Behind the masts of yachts and sail boats bobbing in the harbour, the cliffs of Fontvieille are alive with birdsong and the flapping of wings.  

A fascinating variety of birds, from kingfishers and Peregrine falcons to cormorants and Mediterranean shags, have made their homes in these rocks and now they are to be the focus of a special public awareness event that is being organised by the Department of the Environment later this month.

On the morning of Wednesday 28th February, groups of up to 15 people at a time will be invited to take part in a series of discovery sessions in the area. Using binoculars, which can be borrowed from the department, to avoid disturbing the birds, expert ornithologists will teach participants about the range and diversity of species living in Monaco and point out, from a safe distance, the cherished nesting sites of the Principality’s resident Mediterranean Great Cormorants.  

Discussions on the local birdlife will be held following the tours with the input from an ornithologist representing the Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. 

To reserve a space or for more information about the biodiversity event, contact the Department of the Environment on viaenvironnement@gouv.mc or by telephone: +377) 98 98 83 41.  

The meeting time and place will be confirmed upon booking.  

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Photo source: Vincent Gaglio, Monaco’s Department of the Environment