Something like a hot summer seems to have arrived at least temporarily. Richard and I went looking for stone curlews and orioles around La Tache last Friday and after failing to locate either of them during the course of a three hour walk, we saw two stone curlews in their usual field as we were driving away in the car. A female harrier, probably a hen, was hunting in the area.
On Sunday I had a look around Villefagnan to see if there was any sign of little bustards in what is supposed to be their last Charente foothold. There was no sign of them but upwards of twenty raptors including many black kites were either soaring or searching the recently harvested fields for food. A male golden oriole provided good views as he sat atop a dead tree. (please note, Richard)
Return migration seems to be underway and a willow warbler was in my garden at La Poterie yesterday. I've not seen a swift for over a week.
Chuffed(not choughed)to appear in the blog Paul! Hope to spot the orioles next time.
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