RN des Coussouls de Crau

43.56043 , 4.82946

France

Réserve Naturelle des Coussouls de Crau

The Crau is a large steppe-like plain, the former riverbed of the river Durance. It hosts many species otherwise mostly restricted to the Iberian peninsula or northern Africa. Much of the Crau was degraded due to airports, military areas, agriculture and large buildings. However, there are still large areas with extensive sheep pasture. 

Peau de Meau is the best spot for most of the target species, including the Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. There is an inbuilt observatory in the Bergerie at 43.560448, 4.829402 (CURRENTLY CLOSED, last update August 2020). Morning or evening is the most rewarding daytime as temperatures can be high during midday and scanning therefore difficult.

Mas Chauvet is the place to visit for Calandra Lark. It also hosts most of the other typical Crau species although Pin-tailed Sandgrouse is more difficult here (never seen by the authors of this trip report here). In winter Richard's Pipit is a regular species.

One may also consider visiting the Etang des Aulnes (43.591786, 4.789568) which hosts some waterfowl and may be rewarding especially during the migration season. However, do not expect too much.

You should buy a permission (few Euros) for visiting the Peau de Meau area at the visitor centre, 2 Place Léon Michaud, 13310 Saint-Martin-de-Crau, France (parking lot at 43.636994, 4.805793). This ticket allows you to visit the reserve for two days (can be chosen freely, don't have to be consecutive days). 

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Admin : : 43.5604/4.8295 (2019-04-23 00:00:00 )

Site name was set by Admin : as "RN Des Coussouls De Crau" (2019-04-23 00:00:00 )

Edited by Sylvain Eichhorn on 2020-11-30 22:15:53
The Crau is a large steppe-like plain, the former riverbed of the river Durance. It hosts many species otherwise mostly restricted to the Iberian peninsula or northern Africa. Much of the Crau was degraded due to airports, military areas, agriculture and large buildings. However, there are still large areas with extensive sheep pasture.  Peau de Meau is the best spot for most of the target species, including the Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. There is an inbuilt observatory in the Bergerie at 43.560448, 4.829402 (CURRENTLY CLOSED, last update August 2020). Morning or evening is the most rewarding daytime as temperatures can be high during midday and scanning therefore difficult. Mas Chauvet is the place to visit for Calandra Lark. It also hosts most of the other typical Crau species although Pin-tailed Sandgrouse is more difficult here (never seen by the authors of this trip report here). In winter Richard's Pipit is a regular species. One may also consider visiting the Etang des Aulnes (43.591786, 4.789568) which hosts some waterfowl and may be rewarding especially during the migration season. However, do not expect too much. You should buy a permission (few Euros) for visiting the Peau de Meau area at the visitor centre, 2 Place Léon Michaud, 13310 Saint-Martin-de-Crau, France (parking lot at 43.636994, 4.805793). This ticket allows you to visit the reserve for two days (can be chosen freely, don't have to be consecutive days). 
Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-11-30 22:04:27
The Crau is a large steppe-like plain, the former riverbed of the river Durance. It hosts many species otherwise mostly restricted to the Iberian peninsula or northern Africa. Much of the Crau was degraded due to airports, military areas, agriculture and large buildings. However, there are still large areas with extensive sheep pasture. 

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Not available yet
  • Timing and strategy

Most of the specialties are resident species. Probably most difficult in the summer due to the heat and generally low activity.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-11-30 22:06
Most of the specialties are resident species. Probably most difficult in the summer due to the heat and generally low activity.
  • How to get there

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Not available yet

You are not allowed to drive your car within the Nature reserve Reserve Naturelle des Coussouls de Crau, however, there is some suitable access points. 

Peau de Meau and Etang des Aulnes
Take the turn to "Etang des Aulnes" at 43.602218, 4.788574. The parking lot for Etang des Aulnes is at 43.600636, 4.790547. To visit the Peau de Meau area follow the road to the parking lot at 43.571560, 4.831904. Accessible for any type of car or bicycle. 

Mas Chauvet area
Parking lot at 43.574068, 4.885781. Accessible for any type of car or bicycle. 

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-12-01 20:07
You are not allowed to drive your car within the Nature reserve Reserve Naturelle des Coussouls de Crau, however, there is some suitable access points.  Peau de Meau and Etang des Aulnes Aulnes Take the turn to "Etang des Aulnes" at 43.602218, 4.788574. The parking lot for Etang des Aulnes is at 43.600636, 4.790547. To visit the Peau de Meau area follow the road to the parking lot at 43.571560, 4.831904. Accessible for any type of car or bicycle.  Mas Chauvet area area Parking lot at 43.574068, 4.885781. Accessible for any type of car or bicycle.  Note: You are not allowed to drive your car within the Nature reserve Reserve Naturelle des Coussouls de Crau. 
Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-11-30 22:02
Peau de Meau and Etang des Aulnes Take the turn to "Etang des Aulnes" at 43.602218, 4.788574. The parking lot for Etang des Aulnes is at 43.600636, 4.790547. To visit the Peau de Meau area follow the road to the parking lot at 43.571560, 4.831904. Accessible for any type of car or bicycle.  Mas Chauvet area Parking lot at 43.574068, 4.885781. Accessible for any type of car or bicycle.  Note: You are not allowed to drive your car within the Nature reserve Reserve Naturelle des Coussouls de Crau.
Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-11-30 22:02
Peau de Meau and Etang des Aulnes Take the turn to "Etang des Aulnes" at 43.602218, 4.788574. The parking lot for Etang des Aulnes is at 43.600636, 4.790547. To visit the Peau de Meau area follow the road to the parking lot at 43.571560, 4.831904. Accessible for any type of car or bicycle.  Mas Chauvet area Parking lot at 43.574068, 4.885781. Accessible for any type of car or bicycle.  Note: You are not allowed to drive your car within the Nature reserve Reserve Naturelle des Coussouls de Crau.
  • Other attractions

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Not available yet

Accommodations / Camping at Saint-Martin de Crau.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Valentin Moser on 2020-11-30 22:03
Accommodations / Camping at Saint-Martin de Crau.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Not available yet
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

Local guides

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Gallery

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Reports

Season:
to
Species:
2022-04-13 to 2022-04-18 Camargue, Les Alpilles and the Crau with Bebbi Babbler Birding Valentin Moser et al.
2019-04-18 to 2019-04-22 Alpilles, Crau, Camargue Sylvain Eichhorn et al.
RN des Coussouls de Crau - Orniverse