A-Birder11
New member
I am spending a week in the Mercantour National park near Saint-Martin-Vesubie at the end of June and was wondering if anyone had any info or tips for birding (and mammals) in the surrounding areas. I am probably going to visit the Col de la Bonette and Col de la Lombarde so any info for species in these areas or nearby would be extremely helpful. My target species are mostly species that are rare or don't occur in the UK (especially Bearded Vulture and Wallcreeper) but I assume these two will be extremely hard.
I have found the below info from a search on here which has been very useful so anything to add to that would be greatly received. Thanks :t:
I have found the below info from a search on here which has been very useful so anything to add to that would be greatly received. Thanks :t:
Hi Gduff,
september is a month where most of your targets are wandering. So you can expect them in many places.
In late september you get few chances for Ortolan bunting as most are already gone and you must reach lower altitudes like plateau de Calern or areas nearby like Col de Vence for a try for the last ones.
Some of the best places «*nearby*» for Snowfinch are Col de la Bonette where it does breed and paths from Col de la Cayolle where you can expect wandering/feeding groups anywhere as well as the Treecreeper.
If you choose Vésubie Nutcracker wouldn't be a difficult task. Go to Le Boréon (easy from Saint-Martin Vésubie) and take the path to Les Granges de la Maïris. Birds are calling along the steepy path. Another solution is to go toward Col de Salèse, park at the last authorized section and explore the surroundings.
I don't know much at high elevations for Common Rock Thrush by this time of the year. You can try again Plateau de Calern where it is still present in late september.
For the Blue Rock Thrush you need to head South near the coast as this species doesn't pass over the 1000 meters high. Surely one of the best place could be La Tête de Chien which is a rock overlooking Monaco. OK it is far away from Saint-Martin Vésubie...
Citril Finch wouldn't be a hard matter if you do some walks above the treeline.
No answer for Rock Partridge and Ptarmigan. As these are nearly always difficult birds to see. I have always claimed «*in the Alps you need an entire day for each species*». And this is the case for Boreal Owl. However young Pygmy Owls respond to calls until october. Le Boréon provides good forests for it. Go at least to 1600 meters high in forests with spruces and firs on northern slopes. You need to call for helping you. Not Guaranteed.
The Dipper is guaranteed as it is a common bird*: check the streams anywhere.
May be what you defined as «*big raptors*» are Golden Eagle and Griffon Vulture. No problem if you go birding every day according to the weather*: the opportunity awaits you.
Pascal en «*keskinbo*» qui est désolé de son anglais basique...