Description
The river Conie emerges from the Beauce phreatic table and thus the site's interest varies from year to year depending on water level. Surrounding fields are excellent for (Ευρωπαϊκή) Πετροτουρλίδα and the common suite of cropland species include Θαμνοτσιροβάκος, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Κουκουβάγια and Αετομάχος. If the river has water, waders can occur both in the river bed itself and in water patches in surrounding fields. Herons (incl. Πορφυροτσικνιάς), Καλαμοποταμίδα and Θαμνοτριλιστής breed if water level is sufficient. Ψαραετός, Μαύρος Πελαργός and other migrants may occur, mostly in spring migration. Βουνοσφυριχτής is a rare but regular (yearly) passage migrant in large fields surrounding the valley. In winter, Βαλτόμπουφος may roost in wastelands around and large parties of (Ευρωπαϊκή) Καλημάνα and (Ευρωπαϊκό) Βροχοπούλι gather especially under cold weather.
Details
Access
The easiest way to explore the area is to drive or bike the local roads that run along the valley. From Châteaudun, a good start is to reach Moléans, then move eastwards to Conie-Molitard, Vallière, Nottonville, Varize, Péronville, Villeneuve sur Conie and leave the area through Patay. Make stops wherever the habitat looks good to you. For Βουνοσφυριχτής, the area between Péronville, Bazoches en Dunoy and Cormainville is probably the best. (Ευρωπαϊκή) Πετροτουρλίδα) can be found anywhere in this area. Μικρογαλιάντρα used to breed here but no breeder has been confirmed since the 2000's (the species may still occur during migrations).
