Le Teich – Nature Reserve for birdwatching
Le Teich nature reserve: this large nature reserve – 110 hectares of woodland, reedbeds, meadow, salt marsh and fresh-and brackish water – is classified as a Parc Ornithologique.
The wide variety of terrain results in a huge variety of birds; it is also an important stopping point for birds flying between northern Europe and Africa. Just over 300 species have been recorded here, with more than 80 breeding at the reserve. Birds range from the Great Spotted Woodpecker to the grey heron, white stork, black-winged stilt, little ringed plover, black kite and the rare white-spotted bluethroat.
Spring migration starts in January and runs to early June, with the greatest numbers passing through between March to May; the autumn migration begins around June to early December with greatest numbers seen between September to November. Large numbers of birds also over-winter here.
For people with reduced mobility there is a special path that avoids steep gradients and viewing points with stairs. Pick up the route map at the ticket office. Taking into account tide times, the seasons etc, the reserve determines the best times to visit.
There is a shop and cafe. You can hire binoculars at the ticket office; there are information panels, or you can buy a bird identification book at the shop. In the warmer months, a hat and insect repellent are recommended, and do take a small bottle of water. Dogs are not allowed.
The reserve is open from 10am every day except Christmas Day, and closing times vary according to the season (6pm in winter to 8pm in summer).
Address and Contact Information
Rue du Port
33470 Le Teich
Tel: +33 5 56 22 80 93
Website: www.reserve-ornithologique-du-teich.com
Photo 1, Photo 2 by cedric deplanque / CC BY 2.0 images cropped; Photo 3 by Martine / CC BY 2.0 image cropped; Photo 4 by jacme31 /CC BY 2.0 image cropped