France 🇫🇷

Birding in France 🇫🇷

Location

France is the second-largest country in completely in Europe. It consists of 18 administrative regions, with smaller departments (counties) within the regions. One of these regions is the island of Corsica (or Corse) which hold France's only endemic: the Corsican Nuthatch. France covers an area of 550,000 km2. There are 5 main mountain ranges in France, the Alps being the most well-known. The longest river in France is the "Loire" at 1,006 km from central France to the Brittany coast. France is a popular destination for tourists as well as birders and is, in fact, the most visited country in the world. 

Birdlife  

France is a haven for birdlife, showcasing a remarkable diversity of species across its varied landscapes, from the coastal marshes of the Camargue to the dense forests of the Vosges and the high mountains of the French Alps. About 500 bird species can be found in France, making it an ideal destination for birders. Notable bird species include the endemic Corsican Nuthatch, the rare Lammergeier (AKA Bearded Vulture), and the beautiful Greater Flamingos of the Camargue wetlands. France also serves as a critical migratory stopover for countless birds travelling between Africa and Europe. Thanks to conservation efforts in national parks and nature reserves, these species will continue to thrive.

On Holiday

My father was born in the rural north-west of France. Therefore, a lot of my family lives there, so we visit most years. I often make the most of this and spend some time birding. I have got lifers such as Turtle Dove, Black kite, Short-toed Treecreeper, Melodious Warbler, and Woodlark within walking distance of my grandma's house.