The Regional Nature Reserve of Crêt des Roches, Pont-de-Roide, Doubs (25) is a departemental migration hotspot but also an important breeding site in Franche-Comté. This is why the site is both interesting for observation and for a migration watch.
The surroundings and natural setting of the site
Crêt des Roches is occupying 40 hectares on the heights of Pont-de-Roide. The limestone cliff benefits from a microclimate allowing a great variety of mediterranean and alpine plants to grow thanks to a particular exposition at this latitude. Since 2000, the site has been designated as the Regional Nature Reserve of Crêt des Roches. It is presenting a mosaic of original xerophilous habitats: pastures, scree, Pubescent Oak forests of regional interest, thermophilous beech forests. The presence of many relict plants is noteworthy, such as Candytuft Iberis intermedia, Perennial Candytuft Iberis saxatilis - the only place it is growing in Franche-Comté -and Alpine Daphne Daphne alpina. The uniqueness of this natural heritage has motivated its inclusion in the European Natura 2000 network.
History of the survey
A migration survey at Crêt des Roches takes place annually since 1987 between 15 September and 15 November (at least during weekends). Since 2008, the volunteers birdwatchers of the LPO count every day (august to november) the migrators.
Ornithological interest, emblematic species
An important par of the western European avifauna is following the Rhine migration corridor, avoiding the Vosgean Massif and bumping into the foothills of the Jura mountains, taking advantage of thermals and dynamic air currants created by the mountains.
On a north-south axis, birds are following the jurassic arc in a northeastn/southwestern direction.
La Cluse (from Latin clusa = closed; narrow deep gorge eroded perpendicularly in a mountain chain; typical jurassic term) of Pont de Roide is situated in the middle of such an axis and this is a privileged position for the autumn migration of birds.
About one hundred bird species have been noted.
This is a full list of the species observed at the site :
• Passerines : Swift (Apus apus), Woodlark (Lullula arborea), Skylark (Alauda arvensis), Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia), Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), House Martin (Delichon urbicum), Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis), Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis), Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta), Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava), Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea), White Wagtail (Motacilla alba), Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris), Blackbird (Turdus merula), Redwing (Turdus iliacus), Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos), Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus), Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus), Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla), Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris), Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), Siskin (Carduelis spinus), Linnet (Carduelis cannabina), Serin (Serinus serinus), Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus).
• Miscellaneous : Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), goose (Anser sp), duck (Anas sp), Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos), gulls (Larus sp), Stock Dove (Columba oenas), Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus), Jackdaw (Corvus monedula), Rook (Corvus frugilegus), Carrion Crow (Corvus corone).
Access
Pont de Roide is situated at the confluence ot the rivers le Doubs, la Ranceuse and le Roide. In the heart of the Pays du Lomont, at 17 km from Montbéliard. To access to the site from Pont de Roide: coming from Montbéliard turn left after the Doubs river bridge, 100 m further, opposite Maison pour tous, turn right onto the D124, rue du Maquis and drive on for 2 or 3 km. Park your car at the car park and cross the fortress. The viewpoint is at the end, 50 m beyond two arches.
Where to stay and where to eat?
Tourist information at Maison Pour Tous : 16, rue du Général Herr 25150 Pont de Roide tel. 03 81 99 33 99.
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