Overview
The Varghello Valley lies in the north-central part of Corsica between the peaks of Monte Cinto, Corsica's highest peak at 2710m, and Monte d'Oro.
The highest areas have a distinctive subalpine flora, below this is extensive pine forest and the valley bottom has dense Mediterranean maquis with Strawberry Tree and Holm Oak the dominant species.
The major attraction is, of course, the Corsican Nuthatch but this range of habitats supports a good variety of breeding species of all three vegetation zones.
Birds
Notable Species
The maquis at the lower levels supports Sardinian Warbler and Marmora's Warbler as well as Cirl Bunting.
Further up the valley in the pinewoods Corsican Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker are fairly common as are Crossbill and Treecreeper while the Corsican race of Sparrowhawk hunts overhead. Corsican Finch can be seen in the upper forests.
In the highest areas Lammergeier, Golden Eagle and Peregrine Falcon are possible and mountain passerines include Wallcreeper, Water Pipit, Alpine Accentor and Snow Finch. Eurasian Dotterel are occasional passage visitors to the high tops.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Lammergeier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Dotterel, Long-eared Owl, Alpine Swift, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Crag Martin, Northern House Martin, Tawny Pipit, Water Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Common Dipper, Alpine Accentor, Eurasian Robin, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Eurasian Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Marmora's Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Goldcrest, Spotted Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Corsican Nuthatch, Wallcreeper, Common Treecreeper, Common Jay, Alpine Chough, Hooded Crow, Northern Raven, White-winged Snow Finch, Chaffinch, European Serin, Corsican Finch, European Greenfinch, Eurasian Linnet, Common Crossbill, Hawfinch, Cirl Bunting
Other Wildlife
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Site Information
History and Use
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Areas of Interest
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Access and Facilities
To reach the Varghello Valley leave Corte southwards on the N193 and after about 17km the valley is signposted. Walking from here to Col de Tribali at about 1500m takes about 3.5 hours and covers all three vegetational zones.
Contact Details
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External Links
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Content and images originally posted by Steve
