CORSICA Thursday 28 April to Tuesday 3 May 2016 TOUR OVERVIEW: This rugged Mediterranean island boasts over 600 miles of unspoiled coastline and a wild and dramatic mountain interior which combine to produce one of the most beautiful islands in the whole World. As if this was not enough, it harbours two special endemic birds, the Corsican Nuthatch and the Corsican Finch, plus a range of sought after species such as Marmora s Warbler and the magnificent Lammergeier. Primarily a French tourist destination, there is a good tourist infrastructure, with hotels conveniently located near to the major bird hotspots; it is actually surprising that it is not that well known to British birdwatchers. There is plenty of good bird watching to be had from near the vehicle and these unspoilt landscapes hold many orchids and butterflies. TOUR DESCRIPTION: a six day tour aimed to seek out the exciting collection of island endemics and near endemics. We begin in the centre of the island with four nights in Corte, ideally located near to high altitude forests favoured by Corsican Nuthatch and Corsican Finch and close to favoured valleys for other mountain species. Later we move to the coast for the last night bringing a variety of new bird species ranging from the exotic BeeEater, through Audouin s Gull and the badius form of Woodchat Shrike, to the Moltoni s Warbler, a recent taxonomic split from Subalpine. PHOTOGRAPHIC OPPORTUNIITIES: Corsica is a spectacularly beautiful island with peaks over 2500 metres where unspoiled landscapes abound, so you will not want to forget your camera. Our visit will target species with local significance, so with time spent in the right habitats, good images can be gained of the notable birds.
BIRD LIST: The islands geographic isolation from mainland Europe has resulted in considerable endemism amongst its flora and fauna. There is one true endemic, the Corsican Nuthatch which favours areas of upland Corsican Pine. The Corsican Finch has a more widespread distribution from sea level to mountains, and though is also occurs on neighbouring Sardinia, it is scarce and localised there, so Corsica holds the bulk of its population. Marmora s Warbler, recently split from Balearic Warbler, is likewise restricted to Corsica and Sardinia, and hence is much sought after, as is the Moltoni s Warbler, newly elevated to specific status. In addition there are a host of endemic sub species, some which might be split in the future: badius Woodchat Shrike and tyrrhenica Spotted Flycatcher for instance, all offering interest. Marmora s Warbler, a very attractive species The bird list includes: Scopoli s Shearwater, Yelkouan Shearwater, Red Kite, Lammergeier, Slender-billed Gull, Audouin s Gull, Scop s Owl, Alpine Swift, Pallid Swift, Alpine Chough, the Mediterranean form of Woodchat Shrike (badius), Crag Martin, Blue Rock Thrush, Penduline Tit, Marmora s Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Moltoni s Warbler, Corsican Nuthatch, Italian Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Corsican Finch, Corsican Crossbill, Cirl Bunting. MAMMALS AND OTHER WILDLIFE: Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard and Italian Wall Lizard are both rather common and should be looked for. Amongst Lepidoptera, Scarce Swallowtail, Cleopatra and the exotic Two-tailed Pasha are found in season, whilst Corsican endemic varieties occur for Swallowtail, Dappled White, Heath and Wall Brown. Offshore Bottlenosed Dolphins are possible whilst looking out to sea for shearwaters.
Scarce Swallowtail EASE AND PACE: We will concentrate our efforts in the north of the island thus minimising travel time. The longest journeys will be to and from the airport, but these are only 90 minutes and for the most part observations will be made from near the car. Longer walks of up to a couple of kilometres will be taken where necessary, such as in the Gorge de Restonica, but the walking is easy and any uphill climbs will be made in the vehicle! ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD: Good quality hotels in the mountains near Corte and on the coast near Bastia, with twin bed en suite rooms. Breakfast and dinner will be taken in the hotel with packed lunch provided. WEATHER: We can expect a mixture of weather with temperatures ranging from 15 C to 25 C, some sun but occasional colder spells in the mountains. On average the coast is warmer and drier with more cool conditions in the mountains when a little rain can occur, though it is not likely to be long lived at this time of year. PRICE: The price is 995 to include all travel in Corsica, all guiding and accommodation including bed and breakfast, evening meal and lunch taken either in a cafe or as a packet lunch. Not included are scheduled flights, estimated to cost about 250, and your drinks during the day and with your evening meal. GROUP SIZE: the tour will proceed with 5 group members plus a Birding Abroad leader. Maximum group size will be 10 plus two leaders.
ITINERARY: Day 1 Thursday 28 April Our flight arrives into Bastia at 15.10, so after collecting our hire vehicles, we make the very short journey to Lake Buguglia where the bird watching begins. This nature reserve is the largest wetland in Corsica, so we will search for Black-winged Stilt and other waders, perhaps Red Crested Pochard, whilst Audouin s Gull, Cetti s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola and Penduline Tit are likely. Soon we will have to push on towards Corte and our hotel, nestled amongst some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe. Night Corte Audouin s Gull, very much sought after Day 2-3 Friday 29 and Saturday 30 April This morning we start in the stunning Gorge de Restonica, probably the best single site for high altitude species. It is 14 kilometres winding drive to the head of the valley, but we will proceed at leisure with careful eyes and ears hoping to pick up Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Alpine Chough as well as occasional mixed feeding flocks of warblers and tits which often hold Corsican Nuthatch. Dippers frequent the streams and Grey Wagtails will be singing, whilst it will be useful to spot both Great Spotted Woodpecker and Coal Tit, both represented here by local subspecies. A short drive northwards brings us to the alpine meadows of the Asco valley, another prime habitat for montane birds. Here pines on the valley sides bring further chances of Corsican Nuthatch, whilst overhead Alpine Swifts, Crag Martin and Red-rumped Swallow are likely. Any buzzards need to be checked as the time of our visit is just right for passing Honey Buzzards which can follow the river valleys north. Just a few kilometres south we descend into forest and maquis where a concerted effort is worthwhile to secure both Marmora s and Dartford Warblers, whilst in the surrounding forests Corsican Finch is likely. Nights Corte
the mighty Lammergeier can be expected in the mountains Day 4 Sunday 1 May Today we spend the morning consolidating our views of the main target species before further exploring this magical island. Taking our packed lunch we first head north and then westwards, stopping at the impressive Col De Vergio and the nearby Foret Aitone, where amongst dramatic scenery further sightings of all our sought after birds can be expected. Night Aitone Corsican Nuthatch
Day 5 - Monday 2 May Early morning is the best time to see birds, and with Lammergeier, Golden Eagle and both the endemic nuthatch and finch on offer we are sure not to be bored. Venturing northwards towards Bastia we might take in the Regino valley, where Rock Sparrows, Cirl Buntings and Woodlark can be found whilst overhead Red Kite grace the skies. However we want to arrive near Cap Gorse where we spend the afternoon. Early May is the prime time for migration in the Mediterranean. Many species choose to avoid the mountains and Cap Corse in the very north is recognised as the best migration watch point on the island. We can expect migrant Whinchat, wheatears, warblers, including the occasional Icterine, whilst offshore Audouin s Gull and both Scopoli s and Yelkouan Shearwater are possible. Add the resident Moltoni s and Marmora s into the mix and a good day will be had. Night Bastia Day 6 Tuesday 3 May We begin this morning with a seawatch from the hotel before once again exploring the nearby Etang Biguglia, before we must reluctantly head to the airport for our flight home which leaves mid afternoon to London. Birding Abroad lance.degnan@virgin.net nickwhitehouse@btinternet.com