Natural setting of the watchpoint

Col du Fau lies 30 km from the “Grenoble Y” as the crow flies. This Y-shaped area consists of two northern valleys (Vercors  / Chartreuse in the west and Chartreuse / Belledonne in the east), which meet in Grenoble and run further south towards Sisteron via Monestier-de-Clermont (the municipality where col du Fau is situated). The east-west oriented mountain pass offers a breathtaking panorama on the Vercors and its foothills, on the Connex and Sénépy and on the south face of the massif of Belledonne and the Trièves valley.

History of the survey

The survey, an initiative of two volunteers, started in 2000. During the first three years, we counted every weekend of September and October. The next years, counts became more irregular. Since 2010 volunteers are once again present during September and October weekends.

Birds

This is an autumn migration watchpoint along the migration corridor of Central Europe (Switzerland, Austria and southern Germany). Depending on the weather, migratory birds will either cross the Alps via the northern valleys or circumvent the obstacle along the northwest.  

Typical species include:

• raptors: Kestrel, Buzzard and Honey Buzzard.
• passerines: Barn Swallow, House Martin and Starling (sometimes in huge numbers). Osprey, Black Stork and White Stork are regularly recorded.
   

Calendar

The best observation period runs from early September to late October. Our observations since 2000 indicate that this is an alternative route in certain weather conditions: migration is best observed when an Atlantic depression moved across, with northerly wind and low cloud cover.

In clear weather, soaring birds ride thermals along the Serpaton in the northwest or along the slopes of Sénépy - Connex in the northeast and migrate south next. With an overcast sky and openings in the clouds, birds migrate across the mountain pass.  

Visitors

There is no permanency. Volunteers count according to their availability and depending upon weather conditions during the weekends of September and October.  

How to get there ?

From Grenoble, take the RN75 towards Sisteron to the village of Monestier-de-Clermont. Cross the village until a roundabout near the exit of the A51 motorway. Take the first possible exit 20 m further (a dirt road). Take immediately to the left (an uphill dirt road). Follow that road over 300 m until you reach a small water tower. This is the migration watchpoint.   

Where to stay and where to eat?

It is possible to stay at Monestier-de-Clermont (hotels, holiday cottages, restaurants).

Contact

LPO Isère 04 76 51 78 03 mailto:isere@lpo.fr, Laurent Puch mailto:laurentpuch@orange.fr