Natural surroundings of the watchpoint
The city of Charmes is located on the banks of the river Moselle between Epinal and Nancy. The Moselle flows from the south-west to the north-east and makes a river bend to the south-east at this site. During unfavourable wind conditions, many migratory birds take a shortcut across a lower portion of the surrounding hills. The watchpoint is situated a few kilometres to the west of this gap and overlooks the Moselle valley towards the north-east. In the north-west, the watchpoint offers a wide-angle view on the hill of Sion at about 10 km distance. In the south, however, the view is blocked by 400 m high wooded hills. The surroundings of Charmes offer a superb mosaic landscape with a lot to offer for visiting naturalists:
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Hoopoes, Wrynecks, Little Owls and Woodchat Shrikes breed in the orchards on the neighbouring hills
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Sand Martins, Kingfishers and Little Plovers breed along the natural Moselle banks and in the regional nature reserve downstream from Charmes;
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The « forêt de Charmes » contains Collared Flycatcher and six species of woodpecker.
History of the survey
Through a lack of observers, the site has only been surveyed irregularly. A 100-hour autumn survey in 2002 totaled 65 000 birds. 80 bird species have been recorded during active migration or on stop-over.
Ornithological interest, emblematic species
The plains near Charmes are interesting for migration. The river regularly attracts Ospreys. The species is frequently observed in the Lorraine region and the Moselle lake district (including étang de Lindre) during spring and autumn. The site is also along a migration route for Red Kites breeding in Northern Germany and some high figures have been counted (e.g. 393 on 9th October 2002). Although the main migration route of the Cranes lies more to the north-west, the species is regularly seen and even more regularly heard at night (with a maximum of 22 flocks totaling 575 Cranes on 11th October 2004). Woodpigeons are common with some daily figures over 30 000 birds, e.g. on 18th october 2008.
Migration calendar
The area is well-suited for autumn migration. The migration starts off in August with Black Storks, Honey Buzzards and Black Kites. In September, we watch swallows, harriers and Ospreys. October is the top month for migration in general with many Woodpigeons, Chaffinches and Skylarks. In November, numbers decrease. Depending on the weather conditions, there are also some interesting days between March and mid April (Cranes, Redwings, Woodpigeons…).
Visitors
There is no permanency at the watchpoint. Birdwatchers visit the site during their free time.
Access
Driving along the N57 from either Nancy or Epinal, take the exit « Charmes – Mirecourt ». Follow the D55 for several km and take left to Rugney. Cross the village and take the small road heading south. Stop 300 m beyond, near a small chapel.
Where to stay and where to eat?
This is a touristic region with many hotels, guesthouses, camp sites and restaurants.
Contact the Pays de Charmes tourist office :
OT du Pays de Charmes
N°2 Place Henri Breton
88130 CHARMES
03 29 38 17 09
Contact
Observations can also be sent to the Centre Ornithologique Lorrain :
COL - Centre Ornithologique Lorrain
5 rue de Nancy
54690 Lay-Saint-Christophe
Sightings
Stats
