The Path of the Birds

Observe Without Being Seen More than 200 species of birds can be observed in the regional nature reserve (RNR)! Yet the ponds, fed by the Agout aquifer, were not originally intended to host this heron colony—one of the largest in Occitanie… The materials extracted from the ponds were intended for the construction of the railroad connecting Rodez to Castelnaudary. As early as the 1970s, the tranquility of the ponds attracted large numbers of herons. From that point on, naturalists quickly realized the importance of conserving such a “birdwatching hotspot.” Today, the Bird Trail allows visitors to walk around the reserve without disturbing its inhabitants, with observation points strategically placed along the route. Visitors can then observe gray herons, great crested grebes, black kites, and many other species without being seen… Be sure, however, to remain discreet and patient: here, cameras and binoculars are a must.