The Dance of the Flamingos

Another wonderful day reaching 20 degrees and me in a polo shirt for the first time this year.  We decided to take a run down the coast starting at Etang de Vendres.  Nesting has begun for Grey Herons and c40 were already on nests.  Seven Red-crested Pochards sailed below us on a lagoon but two Mute Swans flying past were really unusual for this part of France.

Moving on to Port de Vendres we noted a Chiffchaff, 3 Black Redstarts and a Stonechat.  On the river nearby was a single Black-necked Grebe.  Next stop was Pissevache where a Sandwich Tern was the highlight.

On to Gruissan and certainly the most entertaining part of our excursion.  We found about 50 Greater Flamingos performing their amazing display.  The whole line marching this way and back and shaking heads and emitting loud goose-like calls.  Every now and then they stop and spread their wings like the preverbial flasher in the dirty raincoat.  Very entertaining.  A ringtail Hen harrier flew by as we left.

Our final look at Mandirac produced a Tree Sparrow and a White Stork.