a

Saline de Galet

La Desirade  >  Guadeloupe

A disused salt pan which attracts a good variety of species especially during periods of migration.

Geplaatst* door Nicholas Smith
Meest recente update 4 december 2025

Beschrijving

Saline de Galet consists of two shallow lagoons, separated from the road by trees and accessible by a small track. There isn't much cover but with a little caution and field craft it is possible to move around the lagoon without disturbing the bird life. I have only visited in November when there were many wading species to be seen, probably on migration: Pectoral Sandpiper, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, Black-necked Stilt, Least Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, plus many others. As well as a few non wader species like Sora, Blue-winged Teal, American Coot and Belted Kingfisher.

Each visit revealed new species for the few days I was visiting La Desirade. Access to parts of the lagoons is limited because of the surrounding trees. [WARNING : many of the surrounding trees are manchineel trees (Hippomane mancinella) of which every part is poisonous. The fruit is toxic and the sap from the leaves and stems is too. If touched, the irritants in manchineel sap can cause inflammation and painful blisters on the skin. Passersby are warned not to stand underneath the tree when it's raining, as dripping water can transfer toxins from the tree.

Although mainly of interest because of the water birds, many other bird species may be observed in the vicinity.

Details

Toegang

The Saline de Galet is approximately 1.5 km west from the harbour in the main port town of Beausejour. There is a small turning right off Rue André Sablon into the area. (It is on the opposite side of the road and parallel with the airport landing strip). It is possible to park nearby but visitors are unlikely to have a car on this small island. Although it would be possible to observe many of the species present in a few minutes of arrival, I found repeat visits very useful for seeing different species, and also birds re-emerging after my initial arrival. The island is very small so I would visit the Salines whenever I was nearby.

Terrein en leefgebied

Wetland , Vijver

Omstandigheden

Vlak , Open landschap , Glad

Rondlopende wandeling mogelijk?

Nee

Telescoop meenemen?

Kan handig zijn

Wanneer hier vogels kijken?

Herfst , Lente

Toptijd voor dit gebied

Najaarstrek , Voorjaarstrek

Route

Onverharde weg

Zwaarte wandeling

Gemakkelijk

Toegankelijk via

Te voet , Fiets , Rolstoel

Vogelkijkhut aanwezig?

Nee

Extra info

It was very good for photographing the different species as the birds soon accepted the presence of the visitor if they were cautious in their appraoch, although certain species would alarm call loudly when you first arrive (Black-necked Stilt Greater Yellowlegs).

Links

Bekijk vogelgebieden in de buurt op Birdingplaces

Kaart

Top 5 vogels

Andere vogels die je hier kunt zien

Toon meer vogels Toon minder vogels
Toon meer foto's Toon minder foto's

Reacties & Tips

Plaats reactie, tip of vogelwaarneming
Beoordeel dit gebied
Aan mijn favorieten toevoegen
Verwijder uit mijn favorieten