F stands for France and C for Corsica.
1 Black-throated Diver (Gavia arctica)
F: One adult summer at Beauduc/Camargue on 25 April.
2 Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
F: Up to three were seen at Etang de Fontmerle/Mougins on 20 April.
C: One was seen at Capitello on 28 April and up to two at Barcaggio on 2 May.
3 Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
F: Was recorded only in Camargue where present in good numbers.
4 Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
F: Eight were logged in Camargue on 25 April (7 on the Vaccarés and one at Beauduc).
5 Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea)
C: Was seen daily on 28 April-2 May. Most (17) were seen from the beach Plage de Padulone/Aléria on 29 April. Many were observed sitting on the sea at short distance off Barcaggio (they breed on the nearby island).
6 Yelkouan Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan)
C: Seen almost daily during our stay in Corsica. As with the Cory's we saw most off Plage de Padulone/Aléria on 29 April (ca 70). They were also seen in some numbers (40) off Pointe de la Parata near Ajaccio on 28 April.
7 Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis)
F: Were regularly seen in small numbers, in both Camargue and near Cannes.
C: Six were on Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
8 European Shag (Ph. aristotelis desmarestii)
C: The Mediterranean race was well observed in Corsica (ad & imm) and is clearly different from the Atlantic birds! Most were observed between Ajaccio and Pointe de la Parata (40-50) on 28 April and off Barcaggio on 1 May (ca 40).
9 Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
C: A male and a female were seen at Capitello on 28 April while a male was flushed up at Barcaggio on 2 May.
10 Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
F: The first (2) were seen at the Var estuary on 20 April, then we saw several almost daily in Camargue.
C: One immature was at Barcaggio on 1 May.
11 Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
F: In Camargue we observed up to four together one day (at Mas d'Agon on 26 April).
C: Two were at Capitello and one at the Liamone estuary on 28 April. Two were present at Barcaggio on 1-2 May while there were also two at Macinaggio on 2 May.
12 Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
F: Common in Camargue.
C: Two were seen near Aléria on 29 April.
13 Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
F: One was seen at the Var estuary on 20-21 April, while it was common in Camargue.
C: Present at most wetlands, high counts include 15 at Etang d'Urbino on 29 April and 15-20 at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
14 Great White Egret (Egretta alba)
F: These were observed at three sites in Camargue, one near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer on 24 April, 7 at Etang de Grenouillet on 25 April and one at Mas d'Agon on 3 May.
15 Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
F: Seen at most wetlands, most numerous in Camargue..
C: Apart from 6 seen in flight at Pointe de la Parata on 28 April only single birds were seen elsewhere.
16 Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
F: One was at Vaugrenier on 20 April. It was seen daily in Camargue (max. 10 on 3 May at Mas d'Agon).
C: One was at Capitello on 28 April.
17 White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
F: Ca five birds were observed in Camargue, including the breeding pair with youngs at Pont-de-Gau on 24 April.
C: In Corsica, one was seen flying above Capitello on 1 May.
18 Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
F: We were quite lucky with this rare species, three were seen at the Var estuary on 20 April and on 3 May we observed five at Mas d'Agon in Camargue!
19 Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
F: One immature was at Pont-de-Gau/Camargue on 24 April, where it was present since 1999.
20 Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus)
F: Only seen in Camargue, where very common. On 25 April we observed the breeding colony east of Beauduc (around 10.000 pairs).
21 Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
F: Only seen in Camargue, where the biggest flock (21) was near La Palissade south of Salin-de-Giraud.
22 Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
F: Common in Camargue, one was at the Var estuary on 3 May.
23 Common Teal (Anas crecca crecca)
F: Only seen in Camargue, where one pair was at Pont-de-Gau and two pairs at La Capelière on 24 April.
24 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchus)
F: Present at all ponds, lakes and marshes.
C: Only seen at Etang de Biguglia (a pair) on 2 May…
25 Garganey (Anas querquedula)
F: Only seen in Camargue; 1 male at Nord Vaccarés and two males at Pont-de-Gau on 24 April, then one male at La Capelière on 3 May.
26 Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
F: Only one male was found on the Vaccarés in Camargue on 25 April.
27 Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)
F: A pair and a female were present at Vaugrenier on 20 April, while few individuals were seen almost daily in Camargue and the Crau on 23-26 April and 3 May (at incl. Mas d'Agon, Etang des Aulnes, La Capelière).
28 Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
F: The trip's only bird, a male, was seen at Vaugrenier on 20 April.
29 Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
F: Although present in small numbers in the Mediterranean in winter, we managed to see 3 first-year birds at the Var estuary on 20-21 April.
30 European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
C: One bird was seen migrating over Col de S. Bastiano on 28 April.
31 Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
F: Only seen in Camargue and the nearby Crau where it is common (especially around the rubbish dump in Crau!).
32 Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
C: Seen almost daily in Corsica, where it is well represented from sea level to the mountains (7 were seen migrating well above 2000 m.a.s.l. at Haut-Asco on 30 April).
33 Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
F: One adult bird was seen at close range in flight above Peau-de-Meau in the Crau on 26 April.
34 Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
F: Seen in some numbers at various places, e.g. at Calerne where one was seen on 21 April and four on 3 May! In Camargue we observed six between Pont-de-Gau and Mas d'Agon on 24 April. Single birds seen at other places (the Crau and Alpilles).
35 European Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
F: Very common in Camargue! One was at the Var estuary on 3 May.
C: Single birds were seen in most humid areas (Liamone, Etang d'Urbino, Barcaggio, Etang de Biguglia...). One was caught and ringed at Barcaggio on 1 May.
36 Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)
F: Single birds were seen at the Crau on 23 & 26 April and at Calerne on 3 May.
C: One female was observed at Barcaggio on 2 May.
37 Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
F: Seen almost daily on 20-24 April at various places.
38 Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
F: These were regularly observed, it was the second-commonest raport outside the Camargue (the Kestrel was commoner).
C: Seen at various places.
39 Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
F: One 3cy/4cy was observed above Gourdon village on 21 April, one 2cy bird was well-observed nearby on 3 May.
40 Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)
C: One dark morph was migrating over Col de S. Bastiano on 28 April while another one (also dark) was seen at Barcaggio on 1 May.
41 Bonelli's Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus)
F: One adult was observed at La Caume, Alpilles mountains on 3 May.
42 Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
C: One was seen fishing at Etang d'Urbino on 29 April while one was at Barcaggio on 1 May.
43 Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
F: Only an adult male was identified with certainty at the Crau on 26 April, a female present with this bird could well have been of this species too...
44 Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
F: Common.
C: Common.
45 Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus)
F: A female was observed above Marais du Mas de Julian/Camargue on 24 April.
46 Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
F: One was at Cavillore on 21 April.
C: One was seen eating a dragonfly at Barcaggio on 30 April while another flew by at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
47 Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
F: Two (probably immatures) were present at the Crau on 3 May.
C: An adult bird was above Corte on 27 April and another was seen near Col de S. Bastiano on 28 April.
48 Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)
F: Only seen at the Crau where common and easy-to-see, on 23 April alone we saw 7 birds without really looking.
C: Two birds were heard at Barcaggio on 1-2 May, one of them singing.
49 Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
F: We only saw these in Camargue, where up to five were seen on 26 April.
50 Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)
F: One at Etang de Fontmerle/Mougins on 20 April was the only well-seen bird of the trip. One was heard at La Capelière/Camargue on 24 April.
C: One was heard at Capitello on 28 April while one was seen briefly at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
51 Little Crake (Porzana parva)
C: Two females were well-seen at Barcaggio on 1-2 May.
52 Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
F: Present in all kinds of wetlands, although most were seen at Etang de Fontmerle/Mougins and at the Var estuary.
C: Present in most wetlands visited in small numbers.
53 Common Coot (Fulica atra)
F: Apart from one at Etang de Fontmerle/Mougins on 19-20 April, this species was only seen in Camargue and Crau where common.
C: Three were at Etang d’Urbino on 29 April, one at Barcaggio on 1 May and many at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
54 Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax)
F: These were only seen at the Crau, where we saw two females on a military field north of Entressen on 23 April, nine birds along the N568 on 26 April and again two (incl. a male) on the military field on 3 May.
55 Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
F: Up to two were at the Var estuary on 21 April, while we saw a total of 10 in Camargue on 25-26 April.
C: One was at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
56 Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
F: The first was seen at the Var estuary on 20 April, while good numbers were seen in Camargue.
C: Four were at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
57 Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
F: This species was only seen around Baisse des 500 FF/Camargue (in good numbers) on 25-26 April.
58 Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus)
F: As with the bustards, we only saw and heard this bird at the Crau, where we found ca 10 on 23 April and five three days later.
59 Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola)
F: YK observed one at the Var estuary on 5 May.
60 Little Plover (Charadrius dubius)
F: Nine and then ten were seen at the Var estuary on 20-21 April. Surprisingly we didn’t find the species in Camargue!
61 Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)
F: We saw this one in good numbers, both at the Var estuary (19 on 3 May) and in Camargue.
C: Three stayed at Barcaggio on 1-2 May, while there were five at Macinaggio and several at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
62 Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)
F: Up to 14 were at the Var estuary on 21 April while it was common in Camargue.
63 Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
F: Two were at the Var estuary on 21 April. In Camargue we saw one near Phare de Faraman on 25 April and a flock of ca 30 at Phare de la Gacholle on 26 April.
64 Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
F: One near Albaron/Camargue on 24 April and three at Marais du Mas d’Agon/Camargue on 3 May.
65 Sanderling (Calidris alba)
F: A max. of five was seen at the Var estuary on 3 May while around ten were at Baisse de 500 FF/Camargue on 25-26 April.
66 Little Stint (Calidris minuta)
F: Up to six were at the Var estuary on 3 May, and it was seen in good numbers in Camargue.
C: Ten were at the Liamone estuary on 28 April, while ca 10 stayed at Barcaggio on 1-2 May (one was caught & ringed on 1 May) with five at Macinaggio on 2 May.
67 Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii)
F: One was at the Var estuary on 5 May.
C: Two were at the Liamone estuary on 28 April with one at Barcaggio on 1-2 May.
68 Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
F: Two were at the Var estuary on 3 May while ca 10 were at Baisse des 500 FF/Camargue on 25 April with a new arrival there next day (over 20 birds).
C: One was seen at Macinaggio and at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
69 Dunlin (Calidris alpina alpina)
F: Four were at the Var estuary on 20-21 April, good numbers were seen in Camargue, mainly around Baisse des 500 FF.
70 Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)
F: One stayed at the Var estuary on 21 April while several flocks were seen in Camargue on 23-24 April and 3 May (max. 30-50).
71 Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
F: The trip’s only bird was seen at Pont-de-Gau/Camargue on 24 April.
72 Great Snipe (Gallinago media)
C: One bird was flushed up at Barcaggio on 1 May and could not be relocated.
73 Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
F: At the Var estuary we saw 6 on 20 April and two on 21 April. Only three were seen in Camargue.
C: One was at La Pointe de la Parata on 28 April and three at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
74 Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
F: Three were at Etang de Grenouillet on 25 April.
C: One was seen on a field next to Etang d’Urbino on 29 April.
75 Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus)
F: Six were at Pont-de-Gau/Camargue on 24 April, while one was flying with Greenshanks at the Vaccarés (south of La Capelière)/Camargue next day.
C: One was with Greenshanks at Etang d’Urbino on 29 April.
76 Common Redshank (Tringa totanus totanus)
F: Up to nine were at the Var estuary on 20 April. Ca 10 were seen daily in Camargue on 24-26 April.
C: One stayed at Barcaggio on 1 May while two were at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
77 Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
F: While only two were seen at the Var estuary on 20-21 April, good numbers were seen in Camargue (incl. a flock of ca 30 at Etang de Grenouillet on 25 April).
C: Four were at Etang d’Urbino on 29 April with also four staying at Barcaggio on 1-2 May. Two were seen at Macinaggio and four at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
78 Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
F: Outside Camargue, we saw two at the Var estuary on 20-21 April. Seen in some numbers in Camargue, especially on 3 May in the rice-fields near Mas d’Agon.
C: Four stayed at Barcaggio on 1-2 May (one caught & ringed) with three at Macinaggio on 2 May.
79 Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
F: Two were at the Var estuary on 20-21 April, while only single birds were seen occasionally in Camargue on 23 & 25 April.
C: Quite common, as 11 birds were at the Liamone estuary on 28 April, and 5-10 at Barcaggio on 1-2 May (a few being caught & ringed).
80 Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
F: Four near Grau de Vérau/Camargue on 25 April were the trip’s only birds.
81 Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus)
C: An adult was seen in migration off Plage de Padulone/Aléria on 29 April.
82 Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus)
C: An adult was seen with the Pomarine Skua off Plage de Padulone/Aléria on 29 April.
83 Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)
F: The first birds were seen at the Var estuary on 20-21 April, but many were seen in Camargue, mainly in the rice fields west and north of the Vaccarés. One immature was seen from the ferry off Nice on 27 April.
84 Little Gull (Larus minutus)
F: Only seen at the Var estuary, where one was on 20 April and a flock of 11 on 21 April, and again two on 3 May.
85 Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)
F: Common.
C: Only seen at two sites, ca 25 at Capitello on 28 April and many at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
86 Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei)
F: Observed in Camargue, where the first birds (39) were seen at Pont-de-Gau on 24 April. Easily seen in the SE part of Camargue (Salins de Giraud, Baisse des 500 FF, Plage de Piémanson).
87 Audouin’s Gull (Larus audouinii)
C: Three birds in the harbour of Bastia on 27 April were almost the first birds we saw while arriving in Corsica! Seen daily from various places except on 28 April (Plage de Padulone/Aléria, and scattered along the Cap Corse peninsula).
88 Mew Gull (Larus canus)
C: One immature was at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
89 Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus graellsii)
C: One 3cy bird was with the Yellow-legged Gulls at Barcaggio on 1 May.
90 Yellow-legged Gull (Larus cachinnans michahellis)
F: Common.
C: Common.
91 Gull-billed Tern (Sterna nilotica)
F: One was at the Var estuary on 20 April with two there the next day. Seen daily and in good numbers on the rice fields in Camargue (mainly north of the Vaccarés).
92 Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia)
F: Two were at the Baisse des 500 FF/Camargue on 25 April.
93 Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis)
F: Nine were at the Var estuary on 21 April, while good numbers were seen in Camargue on 25-26 April, mainly at Salins de Giraud.
94 Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
F: The commonest tern species, with good numbers being at both the Var estuary and in Camargue.
95 Little Tern (Sterna albifrons)
F: Seen in the SE -part of Camargue (Baisse des 500 FF and near Phare de Beauduc) on 25-26 April.
96 Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus)
F: This was the most numerous chlidonias-tern species seen in the trip, although the numbers were not very high. Three at the Var estuary on 20 April, and ca 50 in total on 23 April at various marshes and ponds in Camargue (north & west of the Vaccarés) and the Crau (Etang des Aulnes & Etang d’Entressen).
97 Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
F: Very few were seen, three were at Etang des Aulnes/Crau and one at Etang d’Entressen/Crau on 23 April with 2 near Albaron/Camargue the same day. Then another was at Marais du Mas d’Agon/Camargue on 26 April.
98 White-winged Black Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)
F: One adult was well-seen at Marais deu Mas d’Agon on 26 April. YK observed one at the Var estuary on 7 May.
99 Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata)
F: After a long search we finally managed to see a couple which showed well at Pont-de-Meau/Crau!
100 Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
C: Eight were seen at two sites (Col de Listincone and near Tour de Capigliolo) on 28 April, these birds showed all a good plumage and stayed in small cliffs.
101 Common Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
F: Only a few (6) were seen during our trips to the mountains north of Cannes on 20-21 April, while many were seen daily in Camargue.
102 Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
F: Very common.
C: Common.
103 European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)
F: We saw the first (4) on 23 April at the Crau, then several were seen on 25-26 April along the coast in Camargue.
C: One was at Barcaggio on 1 May with six there next day.
104 Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
F: This species was mostly heard (e.g. ca 10 birds on 21 April) at most places, but the first to be seen was at La Capelière/Camargue on 24 April.
C: As in France, it was quite common. One was seen at Capitello on 28 April.
105 Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
F: Two were found while driving on various roads between Salin-de-Giraud and Le Sambuc in the evening of 25 April.
C: One was seen on 27 April and another on 28 April, both along the road between Corte and Ajaccio (in the evening).
106 Eurasian Scops Owl (Otus scops)
C: This common owl species was heard about everywhere we went in Corsica (ca 10 on 29 April around Corte). Unfortunately none were seen...
107 Little Owl (Athene noctua)
F: Two were seen on the piles of rocks from the observatory at Peau-de-Meau/Crau on 23 April.
108 Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)
F: While driving on the roads in SE Camargue on 25 April we found a singing male which could be well-seen on a branch just above the car!
109 Common Swift (Apus apus)
F: Common.
C: Common.
110 Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus)
F: One was seen in migration at Col d'Eze on 20 April.
C: One was at Barcaggio on 1 May.
111 Alpine Swift (Apus melba)
F: 10s were seen on 20 April at La Tête de Chien/La Turbie and at Col d'Eze. Ca 10 were at the Alpilles on 26 April with a few there again on 3 May.
C: Two were at Macinaggio on 2 May.
112 Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
F: One at Mas d'Agon/Camargue on 24 April was the trip's only bird...
113 European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
F: Only seen in Camargue; five near Beauduc on 25 April, one next day and a few heard on 3 May.
C: Three at Capitello on 28 April, five at Etang d'Urbino next day. Nine were at Barcaggio on 1 May and on 2 May we saw a flock of ca 30 birds at Macinaggio and up to 25 at Etang de Biguglia.
114 European Roller (Coracias garrulus)
F: One splendid bird was found at the Crau on 3 May.
115 Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
F: On 21 April we saw one at Caussols and two at Plan-du-Peyron, six were seen in Camargue on 24-25 April and again one at Caussols on 3 May.
116 Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)
F: Four singing birds were heard at Caussols on 21 April (only one was seen).
C: Two singing birds were heard on both 28 and 29 April (not the same). Two of these were at Capitello and Vallée de Verghello.
117 Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)
F: Single birds were both heard and seen at various places.
118 Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major parroti)
C: After dipping on that species in France, we had to wait till 30 April before finally seeing one bird (after hearing one on 27 and 29 April!) at Corte. Then another was seen at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
119 Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra)
F: A singing male was observed at the Crau on 23 April and one was seen briefly at the same place on 3 May.
120 Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla)
F: Only seen on 23 April, when 5-10 birds were noticed on the walk to and from Peau-de-Meau observatory/Crau
121 Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)
F: Only seen in Camargue; one at Nord Vaccarés on 24 April, one at Beauduc next day and then again one near Phare de la Gacholle on 26 April.
122 Wood Lark (Lullula arborea)
F: Two were found at Col de Vence on 21 April, one in Camargue on 26 April, then a few at Calerne and Caussols on 3 May.
C: One at Col de S. Bastiano on 28 April and three at the N193/D69 intersections.
123 Sky Lark (Alauda arvensis)
F: Common.
C: Only noticed at Barcaggio where there were two on 1 May.
124 Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)
F: Seen regularly over marshes, most were at Marais du Mas d'Agon/Camargue on 26 April (10s-100s).
C: 10s were at Capitello on 28 April, with fewer numbers at Barcaggio on 1-2 May and Macinaggio on 2 May.
125 Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris)
F: Common in rocky areas from the coast up to 2000 m.a.s.l.
C: Seen in small numbers near cliffs and gorges.
126 Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
F: Very common.
C: Common, high numbers were seen migrating northwards at Macinaggio on 2 May, and following short counts we estimated that some 3000 birds may have passed by per hour!! (a few were caught & ringed at Barcaggio)
127 Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica rufula)
F: Two were at Col d'Eze on 20 April and one at Col de Vence next day (all migrating).
C: One was at Barcaggio on 2 May.
128 House Martin (Delichon urbica)
F: Common.
C: Common.
129 Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)
F: Two were at Calerne on 21 April, then several were seen in Camargue/Crau during our stay there.
C: One was at Col de S. Bastiano on 28 April, one at Haut-Asco on 30 April and at Barcaggio we saw one on 1 May and three next day.
130 Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis)
C: Only observed at Barcaggio on 1-2 May, where a total of 10 birds were seen (a few were caught & ringed).
131 Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)
F: Only seen in our "mountain trip" on 22 April, when we saw ca 10 at La Madone des fenêstres.
C: Six were seen during our walk at Haut-Asco on 30 April, then one stayed at Barcaggio (in the lowlands!) on 1-2 May.
132 Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava ssp)
F: Observed commonly at various places (although only at low altitudes). Four subspecies were identified: flava, iberiae, cinereocapilla and thunbergi. The iberiae were mostly seen in Camargue, and one thunbergi was at Peau-de-Meau/Crau on 23 April.
C: Only observed at Barcaggio on 1-2 May where present in good numbers. 1-2 thunbergi were found on 1 May and one on 2 May.
133 Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
F: Ca ten were seen on 22 April on the way to Le Boréon and La Madone des fenêstres.
C: Two were at Vallée du Verghello on 29 April and one at Vallée d'Asco next day.
134 White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba)
F: Several were seen at the Var estuary on 20-21 April, while a few were here and there in the mountains on 21-22 April. One was seen in Camargue on 25-26 April.
C: One at Macinaggio on 2 May was interesting.
135 White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus aquaticus)
F: Three were seen on the small river at Le Boréon on 22 April.
136 Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes troglodytes/koenigi)
F: One was heard at Caussols on 21 April, while many were noted at Le Boréon and La Madone des fenêstres on 22 April.
C: The Corsican race koenigi was noted daily, from sea level to 2000 m.a.s.l.! We could only get good views while walking between Haut-Asco and Altore. Although similar to the Icelandic race, the song was on the other hand completely different!!
137 European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
F: Common, except in Camargue where only one was noted on 25 April...
C: Two were noted at low altitudes, but as soon as we got into the Vallée de Verghello and Haut-Asco many were seen.
138 Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)
F: Common everywhere.
C: Didn't seem to be as common as in France, only noted in some numbers on 28-29 April, then one was seen at Etang de Biguglia on 2 May.
139 Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros gibraltariensis)
F: Three were seen at La Tête de Chien and Col d'Eze on 20 April, two at Calerne next day then seven at Le Boréon and La Madone de fenêstres on 22 April. One was in Camargue on 25-26 April.
140 Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)
F: One was near Gourdon on 21 April and one at the Crau on 23 April. In Camargue two were seen on 25 April: a male at Beauduc and a female at Grau de la Dent.
C: One female was caught & ringed at Barcaggio on 1 May.
141 Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)
F: 10-20 migrants were seen in Camargue and the Crau on 23-26 April (most being at Beauduc on 25 April).
C: Observed in good numbers everywhere in low altitudes, especially at Barcaggio on 1-2 May (a few were caught & ringed).
142 Stonechat (Saxicola torquata rubicola)
F: Common at Caussols and the Crau. Five were seen in Camargue on 22 April.
C: Observed at most stops, although there was only one at Barcaggio. A pale bird ressembling maura was photographed near Etang de Biguglia on 30 April...
143 Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
F: 10-15 were seen at Calerne and Caussols on 21 April and 3 May. Next day a few were at La Madone des fenêstres. Then several were seen at the Crau and Camargue on 23-24 April, but over 20 were noted on 25 April, mainly along the shore on the way to Grau de Vérau/Camargue.
C: Several were at Haut-Asco on 30 April, up to three were seen at Barcaggio and two were at Macinaggio on 2 May.
144 Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica ssp)
F: A pair was photographed at Col de Vence on 21 April, it seemed to be of the eastern race melanoleuca (and the male was black-throated).
145 Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis)
F: One pair and a male were observed at Calerne on 21 April, a male was at La Madone des fenêstres next day and a male was between Gourdon and Caussols on 3 May.
146 Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius)
F: As with the Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, this one was only seen in the Alpes-Maritimes county. Two pairs were found on 20 April, one at La Tête de Chien/La Turbie and the other at Col d'Eze. Next day a male was seen near Col de Vence.
147 Common Blackbird (Turdus merula)
F: Common everywhere but in Camargue.
C: Very common, and singing males were seen from sea-level 2000 m.a.s.l. (above Haut-Asco) (a few were caught & ringed at Barcaggio)!
148 Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
F: Only two were noted; a singing bird at La Madone des fenêstres on 22 April and one at Beauduc/Camargue on 25 April.
149 Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)
F: The trip's only bird showed itself at Caussols on 21 April!
150 Cetti’s Warbler (Cettia cetti)
F: Present where-ever there was water.
C: As in France, these were noted at most wetlands (except Barcaggio!).
151 Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)
F: Only observed in Camargue where common.
C: Seen in small numbers in the lowlands (mainly on 28 April).
152 Common Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia)
C: One was heard singing at Barcaggio on 2 May.
153 Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon)
F: Only one bird could be seen in Camargue, at La Capelière on 25 April.
154 Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)
F: A bird stayed at the Var estuary on 20-21 April, while one was singing at Pont-de-Gau/Camargue on 24 April.
C: Observed at Barcaggio where there were two on 1 May and one next day (caught & ringed).
155 Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris)
F: One singing was seen, photographed and sound-recorded at Pont-de-Gau/Camargue on 24 April.
156 Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)
F: Four at Etang de Fontmerle/Mougins on 21 April were the first, small numbers were seen daily in the reed-beds in Camargue.
C: 3 were singing at Capitello on 28 April. One was seen on both days at Barcaggio (caught & ringed).
157 Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
F: One was noted at the Var estuary on 20 April while up to three were seen at La Capelière/Camargue on 24-25 April.
C: One was at Capitello on 28 April, and another at Plage de Padulone/Aléria next day. Three were noted on 1 and 2 May at Barcaggio (a few were caught & ringed).
158 Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta)
F: YK observed one at the Var estuary on 5 May.
159 Marmora’s Warbler (Sylvia sarda)
C: One bird could be found (thanks to a tape recorder), a male near the intersections of N193 and D69.
160 Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata)
F: Two were between Gourdon and Caussols on 21 April and again on 3 May and one at La Caume/Alpilles on 26 April.
C: One was at Barcaggio on 2 May.
161 Spectacled Warbler (Sylvia conspicillata)
F: A male at Phare de la Gacholle/Camargue on 26 April came just in time to get on the trip's list!
162 Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans)
F: Two were found in Camargue on 25 April; a male at Phare de Faraman and one near Grau de Vérau. Then a singing male was seen between Gourdon and Caussols on 3 May.
C: A male seen near Tour de Capigliolo on 28 April was the only individual we could identify (from call) as belonging to the island race moltonii. One was near Etang de Biguglia on 30 April and two were noted on 1-2 May at Barcaggio (both caught & ringed).
163 Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala)
F: Common throughout the area, except in Camargue where only one was noted on 24 April.
C: Seen everywhere, from Ajaccio to Barcaggio (where a few were caught & ringed).
164 Orphean Warbler (Sylvia hortensis)
F: A singing male was found at Caussols (in exactly the same bush where I saw it in 1994!) on 3 May.
165 Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca)
C: One was noted at Barcaggio on 1 May (rare visitor there).
166 Common Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)
F: Seen on both trips to Caussols and Calerne where it's quite common. Migrants were also found in Camargue on 23-25 April.
C: Five were at Capitello and one near Tour de Capigliolo on 28 April, and good numbers were seen at Barcaggio on 1-2 May (a few were caught & ringed).
167 Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)
F: The only in France was at Etang de Fontmerle/Mougins on 20 April.
C: Less than 10 were noted at Barcaggio on 1-2 May (a few being caught & ringed).
168 Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
F: Very common.
C: Common, although only two were seen at Barcaggion on 1-2 May (one being caught & ringed).
169 Western Bonelli’s Warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli)
F: Observed in good numbers at Caussols and Calerne on 21 April, and again on 3 May. In Camargue, one was at Phare de Faraman on 25 April
170 Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix)
C: Only observed at Barcaggio on 1-2 May, where present in good numbers (they had just arrived, many were caught & ringed).
171 Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
F: Ca ten were noted at Caussols and Calerne on 21 April (and again two on 3 May), and five were seen at Beauduc and Phare de Faraman in Camargue on 25 April.
C: The first was heard at Vallée d'Asco on 30 April, then several were at Barcaggio on 1-2 May (a few were caught & ringed).
172 Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
F: The first were seen on 20 April, three at Etang de Fontmerle/Mougins and one at Vaugrenier. Two were at the Var estuary next day. And good numbers were noted in Camargue, mainly on 25 April when tens were seen at good migrant spots (incl. Beauduc and Phare de Faraman).
C: Apart from one at the Liamone estuary on 28 April, these were only seen at Barcaggio on 1-2 May (where present in good numbers, a few were caught & ringed).
173 Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
F: Only seen at Le Boréon on 22 April.
C: Two were at Vallée de Verghello on 29 April.
174 Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus)
F: Observed daily from 20-22 April, from lower altitudes (e.g. Vaugrenier) to the higher ones (Le Boréon).
C: Apart from two noted on 27-28 April, ca ten were at Vallée de Verghello on 29 April.
175 Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)
C: The first (2) were near Ajaccio on 28 April, but around 10 were at Barcaggio on 1-2 May (a few were caught & ringed).
176 Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis)
C: A first-summer male was discovered by Gunnar and me at Barcaggio on 1 May, and after disappearing it was refound in one of the mist-nets later in the same day!!
177 Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca)
F: Apart from Camargue (where 15-20 were seen on 25 April), one was at Vaugrenier on 20 April.
C: One was at Capitello on 28 April and 5-10 at Barcaggio on 1-2 May (a few being caught & ringed).
178 Bearded Tit (Panurus biarmicus)
F: Only found at La Capelière/Camargue where three (2 males, 1 fem) were well-seen on 23-24 April.
179 Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
F: Three were at Caussols on 21 April, and three were also noted in Camargue on 24 and 26 April.
C: Two were at Vallée de Verghello on 29 April.
180 Willow Tit (Parus montanus)
F: This mountain species was only seen at Le Boréon (1) and La Madone des fenêstres (2) on 22 April.
181 Crested Tit (Parus cristatus)
F: Two at Caussols on 21 April and two at Le Boréon on 22 April were the only seen.
182 Coal Tit (Parus ater)
F: Very common in higher altitudes (from 1000 m and above).
C: Only found in high altitudes; at Vallée du Verghello and Haut-Asco where common.
183 Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)
F: Common everywhere except in Camargue where none were seen.
C: Present at most sites in small numbers (caught & ringed at Barcaggio).
184 Great Tit (Parus major)
F: Common.
C: Common.
185 Corsican Nuthatch (Sitta whiteheadi)
C: One male was found between road N193 and Col de Sorba on 29 April, and two colour-ringed males were well-seen in Vallée d'Asco (just before Haut-Asco). Their combinations were like this: one had a yellow ring on the right leg and a red ring on the left leg, while the other had a black ring on the right leg and a yellow ring on the left leg. All these birds were found with the help of a tape recorder.
186 Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris corsa)
C: A singing male was found (with the help of a tape recorder) in Asco valley on 30 April.
187 Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla)
F: Two were at Vaugrenier on 20 April while three were noticed at Caussols next day.
188 Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
C: An adult male showed well at Col de S. Bastiano on 28 April, while one was heard at Barcaggio on 2 May.
189 Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator)
F: The first was seen at the Var estuary on 20 April, while seen daily in Camargue (with a max of ca 10 at Beauduc on 25 April). Also seen at the Crau in all three visits.
C: One was at Capitello on 28 April.
- Balearic Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator badius)
F: Two were at Beauduc/Camargue on 25 April, and one at Etang de Grenouillet on 26 April.
C: A singing male was at Plage de Padulone/Aléria on 29 April.
190 Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
F: Only seen at higher altitudes.
C: Five were seen on both 29 and 30 April (most at Vallée de Verghello and Vallée d'Asco).
191 Black-billed Magpie (Pica pica galliae)
F: Very common everywhere.
192 Spotted Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes)
F: Four were at Le Boréon and one at La Madone des fenêstres on 22 April.
193 Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus)
F: Seven were found on 22 April, at Le Boréon and La Madone des fenêstres.
C: Ca. ten were observed at Haut-Asco on 30 April.
194 Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax erythroramphus)
F: One pair was at Calerne on 21 April.
195 Eurasian Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)
F: Seen in small numbers in the Alpes-Maritimes county, but very common in the Crau and Camargue.
196 Rook (Corvus frugilegus)
F: The trip's only birds (five) were observed from the airport in Paris on 19 April!
197 Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)
F: Common.
- Hooded Crow (Corvus corone sardonius)
F: One was seen migrating with Carrion Crows westwards at Col d'Eze on 20 April.
C: Common.
198 Common Raven (Corvus corax)
F: Observed near cliffs, in higher altitudes (e.g. La Tête de Chien/La Turbie, Calerne, Le Boréon...).
C: Seen daily, from sea-level up to the highest mountains. A flock of approx. 30 birds was near a dump just above Barcaggio on 2 May.
199 Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
F: Common.
200 Spotless Starling (Sturnus unicolor)
C: Rather common, although missing in some areas (e.g. Barcaggio and mountains).
201 House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
F: Common.
- Italian Sparrow (Passer domesticus italiae)
F: Two males (plus hybrids) were at Saint-Martin-de-Vésubie on 22 April.
C: Common.
202 Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
F: Seen in some numbers in Camargue, where many were seen on 24 April (e.g. at Montcalm), five at Etang de Grenouillet on 26 April and seven on 3 May.
C: Up to five were seen near Capitello on 28 April.
203 Rock Sparrow (Petronia petronia)
F: Four were at Plan-du-Peyron on 21 April.
C: A flock of 10-15 birds was seen near Col de Listincone on 28 April.
204 Indian Silverbill (Euodice malabarica)
F: Around ten were at the Var estuary on 3 May; this species has been breeding freely at Nice for over ten years, and is now dispersing west of the river Var (and recently started breeding at the estuary).
205 Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
F: Common, mainly in higher altitudes.
C: Common (a few were caught & ringed at Barcaggio).
206 European Serin (Serinus serinus)
F: Seen in small numbers at various places in the Alpes-Maritimes county.
C: Seen daily in small numbers (one was caught & ringed at Barcaggio).
207 Citril Finch (Serinus citrinella)
F: approx. ten were observed at La Madone des fenêstres on 22 April
208 Corsican Finch (Serinus corsicana)
C: Seen daily in all kinds of habitats, from the coast (e.g. Barcaggio) to the mountains (Haut-Asco). Highest number was c.10 birds at Barcaggio on 2 May.
209 European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris)
F: Common.
C: Less common than in France, but seen daily.
210 European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
F: Common.
C: Common (a few were caught & ringed at Barcaggio).
211 Eurasian Siskin (Carduelis spinus)
F: 5-10 were observed at Le Boréon on 22 April.
C: One was where the road ends at Vallée de Verghello on 29 April, while two were seen at Haut-Asco next day.
212 Common Linnet (Carduelis cannabina)
F: Only found on 21 April at Caussols and Calerne, and in Camargue on 25-26 April.
C: Eight were seen on 28 April at Capitello.
213 Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)
F: Only found on 21 April, when were at Caussols and one at Plan-du-Peyron.
214 Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus)
F: A male was at Col d'Eze on 20 April and one in Camargue on 26 April.
C: Seen daily in small numbers.
215 Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia)
F: Up to ten were found on 21 April, mainly at Caussols. One was seen above Le Boréon on 22 April.
216 Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus witherbyi)
F: Two males at Pont-de-Gau/Camargue on 24 April were the trip's only birds.
217 Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra)
F: One was at Caussols on 21 April while 10-20 were seen at the Crau on 26 April & 3 May.
C: Two to three males were singing at Capitello on 28 April with one near Col de Listincone. Good numbers were noted next day near Etang d'Urbino while two were seen on 2 May.