IMAGES. In full migration, more than a million birds flew over Pont-de-Roide this autumn

It is one of France’s most important migratory corridors: every autumn, hundreds of thousands of migratory birds fly over Pont-de-Roide near Montbéliard in the Doubs. For observers of the LPO, this year is exceptional in Burgundy-Franche-Comté.

An exceptional place for ornithological observation, every year the Fort de Roche, on the heights of Pont-de-Roide in the Doubs, allows LPO volunteers to count the migratory birds that cross the Doubs valley and to estimate the population status of these species. However, this year they have already observed more than a million birds passing through, while there are still almost three weeks left of counting.

“It’s only the fourth time we’ve crossed the million mark” explains Georges Lignier, volunteer coordinator of count monitoring for LPO Franche-Comté. One species in particular was noted by its many groups this year: wood pigeons, which accounted for more than 70,000 individuals observed on Oct. 28. “This is an excellent level, the record for this species is 1.1 million in 2019”.

This is historic for ornithology in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, because we have a counting site called the mountain of madness in Burgundy, which is also well over a million birds. They also counted more than 300,000 wood pigeons in 48 hours.

Georges Lignier, volunteer count coordinator for the LPO Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Time is no stranger to these findings: “we were penalized for a while by patches of fog, we could hardly see, but since then we have excellent visibility, we are able to take flights at 25-30 kilometres” welcomes Georges Lignier.

The royal kites also excelled this fall. While usually between 7,000 and 12,000 individuals were counted throughout the season, they were already to 28 October more than 9,700 have been seen and identified from Fort des Roches. “Somehow it reflects a better state of health of the population, explains Georges Lignier, but they are populations that remain fragile”.

On the other hand, other species are rarer this season. “There’s a notable absentee, begins the LPO volunteer, these are the sparrows.” “The most important thing is the finch”he continues.

Another species whose absence has been noted: “we only have three bullfinches”. For the same period last year, a little more 120 individuals had already been observed. “That’s a sign, it’s a bird that’s not doing well at all.”

Until the end of the count, LPO volunteers take turns observing the sky and identifying the species using the migratory corridor. From 20 August “we were able to guarantee a daily presence, welcomes Georges Lignier, this is a strong commitment for volunteers”.

Volunteers who also welcome the public. “We have tourists, we also have people from all over France” specifies the coordinator of the count. “The fort is always open and there is entertainment from dawn until the end of the afternoon. For one or ten people we welcome, we explain what we do, why and how”. A good idea for outings for curious little ones on holiday.