I have lived and run a holiday business in the Ariege Pyrenees for 5 years. I have been a keen birdwatcher since I was a small boy. I am continuously amazed by the diversity and number of wonderful birds that can be observed in this part of France, at all times of the year. This site is not full of photographs (as I am not a professional photographer) but is principally designed to encourage you to use my knowledge and experience for observing Pyrenees birds and wildlife.
Introduction.
During the summer months, Bee-eaters nest along the riverbanks, Hoopoe's are frequently sighted, Black Woodpeckers, Golden Oriole are summer residents. Rollers pass through in later summer. Black and Red kites abound. Peregrines and Golden Eagles nest in the limestone crags of the unique foothills of the Massif du Plantaurel. The lower fields and surrounds are teeming with butterflies and insects, the woods resound to a myriad of calls, Blackcaps and Nightingales adding their frequent beautiful notes. On the higher slopes are good numbers of Griffon Vultures, less common Egyptians and sometimes Short-toed eagles. Bearded Vultures can be seen in one or two locations. There are many types of open grassland birds, such as Skylarks. Smaller raptors such as Merlin and Hobby are often seen darting between the hedgerows. There are gravel pits with a wide variety of waders and waterfowl. On the agricultural land there are 2 types of Egret, the ubiquitous Heron and later on in the autumn, migrating Cranes. There is a breeding colony of White Storks in the Ariege. The Ariege and the Pyrenees are particularly interesting during migration periods, from mid-August onwards.
To preserve the habitat and to minimise the risk of disturbance to wildlife I will only divulge specific locations for most species through direct contact. So please contact me with your specific questions and I will help wherever possible & appropriate. Should you choose to stay with us, I can discuss in person specific locations and possible guided tours with the Ariege Pyrenees.
During 12-14 June I worked with a filming team (right) from Aden Productions and presenter Iolo Williams on a project to film Bee-eaters in our local area plus Marmots, Izzards, Golden Eagle in the higher Pyrenees, Ariege.
In mid June in this wonderful location (left) in the Ariege Pyrenees I observed a Bearded Vulture, a pair of Choughs, 4 Griffons, a huge number and array of butterflies & insects, mountain roses, high lake fish...it is naturalist's delight. Near Tarascon, Ariege.
In
a 20 minute period on the 25th June 2011, we saw 20+ Griffons,
a Golden
Eagle
being mobbed by a Buzzard, the eagle turning on its back in defence (this
battle continued for over 20 minutes!).
A male Merlin flew by then just as we sat down for lunch, an
Egyptian Vulture appeared overhead - amazing! We continued to see Griffons for the rest of the
time we were on the ridgeline (see right), before dropping back into the
forest where we found an incredible number of butterflies (below) and day
time flying moths. Near Foix, Ariege.
Spectacular Sep...
6th September at Roquefixade watched for some time a hovering Short-toed Eagle.
7th September near Pamiers, a Roller.
Late Migration? It is thought that 'climate change' is making many species migrate later.
We saw Cranes preparing to cross the Pyrenees on the 17th of November. Do you have views on Global Warming, climate change and the effect on bird & animal species, including changing such well established patterns such as migration? I will publish your comments here if you wish to contribute to this 'debate'! You can also follow me on Twitter @pyrenees_travel
During November we also saw a Griffon just outside Le Fossat; it is rare to see these magnificent birds in the lower valleys; but during the winter months individual birds will travel further afield in search of food.
2012
Last week (Jan 12) we watched a pair of Crag Martins (right) perform a wonderful aerial display at Chateaux Montsegur; a truly magnificent setting.
Chateaux Montesgur
Please contact me for guides to such locations in the Ariege Pyrenees.
Read about the amazingly diverse habitats found in the Ariege.
***
Please see our charming B&B (pictured right) which is ideally situated in the Leze Valley, 45 minutes south of Toulouse, on the route to the high Pyrenees & Foix. The immediate surrounding area is excellent terrain for woodland birds, kingfisher, Golden Oriele, etc and we are 15 minutes from limestone crags with Golden Eagles and Peregrines....
I am happy to advise on where are the best places to observe, season by season,
or to guide you on specific bird watching trips,
days out.
Please contact me for more information:
t: 00 33 6 76 35 94 88
