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Description
Rouelbeau can be conveniently visited after a trip to the nearby Marais de Sionnet (also described on Birdingplaces). Both sites are results of the Seymaz River renaturation projects carried out in the 2000s. Unlike the Marais de Sionnet, Rouelbeau lacks the floodplains suitable for waders. Among the 175 species recorded here, regular visitors and residents of the reedbeds include Great Bittern and Little Bittern, along with other notable species.
Once a marsh, Rouelbeau is now a 410-meter-long but only a few dozen meters wide pond surrounded by reeds. It can be observed from one of its narrow ends. While the pond and reedbeds are interesting year-round, the surrounding fields are especially rich in surprises during migration periods.
Focusing on the pond area, winter offers good chances of seeing Red-crested Pochard and Northern Shoveler, with Eurasian Wigeon and Northern Pintail becoming rarer in recent years. Garganey can be observed from spring to autumn, and Goosander is present year-round. The pond also attracts some escapees, with records of Mandarin Duck, Wood Duck, Netta peposaca, and Anas bahamensis.
The reedbeds are dominated by Eurasian Moorhen, Reed Warbler, and Grey Heron. Among them, other species like Common Kingfisher, Water Rail, and Little Grebe, which are present year-round, and Great Reed Warbler, which breeds here, may be encountered. During migration, Penduline Tit, Sedge Warbler, Black-crowned Night Heron, and Purple Heron can be seen. Little Bittern breeds here in spring and summer, while Great Bittern visits only in winter, accompanied by Western Marsh Harrier and Great Egret.
In the marginal areas, waders such as Little Ringed Plover and Spotted Redshank were more common in the past. Today, Green Sandpiper, Common Snipe, and Northern Lapwing are occasional guests during migration, with the latter two sometimes staying into the winter months.
From April to May, the surrounding fields and hedges are worth exploring for Whinchat, Stock Dove, Common Pheasant, Common Nightingale, Red-backed Shrike, Melodious Warbler, and Meadow Pipit. The likelihood of spotting a rarer pipit or breeding bird here may be greater than within Rouelbeau itself. The notable rarities recorded, including Squacco Heron, Curlew Sandpiper, and Black-winged Stilt, date back to the early 2000s.
Details
Access
Rouelbeau can be reached on foot from the Marais de Sionnet (1) in about 15 minutes. During migration, it’s worth checking the surrounding fields and hedges on the way for pipits, buntings, and various warblers. If you want to start at Rouelbeau itself, the nearest bus stops are Carre d’Amont or Meinier, Pralys. For those arriving by car, parking is available at the nearby sports center (Press P on the map for directions). However, the best way to explore the area is by bike.
Unfortunately, the site itself can only be observed from one location (2), with most waterbirds usually gathering at the far end (3). Bringing a scope and a bit of patience is highly recommended!
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Plain , Reedbeds , Agriculture , PondConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Winter , Autumn migrationRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoLinks
- Excellent description by Alexandre Meisser (French)
- Bar-chart on E-Bird
- Description of the renaturation efforts by the community (French, pdf)