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Description
The Excenevex beach (1) is one of the few larger sandy beaches of the Lake Geneva and therefore of special interest for waders, shorebirds, and waterfowl, especially from the end of August through to mid-May.
The most common wader is Almindelig Ryle, but Tinksmed, Sortklire, Lille Præstekrave, Stor Præstekrave, Mudderklire, Hvidklire, Rødben, Dværgryle, and also rarer waders like Islandsk Ryle, Strandhjejle, Sandløber, Hvidbrystet Præstekrave, Stor Kobbersneppe, and especially Stenvender are sometimes observed. The best chances for most waders are in April and May, whereas the Almindelig Ryle is most abundant in September-October, and the Stenvender is most likely to be observed during winter. The beach is freely accessible, and as some of the waders are not shy - especially the first-years in autumn - and approach patient observers on their own, excellent observations can be made.
The beach also offers a good opportunity to search a big part of the lake with a scope. The Fjordterne is present from late April to September. Sorthovedet Måge, Isfugl, and Gravand, which are present year-round, can be seen. In April and May, chances are best for observing Sildemåge and, with luck, Splitterne and Rovterne. From late summer to autumn, rare guests like Thorshane, Almindelig Kjove, Lille Kjove, and Mellemkjove can be seen with a scope and lots of luck.
From autumn to winter, interesting waterfowl stays in the bay, like Spidsand, Pibeand, Hvinand, Skeand, and - again, with luck - Bjergand, Toppet Skallesluger, Sortand, Fløjlsand, Sortstrubet Lom, Rødstrubet Lom, Islom, and Gråstrubet Lappedykker. Especially the divers are present through to April.
You might also come across a Havørn, but most likely it will have been raised in captivity: The station of the reintroduction programme „Les Aigles du Leman“ is situated close by.
Near the beach, in Sciez, a small wetland can be visited (2). It is most interesting during spring migration. Vandrikse, Sydlig Nattergal, Rødrygget Tornskade, Pirol, Turteldue, and Sortspætte are breeding here, Dobbeltbekkasin, Engpiber, and Blå Kærhøg are sometimes present in winter.
Rarities found at the Excenevex beach include Ride, Tyndnæbbet Måge, Hvidhalset Fluesnapper, Sandterne, Svartbag, one Storkjove in 1999 and even one Sule in 2003.
Details
Access
Excenevex beach is located on the south bank of Lake Geneva. There is a public parking close by the beach (click on the P in the map). Public transport is unfortunately scarce. There is a hourly bus connecting Yvoire and Thonon that stops close by; leave at La Pinède.
The paths are easily accessible, and the beach is usually empty in the winter, spring and late autumn, except for a few dogwalkers.
Terrain and Habitat
Lake , Beach , Scattered trees and bushes , WetlandConditions
Flat , SandyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , WinterBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
If possible, choose a day that is not too windy, as it can be difficult to search the waters of the lake when there are many waves.
Links
- Excellent description (in French) by Bastien Guibert
- E-Bird Barchart for (1)
- E-Bird Barchart for (2)
- Description of (2) (in French)