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Embouchure de la Menthue à Yvonand

Vaud  >  Switzerland

The "Embouchure de la Menthue" offers a wide view on the "Baie d'Yvonand" which is an important site for many breeding, wintering and migrating birds.

Added* by Sylvain Antoniazza
Most recent update 31 May 2020

Description

Many species can be seen from the tip of the dike depending on the season. In winter Black-throated Diver are regular, but Red-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver are also seen occasionaly. Many other rarer water birds have already been seen for example Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter or Smew . Red-breasted Merganser is regular. Big duck groups from the other side of the "Baie d'Yvonand" in Cheyres can also be distantly observed from the mole.

In spring and autumn, many species have already been seen there. Migrating and sometimes resting, especially when the lake level is low and little sandbancks appear. Almost all the terns species occuring in Switzerland have been observed here. There is also a good list of waders. Skuas are occasionnaly seen. There is also an opportunity to see or hear breeding birds. The riparian forest on the left side of the Menthue has a few Common Nightingale and Garden Warbler territories. Golden Oriole and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker are also regular. Especially in July there is a good chance to see distantly flying Little Bittern at the bottom of the Yvonand bay.

Details

Access

The site is easily accessible with public transport from the train station of Yvonand. It is less than a kilometer walk to reach the river from the station. Access with car is also easy. The best is to park at the beach car park (it could be a bit busy on nice week-ends in the summer, but is very empty most of the time). The area is not very big and walking is probably the best option.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Lake , Beach , River , Reedbeds

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Wide path , Paved road , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

Beavers also inhabit the area and can sometimes be well seen from the dike in the river or the lake. First hours in the morning are the best, but they can be seen almost any time.

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

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