering raptors, with two of our key target species being Greater Spotted Eagle and Long legged Buzzard. However this massive area can hold a wide range of other raptors possibly including Marsh & Hen Harriers, Common Buzzard, Merlin and Peregrine.
This famous wetland also holds a superb array of wetland birds such as Black necked Grebes, Great White & Cattle Egrets, Common Crane, large numbers of wintering wildfowl, Penduline & Bearded Tits. We will also explore the saltpans at the mouth of the Rhone where among other waders - Avocet and Kentish Plover are usually present, Greater Flamingo are numerous, and Slender-billed Gulls are also a possibility.One day we will go to the Alpilles, an area of vineyards and foothills of limestone crags. Here we will visit he mountain enclave of Les Baux with historic fort and village. Apart from being visually impressive it is also known for its wintering Wallcreepers on the sheer rock-faces and Alpine Accentors within the picturesque cliff top village. Weather and time permitting we will make the short journey to La Caume a local site for Bonelli’s Eagle and other commoner woodland species. Finally we continue further inland to the ski-resort at the top of Mont Ventoux to look for Citril Finch along with Golden Eagle, Sparrowhawk. Red billed Chough, Fieldfare, Nuthatch, and Common Crossbill.
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