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Lower Plaine de l'Orbe

Nord vaudois  >  Switzerland

The Plaine de l'Orbe is a big agricultural plain. Its strategic position south-west of Lake Neuchâtel makes it interesting for migrating birds.

Added* by Sylvain Antoniazza
Most recent update 7 iunie 2020

Description

The "Plaine de l'Orbe" is strategically placed in the south-western continuity of Lake Neuchâtel. It is thus on a major migration axis. During passage, especially in spring, many species sitting or flying by, are possible. When some fields are flooded (which occurs almost every spring, but in variable magnitude), they may attract many migratory species, especially waders, and constitute sometimes big aggregation for Switzerland.

Since 2017, a project to artificially flood one field near Yverdon during migration periods is conducted (by a local association) and has resulted in big flocks of waders and other interesting birds like Țigănuș. Artificial flooding has occurred in autumn 2017, spring 2019 and will occur in autumn 2020. During those flooding periods, a visit is always worth.

The "Plaine de l'Orbe" is very intensively farmed and offers few structures outside the fields. But a few interesting breeding species still occur: there is a good breeding population of Codobatură galbenă, hedges are full of Privighetoare roșcată and Ciocârlie is common. Presură sură have unfortunately disappeared for a few years.

Details

Access

The best way to visit the area is by bicycle. Many roads are forrbidden with the car and distances are quite big on foot as soon as you want to explore the area a bit. By bicycle, the area is easily reachable from Yverdon Station. The best way to explore is to cover big distance by bicycle and scan fields from time to time and to stop for any stop-over birds.

Terrain and Habitat

Plain , Agriculture , River

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round , Spring , Autumn , Winter

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring migration

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

The drawed route is a short proposition but the whole area (up to Orny) is potentially interesting and can be explored. A central part north of the motorroad between Essert-Pittet et Orbe is forbidden due to the presence of several prisons.

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

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