22-29 May: La France Profonde

This week staying in deepest France - about 25 miles SW of Poitiers near a village called Souvigne. We're right out in the countryside in an 18th century farmhouse with about 6 acres for the kids to run around in. No actual birding done but highlights from the garden and surrounding countryside include: 3-5 Turtle Doves purring at all times, loads of Cuckoos including at least one calling all through the night, a single Hoopoe, Cirl Bunting singing in the hedgerows around the village, Black Redstarts breeding in the barn (plus several other pairs locally), 1-2 Melodious Warbler, a few Serins, and up to three Tawny Owls calling.

Below, fields around the cottage with Cirl Buntings singing somewhere off to the left.