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Chevroux Port

Vaud  >  Switzerland

At Chevroux you’ll pass through lakeside forest, Grande Cariçaie reedbeds, and a pier that streches into the lake. A total of 225 bird species has been noted.

Added* by Peter Wittemann
Most recent update 3 studenoga 2025
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Description

The port of Chevroux cuts right through the largest reed area in Switzerland, the Grande Cariçaie on the eastern shore of Lake Neuchâtel. The geographical layout is similar to that in nearby Gletterens, Estavayer or Yvonand, shaped by four habitat types: riparian forests (1) transition into reeds (2) and then into the lake (3). The fourth habitat is the park-like pier (4), which - as in the other places - features a marina and a bathing beach. Worth mentioning is the somewhat hidden platform that offers a good view of the reeds (including a colony of Veliki Vranac).

The species you can observe here (in total, 225 are recorded) are also comparable to those at the other sites: the forest is home to Kukavica and Vuga, from the reeds you’ll hear Brkata Sjenica, Veliki Cvrčić, Čapljica Voljak and Veliki Trstenjak, the transition zone provides some space for Mala Prutka, and on the water you’ll see various ducks and Ćubasti Gnjurac. Crvenokljuna Čigra breed some years and can be observed on the pilings. Mrka Crvenrepka nests on the buildings and Šumska Crvenperka in the bushes. The pier offers a good spot to watch waders and birds of prey migrating along the lake during the right periods.

There’s not much space for resting birds though; in Chevroux, recreational use dominates. If you can choose, you’ll probably prefer the shores at Gletterens, Estavayer, Yvonand or of course the two great reserves at Yverdon (south) or the Fanel / Chablais de Cudrefin (north). Worth highlighting is the pier, which extends far into the lake and gives a good overview of the area. Especially from October to March there are chances for interesting winter visitors: Riđogrli Gnjurac and Mali ronac are reported regularly, the rare Patka crninka quite often. There is one record each of rarities like Širorepi pomornik, Patka kulašica and Mali labud. In November 2021 and 2022, a Bijela strnadica was observed.

Details

Access

The port of Chevroux is located on the eastern shore of Lake Neuchâtel. The entire area is wheelchair accessible. It’s best reached by bus from Payerne. Local parking spaces are scarce.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Reedbeds , Lake , Beach

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring migration

Route

Wide path , Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

If you’re birding here, you’ll usually find yourself alone among recreational visitors; an early morning visit is recommended.

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