March 3, 2007
Window birding
Another trip down to the south of France, and yet another Wallcreeper dip.... this time in the stunning location of the Hortus, just north of Montpellier.
Consolation birds were the usual suspects of Alpine Accentor (Accenteur alpin), Crag Martin (Hirondelle de rochers), Blue Rock Thrush (Monticole bleu) and a bonus Peregrine (Faucon pelerin). It was a surprisingly warm day, with many Red Admiral butterflies and Hummingbird Hawkmoths seen, the latter often frequenting this native narcissus.
The rest of my birding time was limited to staring out of Andrew's window. His garden birds are very different from what I'm used to seeing in Orsay at this time of year. An ivy-covered tree is constantly attended by a noisy flock of wintering Blackcaps (Fauvette a tete noire).
Refreshingly, Tree Sparrows (Moineau friquet) still seem to be relatively common in these parts.
The roof opposite is a favourite perch of Black Redstarts (Rougequeue noir)...
... and White Wagtails (Bergeronnette grise). This bird was enjoying a good preen.
