Lake Léman is a transit zone for migratory birds and a unique location to observe birds of prey, storks and other species.

The Hucel lookout point in Thollon

Located just a few kilometres from the Swiss border, at an altitude of 966 metres in Thollon-les-Mémises, Hucel is a special site for bird watching, especially during the spring migration (from early February to early June). The lookout point is situated in the heart of a gully some 3 kilometres wide, formed by the Mémise Massif (rising to a height of 1,674 metres) to the south and Lake Léman to the north. Most birds of prey opt for this itinerary, preferring to follow the shore to avoid crossing the lake. During their migration, they can be observed on the slope of Mont Pèlerin (the municipalities of Corseaux, Chardonne, Chexbres and Jongny).

No less than 15,000 birds of prey , can be seen, for the most part common buzzards, black kites, sparrow hawks and honey buzzards. Each year, the area is visited by some three dozen black storks as well as other rarer species, such as ospreys, Egyptian vultures, greater spotted eagles and booted eagles.

Getting there
300 metres from Thollon, in the hamlet of Nouy, head towards "Le Hucel". The lookout point is located at the base of a tall antenna that towers above the hamlet and is easily visible from far off. The lookout is a 10-minute walk from the hamlet via a relatively difficult trail.

Participate in the bird count

Each year, two bird counts are organized on Lake Léman: one in mid-November and one in mid-January. The birds are counted with the help of binoculars and telescopes from lakeshore lookout points, which remain the same from year to year and are scattered along the entire perimeter of the lake. These counts are organized in partnership with Swiss ornithologists, who are responsible for the Swiss side of Lake Léman, while the LPO ("Bird Protection League") of Haute-Savoie counts on the French shore.

If you would like to participate, contact the Haute-Savoie chapter of the LPO.
24 rue de la Grenette 74370 METZ-TESSY
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 27 17 74
haute-savoie@lpo.fr
Office hours: 1 to 5 PM, from Monday to Friday.