Birding in Geneva : a morning at Teppes de Verbois

I headed to the Teppes de Verbois this morning, hoping to see the Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) that has been spotted there just a couple of days ago. After a bus + train ride to La Plaine, I reached the first observatory at the Etang Maurice Blanchet right before 8am. With a soft morning light and a nice warming sun, conditions were really perfect for some good birding.

I spent the entire morning there, enjoying some great sightings but also some great talks with other local birders and nature lovers. Unfortunately, the Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) did not show up. Let's hope it will next time, or next year! :)

Here is the list of the 22 bird species I have seen this morning, by alphabetical order:

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)
Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

Common Coot (Fulica atra)

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago). 9 individuals foraging the ground together at some point.

Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Eurasian Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Eurasian Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Goosander (Mergus merganser)
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
Great Tit (Parus major)
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Northern Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)
Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia). Lifer!

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula). 2 males and 1 female.

On top of that, I enjoyed watching a beautiful Red Fox napping in the sun. Whether you are an avid birder or not, Teppes de Verbois is a fantastic place to visit.

Love Nature.
Jonathan