In the heart of theOleron Island, between Dolus-d'Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, the Bird Marsh is one of the most important Nature Centers in Charente-Maritime. It welcomes nearly 35,000 visitors each year. From the observatory, 9 meters high, a whole secret and fascinating little world is revealed to the gaze of the walker who knows how to feel, see and listen to nature.
Of Birds and Men
Nestled in the heart of a 130-hectare sensitive natural area, the Dolus-d'Oléron Bird Marsh is a nature discovery park with an educational purpose. The walk is ideal for observing nature, especially birds.
Of the 320 bird species observed on Oléron since 1975, 137 are listed as nesting. To get an idea, simply climb to the top of the observatory, which offers a panoramic view of the site. With your eye fixed on a telescope, you can discover hundreds of birds gathered around the heronry, the kingdom of Grey Herons, Little Egrets, and, in recent years, a pair of White Storks.
The park is also home to a large colony of Night Herons. These small wading birds are recognizable by their short, stocky silhouette. They particularly like marshes with dense vegetation where they have abundant food. You might also encounter a Kingfisher, a Hoopoe, or even a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Birds of prey such as the tawny owl, the long-eared owl, and the barn owl are also found. A rarer species is the cattle egret. After living for centuries in tropical Africa, it is becoming increasingly common on the island of Oléron.
Activities and leisure at the Bird Marsh
Whether you are passionate about ornithology, hiking or photography, nature outings are one of the flagship activities of the Marais aux Oiseaux. The walk is punctuated by explanatory panels on the fauna and flora that surround you, permanent and temporary exhibitions andoutdoor entertainment.
From April to October, the Pôle-Nature du Marais aux Oiseaux organizes guided tours, observation of egrets at dusk (night visit), sculpture and painting workshops, photo outings and treasure hunts for children... As for the mini-farm, children will be delighted to approach the chickens, ducks, swans, geese, peacocks and other sheep in their enclosure.
Besides the thousands of birds and farmyard animals, many other mammals inhabit the marsh and forest: bats, wild boars, foxes, roe deer, the nutria or the European pond turtle, a rare and protected native species of which only 20 to 25 individuals remain on Oléron today. At the park reception, you can pick up a very practical educational booklet to help you identify a particular bird.
Did you know?
Bird Marsh Nature Center Dolus-d'Oleron is also a wildlife rescue center. Since its creation in 1982, the center has taken in more than 14,000 wild animals in distress. The rescue center is not open to visitors.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
– Access: Les Grissotières, 17550 Dolus-d'Oléron
– Open every day in July and August, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
– April, May, June and September: every day, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Saturday mornings and Sunday mornings).
– Prices: €4.50 / adult, €2.80 / child (6 to 14 years old)
– + info: The Bird Marsh