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Description
Rouelbeau can be conveniently visited after a trip to the nearby Marais de Sionnet (also described on Birdingplaces). Both sites are results of the Seymaz River renaturation projects carried out in the 2000s. Unlike the Marais de Sionnet, Rouelbeau lacks the floodplains suitable for waders. Among the 175 species recorded here, regular visitors and residents of the reedbeds include Buhai de baltă and Stârc pitic, along with other notable species.
Once a marsh, Rouelbeau is now a 410-meter-long but only a few dozen meters wide pond surrounded by reeds. It can be observed from one of its narrow ends. While the pond and reedbeds are interesting year-round, the surrounding fields are especially rich in surprises during migration periods.
Focusing on the pond area, winter offers good chances of seeing Rață cu ciuf and Rață lingurar, with Rață fluierătoare and Rață sulițar becoming rarer in recent years. Rață cârâitoare can be observed from spring to autumn, and Ferestraș mare is present year-round. The pond also attracts some escapees, with records of Rață mandarin, Rață de pădure, Netta peposaca, and Anas bahamensis.
The reedbeds are dominated by Găinușă de baltă, Lăcar de stuf, and Stârc cenușiu. Among them, other species like Pescăraș albastru, Cârstel de baltă, and Corcodel mic, which are present year-round, and Lăcar mare, which breeds here, may be encountered. During migration, Boicuș, Lăcar mic, Stârc de noapte, and Stârc roșu can be seen. Stârc pitic breeds here in spring and summer, while Buhai de baltă visits only in winter, accompanied by Erete de stuf and Egretă mare.
In the marginal areas, waders such as Prundăraș gulerat mic and Fluierar negru were more common in the past. Today, Fluierar de zăvoi, Becațină comună, and Nagâț are occasional guests during migration, with the latter two sometimes staying into the winter months.
From April to May, the surrounding fields and hedges are worth exploring for Mărăcinar mare, Porumbel de scorbură, Fazan, Privighetoare roșcată, Sfrâncioc roșiatic, Frunzăriță melodioasă, and Fâsă de luncă. The likelihood of spotting a rarer pipit or breeding bird here may be greater than within Rouelbeau itself. The notable rarities recorded, including Stârc galben, Fugaci roșcat, and Piciorong, date back to the early 2000s.
Details
Access
Rouelbeau can be reached on foot from the Marais de Sionnet (1) in about 15 minutes. During migration, it’s worth checking the surrounding fields and hedges on the way for pipits, buntings, and various warblers. If you want to start at Rouelbeau itself, the nearest bus stops are Carre d’Amont or Meinier, Pralys. For those arriving by car, parking is available at the nearby sports center (Press P on the map for directions). However, the best way to explore the area is by bike.
Unfortunately, the site itself can only be observed from one location (2), with most waterbirds usually gathering at the far end (3). Bringing a scope and a bit of patience is highly recommended!
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Plain , Reedbeds , Agriculture , PondConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Winter , Autumn migrationRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoLinks
- Excellent description by Alexandre Meisser (French)
- Bar-chart on E-Bird
- Description of the renaturation efforts by the community (French, pdf)