Les « prairies à rapaces » du bassin du Drugeon (Doubs)

The Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus) is an artic species which is heavily dependent on abundance of rodents, notably of Lemmings: in poor food years, when the number of rodents is low, the clutch may be two or three chicks, but in « lemming years » it increases, and commonly reaches five or six, with seven reported. In the wintering range too, single Rough-legged Buzzards often adopt a definite territory, which they frequent constantly for several weeks. They show a definite preference for marshy and grassy areas near water and tend to concentrate in areas where rodent prey is most abundant, so that the numbers of wintering buzzards may be locally determined by fluctuations in the rodent population.
The Drugeon Basin, in the departement of Doubs (Eastern France, near the Swiss border), is one of the best French spots to look for Rough-legged Buzzards in Winter. The meadows, sometimes full of redents, here attract several raptors species such as Common Buzzards, Red Kites… The 3rd of November 2007, Bernard Flenet photographed several species in the area, including a young Rough-legged Buzzard, and we present here his photos. We also introduce you some good spots to birdwatch in the area.