The Marais Salant des Salines, in the heart of Les Sables d’Olonne, is a pristine haven for the birds of the Vendée, whether resident or migratory. An observatory located within the Parc d’Aventure du Sel allows you to watch them in peace…
A peaceful, unspoiled spot where you can watch the birds of the Vendée in complete tranquility
In Les Salines, we encourage migratory birds to nest by building small islands in the old salt marshes surrounding the area. Avocets and stilts bring twigs to these islands and build their nests there.
They take care to protect their eggs from predators such as gulls and muskrats. They lay about 3 or 4 eggs per nest. Once hatched, the chicks scatter and begin feeding very quickly. They are said to be “nest-leavers” because they do not wait to be fed, unlike so-called “nest-dependent” species.
Every year, the League for the Protection of Birds comes here to band the little avocets, whose family name is “LES SALINES.”
For more information, visit the website of the League for the Protection of Birds
The sound of birdsong draws us in, and they are avocets and stilts busily pecking at the clumps of classwort… They’re getting ready to nest.
Nid et œufs d’échasse aux Salines – Les Sables d’olonne
Aigrette – oiseau de Vendée aux Salines
Echasse © S. Bourcier – Vendée Expansion
Héron pêchant du poisson
