Hawfinch

A very small number turned up in the early part of the year (2001) and were present for a few weeks, before disappearing, perhaps back to the hills. Unlike their British counterparts, they were quite approachable. A superb adult appeared on the garden edge 11/12/05,after a frosty night, where it fed on olives and another, perhaps the same individual, 13/01/06, then two together 16/01/06 and finally, two in flight 02/04/06. Single, 19/12/09.

Hen harrier

Seen occasionally throughout the winter months, when a small population evidently roams the countryside, preying on the abundant passerine population. Invariably ringtails, adult males being in a minority. In late afternoon on 10/12/08 I watched three hunting the same area of garrigue to the south of us, one at least being an adult male. They appeared to be chasing passerines, mainly chaffinches, which were heading into the hills to roost. Winter 2008/9 turned out to be exceptional for the species, individuals being seen at many localities. Normally present in winter on nearby coastal marshes (see later notes).

Hobby

Seen in very small numbers, always as singles, on spring passage from about the 2nd week in April. Also one was watched for 20 minutes or so on the evening of 05/08/01 soaring around outside our land. It appeared to be looking for potential opportunities to prey on the juvenile house martins but only made one, unsuccessful strike. An autumn bird, on 06/09/06, was unusual.

Honey buzzard

Spring passage commences at the beginning of May and lasts for about two weeks, with autumn passage being even more concentrated in the last few days of Aug/first few days of Sept (but with small numbers continuing to pass south throughout September). Spring stragglers continue to drift north until as late as mid June. Other species, particularly booted eagle, are well worth searching for in these movements. Spring passage in 2001 produced approx. 300 H.Bs over and around the village and autumn passage in 2002 was even more productive, the best day being 29/08/02 when a hugh movement occurred, approx. 600 being counted up until midday. On 6/05/08, an est.500-1000 birds passed through in a two hour spell in the middle of the day, in classic low cloud conditions, with a further c.200 in a half hour spell on 16/05/08 and a similar number, again in the same easterly air flow, on 27/05/08. These figures would not, of course, represent all the birds passing through and would only represent a fraction of the numbers passing up and down the coast at the respective times. Breeds in the Regional Parc, where it can be seen throughout the summer months and where I have seen displaying males on several occasions. On 14/05/10, I watched a pale individual drifting around to the south of our property, which then started to do the spectacular and unique wing-clapping display! As they never display whilst on passage, this bird may have been looking to settle in the area for the breeding season. The same bird produced a superb series of approx 30 wing-claps in a ten minute spell, in the same area, on 17/06/10 - surely, the ultimate raptor experience!

Hoopoe

Another delightfully common summer visitor to the village edge. First arrivals are in early March, but I flushed an amazingly early bird from a path on the village edge, on 23/02/10 - they sometimes overwinter in France, which this individual may have, although I saw it on an exceptionally mild day and this may have brought it in. Singing continues until June and several pairs present. Last 21/09/02.

House Martin

Abundant local breeder in the village, first birds arriving in March. "First" record, 04/03/07.

House sparrow

Common resident.