Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Outdoor Activities
Bird Watching:
Jersey is an ideal venue for the visiting bird watcher with a wide range of
species visible throughout the year. There are a number of locations which are a must visit
on any visitors list.
1. St Ouen's Pond or La Mare au Seigneur is the largest area of natural fresh water in the
Channel Islands. The water and extensive reed beds attract a wide range of species but the
most spectacular must surely be the Marsh Harriers. They are now firmly established as
a breeding species with their numbers increasing significantly during the winter months.
Cetti's Warblers, Bearded Tits, a wide variety of waterfowl etc. are all attracted to this prime
location.
There are two bird hides, which look out over the pond and its areas. The first is the superb
new National Trust for
Jersey Wetland Centre
reached by parking in the large car park close
to Big Vern's. The entrance is obvious on the other side of the road, with the facility un-
derneath a dune. There 16 viewing windows offering excellent views over St Ouen's Pond
(La Mare au Seigneur nature reserve). In addition there are numerous multi-media exhibits
providing information about the area. This would be an excellent starting point for any vis-
iting bird watchers or locals.
To visit the second hide park in the small car park opposite the Watersplash, there is often
an ice cream van parked there. A footpath leads through the trees and along the northern
edge of the golf course, allowing access to the hide, which looks north over the area of the
Pond known as the Scrape. This hide has been refurbished in recent years and is far more
comfortable than it used to be.
2. St Ouen's Sand Pits are just to the south of St Ouen's Pond and attracts an interesting
range of birds. There is a hide at the bottom of Jubilee Hill on the north side of the road. It
is best to park in the first car park on the left hand side of the road if you are coming down
the hill before crossing over the road to the hide.
3. Grosnez best when strong winds from west to north are blowing. Walk down to the light-
house and start to monitor the sea. Gannets, Shearwaters, Gulls are just a few of the species,
which can be seen from here.
4. Petit Port just to the north of Corbiere is always worth a look from high tide to half tide
down as the birds get pushed higher up the rocks. A variety of waders can be easily seen
and this probably the best place to see Purple Sandpipers on the Island.
5. Noirmont has really come into prominence in recent years from late summer onwards as
the autumn migration has been monitored. The number of common species counted can be
quite staggering as well as a small numbers of other species.
