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Description
Lido des Aresquiers consists of a long 5 km straight stretch of sandy beach between brackish ponds and the Mediterranean Sea, partly covered with grasses and tamarisks. It is the first land seen by migrants from Africa in spring and the last land before crossing the Mediterranean in autumn. Both passages are worth a visit, although spring (mid April to mid May) is best. In autumn, the passage expands from late August to late October (avoid windy days).
All insectivorous passerines can occur there, with good numbers of Gransanger, Løvsanger, all common warbler species, passages of swallows and swifts. Raptors (incl. Hvepsevåge) not before early May. Lærkefalk from mid April, Hedehøg and Fiskeørn. Common species that can be expected anytime between mid April and mid May include Rødstjert, Tornsanger, reed warblers, Broget fluesnapper and Grå Fluesnapper. Uncommon migrants seen several times per season include Skovsanger, Vendehals and shrikes.
With light southerly winds and clear weather, there are good chances of a fallout including local rarities. In mid April, Makisanger is uncommon but regular. Gulbug (after mid-May), Rødstrubet Piber (April) and Hortulan are recorded every year. More irregularly, Aftenfalk or Eleonorafalk, Steppehøg, Sibirisk Gransanger (mostly in autumn ). Hvidhalset Fluesnapper can be seen.
The site also has its share of megas, including Rødhalset Natravn, Berber-sanger and Balkan-løvsanger.
The ponds and marshes around can host small numbers of waders, gulls, terns and herons.
Details
Access
Lido des Aresquiers is located 25 km south of Montpellier. The red marker on the map locates Mas d'Ingril, the westernmost site of interest. Expect a 40 minute drive from Montpellier. The site can also be reached safely by bike.
Mas d'Ingril is a former pasture now changed into a wasteland with tamarisk. It has one of the area's best rarities record. It won't take long before you know whether there has been a fall of migrants. However, a rarity can occur even in empty days, so take some time to circle around the pasture and check the ponds even if they do not look birdy. Also remind that this area can be empty while other places around are full of birds, and inversely.
The nearby parking lot itself is a good spot for passerines. Walk slowly eastwards, checking bushes on the way. You can move as far as you want, or drive east for a couple of km to the next parking lot, left just after the bridge over the canal. This will lead you to the Aresquiers beach. Walk along the bushes on the seashore, as far as you wish. A good plan is to walk east for a few km until a path that allows crossing the marshes to join the track along the canal and move back to the bridge. This can be done in 2-4h, depending on bird activity.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Dunes , Sea , Mud flatsConditions
Circular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , AutumnBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Wide path , Narrow trail , Paved road , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Take mosquito repellent with you. In warm, sunny days, many people are heading to the beach, act discrete with your binoculars. At Mas d'Ingril, dogs sometimes wander freely and may be a nuisance.