Birds of Charente, France 19th to 27th July 2008

Some photos and brief commentary of my non-birding trip to the Charente.

Turtle Doves could be seen and heard often.

Skipper sp. butterfly

Few Serins recorded. This one was at Il de Re.

Red-backed Shrikes were few and far between. I found 2 pairs in the same field with juveniles.

Fish in the lake at Brantome.

Fan-tailed Warblers could be heard frequently even on the Brittany coast. A bird either overlooked or doesn't like crossing water into Britain

A large group of Corn Buntings were present not far from the hamlet where I was staying

Blue butterfly sp.

Banded Demoiselles were common at Brantome.

Lizard sp.

Beetle sp.

White Wagtail widespread but always in small numbers.

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Hoopoe in my parents garden.

Hoopoe present for a few days and then went missing. One of only 2 birds seen on the holiday.

Hummingbird Hawk Moth seen regularly. It took a very fast shutter speed to freeze frame these smart little insects.

Crested Larks were present in a horse paddock in the hamlet. Around 6 were counted including a juvenile. It took some time to get close to them. I eventually got lucky on a hot day when the birds were panting and seemed hot and reluctant to fly.

Crested Lark

Cirl Buntings outnumbered Yellowhammers here. This one I cheated and tape lured to the camera.