Surroundings and natural setting of the site

The watch point of Creste, in the municipality bearing the same name, is situated 25 kilometres southwest of Clermont-Ferrand, in the heart of Pays des Couzes, an area characterized by granitic and basaltic plateaux separated by deep valleys. At 850 metres above sea level, the site is situated on a basaltic plateau oriented from west to east, offering a panoramic view on Massif de Sancy (Puy de Sancy 1885 metres), the range of the Puys (Puy-de-Dôme 1465 metres), the valley of the Allier river (Issoire at 370 metres), Monts du Forez (Pierre-sur-Haute 1634 metres) and the foothills of Cézallier (Leiranoux at 1252 metres).

This ancient medieval site is dominating the valleys of the Couzes (Couze Pavin and du Valbeleix in the south, Couze Chambon in the north), oriented west to east and allowing the migrants coming out of the valley of the Allier river and the plains of la Limagne (oriented north to south) to cross the hights of the soutwestern part of the Puy-de-Dôme.

Pays de Couzes is characterized by a patchwork of varied natural habitats, home to a remarkable fauna and flora. The mild microclimate, sheltered by mountains in the east, allows the presence of some mediterranean species. The sector is part of the Birds Directive Special Protection Area "Pays des Couzes", included in the Natura 2000 Network. The watch point is surrounded by woodlands, deciduous and mixed slope forests, dry hillsides, rocky areas and crags.

The local avifauna is dominated by birds of prey, with no less than 23 different species recorded (18 at Creste), including 13 breeding species! The Short-toed Eagle is the emblematic species of the region, with about 15 pairs breeding in the valleys near Creste. Superb observations of this species are daily. Other notable breeding raptors are Red Kite, Goshawk and Peregrine Falcon. Other families, however, are well-represtend as well, with Eagle Owl, Nightjar, 6 species of woodpeckers (Black, Green, Grey-headed, Greater Spotted, Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers and Wryneck) and some good passerine populations, including Woodlark, Red-backed Shrike and Ortolan Bunting.

History of the survey

There is only an autumn survey, as the region is less frequented during spring migration. The first surveys date back to 2000, mostly in October during two or three week-ends a year, depending on the availability of observers. Our knowledge of the site is still partial (with hardly more than 50 days of observation in the field) but its interest for raptor watching has encouraged us to do a more regular survey from August 2008 onward.

Ornithological interest

Over 100 species have been observed at the site, included nearly 70 on migration. The major interest of the site is in raptor watching. The principal species is Red Kite and simultaneous counts are highlighting the importance of the site. During several top days, over 200 Red Kites have been counted: 230 on 12 October 2002, 376 on 16 October 2004, 341 on 9 an 226 on 16 October 2005. Other important migrants are Great Cormorant, Common Buzzard, Wood Pigeon, Skylark, Chaffinch (see table with record numbers of these species). 

Rare or unusual species have been observed during active migration: Greylag Goose, Shellduck, Grey Plover, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Tawny Pipit, Northern Wheatear...

Visitors

There is no particular infrastructure for visitors. There is no permanency either, one or several observers may be present according to their availability.

Access

From Clermont-Ferrand, take the A75 towards Montpellier, take exit 6 (Besse/Champeix/Saint-Nectaire - D978). Beyond Champeix, continue towards Besse for 12 km (D996 and then D978) to the village of La Bataille. Take right on the D623, towards Crest.
From Issoire, take the D26 towards Besse, 2 km beyond Saurier, take the D146 on the right towards La Bataille and the D623 towards Creste next.
In the village, park at the car park at the entrance, and follow the sign chapelle. Once at the chapel, take the trail following the foot of the crags and walk up the trail on the left between the rocks upto the ruins of the ancient castle.

Contact

For any information or observations at the site, please contact Thomas Bernard mailto:tbernard1@club-internet.fr or Matthieu Bernard mailto:bernard.n@club-internet.fr