April 27, 2007
Migration in Orsay
Since getting back from Corsica, it seems like migrants have arrived in force this week. Flocks of Swifts (Martinet noir) are swirling above the campus, and Garden Warblers (Fauvette des jardins) and Nightingales (Rossignol philomele) have arrived back in the clearings of the Bois des Rames. Yesterday evening I wandered up to my old local patch on the plateau, to find it hopping with birds. Of particular note was a singing Fan-tailed Warbler (Cisticole des joncs) - a new colonist of this site. A minimum of 3 Grasshopper Warblers (Locustelle tachetee) were singing, one close enough to the path to get a couple of photos.
Common Whitethroats (Fauvette grisette) were also back in numbers and singing from any available prominent perch.
A Common Redstart (Rougequeue a front blanc) was singing, less than a km from where a male held territory over a month last year. Biggest surprise of the evening was a Tree Pipit (Pipit des arbres), obligingly perched right next to the path, and presumably just migrating through.
By the time I left the sun had already gone down, and this large chafer-type beetle crash-landed in the bushes next to me.
Given yesterday's success, I decided to head back to La Troche this morning, with a Whinchat (Tarier des pres) being the best of the migrants.
At least 2 pairs of Stonechat (Tarier patre) look set to breed again this year.
This Willow Warbler (Pouillot fitis) was foraging in low scrub.
In the Bois des Rames, it appears that 'my' Black Woodpecker (Pic noir) has found a mate. I spent an hour or so watching the nest hole, during which time she only popped her head out twice - I guess this means she's still on eggs.
An inquisitive Red Squirrel provided a welcome distraction during the nest-hole vigil.
