Bee-eaters up close & personal.

If there is one bird found in Europe that encapsulates the beauty of Nature in one form, it is the Bee-eater.  The colours speak for themselves.  When the Bee-eater takes to the air, it's grace and agility match it's beauty on the ground.  The distinctive call entirely befits such a beautiful bird.  We have created a special hide to observe them at close quarters.  It is then you also discern the caring characteristics between the pairs, the frequent courtship of exchanging gifts, dragonflies & other insects, to constantly reinforce their bond.  Such a gentle, close relationship is in perfect keeping with the physical perfection of the Bee-eater. 

Bee-eaters are present in the Ariege from early May through to mid September.  Happily they seem to be thriving in the area, with colonies expanding.  The Ariege is on the limit of the distribution of a species that prefers warmer, dryer climates.