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Description
The Barrage de Verbois offers an excellent view of the river Rhône, which flows southwards from Lake Geneva. It serves as an orientation for many birds migrating through the ‘bottleneck’ between the Jura and the Alps. The reservoir is also a place where waders and terns can rest and find food. Among the 240 species recorded here are numerous rarities, especially from those groups.
The 340 metre long and 34 metre high dam, which serves a hydroelectric power station, is an impressive structure. The lake can be seen both at its eastern end, facing Aire-la-Ville, and at its western end, from which you can reach the vineyards near Russin. The eastern platform is the best place to start. There are breeding platforms for Chiră de baltă on the lake, but at some distance, so a scope is necessary. The birds rest on perches set up in the lake. It is also worth checking the washed-up island of plant debris and rubbish in the centre of the dam for waders. At the western end there is a small reedbed where Buhai de baltă (in the winter) and Stârc pitic have already been spotted.
For a few years now, there have been a few Cormoran mic dwelling on the lake, adding a regular ornithological attraction to the colony of Chiră de baltă. Chirighiță cu obraz alb, Chirighiță neagră, and even Chiră de mare are sighted almost regularly at the right times of year. Piciorong, Ciocîntors, Pescăriță râzătoare, Rață de ghețuri, Fluierar negru, Scoicar, and more common waders such as Fugaci de țărm have also been reported more than once. Breeding birds around the lake include Călifar alb, Pescăraș albastru, Porumbel de scorbură, Ciocănitoare pestriță mică, and Capîntortură.
While waterfowl such as Rață lingurar, Rață mică, and, with luck, Rață cu cap negru and Cufundar mic are present in winter, spring is the best time for a scan of the lake. The terns arrive from May onwards. The Privighetoare roșcată then sings in the bushes on the shore and the song of the Grangur can be heard from the nearby Teppes de Verbois. During the autumn migration, the site is particularly interesting for waders.
Details
Access
Barrage de Verbois is located about 10 km west of Geneva. The area can easily be reached by bicycle, which can than be used to visit the observation hides down in the Teppes de Verbois. The nearest bus stop, ‘Aire-la-Ville, Pont de Peney’ is a quarter of an hour's walk away. At the eastern end, there is also a parking. Press P on the map for directions to the parking.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , River , LakeConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The road is a popular motorbike route. On nice days, the noise can quickly become very annoying, one should arrive early.