Dragonflies and birds of the Camargue

The Camargue, France’s vast wetland lying within the arms of the Rhone Delta, conjures up romantic images of wild white horses, black fighting bulls, gypsy festivals and perhaps the best olives in the world. Natural history specialist Naturetrek, however, has been particularly inspired by the region’s stunning dragonflies and offers a brand new 8-day tour focussing on both the rich dragonfly and bird populations. Tour departs London 2nd July 2008.

The Camargue is one of Europe’s premier dragonfly destinations and in July, Naturetrek hopes to see over 30 species. The region is perhaps better known to naturalists for its birdlife, including the pink flamingos, and this aspect of the natural world certainly will not be neglected during Naturetrek’s tour. The holiday begins with an exciting exploration of the large wetland nature reserve of Les Marais due Vigueirat, getting eye to compound eye with Orange-spotted Emeralds, Green-eyed Hawkers and Goblet Damselflies.

Special permits allow guests to venture further into the reserve than the general public, exploring the marshes, woodland, open dry meadows and banks of disused canals. Later, a visit is made to the salt lagoons where Greater Flamingos breed – the Camargue is the only place in France where these pink flamingos nest - they favour raised nests built out of mud.

Further explorations reveal a healthy Bee-eater colony, whose residents feast largely on dragonflies, breeding Collared Pratincoles, and amongst the rice fields, tree frogs, various darters, Lesser Emperor and Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly, may all be spotted. The nearby stony desert of La Crau is also packed with life. Here, strange insects such as the enormous bright green Saga Pedo, fairy-like ascalapids, praying mantis and bush crickets may all be found, together with bird species including Hoopoe, Lesser Kestrel, and Calandra Lark.

The tour costs £985 p/p including flights, transfers, comfortable hotel accommodation with private facilities, all meals and expert natural history guiding.

For more information, visit Naturetrek.co.uk.