Private Birding Tour in Geneva with Stéphane

Second birding half-day with Stéphane whom I had met on the Jura. This time we go down to the plain in the Champagne region of Geneva and more precisely to the nature reserve of Laconnex.

The chosen schedule corresponds to our objectives for the day... namely the nocturnal birds of prey that we had unfortunately looked for without success a few months earlier. So we meet at 6 p.m. and we will enjoy until nightfall.

So we start by walking through the Laconnex reserve. Installed on an old gravel pit, the reserve offers some fairly high meadows with bushes and brambles in which some warblers stand out, in particular the Melodious Warbler by their song. Most of the perimeter of the reserve is made up of rows of tall trees that attract finches and young tits still all decked out in yellow. We will enjoy observing European Greenfinches and European Goldfinches posted prominently on the dead branches of old locusts.

The depression of the old gravel pit has been rehabilitated into a body of water. This is an opportunity for us to observe some Eurasian Coots and Eurasian Reed Warblers, which are rather common for the site. Typical of the area, the few floating branches on the edge of reedbeds are the favorite spots of the local species or turtle. We will take the opportunity to observe them well with a long view. Gently the temperature drops and the ballet of Barn Swallows and Bank Swallows takes place, between imitations of a "canadair" to drink a few drops and sharp turns in pursuit of their prey.

We will continue our way following the agricultural services. Between hedges, flowering fallows and crops we will be able to observe many species typical of the region; Stonechat, Red-backed Shrike, Yellowhammer and Corn Buntings.

Photo Loris Bono

We will pass through another sector well known to the locals, and will observe some European Turtle-Dove, many European Bee-eaters and will try, in vain, to observe two very talkative Wrynecks probably less than 5 meters from us.. they will escape our sight but that's the game.

The hour having advanced well, we are heading towards a pretty wooded cord near the fields. We are alerted by a few shrill cries, these are young Long-eared Owls and we have to find them in the vegetation! Stéphane sees them quite quickly!

Photo Loris Bono

We decide to look for the adult but he cannot be found... and the area does not seem to correspond to a hunting ground. So we head towards a large field recently mown and we settle on the edge of the fields, seated and on the lookout. After a few minutes of waiting, the foxes and cubs come out of the woods and begin to venture into the field.

Photo Loris Bono

We will hear a few contact cries from the adult before finally being able to see it. A few silhouettes in flight will stand out against the twilight sky and hint at the young owls' first flight attempts. When we choose to end this birding tour, we will still be able to observe a last adult Long-eared Owl in another wooded area!

Finally, a beautiful end to the day full of diversity and observed behaviors and finally the successful objective of seeing nocturnal birds of prey with Stéphane! Thanks to him for his trust ;)

Loris
Guide Salva Fauna