Footnote to the Parc Ornithologique post.

Outside of the Parc there is footpath that follows round the tidal estuary and the seaside boundary, here it is possible to see a good selection of birds.Beware though between September and February the hunters or chasse are everywhere especially in the early evening. Sadly for such an important wetland site there is no buffer zone to protect the migrating birds. This is not a problem of the parc they have created a fantastic site.

The hunters have their decoys on ponds within site of the fence, you may witness them launching the rowing boats with cages, bought from their homes and containing live wild ducks. I have witnessed beautiful pintail ducks in these very cages, to be used as live decoys.  

Hopefully the parc is acting as a great eduction centre for the school children that visit daily and perhaps in time the attitudes will change. As I said It is not their problem so please support them like me and enjoy this wonderful parc.

Ringed plovers along the tidal estuary.

Little Egret looking out from the safety of the Parc, to the setting sun across the Arcachon Bassin.

A day birdwatching at the Parc Ornithologique Du Teich

Arriving at Le Teich in the Arcachon Bassin south of Bordeaux, it soon became evident that for photography the weather was not on our side. Not to worry, all I wanted to do was get out there and walk the four miles of tracks that take you through this ancient fish farm. For the last thirty years though it has been birds and not fish that are to be enjoyed. Open every day of the year there is always something to see, this is a huge haven for the migrators.

One of the many Redshanks passing through.

The gates open at 10.00 am and off you go, just hope you have favourable tide times, because if like me you love the waders, during the low tide most are outside the park enjoying the rich pickings of the Arcachon Bassin. 

Our first day saw large numbers of Spoonbills.

In the shallow lagoons were good numbers of Grey plovers.

Hundreds of Dunlin, little Stints and Curlew Sandpipers take to the air.

Out of the hide window we can just see the predator causing the chaos, a hungry male Hobby.

Another pass, nobody is happy.

Eventually like this Curlew Sandpiper everybody settles back to feed or rest.

One of the many Black tailed Godwits.

In the fresher back waters great White Egret mounts a perch.

This little Egret is preening and keeping a eye on the small fry below.

A female Marsh  Harrier enjoying the sun after feeding.

Common Sandpiper in search of food.

Pied fly catchers are still passing through.

The day's star attraction a juvenile black headed Night Heron, so different to the adult grey plumage.

Egrets so love to please.

A good couple of day's birding, shame about the weather but a real joy in a lovely setting. If you are in the area it is so worth a visit.