Champagne, May 2013 (2): Lac du Der's side lakes

 Etang des Landres

A few hundred metres from Lac du Der's south-western shore, there are three small reed-fringed lakes - the Lakes of Outines-Arrigny or Etangs d'Outines-Arrigny - hidden amongst the woodland and farmland that I had never explored and this trip seemed the perfect chance. Two of the lakes are connected by a 2.5km circular walk from the car park on the west side of the D13 near Site de Chantecoq in Lac du Der's south-west corner.

These side lakes can hold some species in winter less likely to be found on the main lake, such as Great White Egret and Bearded Tit, whilst in spring and summer their reedy margins can be good for Bittern and the scrub and hedges for Red-backed Shrike. For me though, the walk will always be remembered for my first Long-eared Owl!

Long-eared Owl, by Tony Hisgett under CCSA

A surfaced and signposted path runs from the roadside across an area of cattle-grazed pasture (seemingly called 'the Bushy Fox' on the map) but I ignored this and instead headed down a parallel and damp green lane, intrigued by what might be skulking in the thick hedges. Within a few paces I was rewarded by the owl emerging from cover and flying away low down the lane, affording me superb views.


Just as suddenly, it disappeared into the hedge again before popping out a second time to fly even further down the lane. Not wanting to disturb it any further, I retraced my steps slow enough to enjoy a couple of singing Nightingales and a Yellowhammer and followed the proper route. Within ten minutes I reached a hide overlooking the south end of Etang des Landres.

Reedbed at Etang des Landres

I didn't linger long as I was enjoying the sunshine more than the coolness of the excellent two storey hide, so no expectation of Bittern, but a Little Grebe dived close by and a Pochard loafed with pairs of Tufted Duck and Gadwall, two male Teal and numerous Mallard. I counted 43 Mute Swan dotted about. Common Terns circled on the far side whilst, a bit nearer, what appeared to be a Golden-ringed Dragonfly hawked the reedbed. The dark clouds combined with the warm light made for some good photos, I thought.

Back to the path and it entered some mature decidous woodland. Parts were almost impassable after the recent rain but I managed to jump some puddles and balance on some logs whilst juggling camera and telescope. Before long, the path opened out onto a meadow, with wild flowers such as Bugle and Germander Speedwell edging the path and the grassland of Meadow Foxtail, Meadow Buttercup and Dandelion waving in the breeze. More reed and water were visible in the distance.




The path continued on between mature woodland and the shore's marginal scrub with a permanent accompaniment of Blackcap and Chiffchaff whilst a male Black Oil Beetle also appeared to be following me. The path emerged to give more views of the same lake and I added a couple more species here with a Sparrowhawk out over the water and a Great White Egret peeping out of the reeds.

Pond at the edge of Etang du Grand Coulon

I was at the furthest point of this circular walk now and the path cut south through some wet woodland and out onto a boardwalk through the reedbed fringing the Etang du Grand Coulons. A wooden covered walkway ended in a small shelter-like hide and views of similar species to the first lake, although in greater numbers. A small pond on the lake margin gave super views of a Great Reed Warbler belting out his creaking song.

At this point, the return walk crosses the meadow seen earlier and rejoins the outward route - helpfully just before the very wet woodland section. I successfully navigated it again, made more enjoyable this time due to the song of a Golden Oriole.