Parc ornithologique de Pont-de-Gau, Bird park in Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France.
Parc ornithologique de Pont-de-Gau is a 60-hectare sanctuary in the Camargue wetlands featuring marshes, ponds, reed beds, and salt meadows with distinct habitats for bird species. Seven kilometers of trails crisscross the site, allowing visitors to walk through different zones and observe diverse bird populations in their natural settings.
The sanctuary was founded in 1949 by ornithologist André Lamouroux as a modest aviary. In 1974, it underwent a major transformation to become a vast refuge for wild birds flying freely instead of being confined.
The park serves as a place where visitors experience the rhythm of Camargue bird life as flocks of flamingos wade through lagoons and herons move through shallow waters. Walking the discovery trails, you encounter information panels that explain how different bird species depend on these wetlands and what makes this region special for them.
Bring binoculars to observe flamingos, herons, storks, and other wetland birds visible throughout the year in the park. The trails are flat and easy to walk, but sturdy footwear and sun protection are advisable since shade is limited along the routes.
The site operates a rehabilitation center treating around 350 injured wild birds each year before releasing them back to nature. This work transforms the location into more than just a viewing spot, making it an active wildlife conservation hub for the region.
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