In the heart of the wild marshland, an 8-hectare protected natural area crisscrossed by streams covered with green duckweed, the “Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin” bird park is home to more than 75 species of birds from the Marais Poitevin, including the downy elder, night heron, white-fronted goose, black-winged stilt, and oystercatcher. .., as well as animals domesticated over the centuries in Poitou, such as Poitou donkeys, draft horses, Marans chickens and roosters....
Information panels and introductory modules on ornithology are available along the discovery trail.
In the shade of the pollarded ash trees, you will also learn to recognize the trees and wild plants of the wet marsh. More than thirty are listed with information on their various medicinal and culinary uses or their toxicity.
The visit ends with a film shown on a large screen, which allows you to fly over the magnificent landscapes of the Marais Poitevin and discover the birds of this region in their natural habitat.
A maze, punctuated with fun and educational panels on migration, explains the story of the 5,000 km journey of Momo the flycatcher, created by comic book artist Bloop.
The Landing Stage
From the Ornithological Park, traditional Marais Poitevin boats take you to the wildest areas of the wet marshes.
One-hour, one-and-a-half-hour, and two-hour tours are available, with or without a boatman, so you can discover the most authentic wet marshes and all the secrets of the Marais Poitevin at your own pace.
Boat trip with a boatman guide:
The boatman will introduce you to the flora and fauna of the wild marshes and explain the life of the marshland people, both past and present.
Upon reservation, you can enjoy a trip at dawn or dusk for a magical and unforgettable experience.
Boat trip without a guide:
Using oars or a pigouille, a long wooden pole traditionally used in the Marais Poitevin to push boats, you can set off at your own pace to discover this magical place.
You will be provided with a detailed map of the different routes to help you find your way through the maze of channels and ditches that are so numerous in the wild marsh.
Canoe trip:
This will allow you to glide peacefully along the calm, tranquil waters of the Marais Poitevin.
An animal keeper awaits you every Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. to help feed the birds!
Reservations required.
Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin Bird Park
Le Petit Buisson
79210 Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud
Phone: 05.49.26.04.09.
Phone: 05.46.01.04.27.
http://www.oiseauxmaraispoitevin.com/
