) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
The Beauce plain is an agricultural land interspersed with windfarms and villages. It is essentially flat, with small hills that offer good viewpoints, eg around the pointed spot. In winter, large flocks of Northern Lapwing and European Golden Plover can be expected. Small number of Short-eared Owl may occur in grassy patches (unreliable). Breeders in crops include Greater Whitethroat, Western Yellow Wagtail and Corn Bunting. However, the area is at its best during autumn migration, especially from mid august to mid september. The local star is the Dotterel, which regularly stops over on hill tops (look for the flattest ploughed crops with few vegetation and some rocks). Searching for it will or won't produce results, but migration can be really nice some days (flocks of swallows, Whinchat, pipits etc). Try the edges of small woods for Pied Flycatcher and warblers.
Among raptors, Hen Harrier breeds in the surroundings. Montagu's Harrier and Western Marsh Harrier are uncommon but may still occur at the right season. Other possibilities are White Stork, Black Kite or any other species - just wander and search. Spring migration is not as good because crops are higher, but patches of dry grassland and small quarries can still offer some migrant passerines.
Details
Access
The whole plain between Chartres, Bonneval, Orgères-en-Beauce and Voves is worth a half-day visit, which can be done by car or bike. Take the driveable paths among fields and stop at any good viewpoint. In autumn, any ploughed field can bring something. Also worth a check are the small patches of grasslands interspersed here and there among fields. There are a few quarries (eg around Berchères les Pierres or Voves), the best way to go is to look at Geoportail.gouv.fr to prepare your itinerary.