Descrizione
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 Pavoncella and Piviere dorato can be expected. Small number of Gufo di palude may occur in grassy patches (unreliable). Breeders in crops include Sterpazzola, Cutrettola and Strillozzo. However, the area is at its best during autumn migration, especially from mid august to mid september. The local star is the Piviere tortolino, 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, Stiaccino, pipits etc). Try the edges of small woods for Balia nera and warblers.
Among raptors, Albanella reale breeds in the surroundings. Albanella minore and Falco di palude are uncommon but may still occur at the right season. Other possibilities are Cicogna bianca, Nibbio bruno 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.
Dettagli
Accesso
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.
