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 Ćurlikovac and the common suite of cropland species include Obična grmuša, Kukumavka and Rusi svračak. If the river has water, waders can occur both in the river bed itself and in water patches in surrounding fields. Herons (incl. Crvena čaplja), Trstenjak crvrkutić and Cvrčić tršćar breed if water level is sufficient. Ribar, Crna roda and other migrants may occur, mostly in spring migration. Planinski zujavac is a rare but regular (yearly) passage migrant in large fields surrounding the valley. In winter, Ritska sova may roost in wastelands around and large parties of Vivak and Zlatni vivak 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 Planinski zujavac, the area between Péronville, Bazoches en Dunoy and Cormainville is probably the best. Ćurlikovac) can be found anywhere in this area. Mala ševa used to breed here but no breeder has been confirmed since the 2000's (the species may still occur during migrations).
