Saintes-Marie-de-le-Mer, Camargue (Day 2).

A dull start to the day here in the Camargue. Our overnight stop is at Domaine De Menjes. A family estate open to the public.As the sun escaped the shroud of cloud the white horses were galloped into the yard.

Amongst them the little shetland ponies keeping pace. As the tourist attraction came alive we bought rice grown in the local paddy fields from the shop and paid to take the little train around the lagoon where we saw flamingos and other wading birds along with coypoius who swam in the muddy shallows.

It was an O.K. trip, but at eight euros each we didn't feel it was value for money. Today we also saw our first swallows.

Very exciting. Nest building was taking place  in the public toilets. As you enter the building they fly out at you in formation hoping to ward you off. It's going to be an interesting few weeks for anyone frequenting the loo here. Having felt we'd spent more than enough money to show our appreciation of being able to stay overnight here we drove to the nearby ornithological park. Despite being busy we squeezed Margery into a space near to the entrance where she received adoring glances from almost everyone who passed by. She's a looker, no doubt about that. Another sixteen euros on admission fees and we realised that the train ride at Domaine De Menjes had been a right rip off!

This park was fantastic. Our first sighting dozens of pairs of herons nesting in the nearby trees. We were mesmerized by the herony. As the birds came and went flying gracefully and then landing clumsily we photographed with abandon. The shallow waters attracted a variety of birds but of course the flamingos were the main attraction.

Always a joy for Angela to see these graceful birds. We spent a very long time watching them squabble, court, preen and mate. Every so often they took flight the bright orange feathers on their underside flashing in the sunlight. Stunning.

Tired from our walking we refreshed with coffee and hot chocolate whilst lost in the world of the wonderful bird life around us. Now late afternoon, it made no sense to move on so we returned to Domaine De Menjes to spend another night thankful for the light breeze that blew through the tall grasses. That'll stop the mosquitoes. If theirs one thing they don't like it's wind.