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.
superb pictures! So uplifting! You share these images we'd probably never get to see. Thank you
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