Raising awareness of breeding birds | Destination Île de Ré

Protecting nesting birds A fragile nature to discover... and protect

Every spring, the island of Ré becomes a haven for hundreds of birds that come here to nest, breed and raise their young. From the salt marshes to the dunes and the beaches, these natural areas provide a unique setting for species that are as discreet as they are precious: avocets, white stilts, ring-necked plovers, common terns and blackbirds. But this natural wealth is also fragile. Many Retais birds nest on the ground, sometimes just a few metres from footpaths or busy beaches. A step too close, a dog on the loose or a sudden noise can be enough to make the parents flee and endanger an entire brood.

The right gestures of the responsible visitor

Protecting nesting birds is everyone’s business! Here are a few simple things you can do on your walks:

Stay on marked footpaths and respect quiet areas
Keep your dog on a lead, especially in spring and early summer
Observe from a distance, using binoculars or a zoom lens, without trying to get close to the nests
Avoid making noise and moving around outside authorised areas
Do not leave any trace of your passage

©IMG_20230616_094820|Camille Pinot - Destination Ile de Ré

The LPO and the Nature Reserve committed players

On the island, the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO ) works on a daily basis to preserve this biodiversity. In particular, it manages the Lilleau des Niges National Nature Reserve in Les Portes-en-Ré, an emblematic site where migratory, wintering and breeding birds meet. Throughout the year, the LPO and the Maison du Fier offer :

guided nature outings to observe birds without disturbing them,
educational workshops for young and old,

These activities provide a better understanding of bird behaviour, but also help to raise awareness among residents and visitors of the simple steps that can be taken to protect birds.