Birding/Guide in Camargue region, France? (1 Viewer)

[Tucson Birder]

Hello, I'll be in France next month, and visiting the Camargue region from July 11-16. Although I'm an experienced birding in the US (especially SE Arizona), I was thinking I might get more out of my visit if I could find a guide for a day or two, but have been unsuccessful in finding someone available at that time. If anyone out there has a lead, I'd be grateful. Or even some specific tips for where to spend my time. Thanks- Sharon (Tucson Birder)

 

[Steve Babbs]

Where to Watch Birds in France (Where to Watch Guides) : Jean-Yves Barnagaud, Nidal Issa, Sebastien Dalloyau: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Where to Watch Birds in France (Where to Watch Guides) : Jean-Yves Barnagaud, Nidal Issa, Sebastien Dalloyau: Amazon.co.uk: Books

www.amazon.co.uk

is a pretty good book. A top tip in France is to speak a bit of French. English is fairly widely spoken, although quite a few people do speak little or non, but visitors not making any attempt can get a frosty reception; an attempt to speak a few words can make a big difference.

 

[Frank van Drogen]

Where to Watch Birds in France (Where to Watch Guides) : Jean-Yves Barnagaud, Nidal Issa, Sebastien Dalloyau: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Where to Watch Birds in France (Where to Watch Guides) : Jean-Yves Barnagaud, Nidal Issa, Sebastien Dalloyau: Amazon.co.uk: Books

www.amazon.co.uk

is a pretty good book. A top tip in France is to speak a bit of French. English is fairly widely spoken, although quite a few people do speak little or non, but visitors not making any attempt can get a frosty reception; an attempt to speak a few words can make a big difference.

And a list with French bird names helps too .... makes discussing with local birders about what's around a lot smoother.

 

[Steve Babbs]

And a list with French bird names helps too .... makes discussing with local birders about what's around a lot smoother.

I have to admit I haven't done that but, despite having spent many months in total in France, I'm not sure I have ever met a French birder in France, although I think I have elsewhere.

 

[Mono]

There are several threads where folk, including me, have asked for Camargue information.

Camargue

I'm off to the Camargue with some friends at the end of October and was wondering if anyone has any top tips. I've had a good look though the trip reports and have an idea of where to go but if anyone has any hints I would be grateful. Thanks Mono

www.birdforum.net

Camargue Information

Hi Going to the Camargue in the next 7 days. Flight arrives at Marseilles about 9 - 10pm - would it be wiser to stay in Marseilles for the night? How far is Marseilles airport from the better bits in Camargue? Any one recommend any good places to stay with any good views?

www.birdforum.net

 

[Steve Babbs]

This is worth getting

Crossbill Nature Guide Provence and Camargue - France - Crossbill Guides Foundation

The wildlife and nature guide to the Provence and Camargue for birdwatchers, naturalists and ramblers.

crossbillguides.nl

 

[Tucson Birder]

Thanks for these suggestions. Keep them coming. I'm currently poring over ebird lists to get started and know what I might see.

 

[Tucson Birder]

This is worth getting

Crossbill Nature Guide Provence and Camargue - France - Crossbill Guides Foundation

The wildlife and nature guide to the Provence and Camargue for birdwatchers, naturalists and ramblers.

crossbillguides.nl

Thanks I just ordered this

 

[Tucson Birder]

And a list with French bird names helps too .... makes discussing with local birders about what's around a lot smoother.

Where can I find a list like this?

 

[Frank van Drogen]

Where can I find a list like this?

I use the list from this site: List of the birds of Switzerland | Swiss Ornithological Institute (PDF), it has the names in four useful languages, as well as the scientific names.

 

[Val35]

I'd suggest a visit to Réserve Naturelle du Marais du Vigueirat and Réserve Naturelle de l'Etang du Scamandre. A visit to la Crau might be interesting too (Pin-Tailed Sandgrouse, Little Bustard, Calandra Lark, Lesser Kestrel, Southern Grey Shrike, Roller and Little Owl) even though this is not the best time of the year and bustard, sandgrouse and lark might be hard to find.

This stretch of road always has interesting birds (Slender Billed Gulls, Terns, Waders and Spectacled Warbler in the Salicornia/Tamarisks) :

Be aware that July will be very hot there, it's very important to bird early in the morning/late in the evening as birds will probably be mostly inactive in the middle of the day (especially in La Crau).
Also don't forget to bring mosquito reppellent, Camargue is known for it's high densities of mosquitoes.

 

[Tucson Birder]

I'd suggest a visit to Réserve Naturelle du Marais du Vigueirat and Réserve Naturelle de l'Etang du Scamandre. A visit to la Crau might be interesting too (Pin-Tailed Sandgrouse, Little Bustard, Calandra Lark, Lesser Kestrel, Southern Grey Shrike, Roller and Little Owl) even though this is not the best time of the year and bustard, sandgrouse and lark might be hard to find.

This stretch of road always has interesting birds (Slender Billed Gulls, Terns, Waders and Spectacled Warbler in the Salicornia/Tamarisks) : View attachment 1518264

Be aware that July will be very hot there, it's very important to bird early in the morning/late in the evening as birds will probably be mostly inactive in the middle of the day (especially in La Crau).
Also don't forget to bring mosquito reppellent, Camargue is known for its high densities of mosquitoes.

Thank you for that information. We had planed on La Crau but didn’t know about the other places you mentioned . We are from Arizona and used to hot weather -today it will be 103 degrees F (40C) here and we’re treating some of some of our clothes with permethrin spray before we go.

 

[Val35]

Thank you for that information. We had planed on La Crau but didn’t know about the other places you mentioned . We are from Arizona and used to hot weather -today it will be 103 degrees F (40C) here and we’re treating some of some of our clothes with permethrin spray before we go.

Good, I think Camargue in July should be between 30-35°C.
Enjoy your trip !

 

[Jos Stratford]

A top tip in France is to speak a bit of French. English is fairly widely spoken, although quite a few people do speak little or non, but visitors not making any attempt can get a frosty reception; an attempt to speak a few words can make a big difference.

On many visits to France, I can't say I have ever received a frosty reception for my lack of French. Must be my natural born charm 😅

 

[Steve Babbs]

On many visits to France, I can't say I have ever received a frosty reception for my lack of French. Must be my natural born charm 😅

I suspect as well-travelled man like yourself can manage, bonjour, ca va, merci etc. That puts you above a lot of people. I've had many people tell me about rude French waiters. I've never experienced that. I suspect it is because, although my French is pretty crap, they can see I'm making an attempt to order and respond in French.