Altitude Fields and Moors

Altitude Fields and Moors

In these areas the birds are remarkable. The Alpine pipit, easily seen in the melting snow, punctuates its flight with the characteristic ‘pit pit’ and gives long cries descending in helicoidal flight. The grey and black northern wheatear is recognised by its white tail barred with black at the extremity, black brow and brief, anxious cry. Skylarks can be heard singing as they ascend over the moor land. Large ravens nest in the rocks and glide as birds of prey. They use their enormous beaks for cutting carrion and have wedge shaped tails that distinguishes them from crows and other ravens.

Two species of thrush live here, the ring ouzel, bigger than a blackbird, has a white front and each black feather is edged with white. There is also the rock thrush, the male of which has a blue head and neck with an orange breast. The presence of the Alpine accentor and Alpine finch show the influence of the glacial period. Numerous birds of prey, such as the kestrel, buzzards and red kites inhabit these mountains.

Man is the cause of some animals disappearing from the Cantal. Aurochs, sometimes erroneously called European bison, have been hunted to extinction. Wolves were killed as they attacked the herds. The last one was killed in 1927, except for one killed in Aubrac in 1977. The last eagle was killed at the end of the 19^th Century. Although the last lynx was thought to have been killed in the 18^th Century, there has been a recent possible sighting. It may be repopulating or spreading from other areas.

red kite

Walking in the Cantal for information on walking and walks in France and the Cantal, accommodation, food and wine.
Walking in France for information on France and GR footpaths.
Auvergne active Self guided walking holidays in the Cantal
Hôtel des Chazes - 2Star and Les Sources - Table & Chambre d'Hôte, St Jacques des Blats. Both excellent bases from which to explore the Cantal.
Monts d'Auvergne-Auvergne Hills for a description and pictures of the area, with suggested walks.
Éditions Chamina for walking guides in the Massif Central.

Classic Geology in Auvergne by Peter Cattermole ISBN 1-903544-05-x available from Blackwells