Description
Étangs de Mizérieux are two small ponds located in mature woodland along the Loire. You can easily explore the area on foot. When we visited in July we saw two (Ευρωπαϊκός) Συκοφάγος, five (Κοινός) Νυχτοκόρακας, a colony of herons, (Ευρωπαϊκό) Τρυγόνι, (Κοινό) Αηδόνι, and a family of muskrats. The (Κοινός) Νυχτοκόρακας were shy, but not really hidden at all. Together with the (Ευρωπαϊκός) Συκοφάγος, Τσίφτης and Γελαδάρης flying it was already a wonderful visit. But then we also saw and heard (Κοινό) Αηδόνι and (Ευρωπαϊκό) Τρυγόνι, and the usual smaller birds. All easy to observe. On the first pond you can also enjoy the family of muskrats, 7 members. I think I also heard a (Ευρωπαϊκή) Πετροτουρλίδα, but I'm not entirely sure. We were there with a camper, and it is a very good place to spend the night.
Details
Access
The Mizérieux ponds are located east of the village of Mizérieux. It is an excellent place to stay overnight near Lyon (80 km). The ponds are easily accessible by car and there is enough space to park your car. Press P on the map for directions to the parking spot. The best time to visit is in the evening or morning. In the evening you have a good chance to spot the muskrats. You can explore the area on foot, it is well maintained.

