Natural surroundings of the watchpoint

The mountain pass is located some 7 km north of the col du Bonhomme, in the northern part of what is commonly known as the Higher Vosges. Beyond the pass wait the Central Vosges. Unlike most cols further south along the crest line, the pass is oriented north-south (and not east-west). It closes the long U-shaped valley of Ste-Marie-aux-Mines that starts near Sélestat in the Bas-Rhin and ends at the col de Bagenelles in the Haut-Rhin, after a southward bend. The north-south axis acts as a funnel for migratory birds, in spite of its low elevation. The vegetation is dominated by mountain mixed beech and spruce forest, with scattered Norway Spruce and Scots Pine plantations. At the col itself and at the bottom of the valley, the woodland is replaced by cattle pastures and meadows. The south flank of the col, with a view on Le Bonhomme, is more agricultural than the largely wooded north slope.

History of the survey and environmental aspects

The first observations of migratory birds date back to the 1970s with the first accurate counts in 1976, during a simultaneous count of most mountain passes in the Vosges. A more systematic survey of the col was conducted from 1987 to 1991 by a small group of observers from Colmar, on the initiative of Olivier Gilg. There have been no more counts ever since.

This col, as most Vosges mountain passes, is a no hunting area. On the negative side, the watchpoint is located along a rather busy road, frequently used by tourists, between Ste-Marie-aux-Mines and Bonhomme, so there is some road noise.

Ornithological interest

This is mainly an autumn migration watchpoint. Spring migration, however, may be worthwhile as well, as the col runs from north to south.

Near Sélestat, part of the migrants from the Rhine valley is funneled down the valley of Ste-Marie-aux-Mines to the col des Bagenelles. Some of the birds crossing the Central Vosges (Champ-du-Feu massif) will also take this route. Beyond the col, the birds continue their way to a nearby pass at lower elevation, the col du Louschbach, and eventually head south through the valley of Le Valtin.

The most abundant migrants include (in descending order): finches, swallows, Woodpigeon, pipits, larks, wagtails etc.

Migration calendar

Migration starts in July with Common Swifts and the first swallows and martins. The latter become increasingly common in August and are soon joined by the first finches, pipits and wagtails. From mid August until mid September insects become scarce in northern latitudes and insectivorous birds are on the move: thrushes, wagtails and Sylvia warblers stop over or fly across. Finches occur in thousands in October: Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Siskin, etc. Peak migration is between 10 and 20 October, coinciding with maximum numbers of Chaffinch and Woodpigeon. October is also a good time of the year for larks, Starlings and tits. During influx years, Brambling may turn up in good numbers in late October. In the course of November, migration rapidly decreases (finches, thrushes, Starlings, …). Fewer and fewer birds migrate until the first snow.

Visitors

There is no birding accommodation at the watchpoint.

Access

The col can be reached by car, either from the north from Sélestat via Ste-Marie-aux-Mines (D48), or from the south from Colmar via Le Bonhomme (D48).

Where to stay and where to eat

The farm « La Graine Johé », part of the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) network, located on the north slope beneath the col, offers typical meals and makes Munster cheese. At le Bonhomme (4.5 km) and Ste-Marie-aux-Mines (13 km) you will find additional places to stay and eat.

Contact

Gunter De Smet : mailto:gunter.desmet@lpo.fr

(Please, send your sightings to LPO Alsace : mailto:alsace.conservation@lpo.fr)

Author of this text

Christian Dronneau (mailto:dronneau@club-internet.fr)