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Marais du Château

Geneva  >  Switzerland

Charaterized by a decline in ecological quality, this small place still hosts 120+ species, with interesting birds like vlha obyčajná and ďateľ prostredný.

Added* by Peter Wittemann
Most recent update 20 január 2025
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Description

A path encircles this small nature reserve, though most views are limited to hedges and the reedbed edges. The former marsh area is gradually overgrowing and becoming bushy, while the wetland itself is undergoing eutrophication. This and the presence of the nearby hotspot Marais de Sionnet are the reasons why the Marais du Château does not receive much ornithological attention. However, over 120 recorded species include some noteworthy recent sightings.

As waterbirds such as different duck species, potápka malá, chriašteľ vodný and sliepočka vodná become less common and harder to spot due to dense vegetation, the reedbeds and hedgerows have hosted slávik obyčajný, žltochvost hôrny, and strnádka svrčivá, with appearances of kúdeľníčka lužná, slávik modrák, and svrčiak zelenkavý during migration. The mature trees in the area provide habitat for holub plúžik, ďateľ malý, ďateľ prostredný, kukučka obyčajná, and vlha obyčajná. The jastrab krahulec also hunts here, and visits from sova lesná and even myšiarka ušatá, which nest sometimes in the region, are not excluded.

The higher elevation of the Marais offers a quieter alternative to Marais de Sionnet, along with its own intriguing birdlife. Pro Natura plans to further develop the site, with hopes of restoring the wetland’s appeal to waterbirds.

Details

Access

Choulex can be reached by bike or bus (No 33 stops at Choulex, village). There is also a parking at the Centre sportif (click on the map). The reserve can be visited on a small footpath, the best observation spot might be right at the entrance (1).

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Reedbeds , Scattered trees and bushes , Pond , City/village

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring , Autumn

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

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Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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