We catch an early morning ferry from Dover to Calais, then head south to La Brenne,
where we will spend two nights on our way to the Pyrenees and two nights on our way back.
Day 2
We spend the day exploring this little known region of lakes, reedbeds and woodland with
their teeming bird life. We may encounter Short-toed Eagle, Buzzard, Honey Buzzard and Purple Heron, as well as many
other species - perhaps even some of the many pairs of Red-backed Shrike which breed here. Butterflies too are to be
found in great abundance, and it is now sufficiently late in the year for Purple Emperor and Great Banded
Grayling and, with luck, the odd European Map may just put in an appearance for us.
Day 3
After breakfast we resume our journey south. We stop from time to time and one of these
breaks is where a river has been dammed and a lake created, which is now the home of a large colony of nesting
Little Egret. Lifting our eyes from the lake, we shall find excellent numbers of Black Kite circling above us.
In the afternoon we reach our hotel in the foothills of the Pyrenees which is to be our base for the next few days.
Days 4-7
We set out from the little town of Luz St. Sauveur each morning to visit the surrounding heights
and valleys in search of, among others, the alpine specialities which the region is renowned for. This is the home
of both Citril and Snow Finch, Alpine Accentor, Lammergeier, both species of Chough and the elusive Wallcreeper.
The Griffon Vulture is the area's most numerous large bird of prey, and it is common to see as many as thirty or
more in the air together, soaring among the peaks on the thermals. We may expect daily sightings of Short-toed and
Golden Eagle, with the possibility of both Imperial and Booted Eagle.
The alpine meadows are carpeted with flowers, and among them flit many wonderful butterflies, including
Camberwell Beauty, Swallowtail and the huge Apollo, a sight not to be missed.
Day 8
Today we head back to La Brenne, where a stroll before dinner will highlight the contrasts
between the two centres of our holiday. After dinner we venture out in search of Nightjars and Owls.
Day 9
We are joined at breakfast by Tony Williams, the local warden. Tony is our guide for the rest
of the day and his twenty years experience of living and working in La Brenne will make the day not only
enjoyable but informative and very rewarding.
Day 10
We make an early start on the journey back to Calais. A picnic lunch is taken in woodland
just north of Paris, where we have a good chance of encountering both Middle Spotted and Black Woodpecker, as
well as Pied Flycatcher and Short-toed Treecreeper. We reach Calais in the afternoon and take the ferry to Dover,
where our holiday concludes.
