Do like the bird
Immersion in the Banc d'Arguin…
Returned from the glaciers of Antarctica, Johan, wildlife photographer specializing in ornithology and the observation of flying fauna wanted to familiarize himself with it upon his return the many species that populate and stir the sky of our sublime region.
Midway between the postcard and the living paradise, at the mouth of the ocean passes and the emblematic Dune of Pilat, the Banc d’Arguin – located at La Teste de Buch – is a natural, fragile stretch of sand, which must be preserved at the height of the treasures he protects. Heading for this ephemeral land that changes morphology and appearance to the rhythm of coefficients and tides !
Perched on their pikes, from the first minutes of navigation, Caujek terns mark the exit from the port of Arcachon and introduce a sublime day of discovery and observation. Distinguished from seagulls by their black cap, these elegant sentinels, return from Africa by warm currents to regain the spring warmth of Bassin.
In charge of conservation, the crossing continues on Explanations from Benoit, this passionate naturalist who has been working to protect the Banc d'Arguin since 2015 ; the return of the Siberian geese, the changes of plumage as the breeding season approaches, the hungry pursuit of a seagull by gulls. We listen to itLike a book telling this ecosystem which he seems to know inside out!
Using her twins, the experienced eye, the sailor spots and identifies the birds who fly over the immensity of this protected coastline and coordinate with precise gestures, varied anecdotes on the inter-species relationships, nesting and the plurality of this unique and privileged environment.
Superimposed on the Marine natural park stretching over more than 4,360 hectares, the Banc d'Arguin reserve is home to very numerous colonies of migratory birds and permanent residents. Among them, five species of gulls nest in the heart of this wild territory: marine, white-faced, audoin, silvery or brown, if some of them generally live on the shores of the Mediterranean, rare couples, well acclimatized, prefer the mild temperatures of our lovely Bassin.
Within sight, as our boat approaches the island, peaceful and defended, A great cormorant spreads its wings like a standard while a pair of oystercatchers magpie, inseparable until the end of their lives, sweep the sand with their long beaks in search of insects and small crustaceans.
Their presence is favored by the proximity of oyster parks, The reserve's wading birds share this precious territory with the seafarers, feeding almost exclusively on cockles, mussels and shellfish left in their wake.
Grey plovers, Kentish ringed plovers, oystercatchers, all take advantage of this prosperous space where predation is rare and where humans, fortunately, do not have all the rights.
The barge moored and feet on land, Johan follows in Benoit's footsteps, so as not to risk compromising a nest and breaking the eggs. Deposited in the marram grass, the eryngos, the euphorbias, similar to sand with which they are confused, If the eggs manage to deceive the animal through mimicry, in front of man, they suffer from their striking resemblance to the surrounding grains.
Also for Benoit, Marion and their team, surveillance, Marking out, demarcating protected areas, census and population counts remain priority missions to preserve this environment erosion and, at the same time, ensure a high rate of fledging among juveniles.
Our biodiversity in the spotlight!
To raise awareness among the inhabitants of Bassin and those who visit it to preserve the magic of this exceptional territory where the waters of the Leyre and the Atlantic meet to create the Bassin, the Cistude Nature Association offers you from April 7 to 10, in parallel with the 50th anniversary of the Réserve Ornithologique du Teich, a whole exhibition around this element which protects, waters and shelters many lives.
Storytelling walks, exhibitions, screening of documentaries and inauguration of a new discovery trail in the Reserve, everything invites you to come and meet all the speakers present at this new edition of Wild Territories Festivals and exchange around this inexhaustible and exciting theme.
Find the full program of Wild Territories Festival by HERE, and more information on the 50th anniversary of the Réserve Ornithologique du Teich by THERE !
✏️ Article by Mélanny RODRIGUES, @_studiohibou
