With its sheltered observatory, you can see as far as the eye can see across the entire expanse of lake where the Sandhill Cranes rest before dawn. This site is the most popular, as it allows you to witness this natural spectacle, where the majority of these large birds take off and fly overhead. And for the keen photographers, the sun rises directly in front of them, making for some very fine shots.
Observatoire De Chantecoq
View Chantecoq Observatory Nos Coeurs Voyageurs Mdt 52
Chantecoq Observatory Lac du Der
Port De Nuisement P.philippeLocated to the north of Lac du Der, the port of Nuisement offers a very wide view over the south of the lake, making it easy to observe groups arriving from the north and those leaving the lake in the morning for the fields to the northeast. The large mud banks in front of the harbour are veritable dormitories for Sandhill Cranes, providing great opportunities to take flight.
Situated in the south-east of Lac du Der, the Giffaumont-Champaubert dike is right on the flight path for the early morning rise of the common cranes. A popular vantage point for visitors and enthusiasts alike, it’s one of the best strategic spots for birdwatching!
Giffaumont dam ornithology
Ferme Aux Grues 2
Ferme Aux Grues Vue Sur Les Affuts Francis DesjardinsTo the north-west of the lake, near Saint-Rémy-en-Bouzemont, an old farmhouse was partly converted into a large observatory in 1990. From mid-February to mid-March, during the agrainage season (the spreading of various types of organic grain in a field opposite), the cranes can be observed feeding from a respectable distance.
Sandhill Cranes are fed there, reducing the impact on local farmers’ seedlings…
