Mouflons & Pyrenean Chamois in Pyrenees / Tour Report August 2019
For this first edition of our Mouflons & Pyrenean Chamois in Pyrenees wildlife tour in France, we were lucky to be sold out. As always, we evolve in a small group to make the experience even more beautiful and limit our impact on the animals and their habitat. Guided by Arnaud, local guide, and Jonathan, photography guide, our participants were able to live three exceptional days in a sublime nature. The encounters were numerous and beautiful.
On the menu of this wildlife photo tour, 3 different sectors, 3 beautiful hikes to explore some of the most beautiful corners of the Pyrenees. Places where nature still expresses itself, where wild animals still have a place.
The first day we met in Porté-Puymorens and did a great hike near the village.
Some Pyrenean chamois were in range of binoculars. They were quite far away because with the heat they cooled down near the summits. Our walk was also punctuated by beautiful ornithological encounters (Iberian grey shrike, Whinchat, etc.), and while we were about to turn around, we found a group of 9 Mouflons, composed of females and young. Nearby, a doe and a young red deer were feeding while moving towards us, not noticing our presence.
This first day has already allowed us to observe both iconic animals that we wanted to show our participants, but the best part of the tour was still to come.
Our base camp for this tour in the Pyrenees was a very nice ecological bed and breakfast located in the countryside. Comfortable rooms to rest after our long days in the field, meals prepared mainly with ingredients from the garden if not the village, and a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The second day, we left early to be in the field at dawn. The light was beautiful, and the scenery breathtaking.
Quickly, we saw our first Pyrenean chamois.
Then, encounters multiplied throughout the day. Several herds crossed our path for the greatest pleasure of our participants. Magical!
Back at our accommodation, we enjoyed an aperitif while watching and giving feedback on the photos of our participants before dinner.
The third day, we lived what will probably remain the most beautiful encounter of this photo tour in the Pyrenees, even if it is difficult to choose one! After an hour of walking, our guide Arnaud sees a group of adult male mouflons on the ridge. An extraordinary atmosphere.
Making sure we would not disturb them, we made a soft, slow and respectful approach. A few hours later, we were a few dozen meters away from them. They accepted us and our participants had an unforgettable encounter.
This is the kind of moment that perfectly define what we strive to offer to our participants.
We then started our descent and stopped for a picnic. Several Pyrenean chamois were nearby, and the Mouflons were still there, resting higher behind us.
Once down, we finished this wildlife tour in the Pyrenees with stars in our eyes.
Over these three days, we were able to meet the Pyrenean chamois and the Mouflons many times, and we observed more than 40 species of birds including mythical species such as the Golden Eagle, the Griffon Vulture or the White-throated Dipper.
Can not wait for next year! : D
Jonathan
Guide Salva Fauna
