Birds of Lake Neuchâtel / Excursion December 2021

Guided by Mathieu and Lucas, this new “Birds of Lake Neuchâtel” excursion begins in the early morning under cloudy and fairly cool weather.

In Champ-Pittet, our participants immediately observed a Water Rail, a Common Kingfisher fishing, and a Great Egret also looking for food. Beautiful behaviors to observe and photograph for our 5 participants.

Photo Lucas Mugnier

Suddenly we hear the typical call of Bearded Reedlings! By scanning the reeds with binoculars, we spot a small group that gradually approaches us while feeding. Everyone was too happy to find this beautiful bird so quickly. Our guides were keen to find them, it's done!

Then, looking at the birds on the lake behind the reeds, Mathieu spots an Arctic Loon, a species uncommon in French-speaking Switzerland. There was also a large group of Red-crested Pochards and another group of Little Grebes mixed with Common Goldeneyes.

We then joined the Champ-Pittet observatory where we spent over an hour observing. A robin came to rest on a branch just in front of us.

Photo Lucas Mugnier

Then the Bearded Reedlings arrived! This time much closer, they fed continuously, rising and falling constantly along the reeds.

Photo Lucas Mugnier

Arrived at our second good birding spot of the day, we observed thousands of Eurasian Coots, Common Pochards, Tufted Ducks, Mergansers, Gadwalls, Yellow-legged Gulls, and even a Common Gull. An impressive amount of birds! This is the beauty of Lake Neuchâtel in winter.

Our guides took the opportunity to teach our participants how to identify the different species of ducks.

Photo Lucas Mugnier

A roost of Long-eared Owls allowed us to observe 5 individuals resting. By keeping a good distance and watching through binoculars, we were able to spend a lovely time in their company without disturbing them.

We then had a good picnic a little further, by the lake. After this good meal, we hit the road to our third birding hotspot of the day. After discussion with our participants, we decided to focus our research on Bearded Reedlings. Our excursions always take place in very small groups, so we have the advantage of being able to adjust our itineraries at the moment according to the wishes of our participants. And for them that day, nothing was more precious than being able to have one more moment, if possible, with the Bearded Reedlings.

Once there, very few birds on the site, but whatever! Among the few birds present, we found a small group of Bearded Reedlings! A memorable moment!

Photo Lucas Mugnier

Photo Mathieu Bally

Photo Mathieu Bally

The Bearded Reedlings remained there until we left. A great satisfaction for our guides who were able to give our group a magical moment once again without disturbing the birds. The most important thing is to approach slowly, in silence, without abrupt gestures, respecting the living space of the animal you are observing.

Photo Lucas Mugnier

In the last rays of sunshine of the day, we saw Green-winged Teals, Gray Herons, and even a Hen Harrier in flight.

A magnificent day birding at Lake Neuchâtel.

Jonathan
Guide Salva Fauna