Bird Migration in the south of France
Sitting like an oversized burial mound on the coastal plains near Gruissan is a hillock called the Roc de Conilhac. Surrounded by flat lands, lagoons (Fr.etangs) , marshlands (Fr. Marais) and some grazing land ( Fr. paturage ), with ranges of hills in the distance and the town of Narbonne to the north, it attracts birds and birders every year during the post-nuptial migration period which last from July through to the end of October. Equipped with telescopes and binoculars, people line up in a loose group and call out the birds that they see coming from the east. Regulars bring chairs or stools to ease the aches from standing several hours peering into the distance, and refreshing cups of coffee and a picnic are always welcome. ...