Peregrine

I watched one, an adult male I believe, for several minutes, in May 2006, which soared over the village, before it went into a long shallow stoop and disappeared behind trees. It was a day when clearing rain brought honey buzzards and a Montague's harrier through on passage. Peregrines can be seen in the gorges of the Regional Parc. Another, with prey, soaring over the same area, 24/08/07, which was also a day of raptor passage,principally HBs. An adult watched for c.20 mins, 10/08/08, soaring around, during which time it made just one, unsucessful, stoop, then a further individual 2/09/08 passed through fairly quickly, southbound. Another adult appeared over the village 1st and 2nd Sept 2009, during a spell of low cloud and easterlies. An adult passed to the south of the village, heading NW, 13/05/10. One appeared over the house, cirling around, 15/08/10, being quickly joined by 2 Montague's Harriers, one of which started mobbing the falcon, before the latter drifted away and went into a steep stoop, on unknown prey.

Pheasant

Present in small numbers, much persued by hunters during the shooting season! A pair visited our garden 15/12/03, possibly disturbed elsewhere by hunters.

Pied flycatcher

Sprinkling of spring passage migrants in April/May, sometimes with redstarts. Seen daily in large numbers in Aug/Sept (first autumn date 22/08/06), including daily in the garden. Last 13/10/03.

Purple heron

A single bird took up temporary residence at the local reservoir in May 2001. 5 were seen flying north later the same month. Others visited the reservoir 14/04/03, 24/08/05 and 30/05/06.