The Aude is located on one of Europe’ s best bird migration corridors. It is also home to the largest number of breeding birds in France! Where to go birdwatching on your camping vacation camping holiday near Narbonne in the Aude region ? Get out your binoculars and follow the guide!
Aude on the wing
Birdwatchers rejoice! More than 350 bird species have been recorded in the lagoons, mountains and beaches of the Aude coast. The département tops the national rankings, with 182 species represented, the highest number of breeding birds in France. To observe birds in the best conditions and deepen your knowledge of ornithology, we recommend an outing supervised by a naturalist guide or an ornithologist. LPO animator (League for the Protection of Birds), a specialist in Mediterranean fauna. Ready for a photo safari?
The Ayrolle pond
Bordered to the east by the Mediterranean Sea and to the west by the Etang de Bages-Sigean, the Etang de l’Ayrolle is a vast lagoon teeming with fish. So it’s not surprising that almost 200 bird species find refuge here. Thousands of Sandpipers, Grey Plovers and Whimbrels, as well as Marsh Harriers, Slender-billed Gulls and Black and White Storks, are regular visitors to the surrounding salt flats and mudflats.
The cliffs of Leucate
Between Narbonne and Perpignan, the Leucate cliffs are an ideal site for tracking thousands of birds on their spring migration. In early May, birds of prey abound, especially the protected breeding Bondrea. There are also many seabirds, large gliders such as the stork, as well as a small population of Thekla Cochevis (also known as Skylarks) and Rufous-throated Pipits.
Le Roc de Conilhac
In the Parc Naturel Régional de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée, not far from Gruissan, the Roc de Conilhac is a privileged passageway for migratory birds in the Aude department. More than 170 species come here to make an extended stopover during their migration. A godsend for all birdwatching enthusiasts. From July to November, storks, falcons and other birds of prey can be observed at your leisure, as long as you remain discreet of course! The Roc de Conilhac is the leading site in France for the observation of Eleonora’s falcon.
Le Grand Castelou in Narbonne
In the heart of the Narbonnais marshes, between Narbonne and Gruissan, Grand Castelou is also a favorite spot for birdwatching. The LPO reports large numbers of White Storks, Grey Herons, Black Kites and other paludicolous birds in the Petit Castelou reedbed. The Grand Castelou is home to a host of Mallards, White Stilts, Coots and Teal.
The heights of the Corbières
The ridges of the Montagne Noire and Alaric, as well as the Minervois hills and the Fontfroide massif, are among the best places to spot birds of prey in the Corbières. Emblematic birds include the Bonelli’s Eagle, the Short-toed Eagle, the Griffon Vulture, the Great Horned Owl and the Golden Eagle, the noblest of birds of prey.