Site information
Municipality: Grilly (Ain, 01).
GPS (WGS84): Longitude: 06°06’11’’ E / Latitude: 46°20’18’’ N.
Elevation: about 750 m.
In a nutshell:
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Between Gex and Divonne-les-bains at only half an hour’s drive from Geneva
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A 750 m high hill with a pleasant view on Lake Geneva and the Alps
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Semi-dry species-rich Mesobromion grassland
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Shrub attracting passerines, as well on migration as during the breeding season
History of the survey
The watchpoint was already known locally when the first regular survey started in August 2010. The work is done by volunteers, and if you would like to help out - and have a great time in the process, getting better acquainted with the birds and the people – please, contact us.
Birds
The watchpoint lies centrally on the migration route across the western end of the Molasse basin, equidistant between the Jura Mountains and Lake Geneva (7 km). Although raptors prefer to follow the Jura Mountains, they do turn up at the watchpoint at specific times of the day, mostly in the mornings and evenings. White Storks migrate between Mont Mourex and Lake Geneva, whereas Black Storks rather follow the Jura range. Mont Mourex has some interesting breeding birds, such as Red-backed Shrike, Stonechat, Woodlark, etc. Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Kestrel, Hobby and Peregrine are all regularly seen.
How to get there?
By car: drive from Geneva via Versoix to Sauvergny and Grilly. Take to the left towards Mourex beyond the village. Follow the road to Vesancy in the village centre for about 50 m and turn right. From here, Mont Mourex is signposted. Park your car near the old quarry and walk up the hill until the viewpoint with a panoramic table.
By public transport: drive to Gex with Transport Publics Genevois (line F) and continue on foot to Mourex (~3 km).
Where to stay and where to eat?
There are many tourists in Gex or Divonne-les-Bains during summer. The area offers a wide range of hotels, camp sites, etc. Birders are welcome!
Links :
Contact
Claude Ruchet, ch. du Rebiolon 11, 1283 Dardagny, Switzerland. +41 79 631 35 90 mailto:claude@ruchet.com
Sightings
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