Thanks to both of you. I'll be based in Corfe but I can do fairly long day trips if necessary.
Not sure where that is but the coastal road from Porto to Calvi is stunning.If you do one trip away from Corte this is the one to do
The Balagne region is lovely.It lies just south east of Calvi.A drive to Feliceto gives you a taste of the area.It takes about 30 minutes from Calvi which is a very pleasant coastal town.
The roads are a challenge so it may take you longer to get around than planned.
I wasn't chasing endemics but did find a few Corsican Citril Finch.
Enjoy!
Report on Feliceto in the Balagne region of Corsica.
We stayed at the restful Hotel Mare e Monti in the stunning Balagne region of Corsica. Car hire is essential but can be arranged at Calvi or through a package deal.
This was primarily a sightseeing/ relaxation holiday but I must say the birdwatching was never dull. The most striking memory is the sheer number of Red Kites which can be seen all over the island and every day from the hotel.
Other Feliceto species were: Crag Martin, House Martin, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Swift, Buzzard, Nightingale, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Serin, Citril Finch, Cirl Bunting, Greenfinch, Raven, Hooded Crow, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Red Kite, Spotless Starling, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Magpie, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Jay.
Much as I love the sound of the Cuckoo by the end of the week even I tired of their relentless calling around area surrounding the hotel.
This area at this time of year was a constant hive of activity and filled with bird songs and calls. If you take the path from the start of the GR20 [Northern end] and walk into the mountains there is an abundance of birds at the beginning. Sardinian Warblers abound, as well as Citril Finches, Wheatears, Cirl Buntings, Spotted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike, Stonechat, Red Kites and Crag Martins.
I found the endemic species Corsican Citril Finch near the river about 3 miles before Belgodorre [close to a tight bend in the road near the road bridge]. There were at least 17 Red Kites in the high valley north of Belgodorre as you climb up to the mountains again.
There is good seawatching anywhere suitable on the northern coast. Plenty of Med Shearwaters, Yellow-Legged Gulls, Shags [desmarestii] and Cormorants to look at.
Corsica is a stunning island. The scenery can be jaw dropping and there are plenty of birds to see as well.
) road that goes to Calenzana in the North-west.
