The Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Parkin the Aube, is one of the great prides of the region: 5000 hectares of lakes, sumptuous forests, meadows, crops, hillsides… With its great environmental wealth, the Forêt d’Orient Nature Regional Park is a real haven of peacefor its many visitors… and also migratory birds. !
As soon as autumn arrives, the park adorns its beautiful rust and gold colours and, throughout the day, walkers can admire the incessant flow of birdlife .. Black storks, grey cranes… Birdwatching in the Aube requires patience and focus, but the spectacle is worth it!
Which birds can be seen in autumn in the Aube? Where is the best observation post? What equipment do we need? Who can help us? Huh, who ???? Don’t panic, here are a few tips for a successful birdwatching session!
The Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park, ideal for birdwatching in the Aube
As you can see, if you want to make the most of the show, the Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park is the place to go. With nearly 300 listed species, attracted by the environmental wealth of the surroundings, the park is the perfect place to observe migratory birds inthe Aube.
There are four observatories ideally located on either side of the Forêt d’Orient, allowing you to contemplate the magic of the ornithological ballet that is played out before your eyes:
- The Orient Observatory, located between the Maison du Parc (the information centre) and the municipality of Géraudot, which opens onto the Lac d’Orient;
- The Valois ObservatoryThe site is located on the edge of the Lac du Temple, at the heart of the Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park. It takes about 30 minutes to get there;
- The Pic Vert observatory, at the heart of the Forêt du Temple ;
- The observatory of the Lake Amance, in Radonvilliers, which opens onto large mudflats.
Comfortably positioned at your observation post, at the heart of the Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park, on the lookout for the slightest movement of birds, you areabout to witness an extraordinary spectacle!
The perfect time for migratory bird watching
A successful birdwatching session is one that has been prepared, thought through and anticipated. After defining your observation site, it is now time to determine the ideal period. When during the year? At what time of the day?
To fully enjoy the migratory birds that decide to make a well-earned break on one of the lakes of the Forêt d’Orient, we recommend that you organise your observation sessions from mid-October to mid-March.. In autumn and until the end of winter, you will witness the migration of various species, determined to leave and return to their cosy little nests.
Also, be aware that one of the star birds to watch in the Aube – the grey crane – is a very, very early bird (figuratively and literally)! To witness its flight, plan to arrive at your observation post before sunrise. Yes, it’s hard to get up very, very early. We know. But the spectacle of hundreds, even thousands of cranes to the pink and orange skies will be worth it, trust us!
The different species of migratory birds to watch in autumn
Now that we have defined where and when, let’s determine the what. What birds are you going to see in the Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park in autumn? Out of the 300 species recorded by the park, knowing that autumn is the migratory period, we really can’t list them all. Please, don’t insist. On the other hand, we can recommend some!
The end of summer marks the beginning of the migratory flows. From September, perched on the observatory of your choice, you can watch the arrival of the first black storks, coming from the North and East of Europe, enjoying a beneficial break for a few moments in the Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park.
In autumn, one of the emblematic birds of the Aube is of course the grey crane.. From the middle of October until December, these birds take over the lakes of the Forêt d’Orient and settle down for a few days for a well-deserved rest. Early in the morning, the grey cranes fly off in search of food and only return at the end of the day. This spectacle of thousands of birds taking to the skies is breathtaking.
Moreover, the teams of the Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park organise“birding breakfasts” and“crane aperitifs ” to offer visitors the opportunity to watch this beautiful ornithological ballet over a drink or a coffee, in the company of a passionate guide! How great is that?
Migratory bird watching in the Aube in good company
Whether you are a novice or an experienced birdwatcher, it is possible to observe birds on your own. All you need is a good pair of binocularsand you are ready to go. Even better if you have a telescope!
On the other hand, if you would like to be guided, advised and accompanied in your ornithological approach, the teams of the Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park have planned everything! Through a multitude of activities, in the company of knowledgeable guides who are passionate about their profession, you will study the art of birdwatching in total peace and marvel at the spectacle that will unfold before your eyes!
We also recommend that you contact Maximilien, nature guide in Champagne. His knowledge of the territory coupled with his years of experience as a nature guide make Maximilien the ideal person to guide you during a birdwatching session in the Aube! In a spirit of respect and kindness to nature, Maximilien offers many ornithological activities, such as “Under the wings of birds” or“Rand’ornitho “. On the agenda: loan of professional equipment, contemplation of birds and nature’s treasures, identification booklet to recognise the species… Everything is planned so that you can enjoy a genuine ornithological phenomenon!
Now you know everything. We have given you the benefit of all our knowledge about birdwatching in the Aube. It is now time for us to let you fly on your own. Enjoy the show!
