The Rivulet Terre Rouge Estuary Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful natural reserve located on the north coast of Mauritius. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
The sanctuary is spread over an area of approximately 100 hectares, and it includes a variety of habitats such as mangroves, mudflats, and marshes, which provide a natural haven for the birds. The sanctuary also serves as an important breeding ground for several species of birds, including the endangered Mauritius Fody and the Pink Pigeon.
Visitors to the sanctuary can take a guided tour to learn more about the various bird species and their habitats. The sanctuary is equipped with observation decks and hides, which provide excellent viewing points for birdwatching. The sanctuary also features a visitors' center, where visitors can learn more about the bird species and the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them.
The Rivulet Terre Rouge Estuary Bird Sanctuary is not only an important conservation area but also a place of natural beauty. Its tranquil setting and scenic views make it a great place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The sanctuary is also a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing, allowing visitors to explore the area's waterways and see the birdlife from a different perspective.
Overall, the Rivulet Terre Rouge Estuary Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and birdwatching. Its natural beauty, diverse range of bird species, and importance as a conservation area make it a unique and valuable asset...
Read moreThe Bird Sanctuary has reopened. It is a peaceful haven and protected area located in between the Port-Louis harbour industrial zone and Baie-du-Tombeau/ Roche-Bois residential area. There are a few turtles and a nursery. The boardwalk nature path towards the view point or the birds' hide is clean and quite well-maintained. The tranquility is rather unique and I visited at high tide. The officers at the visitors' centre were helpful and shared enriching information.
Bird watching: It is advised to come early and the most interesting species can be sighted at low tide. The ideal season to observe the birds is between October to April (summertime in Mauritius / winter and spring in the Northern Hemisphere).
Pollution: Judging from the topography of the estuary, at low tide, plastic wastes etc caught in the marshy land may be more visible. They may have been carried down to the estuary by the rivers which originate many miles upland and which run across residential areas and villages. Alternately, these wastes (especially plastic) might be pushed inside the bay-like area when the sea is rough. At high tide this is not particularly visible.
Overall it is a wonderful place to be for those who like quiet walks and...
Read moreThe sanctuary should open one day during the weekend as most tourists would make the most of their visits. The sanctuary lacks in activities and attractions other than bird watching- which is only possible during the migration season. To disappoint, it has a tortoise pen and a plant nursery but with only two tortoise and a closed off plant nursery area.
It lacks useful information (photos, facts) of the types of plants which are being propagated and grown in the nursery. The grounds itself could use with having more trees...
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