Introduction

During the holidays in June and July 2005, which were not exclusively devoted to ornithology, I registered all birds observed during touristic excursions in the Toscana, especially in the valley of the River Arno, in the Chianti and in the Pratomagno Mountains as well as in famous cultural centres such as Arezzo, Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, and Firenze.

Itinerary
June 25, 2005: Flight from Berlin via Milano to Firenze. Arrival at 17:00. Take-over of a rented car and drive to the holiday house La Casella near Castelfranco di Sopra about 40 km south-east of Firenze.
June 26, 2005: Hiking tour from La Casella up-hill to Lama at a temperature of 35 °C.
June 27, 2005: In the morning drive from La Casella via Castellfranco di Sopra to San Giovanni Valdarno. Birdwatching on both banks of the River Arno between Ponte Pertini and Viale Giotto.
June 28, 2005: Drive from La Casella via Castelfranco di Sopra to Loro Ciuffenna (Strada Provinciale Sette Ponti and SP1). Walk through the centre of the small town. Thereafter drive on SP1 to Arezzo and sightseeing in the city.
June 29, 2005: Drive from La Casella via Castelfranco di Sopra and San Giovanni Valdarno to the reservoir near Santa Barbara. Hiking tour and birdwatching along the northern bank of the water expanse.
June 30, 2005: Drive from La Casella via Castelfranco di Sopra, San Giovanni Valdarno and Santa Barbara to Gaiole, Radda and Greve in Chianti.
July 01, 2005: In the afternoon drive from La Casella via Castelfranco di Sopra, Pian di Sco, and Reggello to the abbey of Vallombrosa in the Pratomagno mountains.
July 02, 2005: Drive from La Casella via Castelfranco di Sopra to Insica in Val d'Arno. From there on the highways A1 and A11 to Lucca. Sightseeing in the old town centre.
July 03, 2005: In the morning a second  drive  from La Casella via Castelfranco di Sopra and San Giovanni Valdarno to the reservoir near Santa Barbara.
July 04, 2005: Drive from La Casella via Castelfranco di Sopra to Insica in Val d'Arno. From there on the highway A1 and on Raccordo Autostradale Siena-Firenze to Poggibonsi. From there drive to San Gimignano. Sightseeing in the historical centre of the town famous for its majestic towers.
July 05, 2005: No excursion.
July 06, 2005: Drive from La Casella via Castelfranco di Sopra, San Giovanni Valdarno, Montevarchi, and Gaiole to Siena. Sightseeing in the town centre.
July 07, 2005: Walk through the valley south of La Casella.
July 08, 2005: Drive from La Casella via Castelfranco di Sopra to Loro Ciuffenna (Strada Provinciale Sette Ponti and SP1). Hiking tour to Mulinaccio.
July 09, 2005: Drive from La Casella via Castelfranco di Sopra to Insica in Val d'Arno. From there on the highways A1 and A11 to Firenze Airport. Return of the rented car and drive by bus to Firenze. Accommodation in the Hotel Majestetic for the next four nights.
July 10, 2005: Sightseeing in Firenze. In the evening walk along the River Arno to the Porta di San Niccolò and to the Piazzale di Michelangelo.
July 11, 2005: Birdwatching and digiscoping at the weir near Porta di San Niccolò.
July 12, 2005: Birdwatching at the River Arno between Ponte  all'Indiano and Ponte di San Niccolò and in the park Le Cascine. In the evening visit of Giardino di Boboli.
July 13, 2005: Flight from Firenze via Milano to Berlin-Tegel.

Registration of the observations
All ornithological observations were registered in the databank OrniDB97–2.20, developed by Ralf Schirmeister (www.ralf-schirmeister.de for download) and were edited in two different ways. Under the heading "Excursions" one finds the complete records to the different observation places in chronological order. Under the heading "Species List" one finds the date, the place, and the number of observed individuals in systematic order.
In the section Excursions some photos give an impression of the visited areas, in the Species List one finds some photos of birds taken by a Nikon Coolpix 4500 in combination with a telescope Swarovski AT 80 HD.

Field guides and other ornithological literature used
Lars Svensson, Peter J. Grant, Killian Mullarney, Dan Zetterström, Der neue Kosmos-Vogelführer, alle Arten Europas, Nordafrikas und Vorderasiens, Frankh-Kosmos-Verlags-GmbH & Co., Stuttgart, 1999.
This book corresponds to:
Killian Mullarney, Lars Svensson, Dan Zetterström, Peter J. Grant, Collins Bird Guide, The Most CompleteField Guide to The Birds of Britain and Europe, HarperCollins, London 1999.

Books and maps for the orientation in the area
MairDumont, Italien, Toskana, Die Generalkarte, Blatt 7. Scale 1 : 200 000 (ISBN 3-8297-2073-4).

Links to Birdwatching in Italy
http://www.fatbirder.com/links_geo/europe/italy.html
http://www.travellingbirder.com/birdwatching/birding_Italy.php


Excursions

26.06.2005, 10:00-11:50
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
24 – 30 °C, sunny.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 3, calling.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Common Cuckoo (Cúculus canórus, Kuckuck): 1, calling.
Hoopoe (Úpupa epops, Wiedehopf): 1, calling.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1, singing.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 1, singing.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 30, flying.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 2, on a path.
Serin (Serínus serínus, Girlitz): 1, flying.
Green Lizard (Lacérta víridis, Smaragdeidechse): 1, creeping downwards on the vertical wall of the house. The green animal had a length of about 20 cm.

26.06.2005, 11:50-15:00
La Casella, hills north of the settlement, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
30 – 35 °C, sunny.
From La Casella I walked along the small road via Lama into the direction of the ridge with the television transmitter. The following bird species were observed during this hiking tour.
Common Buzzard (Búteo búteo, Mäusebussard): 1, flying.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 2 (at least), calling. One of the birds was seen in flight.
Common Cuckoo (Cúculus canórus, Kuckuck): 1, calling.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 100 (at least), flying in the surroundings of settlements. There were old houses, each with more than 20 holes in the walls. I had the impression, that these holes were prepared especially for the swifts.
Crested Lark (Galerída cristáta, Haubenlerche): 1, flying.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 17 (2 + 7 + 8), 7 of them on a power line at a farm house.
Robin (Eríthacus rubécula, Rotkehlchen): 1, singing.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 3 (at least), singing.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 2, singing.
Chiffchaff (Phyllóscopus collýbita, Zilpzalp): 1, singing.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, calling.
Jay (Gárrulus glandárius, Eichelhäher): 1, flying.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 2, flying.

27.06.2005, 06:30
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
25 – 35 °C, sunny.
During the day the following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Common Cuckoo (Cúculus canórus, Kuckuck): 1, calling.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 20 (at least), flying around the house.
Green Woodpecker (Picus víridis, Grünspecht): 1, calling, several times.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 2, flying.
Black Redstart (Phoenicúrus ochrúros, Hausrotschwanz): 1, on a tree near the swimming pool.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 2, singing.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 1, singing.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, calling.

27.06.2005, 07:30-09:10
San Giovanni Valdarno, River Arno, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
25 – 30 °C, sunny.
Between the two bridges, crossing the River Arno in San Giovanni Valdarno, the following bird species were observed.
Little Egret (Egrétta garzétta, Seidenreiher): 4, one of them flying along the river westwards, 3 feeding in the shallow water of the river.
Common Heron (Árdea cinérea, Graureiher): 2, flying.
Mallard (Anas platyrhýnchos, Stockente): 4 (2,2), swimming.
Little Ringed Plover (Charádrius dúbius, Flußregenpfeifer): 1, at the river bank [yellow eyering, dark bill, yellow (not orange) feet].
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 50 (at least), on shingle in the partly dry riverbed.
Collared Turtle Dove (Streptopélia decaócto, Türkentaube): 10 (at least), on shingle in the partly dry riverbed.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 50 (at least), flying.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 5, flying over the river.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 10, flying over the river.
White Wagtail (Motacílla alba, Bachstelze): 3, at the riverbank.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 4.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 2, singing.
Black-billed Magpie (Pica pica, Elster): 1.
Hooded Crow (Corvus coróne cornix, Nebelkrähe): 2, flying.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 25 (at least), 20 of them in the construction of the western bridge.
Serin (Serínus serínus, Girlitz): 2 (1,1), on a path in a park.
Greenfinch (Chloris chloris, Grünfink): 2, calling.

27.06.2005, 11:00-12:00
Castelfranco di Sopra, town centre, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
30 °C, sunny.
During a walk through the centre of the small medieval settlement the following bird species were observed.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 30 (at least), flying.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 5 (at least), on the streets.

DSCN 5190, DSCN 5192, and DSCN 5193
Castelfranco di Sopra, town centre, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
(27.06.2005)

28.06.2005, 09:00-21:00
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
25 – 35 °C, sunny.
The following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 1, calling.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Common Cuckoo (Cúculus canórus, Kuckuck): 1, calling.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 30 (at least), flying around the holiday house.
Hoopoe (Úpupa epops, Wiedehopf): 1, flying.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 2, flying.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1, singing.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, calling.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 20, on a cherry tree.

28.06.2005, 11:30-12:30
Loro Ciuffenna, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
35 °C, sunny.
The following bird species were observed in the historical town centre.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 3.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 50 (at least), flying over the town centre.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 2, flying.
White Wagtail (Motacílla alba, Bachstelze): 1, at the riverbank.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 5.

DSCN 5207, DSCN 5208, and DSCN 5213
Loro Ciuffenna, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
(28.06.2005)

28.06.2005, 13:10-18:00
Arezzo, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
33 °C, sunny.
The following bird species were observed in the historical town centre and in the park around the cathedral (Duomo).
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 30 (at least), most of them around the cathedral.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 100, flying over the town. One fledgling, unable to fly, was found on a street.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 3, in the park.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 1, singing.
Hooded Crow (Corvus coróne cornix, Nebelkrähe): 1, flying.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 5 (at least).
Chaffinch (Fringílla coelebs, Buchfink): 1, singing, in the park.
Serin (Serínus serínus, Girlitz): 10, on a lawn near the church San Domenica.
Greenfinch (Chloris chloris, Grünfink): 2, calling.

DSCN 5216 and DSCN 5218
Arezzo, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
(28.06.2005)

29.06.2005, 10:00-21:00
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
25 – 35 °C, sunny.
During the day the following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Common Cuckoo (Cúculus canórus, Kuckuck): 1, calling.
Tawny Owl (Strix alúco, Waldkauz): 1, calling (at 4:30 a.m. and at 10:00 p.m.).
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 30 (at least), flying.
Green Woodpecker (Picus víridis, Grünspecht): 1, calling.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 1, flying.
Redstart (Phoenicúrus phoenicúrus, Gartenrotschwanz): 1, singing (at 4:30 a.m.).
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1, singing.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 130 (30 + 100), flying.

29.06.2005, 12:15-16:00
Santa Barbara, reservoir, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
35 °C, sunny.
The following 28 bird species were observed during a walk in the surroundings of the reservoir near Santa Barbara. – I reached Santa Barbara from La Casella via Castelfranco di Sopra, San Giovanni Valdarno, and Porcellino. From Santa Barbara I followed the road to Gaville along the northern side of the reservoir. I parked the car near the dam wall of the reservoir and walked along the edge of the water up to the north-western end of the reservoir. From there I tried to find a way along the southern side of the reservoir, but I failed. Therefore, I had to return on the road at the northern side. – After 5 days 43 bird species were observed in the Toscana.
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticórax nycticórax, Nachtreiher): 1 ad., at the water's edge.
Little Egret (Egrétta garzétta, Seidenreiher): 3, at the water's edge. – Photos of one of the birds were taken.
Common Heron (Árdea cinérea, Graureiher): 2, at the water's edge.
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor, Höckerschwan): 2 ad, swimming.
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus, Nilgans): 2, roosting in the shadow at the water's edge.
Mallard (Anas platyrhýnchos, Stockente): 10, swimming on the reservoir.
Common Buzzard (Búteo búteo, Mäusebussard): 2, circling.
Common Morhen (Gallínula chlóropus, Teichralle): 4 (1 + 2 + 1), swimming.
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis, Mittelmeermöwe): 85, swimming on the reservoir near the dam wall.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 2, flying.
Wood Pigeon (Colúmba palúmbus, Ringeltaube): 1. A primary of a Wood Pigeon was found at the water's edge.
Collared Turtle Dove (Streptopélia decaócto, Türkentaube): 2, 1 calling, 1 seen in flight.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Green Woodpecker (Picus víridis, Grünspecht): 3, 2 of them calling. One of the birds was seen in flight.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocópos minor, Kleinspecht): 1, calling, several times.
White Wagtail (Motacílla alba, Bachstelze): 1, at the water's edge.
Common Wren (Troglodýtes troglodýtes, Zaunkönig): 2, singing.
Robin (Eríthacus rubécula, Rotkehlchen): 1, singing.
Nightingale (Luscínia megarhýnchos, Nachtigall): 5 (at least), singing.
Cetti´s Warbler (Céttia cetti, Seidensänger): 1, singing.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 5 (at least), singing.
Great Tit (Parus major, Kohlmeise): 1, calling.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, calling.
Hooded Crow (Corvus coróne cornix, Nebelkrähe): 6 (2 + 4), 2 of them at the water's edge, 4 flying.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 430 (30 + 20 + 30 + 300 + 50), flying.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 10, near houses.
Chaffinch (Fringílla coelebs, Buchfink): 2, singing.
Greenfinch (Chloris chloris, Grünfink): 2, on a tree.
Goldfinch (Carduélis carduélis, Stieglitz): 4 (2 + 2), flying.
Grass Snake (Natrix natrix, Ringelnatter): 2, one of them at the water's edge, disappearing in the dense vegetation.

DSCN 5227, DSCN 5231, DSCN 5262, and DSCN 5268
Santa Barbara, reservoir, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
29.06.2005)

30.06.2005, 09:00-21:00
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
25 – 33 °C, sunny to fair.
During the day the following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 10. Less than in the days before.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 2, flying.
Redstart (Phoenicúrus phoenicúrus, Gartenrotschwanz): 1, singing (at 4.30 a.m.).
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1, singing.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, calling.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 150, flying.

30.06.2005, 11:40-12:30
Gaiole in Chianti, Provincia di Siena (Toscana, Italy)
28 °C, fair.
The following bird species were observed in the historical town centre.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 3, on the roof of the church of San Sigismondo.
Collared Turtle Dove (Streptopélia decaócto, Türkentaube): 2, one of them flying, the other calling.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 50 (at least), flying. There were colonies of breeding House Martins under the roofs of houses.
Black Redstart (Phoenicúrus ochrúros, Hausrotschwanz): 1, singing, on a roof.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1, singing.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 10 (at least).
Goldfinch (Carduélis carduélis, Stieglitz): 1, singing.

DSCN 5270, DSCN 5277, and DSCN 5283
Gaiole in Chianti, Provincia di Siena (Toscana, Italy)
(30.06.2005)

30.06.2005, 12:55-13:45
Radda in Chianti, Provincia di Siena (Toscana, Italy)
30 °C, fair.
The following bird species were observed in the historical town centre.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 5, on the roof of a church.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 6, flying.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 2, flying.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1, singing, in a park.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 1, singing, in a park.
Chaffinch (Fringílla coelebs, Buchfink): 1, singing, in a park.

DSCN 5286 and DSCN 5289
Radda in Chianti, Provincia di Siena (Toscana, Italy)
(30.06.2005)

30.06.2005, 14:20-16:00
Greve in Chianti, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
30 – 33 °C, fair.
The following bird species were observed in the historical town centre.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 1, flying.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 20, flying.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 10 (at least), flying
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 10 (at least), flying.
White Wagtail (Motacílla alba, Bachstelze): 1, at the edge of a stream.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 2, singing.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 1, singing.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 1, flying.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 10.

DSCN 5292, DSCN 5294, and DSCN 5296
Greve in Chianti, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
(30.06.2005)

01.07.2005, 10:00-21:00
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
23 – 25 °C, fair.
During the day the following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Common Buzzard (Búteo búteo, Mäusebussard): 1, flying.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 6, flying. The formations of 20 or more birds, flying around the holiday house, were no longer observed.
Hoopoe (Úpupa epops, Wiedehopf): 2, flying.
Green Woodpecker (Picus víridis, Grünspecht): 1, calling.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 2, flying.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1, singing.
Jay (Gárrulus glandárius, Eichelhäher): 1, in a tree.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 40 (15 + 25), flying.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 5.

DSCN 5307
La Casella, surroundings of the holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
(01.07.2005)

01.07.2005, 16:10-17:30
Vallombrosa, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
27 °C, fair.
The following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the Abbey of Vallombrosa (Abbazia di Vallombrosa), situated about 1000 m over sea level in the Pratomagno Mountains. – Within 7 days 45 bird species could be registered in the Toscana.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 2, flying.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 10 (at least), flying.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 3 (at least), singing.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 1, singing.
Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europáea, Kleiber): 1, calling.
Jay (Gárrulus glandárius, Eichelhäher): 1, calling.
Chaffinch (Fringílla coelebs, Buchfink): 5 (at least), singing.

02.07.2005, 08:30-09:50
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
20 – 22 °C, sunny.
The following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 6, flying (in a formation) around the house.
Green Woodpecker (Picus víridis, Grünspecht): 1, calling.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1, singing.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, calling.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 50 (20 + 30), flying.

02.07.2005, 12:20-18:20
Lucca, historical town centre, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
30 °C, sunny.
During the afternoon the following bird species were observed in the historical town centre of Lucca and on the surrounding wall. – 46 bird species were observed in the Toscana within 8 days.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 100 (at least).
Collared Turtle Dove (Streptopélia decaócto, Türkentaube): 1, calling.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 20 (at least), flying.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 6, flying at the Piazza di Anfiteatro.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 5, in the park on the wall.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 2, singing, in the park on the wall.
Jackdaw (Corvus monédula, Dohle): 2, on the steeple of a church.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 10 (at least), calling in the streets.
Chaffinch (Fringílla coelebs, Buchfink): 2, singing, in the park on the wall.
Greenfinch (Chloris chloris, Grünfink): 1, in the park on the wall.

DSCN 5318, DSCN 5320, and DSCN 5329
Lucca, historical town centre, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
(02.07.2005)

02.07.2005, 21:30
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
24 °C, dusk.
In the dusk the following species were observed.
Bat (species? Fledermaus): 3, flying in the dusk around the holiday house.

03.07.2005, 07:00
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
20 °C, sunny.
In the morning the following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 30 (at least), flying again in a large formation around the holiday house.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1, on the road.
Jay (Gárrulus glandárius, Eichelhäher): 1, flying.

03.07.2005, 07:30-07:55
San Giovanni Valdarno, River Arno, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
20 °C, sunny.
The following bird species were observed in the valley of the River Arno west of the centre of San Giovanni Valdarno.
Little Egret (Egrétta garzétta, Seidenreiher): 4, in shallow water of the river.
Mallard (Anas platyrhýnchos, Stockente): 14, swimming on the river.
Common Morhen (Gallínula chlóropus, Teichralle): 1 this year's bird, in shallow water of the river.
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis, Mittelmeermöwe): 4, swimming on the river.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 3, flying.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 4, flying.
Common Wren (Troglodýtes troglodýtes, Zaunkönig): 1, singing.
Nightingale (Luscínia megarhýnchos, Nachtigall): 1, singing.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 1, singing.
Hooded Crow (Corvus coróne cornix, Nebelkrähe): 4, flying.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 5 (at least), calling.

DSCN 5334
San Giovanni Valdarno, River Arno, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
(03.07.2005)

03.07.2005, 08:05-09:10
Santa Barbara, reservoir, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
20 – 25 °C, sunny.
The following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the reservoir.
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticórax nycticórax, Nachtreiher): 2, hunting at the water's edge.
Little Egret (Egrétta garzétta, Seidenreiher): 3, in shallow water.
Common Heron (Árdea cinérea, Graureiher): 1, at the water's edge, in the shadow of trees.
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor, Höckerschwan): 2 ad., on a camping site.
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus, Nilgans): 1, at the water's edge, in the shadow of trees.
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis, Mittelmeermöwe): 1, flying.
Wood Pigeon (Colúmba palúmbus, Ringeltaube): 1, flying.
Collared Turtle Dove (Streptopélia decaócto, Türkentaube): 1, calling.
Green Woodpecker (Picus víridis, Grünspecht): 1, calling.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 1, singing.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 30, flying.
Goldfinch (Carduélis carduélis, Stieglitz): 1, singing, also seen.

DSCN 5337
Santa Barbara, reservoir, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
(03.07.2005)

03.07.2005, 09:35
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
25 – 30 °C, sunny, later fair.
The following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 10 (at least), flying.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, calling.
Greenfinch (Chloris chloris, Grünfink): 2, on a tree.

04.07.2005, 10:00-11:00
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
23 °C, sunny.
In the morning the following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 30 (at least), flying around the holiday house.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 2, flying.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, calling.

04.07.2005, 13:10-19:10
San Gimignano, Provincia di Siena (Toscana, Italy)
30 °C, sunny.
The following bird species were observed in the town centre of San Gimignano.
Common Buzzard (Búteo búteo, Mäusebussard): 2, flying (outside the town).
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 20 (at least), in the town centre.
Wood Pigeon (Colúmba palúmbus, Ringeltaube): 2, flying (outside the town).
Collared Turtle Dove (Streptopélia decaócto, Türkentaube): 3, 1 of them calling, 2 flying.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 50 (at least), flying over the centre of the town.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 6 (at least), flying.
Whitethroat (Sýlvia commúnis, Dorngrasmücke): 1, singing, in a shrub at the car parking.
Jackdaw (Corvus monédula, Dohle): 7 (4 + 3), flying and calling.
Goldfinch (Carduélis carduélis, Stieglitz): 1, singing.

DSCN 5377, DSCM 5388, DSCM 5407, and DSCM 5415
San Gimignano, Provincia di Siena (Toscana, Italy)
(04.07.2008)

05.07.2005, 12:00-20:00
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
20 – 28 °C, overcast, in the late afternoon fair.
The following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Tawny Owl (Strix alúco, Waldkauz): 1, calling (at 3.00 a.m.).
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 5 (at least), flying.
Green Woodpecker (Picus víridis, Grünspecht): 1, calling.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 2, flying.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 5, flying.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, calling. One female bird was seen in flight.
Greenfinch (Chloris chloris, Grünfink): 3, one of them calling, two flying.

06.07.2005, 10:15-11:30
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
20 °C, sunny.
In the morning the following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Tawny Owl (Strix alúco, Waldkauz): 1, calling (at 3:00 a.m.).
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 10 (at least), flying around the holiday house. – About the same number of Common Swifts were observed in the evening between 20:00 and 21:00.
Green Woodpecker (Picus víridis, Grünspecht): 1, calling.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 1, flying.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1, singing.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, flying.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 25, flying.
Bat (species? Fledermaus): 3, flying in the dusk (21:00).

06.07.2005, 13:20-18:30
Siena, town centre, Provincia di Siena (Toscana, Italy)
30 °C, sunny.
The following bird species were observed in the town centre of Siena.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 100 (at least).
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 50 (at least), flying.
Jackdaw (Corvus monédula, Dohle): 4, calling.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 3, flying.

DSCN 5466, DSCN 5471, and DSCN 5487
Siena, town centre, Provincia di Siena (Toscana, Italy)
(05.07.2005)

07.07.2005, 10:00-12:30
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
25 °C, fair.
The following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 20 (at least), flying.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1, flying.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, calling.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 100, flying.

DSCN 5501
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
(07.07.2005)

07.07.2005, 12:30
La Casella, valley south of the settlement, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
25 °C, fair.
The following bird species were observed during a hiking tour through the valley south of La Casella.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 1, flying.
Green Woodpecker (Picus víridis, Grünspecht): 2, calling.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 2.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 5 (at least), singing.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 2, 1 calling, 1 flying.
Hooded Crow (Corvus coróne cornix, Nebelkrähe): 1, calling in flight.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 6, near houses.
Goldfinch (Carduélis carduélis, Stieglitz): 2, on a tree.

DSCN 5490, DSCN 5492, and DSCN5496
La Casella, valley south of the settlement, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
(07.07.2005)

07.07.2005, 22:00
La Casella, hills north of the settlement, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
22 °C, darkness.
The following species was observed on a walk uphill from La Casella to La Lama.
Wild Boar (Sus scrofa, Wildschwein): 3 (at least), crossing the road in the darkness, loudly grunting.

08.07.2005, 10:00-12:00
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
20 °C, overcast.
The following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
Turtle-Dove (Streptopélia turtur, Turteltaube): 1, calling (in the afternoon).
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 2, flying.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 1, flying.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 1, singing.
Jay (Gárrulus glandárius, Eichelhäher): 2, flying (in the afternoon).
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 100, flying.

DSCN 5514
La Casella, view from the holiday house to the valley of the river Arno and to the Chianti Mountains, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
(08.07.2005)

08.07.2005, 12:30-14:15
Loro Ciuffenna, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
25 °C, first fair, later raining.
The following bird species were observed during a hiking tour from Loro Ciuffenna to Mulinaccio.
Green Woodpecker (Picus víridis, Grünspecht): 1, calling.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 4, flying.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 1.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 3 (at least), singing.
Chiffchaff (Phyllóscopus collýbita, Zilpzalp): 1, calling. – The Willow Warbler is a migrant, but not a resident in the Toscana.
Jay (Gárrulus glandárius, Eichelhäher): 1 (at least). Moulting feathers of this species were found on the track.
Chaffinch (Fringílla coelebs, Buchfink): 1, calling.
Goldfinch (Carduélis carduélis, Stieglitz): 1, singing.

DSCN 5510
Loro Ciuffenna, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
(08.07.2008)

09.07.2005, 08:00-10:20
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
22 °C, fair.
The following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the holiday house.
White Wagtail (Motacílla alba, Bachstelze): 1, flying.
Golden Oriole (Oríolus oríolus, Pirol): 1, calling.

DSCN 5527 and DSCN 5518
La Casella, holiday house, Provincia di Arezzo (Toscana, Italy)
(09.07.2005)

09.07.2005, 18:00
Firenze, River Arno, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
14 °C, fair or overcast.
The following bird species were observed at the River Arno.
Little Egret (Egrétta garzétta, Seidenreiher): 1, in shallow water.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 2, flying.

DSCN 5541
Firenze, River Arno and Ponte Vecchio, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
(09.07.2005)

10.07.2005, 18:30-20:30
Firenze, River Arno, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
20 °C, fair.
The following species were observed during a walk from the Ponte Vecchio to the Piazzale Michelangelo along the River Arno.
Little Egret (Egrétta garzétta, Seidenreiher): 6, in shallow water.
Common Heron (Árdea cinérea, Graureiher): 1, flying.
Mallard (Anas platyrhýnchos, Stockente): 7, swimming.
Common Morhen (Gallínula chlóropus, Teichralle): 1, at the riverbank.
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis, Mittelmeermöwe): 1, swimming.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 10.
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 2, flying.
Sand Martin (Ripária ripária, Uferschwalbe): 3, flying, at the weir near the Porta di San Niccolò.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 5, flying.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 50, flying along the river.
White Wagtail (Motacílla alba, Bachstelze): 1, at the riverbank.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 1, singing.
Jackdaw (Corvus monédula, Dohle): 2, near the Palazzo de' Pitti.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 1000, flying.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 5 (at least), at the riverbank.
Chaffinch (Fringílla coelebs, Buchfink): 1, singing.
Goldfinch (Carduélis carduélis, Stieglitz): 4, in shrubs.
Nutria (Myocastor coypus, Nutria): 1, feeding at the riverbank.

DSCN 5567
Firenze, Piazzale Michelangelo, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
(10.07.2005)

11.07.2005, 11:20-15:30
Firenze, River Arno, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
25 – 28 °C, mostly fair, sometimes overcast.
The following species were observed at the River Arno, mostly in the vicinity of the weir near the Porta di Niccolò.
Little Egret (Egrétta garzétta, Seidenreiher): 10, at the weir in shallow water or on stones in the river bed.
Squacco Heron (Ardéola ralloídes, Rallenreiher): 1, in shallow water or on stones in the riverbed.
Mallard (Anas platyrhýnchos, Stockente): 10, feeding at the weir.
Common Morhen (Gallínula chlóropus, Teichralle): 3, on sands or at the edge of the vegetation of the riverbank.
Common Sandpiper (Actítis hypoléucos, Flußuferläufer): 1, at the water's edge near the weir.
Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibúndus, Lachmöwe): 7, among them 2 this year's birds.
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis, Mittelmeermöwe): 6, on the weir.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 30 (at least), at the weir.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 10 (at least), flying.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 20 (at least), flying.
White Wagtail (Motacílla alba, Bachstelze): 5, at the water's edge.
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscícapa striáta, Grauschnäpper): 1, near the Porta di Niccolò.
Hooded Crow (Corvus coróne cornix, Nebelkrähe): 2, on the weir.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 10 (at least), at the riverbank.
Serin (Serínus serínus, Girlitz): 2, in the vegetation of the riverbank.

DSCN 5577, DSCN 5580, and DSCN 5748
Firenze, River Arno between Ponte Vecchio and Porta di Niccolò, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
(11.07.2005)

12.07.2005, 09:30-12:00
Firenze, River Arno, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
25 °C, sunny, later overcast and raining.
The following species were observed at the River Arno between the Ponte alla Carrais and the Ponte all' Indiano.
Little Egret (Egrétta garzétta, Seidenreiher): 6, in shallow water or at a weir.
Squacco Heron (Ardéola ralloídes, Rallenreiher): 1, on a weir.
Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides, Schwanengans): 1, at the riverbank, between Greylag Geese.
Greylag Goose (Anser anser, Graugans): 5, at the riverbank.
Mallard (Anas platyrhýnchos, Stockente): 7, swimming.
Common Morhen (Gallínula chlóropus, Teichralle): 2, at the riverbank.
Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibúndus, Lachmöwe): 3, flying.
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis, Mittelmeermöwe): 1, flying.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 30.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 5 (at least), flying.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 10 (at least), flying.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 2, at the riverbank.
Hooded Crow (Corvus coróne cornix, Nebelkrähe): 1, flying.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 3, flying.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 10 (at least).
Nutria (Myocastor coypus, Nutria): 1, at the riverbank.
Turtle (species? Wasserschildkröte): 2, on a stone in the river. These animals had a length of about 25 cm. Their armour was dark.

DSCN 5913
Firenze, River Arno and Ponte alla Vittoria, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
(12.07.2005)

12.07.2005, 10:00-10:30
Firenze, Le Cascine, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
28 °C, sunny.
From the bridge Ponte di Vittoria I walked into the park Le Cascine. There the following bird species were observed.
Common Wren (Troglodýtes troglodýtes, Zaunkönig): 1, singing.
Robin (Eríthacus rubécula, Rotkehlchen): 1, singing.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 6.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 1, singing.
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscícapa striáta, Grauschnäpper): 1, on a tree.
Starling (Sturnus vulgáris, Star): 1, singing.

12.07.2005, 13:30-14:50
Firenze, River Arno, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
28 °C, sunny.
The following bird species were observed in the surroundings of the weir near the Porta di Niccolò.
Little Egret (Egrétta garzétta, Seidenreiher): 5, at the weir.
Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibúndus, Lachmöwe): 3, at the weir.
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis, Mittelmeermöwe): 1, at the weir.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 30, at the weir.
Hooded Crow (Corvus coróne cornix, Nebelkrähe): 1, on the weir, feeding on a dead fish.
Italian Sparrow (Passer domésticus itáliae, Italiensperling): 10, at the riverbank.

DSCN 6084
Firenze, River Arno and the weir near Porta San Niccolò, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
(12.07.2005)

12.07.2005, 18:00-19:20
Firenze, Giardino di Boboli, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
25 °C, sunny.
The following bird species were observed during a walk through the Giardino di Boboli, the only greater public park in the centre of Firenze.
Mallard (Anas platyrhýnchos, Stockente): 8, swimming on the water of a fountain.
Street Pigeon (Colúmba lívia f. doméstica, Haustaube): 10 (at least).
Common Swift (Apus apus, Mauersegler): 2, flying.
Barn Swallow (Hirúndo rústica, Rauchschwalbe): 4, flying.
House Martin (Délichon úrbica, Mehlschwalbe): 2, flying.
Common Wren (Troglodýtes troglodýtes, Zaunkönig): 1, singing.
Robin (Eríthacus rubécula, Rotkehlchen): 1, singing.
Blackbird (Turdus mérula, Amsel): 3, an a path.
Blackcap (Sýlvia atricapílla, Mönchsgrasmücke): 3, singing.

DSCN 6095
Firenze, view on the Duomo from Giardino di Boboli, Provincia di Firenze (Toscana, Italy)
(12.07.2005)