New Island, an area with a variety of wildlife

This island, a property of the Conservatoire du littoral and administered by the Gironde administration, has been classified as a “sensitive natural area”. Therefore, the department leads a “policy of space conservation and improvement,” as Carol Shamulaud asserts. It is about six kilometers long.

Variety of backgrounds

With binoculars around her neck and her binoculars set on the floor, Carol Chamolaud offers to visit at the foot of the pontoon where the transport ship has just docked, while hearing the first birdsong. “The new island is divided into two parts: the southern part which is preserved to encourage the arrival of birds and the north, it is forbidden to reach the public where plants are left to grow. This brings a variety of natural environments and helps attract more animals,” says the guide as visitors try to get rid of From a few mosquitoes swirling around them.

“Look, you Eurasian spunbell,” says Isabel, one of the walkers, as she follows this long-beaked bird with her eyes. “Remember to look up while I’m talking to you,” Carol Shmoud replied. According to the latter, more than 160 different species of birds set foot on this island annually, including migratory birds. “The island has so much interest in them because there are so few humans. It’s a sanctuary, it’s strategic.” Sometimes what she describes as a ‘ballet of birds’ passes over our heads. Everyone’s eyes follow almost automatically.

The group set out for the village on the island, the last of which had left in 1973. On the way leading them there, 5-year-old Gauthier, accompanied by his grandmother, noticed many nutrient droppings, which can also be seen all over the island. “It’s an invasive animal, there are a lot of them here,” the guide says. On Earth, many ants. Here, in a stream, is a small frog. There are butterflies of different colors.

During her visit to the island, Carol Shamula places her telescope in places where you can see certain species. Among the birds seen that day, the black-crowned night heron resting on a branch or egret in the middle of a pond. Something surprises Monique, who did not expect to “see so much life” on this island.