For some wildlife we’re still in spring. Many species seem to be less obvious while others are decidedly more abundant and easy to see during June. Nesting species are obviously still present and many are more active and visible now than earlier having growing young to feed. It’s a go time to look for many of the bird of prey species especially if it’s been raining; fine weather after rain means for better hunting for hungry birds. All of the usual species are here plus breeding White-tailed Eagle, Black-winged Kite, Osprey and Goshawk; although they may be hard to find.

There are many French bank holidays in May and the Brenne, at least the nature reserves are often over-crowded with visitors at these times. That’s relatively speaking and here it’s always easy to do some of your own birding away from the main sites and find much of interest. However once into June there are far fewer people while the birding is just as good.  

Male ducks have ceased to worry about having a family and often come together at favourite lakes. One of the best examples is that of the Red-crested Pochard. Rare just twenty years ago we now find upwards of 300 birds together on the Gabrière lake in June and July; a great sight.

Brenne is an excellent area for butterflies with more than 100 species recorded within the limits of the Parc Naturel Régional. Although maybe not the best time of the year for numbers of butterflies late June and early July can provide the diligent observe with a good variety of interesting species. The last of the Woodland Browns are still active and relatively easy to find in the Lancosme forest. There are the last of the Spotted Fritillaries (Rosnay “champs de foire” is a good accessible site) and some second generation Knapweed and Granville Fritillaries put in an appearance. Late June’s the right time to look for Woodland Grayling at “La Boudinière”. Late July and many species won’t now be seen until next year, not so Dryads that are on the wing and at their peak, they are most easily found in Lancosme forest. There are many more species to be found, for more information visit the “Maison de la Nature” at Chérine reserve.

Late August is the time to look for the low-flying Dryad butterfly. Only on the wing for a couple of weeks when they are out they are quite numerous in parts of the Lancosme forest and not at all difficult to find.

 Those species that shoudn't be missed