Islands, lakes, rivers, streams, moors, heaths, woods, groves, meadows, vineyards, orchards, agricultural plots and limestone hillsides of Grand Châtellerault make it a transit area for birds and constitute natural environments favoring their abundance.
In my last week's article, I told you about my country outing guided by Chantal and Jean-Paul de la League for the Protection of Birds (LPO).
Let bird-loving city dwellers rejoice: around Chatellerault, and even in the middle of the city, it is possible to observe remarkable species in their natural environment.
One Monday morning in March, I found Alain Boireau and three of his friends in the parking lot of the superb skate park de Châtellerault, within the old arms factory. On the program: an urban outing along the river. Left bank all!
My LPO guides lay out the rules of the game for identifications. In addition to the song, you have to identify distinctive elements such as the color of the beak, legs, feet, tail, belly... I put on my binoculars, on the lookout.
We join the Director's Garden, start of our journey. At this end of the canal the Manufacture, the walker feels like he is at the end of the world. The bucolic confluence of the Vienne and the Envigne is worth the detour. A blue tit put on its little yellow vest to show its joy at being perched on a magnolia branch. Mallards splash around a stone's throw from the John Martin, traditional boat moored on the canal. Remember, I already spoke to you about walks along the water offered by the captain in the summer season.
On the bank, between the director's garden and the La Forge ice rink, a wooden dovecote welcomes the incessant ballet of birds. A few meters further, I recommend that you climb to the top of the La Manu Towers Vilmouth. At the top of the metal staircase, from the belvedere, you can admire the breathtaking view of the city. That day, jackdaw (nice coincidence) keep me company there.
After a greeting to Museum of art and industry Le Grand Atelier, we follow the river without stopping.
Between the Camille De Hogues Bridge (one of the first major works of art in reinforced concrete in France) and the Henri IV bridge (emblematic of the city with its two imposing towers), Alain, Françoise, Louis and Jean-Louis take turns to help me identify the characteristic songs of the swift chiffchaff and gray wagtail. I learned on this occasion that birds are always named by two words: a name and a qualifier.
before joining the Cognet islet, easy to observe from the old mooring rings because close to the shore, I stop At Mercier. The delicious vegan desserts created by Farah, the daughter of the family, but also the Manuchard tartine, the vegan sandwich and the homemade pizzas make this bakery essential for filling the picnic basket.
Personalized black-headed gulls make their raspy voices heard. Change of scenery guaranteed! On the facade of the canoe kayak base, Alain points out to me the sparrow nest boxes recently installed by the association. A few meters further on, I recognize the Pré de l'Assesseur, a perfect place to have a snack in the shade on the wooden tables.
Facing Sainte-Catherine Island, an LPO educational panel presents this reservoir of biodiversity. Kingfisher, knight guignette et great cormorant are attracted by these beginnings of forest typical of the banks of watercourses. I contort myself to try to see one of the castors which reproduce there. No effort this time. On the other hand, Alain indicates to me the presence of a little egret. “ During the Belle Époque, its feathers adorned the hats of elegant ladies. »
Before reaching the old railway bridge, the walk allows me to discover charming vegetable gardens on the banks of the Vienne. Magpies, black crows, common starlings et chaffinches keep us company.
For the return journey, you can retrace your steps or cross towards the tourist office and the city center. In this case, the Henri IV bridge or the Camille de Hogues bridge will allow you to find the left bank at the end of the loop.
Duration of the walk : 2 hours
Distance : About 4 km round trip
Accessible to children and people with disabilities
Emblematic species : the house swallow, the black swift, the moorhen, the wagtail…
Species to observe by season : great cormorant and common crane in winter, black-headed gull and common tern in spring.
Good addresses near the walk
• Bakery pastry At Mercier (vegetarian option)
29-31 place de Belgique in Châtellerault
• The Northern Mockingbird (beer/rum bar and restaurant)
16, bd Blossac in Châtellerault
Find all ornithological walks in Grand Châtellerault, the guided and free outings of the LPO, the tips for beginners ornithophiles in my article last week. Click here.
Ornithological tourism, a good way to reconnect with nature!
Thanks to Alain Boireau, Françoise Mortreuil, Louis Dupas, Jean-Louis Lechat and Sophie Gauthier of the LPO for their valuable help in the preparation of this article.
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