The departure of the migratory birds

Each species follows a clear schedule. The Common Swift and the Common Cuckoo are amongst the first to leave. At the end of July or the beginning of August, they take off towards their wintering grounds in Africa. Of the species that depart in October, some individuals also overwinter in our regions.

Migratory birds that depart early in the season fly to Africa and generally travel at night and alone. Species that fly south later in the season travel to Spain, Algeria, Morocco and southern France. They often migrate during the day and in flocks. Migratory birds preferably travel when weather conditions are favourable, benefitting from tailwinds and avoiding rain. The journey south proceeds in stages as the birds regularly stop to rest for several days.