Île aux Oiseaux, artificial island in Préverenges, Switzerland

The île aux Oiseaux is an artificial island in Lake Geneva near Préverenges, created in 2001 as a resting place for migratory birds. It is made of rocks and sand with two wooden nesting platforms on stilts that protect birds from predators.

The idea dates to 1984, when Lionel Maumary of the Cercle ornithologique de Lausanne began pushing for an island off the Venoge mouth; a 1986 sketch was rejected. A 1995 dossier won federal backing, and construction ran from October 2001 to July 2002. In 2002 about 1500 birds were counted, including 14 gull and 27 wader species.

The island is a nature reserve managed by the Cercle ornithologique de Lausanne, and access is forbidden; birdwatchers observe from the shore with binoculars. The Maison de l'île aux Oiseaux, a teaching centre with a permanent exhibition opposite the island, opened in March 2022. The project began with Lionel Maumary's idea in 1984.

The island is best viewed with binoculars or spotting scopes from a lakeside path. Two free spotting scopes are available, with one wheelchair accessible, and an information center provides background information.

The island's sand comes largely from the bed of the Venoge, and construction cost about 530,000 francs, covered by foundations, environmental groups and public funds. By 2021 over 230 bird species had been recorded there, including rare visitors such as the wood sandpiper, red-throated loon and little egret.