Descrição
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 Abibe-comum and Tarambola-dourada can be expected. Small number of Coruja-do-nabal may occur in grassy patches (unreliable). Breeders in crops include Papa-amoras-comum, alvéola-amarela and Trigueirão. However, the area is at its best during autumn migration, especially from mid august to mid september. The local star is the Borrelho-ruivo, 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, Cartaxo-nortenho, pipits etc). Try the edges of small woods for Papa-moscas-preto and warblers.
Among raptors, Tartaranhão-azulado breeds in the surroundings. Tartaranhão-caçador and Tartaranhão-ruivo-dos-pauis are uncommon but may still occur at the right season. Other possibilities are Cegonha-branca, Milhafre-preto 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.
Detalhes
Acesso
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.
