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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 Речная крачка 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 Большая выпь (in the winter) and Волчок have already been spotted.
For a few years now, there have been a few Малый баклан dwelling on the lake, adding a regular ornithological attraction to the colony of Речная крачка. Белощекая крачка, Чёрная крачка, and even Пестроносая крачка are sighted almost regularly at the right times of year. Ходулочник, Шилоклювка, Чайконосая крачка, Морянка, Щёголь, Кулик-сорока, and more common waders such as Чернозобик have also been reported more than once. Breeding birds around the lake include Пеганка, Обыкновенный зимородок, Клинтух, Малый пёстрый дятел, and Вертишейка.
While waterfowl such as Широконоска, Чирок-свистунок, and, with luck, Морская чернеть and Краснозобая гагара are present in winter, spring is the best time for a scan of the lake. The terns arrive from May onwards. The Южный соловей then sings in the bushes on the shore and the song of the Иволга 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.