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Description
The Cirque de Navacelles is an exceptionally scenic meander of the Vis river, running in a deep canyon that enlarges locally in a near-circular shape. beloglavi jastreb, planinski orel, puščavec and povodni kos can be expected year round. In winter skalni plezalček occurs on cliffs but finding them is a hard task.
The surrounding Causses host a nice diversity of mediterranean species, with hribski škrjanec, veliki strnad and other garrigue-related species. In spring (April - June), expect rjava cipa, rjavi srakoper, rjavoglavi srakoper, taščična penica, svetlooka penica and the suite of common breeders usually found in semi-open habitats. In the nicest habitats, for instance along the road between Blandas and La Rigalderie, vrtni strnad can be found quite easily.
Details
Access
The Cirque de Navacelles lies between the limestone plateaus of the Causse du Larzac and the Causse de Blandas, deep within the Grands Causses area of the Cévennes. There are many options to visit the area. One is to park in Blandas (1), north to the Cirque, and the easiest way from Montpellier. From there you can reach the Cirque by foot on a small track (follow signs). Alternatively, there is a parking lot just near the main viewpoint (2). Unless you want to try for povodni kos, there is no real justification to drive down to the bottom of the Cirque. Instead, keep time for the viewpoint where vultures, eagles and rock thrushes often show up.
For breeders, follow tracks or drive on the Causse. The small road leading to La Rigalderie is a nice starting point, but there are lots of other possibilities, for instance Le Quintanel or Le Barral areas. You will find roughly the same habitats and species on the southern side, which is easier to access from the A75 motorway (eg if you want to connect with vulture colonies along the Jonte gorges).