Corsica
Mountains in the Mediterranean

Corsica is one of the most rugged and mountainous of Mediterranean islands, largely untouched by tourist development. From the clear dark blue seas of the coast, up through the lush green forests of the lower slopes, to the white snowcapped peaks of its highest mountains, the island offers a superb variety of both scenery and wildlife. Much of the northern half of Corsica is a National Park, just recognition for the stunning scenery and its rich natural history. The island’s long isolation from mainland Europe is the prime reason for the high incidence of endemics among its flora and fauna, and our visits have been specially timed to maximise the variety of birds and flora we should encounter. Flowers can be stunning at this time of year, and include over fifteen species of orchids.

We will begin our tours in the mountains where we will look for the endemic Corsican Nuthatch, and other prized species such as Corsican Citril Finch (now designated a separate species) and Lammergeier. Our base for the first four nights is a small family-run hotel at the start of the enchanting Restonica Gorge in the heart of the Corsica National Park.

Descending to the coast, we will then search for Audouin’s Gull and Cory’s Shearwater, encountering a good range of other exciting Mediterranean birds on the way. Included in our itinerary is a visit to the island’s most important wetland site, the Étang de Biguglia, where we may see a host of waterbirds including egrets, herons and passage waders. Many migrant birds avoid the mountains and fly along the coast, and we should be well-placed to encounter some of these. Cap Corse to the north is one of the best migration watchpoints in the Western Mediterranean, and can turn up a good range of grounded migrants as well as the resident Marmora’s Warbler (now split as a species from the ones on the Balearics).

Price: £ 1,375
Single supp.: £ 210
Deposit: £ 300 per person

The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of scheduled return flights London-Bastia, airport taxes, full board accommodation, minibus transport, incidental tips, and the services of the leader.


The price excludes travel insurance, drinks and other personal expenses.

The 26 April - 3 May trip will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays.

Leaders:
19 - 26 Apr: Mike & Liz Read
26 Apr – 3 May: Mike Read & Mike Crewe

Itinerary:
Days 1 - 4
We begin our tour by taking a scheduled flight from London to Bastia via Marseille or Nice. We then transfer by minibus to Corte, a one-and-a-half hour drive, where we stay for four nights in an ideally-situated hotel close to some of the best mountain habitats.
Our first few days on this most rugged of islands will be spent exploring Restonica Gorge and Pont du Vecchio and its gorge. Here we will search for high-level species such as Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, Alpine Chough and Water Pipit. Our best chance of finding the endemic Corsican Nuthatch, Crossbills and Corsican Citril Finches will be in the Corsican Pines, although the latter does occur at all elevations.
The gorge also holds Dipper, the stunning Blue Rock Thrush, Raven and Red Kite, while Scops Owls call from the trees around the hotel in the evenings.
Another prime area for birds is the Asco Valley with its beautiful alpine meadows. Here we have another chance to see any of the higher altitude species we may have missed earlier. We must be careful to examine all the buzzards in this area, as Honey Buzzards may be seen as well as Common Buzzards. Alpine Swifts are common, while hirundines should be examined for the occasional Red-rumped Swallow. We also hope to see the local races of Coal, Blue and Great Tit.

The flowers here are stunning and include the very common Spring Sowbread, the endemic Corsican Hellebore and Corsican Crocus, and dramatic Pink Butterfly Orchid.
Four nights Corte


Days 5 - 7
On the north-east coast is the Étang de Biguglia, Corsica’s premier wetland site. This coastal lagoon has good numbers of Reed, Cetti’s and Fan-tailed Warblers. Other birds we should see in this area include egrets and herons, grebes, Marsh Harriers, Bee-eaters and wildfowl.
If we are lucky, we may see Night Herons or Little Bitterns, while passage waders may include Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint or Grey Plover. Audouin’s Gulls are regular here, while Slender-billed Gull is a scarce visitor. Drier areas may produce Cirl Bunting, Woodchat Shrike, Spotless Starling and Hoopoe.

On one day we’ll drive to Cap Corse, the very northern tip of the island, in search of Marmora’s Warbler, migrants, seabirds, and several species of orchids. This is one of the best spring migration watchpoints in France, and, if conditions are right, spectacular numbers of migrants can be held up here on their northward journey. On just one previous trip birds on passage included Montagu’s Harrier, several Red-footed Falcons, Wryneck, hundreds of Whinchats and other passerines, and even a Nightjar being pursued by a Marsh Harrier!
Three nights near Bastia

Day 8
We take a return scheduled flight Bastia-Marseille/Nice-London.

Accommodation
We stay in good quality hotels with all rooms en suite.

Transport will be by minibus.

Walking: Gentle walks over easy to moderate terrain.

Numbers: Max. 12 clients