Compte rendu ornithologique camarguais pour les années 1976 et 1977

Abstract

This bird report follows on from those covering the years 1950-1975. As in the past the area principally concerned is the Camargue and the neighbouring Crau and Alpilles. The species mentioned are those which are regularly censused such as ducks, raptors, laro-limicoles etc., those having changed status and species either occurring only rarely, out of season or in unusual numbers. Climatological data are given for the two years under consideration. Attention is drawn to the increasing numbers of Cattle Egrets both breeding and overwintering and to an observation of what was almost certainly a Reef heron, which would be the first record for France. The Flamingos enjoyed another two highly successful breeding seasons, particularly in 1977. The small overwintering population of Bewick’s swans reached the record figure of 75 in January 1977. Another species on the increase is the Shelduck both during the breeding season and in winter. For the first time the number of Marsh Harriers wintering in the delta was monitored by counting at the roosts and this revealed the surprising total of at least 300 birds. Amongst the rareties there are records of Barnacle Goose, Blue-winged Teal and Purple and Buff-breasted Sandpipers. All three species of Phalarope occurred as well as the four Palaearctic skuas. Recent surveys in the Crau and Alpilles show that an estimated 500 pairs of Little Bustards breed in the former region whilst in the Alpilles about 20 pairs of Eagle Owls occur. There were again record numbers of breeding Slender-billed Gulls.