Autumn migration and arrival of wintering birds

This is an exciting transitional period. Not all summer breeding species have left yet, and the first wintering birds are arriving. Highlights:

• Osprey - known passage in August–September (long-distance migrant)
• Common Snipe - first post-breeding arrivals
• Green and Common Sandpipers - stopping over during migration
• Common Crane - possible migratory flocks in formation over the marsh
• First Great Egrets and cormorants arriving from the North; numbers increasing
• Marsh Harrier - still present before migrating

Highlights: the spectacle of migration and a wide variety of both resident and migratory species.

Learn to spot and identify birds found in reedbeds, wet meadows, and open water. The outing includes binocular observation, listening tips, and landscape interpretation along an accessible trail.

The Sacy Marsh is a world apart: swaying reedbeds, flood-prone meadows, ditches, and copses—home to birdlife that shifts from hour to hour. This guided outing offers a simple yet fascinating way to learn how to observe, listen to, and identify species typical of wetland habitats.

Throughout the walk, the focus is on developing good field skills: where to look depending on the season, how to use binoculars and spotting scopes, recognizing silhouettes in flight, spotting clues (calls, movements, behaviors), and understanding why a particular bird is found in one spot rather than another.

The outing is designed for both beginners and those with some prior knowledge, fostering a friendly atmosphere where we take our time, share experiences, and learn together. Please bring boots (the terrain is very wet), weather-appropriate clothing, and binoculars if possible (advice on equipment will be provided on-site).

👉 What to bring: weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes; binoculars recommended (rental available).