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Nature & Wildlife
The Poitou-Charente area is a nature lovers dream, the region encompasses such a diversity of landscape from the beautiful coastal areas around La Rochelle and Ile de Re to dry limestone plains, rivers, lakes; the Marais and the wetlands, where canals wind through a natural setting, one cannot help but feel in awe of the true beauty and tranquillity of this wonderful area. From the Praying Mantis (Mante religieuse) clinging to the long grass in our back garden, to the Roe Deer (Chevreuil) that have recently moved into a neighboring field, you are sure to catch a glimpse of the rich diversity of fascinating wildlife that occupies this area of France.
One of the first things we noticed when we moved here are the large numbers of birds of prey that can be seen circling the skies, swooping low across the fields or sitting motionless on telegraph poles.
From the hamlet and within the immediate vicinity, it is possible to see a number of species of birds of prey including Ospreys (Balbuzard Pêcheur) and Montagu’s Harriers (Busard Cendré). More rare but also within the area is the Black Kites (Milan Noir)
Many other large birds which are not birds of prey can also be seen in the skies of the region, Black Storks (Cigogne Noir), Purple Herons (Héron Pourpré) and a recent escape in the 1980’s from captivity, Sacred Ibis (Ibis Sacré), native birds of Africa and the Middle East, are now present and breeding in the region, which although spectacular to see, may not be good news for some native species.
The most important sites in France for the Little Bustard (Outarde Canepetiere), an endangered, red listed species are to be found in Poitou-Charentes. Corn Crake (Râle des Genêts) and Stone Curlews (Oedicnème Criard), which are both endangered, are also present.
Another bird that is both scarce and difficult to observe is the Blue throat (Gorgebleue à miroir) a smallish robin sized bird that rarely stays still and loves to remain in the cover of thickets or amongst rushes. The males, especially in spring have an incredible blue throat patch separated from the lower breast by black and chestnut bands.
In many of the forests, there is a chance to glimpse Wild Boar (Sanglier), these creatures usually and Red Squirrels (Ecureuil Roux) can be frequently seen crossing roads or in fields, some of the other 60 or so species of mammals may require a keener eye or a chance encounter.
In the local River Charente you may be fortunate enough to see the European Mink (le Vison d’Europe), Otters (La Loutre) or the European Beaver (Caster d’Europe). A rather strange looking semi-aquatic rodent the Coypu (les ragondins) have been unwelcome residents in the French countryside since the 19th century when they were first introduced for their fur, we have witnessed these unusual creatures at the local Charente river at St Macoux.
There are seven different types of snakes in this part of France, some being up to 2 metres long; all are harmless apart from the Asp Viper (Vipère Aspic) a very small snake with an average length of 30cm, although the Asp Viper is venomous, bites are rare and normally not serious.
Lizards and salamanders are abundant and amongst the dunes or in rocky areas it is possible to see the largest lizard in France, the Ocellated Lizard (Lézard Ocellé) with an average length of 60cm, these lizards often live in pairs – so if you see one it’s mate may be nearby. Although its diet is mainly insects it will also capture and eat small mammals, baby birds, small snakes and other lizards – this lizard can bite if handled but is not harmful.
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