Forêt d’Orient

Within easy reach of Paris, the Forêt d’Orient lakes may not be as well known as their sister lake, the “Lac du Der”, but they too offer interesting bird species throughout the year. Like the Lac du Der, Cranes occur in large numbers during the winter months with the largest numbers during migration in November and February. Amongst other sought-after species that occur during migration, top of the list would probably be Black Stork, which occur in good numbers in September. The area is also well known for wintering White-tailed Eagle that is now breeding in the area. Many species rarer or even absent farther north breed here and can be quite easy to find with a little looking: Black and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, Melodious Warbler, Red-backed Shrike… to name just a few. Rarer species may need a little more effort but may provide sightings of species such as Red-necked Grebe (only breeding site in France), Black Stork, Grey-headed Woodpecker and more….

Any visit here should be combined with the nearby Lac du Der. There is much else to see, with the area known for butterflies and dragonflies. And, of course, it’s in Champagne country, a visit to a Champagne cellar may provide for diversity on a rainy day.