- BLOG LOCATION2ALPES.COM
Alpine birds: 4 emblematic species to spot around Les 2 Alpes
Bearded vulture, golden eagle, black grouse, alpine chough: how to recognise them, when to look for them and how to respect wildlife.
Universe
Location2alpes
Collection
Alpine
Reading
6 min
Share
What to read in this guide
Check out the key points from this article to plan your trip, explore the area, and organize your outing to Les 2 Alpes.
What you need to know
Alpine birds to spot: bearded vulture, golden eagle, black grouse and alpine chough, with tips on season, equipment and respecting wildlife.
Introduction
On the doorstep of the Écrins National Park, the mountains of Les 2 Alpes are not only a playground for skiing or hiking: they are also home to remarkable wildlife. Birdwatching adds another dimension to a stay, for nature lovers, photographers or curious families.
This guide presents four emblematic species, the bearded vulture, golden eagle, black grouse and alpine chough, together with tips for planning an outing and avoiding disturbing the animals. A sighting is never guaranteed: it depends on the season, the weather and luck. Sites, periods and protection rules change: ask the Écrins National Park and the tourist office.
For hiking ideas, see our article on hiking in Les 2 Alpes.
Chapter
01
Why try birdwatching in the Alps?
Bearded vulture, golden eagle, black grouse, alpine chough: how to recognise them, when to look for them and how to respect wildlife.
Who is this experience ideal for?
Birdwatching suits curious beginners as much as enthusiasts. It gives access to wildlife without having to climb summits, and with no particular age or technical requirement.
Families find a detective game in it: spotting a plumage or recognising a call transforms the walk. Photographers enjoy the mountain light. Whether you are here for a hike, a relaxing stay or a weekend, the activity adapts: a little patience, binoculars and an attentive eye often suffice.
For accommodation on site, see our apartments for rent.
The Oisans massif, very close to Les 2 Alpes, combines a great variety of habitats (alpine pastures, high-altitude forests, cliffs, torrents) with quiet areas away from the busiest routes. This mosaic of habitats suits emblematic species.
The area also has a culture of respect for wildlife: the Écrins National Park, guides and rangers gladly share advice that makes authentic encounters easier.
Altitude, the quiet of some sites and the presence of species that have become rare elsewhere explain the appeal of birdwatching here, even over half a day.
What makes birdwatching special in the Oisans?
Watching birds around Les 2 Alpes means enjoying accessible nature and the emotion of an unexpected encounter. The activity fits every stay: a family outing, a contemplative pause during a hike or relaxation after sport. Stay open to the unexpected: every season and every hour can hold a surprise.
Choosing birdwatching means giving yourself moments of connection with nature, without complex preparation: the reward lies in patience, silence and the spectacle of living things. For an outing to a high-altitude lake, see the lakes around Les 2 Alpes.
On this page
Extend the experience
The Resort Guide
Plan your trip by exploring the must-see attractions in Les 2 Alpes: activities, scenery, practical tips, and top spots to help you make the most of your time at the resort.
Chapter
02
The 4 emblematic species to spot around Les 2 Alpes
Bearded vulture, golden eagle, black grouse, alpine chough: how to recognise them, when to look for them and how to respect wildlife.
Introducing the 4 species and their characteristics
Four species stand out, for their rarity or behaviour:
1. The bearded vulture: a very large vulture, nicknamed the “bone breaker” because it feeds on bones. It is recognised by its huge wingspan, slender wings and silent flight above cliffs and open valleys.
2. The golden eagle: a symbol of the Alps, it patrols rocky slopes and alpine pastures. Its powerful silhouette, large wingspan and massive head set it apart.
3. The black grouse: more discreet, it lives on wooded slopes and in high-altitude clearings. The male is mainly noticed during spring displays, with its dark, glossy plumage and lyre-shaped tail.
4. The alpine chough: an acrobat of the summits, it lives in flocks. Its black plumage and bright yellow bill distinguish it, as do its calls. It is often seen near refuges and ridges.
Bearded vulture: look for it above large cliffs, often at times when thermals form (late morning to late afternoon).
Golden eagle: alpine pasture areas offer good viewpoints. It is present all year, but easier to see when hunting during the breeding season.
Black grouse: a species very sensitive to disturbance, it frequents forest edges and high-altitude heathland. Displays take place at dawn in spring, when you need to be extra discreet and stay on the paths.
Alpine chough: easy to see in summer near viewpoints, refuges and ridges at altitude, and present for much of the year.
Exact observation places change: ask the Park or the tourist office. For the day’s weather, see the Les 2 Alpes weather forecast.
Where and when can you improve your chances of seeing them?
Each species offers a different show: the bearded vulture’s soaring flight, the eagle’s dives, the grouse’s dawn display, the chough’s playful ballet. Adapting the outing to the target species and the period increases your chances. Information boards and conversations with rangers or guides help you choose areas.
Birdwatching mainly requires a good eye and attention to detail. Glimpsing one of these birds, even briefly, makes a visit memorable. Seasonal variations justify planning several outings or varying the times.
On this page
Extend the experience
3600 m
Elevation of the Les 2 Alpes Glacier
Going Out in Les 2 Alpes
“The best restaurant isn't always the one with the highest rating”
Stay
A Summer in the Great Outdoors
Discover the best summer activities in Les 2 Alpes: hiking, mountain biking, high-altitude lakes, panoramic views, and mountain adventures to make the most of your stay.
Chapter
03
Preparing your outing: organisation, equipment and weather
Bearded vulture, golden eagle, black grouse, alpine chough: how to recognise them, when to look for them and how to respect wildlife.
Useful equipment and simple preparation for all levels
You do not need sophisticated equipment to start. A pair of light binoculars is enough to admire plumage details or spot a bird perched in the distance. A spotting scope adds comfort for enthusiasts, without being essential.
A small notebook or app to record your sightings (date, place, behaviour) helps you progress. Bring layered clothing, a windproof jacket, good shoes, water, a snack and a map of waymarked paths.
Mountain weather changes fast and shapes sightings. Check the local forecast: calm mornings, without strong wind or rain, are often the most favourable, as birds are active.
The season matters too: raptors are easier to see when hunting to feed their young; for forest birds such as the black grouse, spring is the display season. Finally, check path accessibility (snowfields at altitude until early summer, temporary restrictions in some wildlife quiet zones).
Weather precautions, seasonality and field checks
Flexibility and planning are key. For a morning on an exposed slope, favour lightness; for a long wait, a folding seat can help. Guides and mountain leaders offer themed outings, ideal for progressing: ask the tourist office and book ahead in high season.
If you go out on your own, tell someone your route and carry a spare battery. Familiarise yourself with the regulations of the Écrins National Park and neighbouring protected areas: some zones may be temporarily closed to protect sensitive sites or broods. Ask the tourist office or rangers. For longer outings, see the hikes to Lac du Lauvitel and Lac de la Muzelle.
On this page
Stay tuned on Location2alpes
A Live Preview
to get a sense of what to expect before coming to Les 2 Alpes
Updated data
24 hours a day, nonstop
8 Strategic Perspectives
about the resort, the glacier, and the peaks
Useful all year round
winter, summer, weather, events, ...
The Flavors of Les 2 Alpes
Cozy dining, mountain cuisine, terraces with panoramic views, and welcoming spots: explore our top recommendations for great dining in Les 2 Alpes.
Inspirations
“The best memories are rarely planned.”
— Local Guide
Chapter
04
Making the most of your experience: good practice and common mistakes
Bearded vulture, golden eagle, black grouse, alpine chough: how to recognise them, when to look for them and how to respect wildlife.
Discretion and respect for wildlife: the essential advice
Birdwatching means going unnoticed. Walk quietly, avoid brightly coloured clothing and never get too close: the black grouse, like many emblematic species, is sensitive to disturbance. Arrive early or late in the day, when there are fewer people.
Using binoculars rather than approaching is a golden rule, as is avoiding shouts and sudden noises. It is better to stop at a strategic spot (clearing, rocky balcony, lakeside) than to keep walking the path. Never try to feed or attract birds, for example with sound recordings: it disturbs their behaviour and can harm their breeding.
Before each outing, check your binoculars, charge your phone and download an offline map or guide, as network coverage is weak at altitude. Take all your waste back, stay on authorised paths and find out whether nests or young may be present in the area.
A list of the species you hope to see helps focus your attention, and bird-song recognition apps or a field guide help identify plumages by season. Take water and sun cream. You can finally report a rare sighting via naturalist platforms or to the Park.
Last points to check before setting out
The classic trap is underestimating the patience required: mountain birdwatching is a matter of time. Allow yourself pauses, discreetly observe the surroundings and look for signs of presence (feathers, typical calls). Birds often show up once calm has returned, even after you arrive: stay ready without impatience.
Guided naturalist outings let you talk with enthusiasts and pick up good habits.
A successful outing comes down to preparation, listening and humility towards nature. Finding out locally, respecting sensitive areas and staying discreet increases your chances and helps preserve this living heritage. For other activity ideas, see summer in Les 2 Alpes.
On this page
Location2Alpes Collection
Places we love to return to
Apartments selected for their location, comfort, and atmosphere, so you can enjoy Les 2 Alpes with complete freedom.
Plan Your Trip
to Les 2 Alpes
Discover our apartments, ideally located so you can make the most of your stay
Continue the adventure
Les plus beaux souvenirs commencent souvent après le dernier conseil
Conclusion
Taking up birdwatching around Les 2 Alpes opens a window on Alpine nature and lets you discover emblematic species in their habitat. Whether a beginner or an enthusiast, you will find varied habitats here (forests, alpine pastures, cliffs) where every outing can become a fine experience.
The key is preparation: knowing the favourable seasons for each species, choosing suitable equipment (binoculars, mountain clothing) and checking the weather. A discreet and respectful approach is essential, both for the success of the outing and to preserve wildlife’s peace.
With patience, you may see the bearded vulture soaring above the ridges, the golden eagle hunting, the black grouse at dawn or hear the chough in the wind. Each encounter is rare and precious.
Plan your next outing, adapt your schedule to the best times of day and bring patience. Seeing these birds in their environment means better understanding the fragile balance of the Alpine ecosystem.
What's next? Choose your next step
Key Points
The right choice depends on the pace of your trip and what you're looking for.
Keep your options open for impromptu evenings out.
A well-located place to stay makes dining out and getting around easier.
Practical information
Season: Summer / Winter
Reading time: 6 min
Area: Les 2 Alpes
Altitude : 1,650 m
Audience: Families, Couples, Groups
Live webcams
LES 2 ALPES
The Glacier
3,400 m above sea level
8 HD webcams
Continuous Updates
Check the weather all year round
Check out the weather, snow conditions, and atmosphere at the resort in real time.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our products. Julia ensures transparency, efficiency, and detailed information in everything we do.
Local Guide
Find the best moments from your article
The Location2alpes Blog
Discover tips, trends and ideas to help you prepare for your stay in the mountains, and discover fantastic places and addresses. Julia and the team regularly prepare new articles for you, so don't hesitate to visit our blog regularly.
Latest articles:
- Explore Les 2 Alpes
What would you like to explore ?
Get quick access to the resort's highlights, activities, top spots, and practical tips to help you plan your trip.