Description
This major site in the department counts no less than 210 bird species among the 344 in the department. The pond is a protected natural area and managed to be favorable for birds and wildlife. The area is mainly composed of open water, meadows, woods and agricultural fields.
The breeding species are obviously waterbirds. Among ducks, the species worth mentioning are Knarand and Atlingand, and the well-established Taffeland. A colonny of nesting herons (Fiskehejre, Kohejre) and Skarv is settled in a few trees around the lake but remains a small colonny. Considering songbirds, you can expect Cistussanger, Sivsanger, Rørsanger and Rørspurv. On the wader side, Lille Præstekrave, Vibe and Triel use exposed banks for breeding.
During migration, a few interesting and regular species use the lake as a stopover: Grågås, Brushane, Tinksmed, Almindelig Ryle, Hvidskægget Terne, Digesvale, Skestork, Fiskeørn, Spidsand, Stor Kobbersneppe. It's the time of scarcities and rarities. These species have already been observed here: Steppevibe, Thorshane, Sort Ibis, Blisgås, Knortegås and Hvidøjet And.
In winter, the site is frequented by many ducks including Gråand, Krikand and Taffeland. Bjergpiber is seen foraging on the shores with Hvid Vipstjert among which ssp. yarellii can be found.
Details
Access
From Angers, aim for Vihiers and Bressuire. As soon as you cross the Deux-Sèvres/Maine-et-Loire border, turn left to Etang de Beaurepaire. From Bressuire, aim for Vihiers. Before the Deux-Sèvres/Maine-et-Loire border, turn left to Etang de Beaurepaire. You can park on the site named "Beach" where a restricted acces is allowed.


