Wildlife in the Dordogne
For those interested in wildlife, the Dordogne has much to recomend it. Many species that are rare in the UK can be found commonly in the Dordogne.
Mammals
Red squirrels are commonly seen crossing the road in the Dordogne, as are several
varieties of deer, weasels, hares and other mammals. When driving around, keep an eye open to see many of these animals. The deer cause many road accidents, not only in France, but all over the world. Unfortunately they will sometimes run out of the forest and straight across the road, or worse along the road. They don't seem to have much road sense! So be aware!
Another common site, especially at dusk are bats. They can often be found during the day time sleeping behind the shutters of the house.
varieties of deer, weasels, hares and other mammals. When driving around, keep an eye open to see many of these animals. The deer cause many road accidents, not only in France, but all over the world. Unfortunately they will sometimes run out of the forest and straight across the road, or worse along the road. They don't seem to have much road sense! So be aware!
Another common site, especially at dusk are bats. They can often be found during the day time sleeping behind the shutters of the house.
Somewhat less commonly seen are the Wild Boar, although there are many of them in the forests that abound in the area. In the 3+ years that we have been living in the Dordogne, we have seen wild boar only twice. Both times in groups - once a very large family group including small young ones. The second time was just a little way along the road walking along a roadside ditch early in the morning.
Birds
Many of the birds in the Dordogne will be familiar to the UK vistor, but some such as the Hoopo shown to the left is a rareity. These birds, along with many other varieties, can be seen in the garden at Gite Coquelicot.