Sunrise at Marais de Sionnet / Excursion with Matthieu

Our guide Bastien meets Matthieu at 8:00 a.m. for a new edition of our birding tour to the Marais de Sionnet in the Canton of Geneva. They are almost the first on the site, on this very windy morning. Some snow patches are present, it is quite cold but being well equipped and dressed warmly, this is not a problem.

This nature excursion begins with a good sighting of a Common Snipe in flight, followed by a few Eurasian Crag Martins. From the boardwalk, we see a few Green-winged Teals, including a magnificent male in breeding plumage just a few meters away! Not very shy, he allows himself to be observed in complete relaxation. Magical.

After that, Bastien detects a group of Ring-necked Pheasants, including a few females, and a male European Stonechat with a beautiful light. Shortly after, a Ruff comes to land in a pond, then flies away and lands in a field not far away. Looking closer, there are 4 Ruffs. Superb! This is the beauty of the Marais de Sionnet during migration. It is indeed possible to make beautiful observations of shorebirds during this period.

2 Eurasian Marsh-Harriers fly over the fields in the distance, a Red Kite passes by, then after a moment of waiting, Bastien and Matthieu make an incredible observation. A Middle Spotted Woodpecker comes to rest in a tree! Exceptional! One of the only sightings of the species in the Marais de Sionnet to date.

Just after that, under their amazed eyes, an even rarer species passes in flight and allows a magnificent observation: a Woodcock!!

The wind can sometimes greatly limit sightings, but that was not the case this time. It was an exceptional morning, with many great encounters! In total, no less than 40 species of birds have been observed. If you live in the canton of Geneva or are passing through the region, join us for our next group “Sunrise at Marais de Sionnet” excursion to the Marais de Sionnet, or book this excursion privately!

Jonathan
Guide Salva Fauna