Our first stop was the sewerage works and reedbeds at Lespignan. A horse paddock had 2 Water Pipits and a White Wagtail whilst a single Tree Sparrow fed with Goldfinches, Serins and Linnets.
We pressed on to Port De Vendre and the new marina. There was a feeding frenzy of Cormorants taking place with hundreds flying in and plunging into the River Aude for what was obviously an abundance of fish. Hordes of Little Egrets lined the stony banks trying to pick up morsels from the free for all. A Black-necked Grebe picked its way through the melee giving photographic opportunties.
We then moved down to the beach flushing 2 Crested Larks and a Black Redstart. The beach was entirely deserted of people and seemingly birds. We walked along the tideline and suddenly I heard a Sandwich Tern. What a surprise! Three came into view and commenced fishing in the surf. They seemed very unseasonable indeed. Returning to the car a Common Sandpiper flew out from the jetty followed by a Grey Wagtail.
We moved on to Pissevache stopping first at the sewerage ponds. Greater Flamingos were incredibly close and I managed quite a few photos. A single male Red-crested Pochard looked splendid as did a male Pintail. A male Hen Harrier quartered the reeds together with 2 Marsh Harriers and a Buzzard.
We then drove down through Gruissan and ended up at Mandirac again. Three Great White Egrets, a Cattle Egret and many Little Egrets were present. A ring-tail Hen Harrier and 3 Marsh Harriers were hunting low over the pools constantly harassing c200 Teal.
Another great day in fantastic light. Year list now at 71.
Day made better by the Canaries getting a point at Middlesborough and moving into 2nd place in the Championship.
No comments:
Post a Comment