Another work trip to Basel, same job same dates as last year although a little less time off for birds however I still managed to see the things I was hoping for.
Much the same as last year, however at the end of last years trip I figured out where a good spot to watch the Alpine Swifts from was so spent the odd morning up there. There were perhaps 30+ birds and a few were seen flying into nest holes and cracks on the University building.
All my other birding was done at Le Petit Camargue Alsacienne, which is 20 mins on a bus into France from the apartment. Things were pretty much as they were last year and many birds including Marsh Warblers and Red-Backed Shrikes in exactly the same place.
Wrynecks were vocal and occasionally seen well, I also had my second ever views of Black Woodpecker, this time in flight which was pretty incredible, Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were seen too.
This male Honey Buzzard was perched in a poplar and gave very close views when it flushed as I turned a corner, I had perhaps three sightings of HBs during the trip after being told I wasn’t likely to see them away from the higher ground by a local.
As last year, Golden Oriel sightings were in the 10+ kinda numbers but all being brief and distant, my first of the trip however was a pair chasing off a hobby which then laid into a Black Kite. (following image)
Just a quick summary really of what was a nice Work trip, great to hear Black Redstarts everywhere and see Black Kites so well. It was also good to have something to compare last year to. One thing that was very much noted was an increase in Hawfinches with family parties and singing birds noted on each excursion.
I also saw a Pine Marten galloping towards me and then cross the road whilst i walked home after being down the boozer, which amazingly was in the middle of town!
