Description
On the banks of the river Durance just outside Mérindôl, you can find a big birdwatching observatory. It is one of the better birdwatching points in the Luberon region. From the hide and along the river you can look for Héjasas, Kígyászölyv, Dögkeselyű, Vörös kánya, Barna kánya, all kinds of warblers, Sárgarigó, Havasi sarlósfecske, szirtifecske, üstökösgém, Kis kócsag, Uhu and Függőcinege. During migration you might see Vörös gém or Fülemülesitke here. You can visit only the observatory or combine it with a nice 3 km circular hike.
Details
Access
From Cavaillon on the D973, turn right, as you reach the village of Merindol. Follow the signs to 'Observatoire ornithologique'. Best to visit in the morning when the sun is behind you. In the afternoon, it is better to stop at the far bank on the Mallemort side of the reservoir. You can also make a 3 km circular hike (see the map) to explore a larger part of the area. The trail is marked with yellow markers.

