Where to observe birds in the Landes?

The Landes region is a birdwatching paradise. Whether it's a coastal dunes, a pine forest, or a cozy nest , everyone can find a place to call home, whether they're living there or spending the winter. The Landes Guide reveals the best birdwatching spots.

Bird watching is an activity that can be enjoyed in any season in the Landes region. Its estuary, marshes, dunes, and forests form a unique biotope, home to endemic species. The department is also located on one of Europe's most important migratory routes. Many migratory birds take refuge here, and the best times for birdwatching are late winter and early autumn.

Opening photo: @ Ryan Magsino / Unsplash

The Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, a place of passage for migratory birds

Straddling the Gironde and Landes departments, the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park stretches from the Arcachon basin to the outskirts of Casteljaloux on one side and Mont-de-Marsan on the other. This immense natural area encompasses different spaces:

• A river valley crossed by the Leyre ;
• A delta with its Teich Ornithological Reserve ;
• Wetlands ideal for wintering common cranes ;
• The Maison de la nature to discover the park in an educational, fun or unusual way;
• The Marquèze ecomuseum to rediscover the customs and life of yesteryear.

To observe birds, we offer several walks:

• The Testarouman leisure center, in Pissos : located in the heart of the park, it allows you to go down the Leyre in a canoe, for an observation along the water, in particular of its magnificent birds with shimmering colors, the kingfishers. Then, you can spend time and have fun with your family, doing tree climbing, archery...
• Rent bikes at the leisure center and explore the Pissos forest independently by mountain bike.
• The Teich Bird Sanctuary was established in the Leyre Delta. It is a rich and nourishing ecosystem, which attracts many migratory birds, in particular the Common Crane. Observation points have been set up and original visits allow you to admire the birds at the best times.

The Arjuzanx site

On a former mine, a natural space has been recreated, but the remains of this past have encouraged the development of plants that are uncommon in the region: certain plants, but also mushrooms and lichens. Insects have found their happiness there, attracting in turn, many birds.

At the Arjuzanx site, you can observe the Marsh Harrier, the Hen Martin, the Short-toed Eagle, the Red-backed Shrike, the Dartford Warbler, etc. This site is one of the favorite places of the Common Cranes, which settle there during the winter.

The Orx Marsh ornithological site

The Marais d'Orx Nature Reserve is a prime ornithological site. It is very vast, bringing together very different landscapes: alder groves, swamp forests, wet meadows, reed beds, etc., which are suitable for all kinds of birds: migratory, nesting, etc. At least 247 species have been recorded there, including some rare ones, such as the White-winged Kite or the Eurasian Spoonbill. Guides accompany you on "discovery tours," accessible to all, or "naturalist circuits," for hikers.

The Lesgau Nature Reserve, on the Barthes de l'Adour

The "barthes", in Gascon, designate marshy meadows. These are the floodable banks of the Adour. They therefore form wetlands, composed of marshes, meadows and lawns, peat bogs, etc., which are full of food for birds. In Saint-Martin-de-Seignanx, not far from Bayonne, the Lesgau reserve, in the heart of the Barthes de l'Adour, is a nesting site, but also a stopover for migratory birds. A bird observatory has been set up there and the tourist office organizes guided outings.

The Courant d'Huchet Nature Reserve, the Little Amazon of the Landes

The Huchet Current is a river because it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Its source is the Léon pond, of which it is the outlet, and its mouth is located near Moliets-et-Maâ. Nicknamed the " Little Amazon of the Landes," you will see many wild animals there, insects, fish, and birds of course.

The Courant de Contis, a “Natura 2000” site

Going down along the Vignac, you will reach the Courant de Contis, in the heart of a site classified as " Natura 2000 ". This preserved environment is very exotic. The flora and fauna are exceptional. Under a "canopy" of trees which overhangs the river, in the middle of marsh hibiscus, carnivorous plants and ferns, you can surprise buzzards, sparrowhawks, egrets, kites, herons, kingfishers..., without forgetting the European pond turtles, otters and minks!

The Black Pond Nature Reserve

The Black Pond Reserve is a typically Landes universe, yet little-known. It is a marshy forest, resembling a mangrove, which surrounds a pond, its stream that feeds it and a peat bog. It is the kingdom of birds : purple herons, egrets, kingfishers, etc., which come to feed in this wetland. Signs mark the route to make the walk more interesting and footbridges, boats and other protrusions at the water's edge allow you to contemplate nature and the birds, without damaging the banks.

Our tour of birdwatching sites in the Landes region is over. This is a great opportunity to discover the Landes region in a new light and to introduce you to birdwatching !

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