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[edit] Overview

Champagne-Ardenne, France. In summer, this is not a place for birders but for boaters. However the rest of the year can be excellent. The lake is part of a larger system implemented to prevent dangers of flooding downstream towards Paris.

[edit] Birds

[edit] Notable Species

The area has become an important wintering ground for Common Crane. In addition, it is an important stopover point for them. A major spectacle is the gathering of the cranes in the evening, best seen from the south-western shore. That area is also often excellent for a variety of wintering geese and ducks, including the occasional Barnacle Goose. Regular winter residents include White-tailed Eagle and Peregrine Falcon.

Good birding can be done all around the lake. Habitats include various types of forests as well as fields with hedges and canals. There are some good hides in the south-eastern part. Access is from Braucourt on to the peninsula with a left-over church from the former village that had to be relocated when the lake was constructed.

[edit] Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

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[edit] Other Wildlife

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[edit] Site Information

[edit] History and Use

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[edit] Areas of Interest

There is a eco-museum west of Giffaumont-Champaubert, and the ponds north of it often hold a variety of birds, including Whooper Swan and Bewick's Swan.

[edit] Access and Facilities

Lodging: There is a hotel particularly well situated on the south side at Giffaumont-Champaubert and one at Eclaron. More hotels are at St. Dizier, about 10 km to the north-east.

[edit] Other Sites Nearby

Lac du Der can be combined with the Foret d'Orient location listed separately. That entry provides more access info and species lists that are valid for both areas. Lac du Der, however, is the most spectacular of the lakes.

[edit] Contact Details

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[edit] External Links

• Lac du Der, The Best Places to Observe
• Lac du Der en Champange: English Translation
• Lac du Der-Chantecoq on Google Maps

Swissboy Content and images originally posted by Swissboy

[edit] Reviews

cassowary's review

Wild Boar, White-tailed Eagle, Grey-headed Woodpecker and Middle Spotted Woodpecker all take work. the roosting cranes are spectacular. very cold when I visited Pros

• great place to see a few specialist birds

Cons

• Cold only a few specialties