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Étang de Virelles

Chimay  >  Belgium

The protected forest lake Étang de Virelles is 135 hectare big and good for many birds. More than 245 bird species have been seen there.

Ajouté* par Daniel Crabbé
Dernière actualisation 19 juin 2024

Description

The Étang de Virelles is one of the largest wetlands in Wallonia. The lake was actually dug in the 16th century for the needs of the local metal industry. The maximum depth is approximately 2 meters. It is rich in fish and waterbirds.

The south of the pond consists of a recreational area to raise public awareness of nature conservation. The Aquascope, a nature interpretation centre, is open to the public from mid-February to mid-November (see the Aquascope Virelles website). There are also some watchtowers to have a complete overview of the pond. The south shore of the pond is really the best place for birdwatching in Virelles! In 2022, around twenty islets have been created in the pond for aquatic birds and to improve their observation. Birds can rest, feed and nest there, protected from predators.

The north, east and west are covered with reed beds, meadows and humid forests of particular interest to avifauna. These parts of the nature reserve are only accessible during guided tours (every 2nd Saturday of the month).

Birds you can see in the area are Rousserolle turdoïde, Sterne pierregarin, Cigogne blanche, Marouette ponctuée, ducks, herons, small waders... See the complete birdlist below for more species that can be seen.

Note: there is an admission fee of € 10 per person (discounts available for Natagora, Natuurpunt and WWF members ; annual subscription € 20).

Détails

Accès

Parking is possible next to the Aquascope. Click on the P in the map for directions. Admission Aquascope : € 10 per person.

Terrain et Habitat

Forêt , Lac , Roselière , Prairie , Zone humide , Vasières , Arbres et buissons disséminés

Conditions

Plat

Boucle

Oui

Avez-vous besoin d'une longue-vue?

Peut être utile

Saison idéale pour observer

Printemps , Automne

Meilleure période pour une visite

Printemps , Eté , Automne

Itinéraire

Route non pavée

Niveau de difficulté de l'itinéraire

Facile

Accessible via

A pied

Observatoire/hutte d'observation

Oui

Liens

Voir les sites d'observation voisins publiés sur Birdingplaces

Carte

Top 5 oiseaux

Autres oiseaux que vous pouvez observer ici

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