Birding During Le Tour Part Deux

Yes it's true! Phil Liggett is a birder. Cycling and birding. That sounds like somebody I know!

I was viewing Friday's Stage 13 of the Tour de France on Saturday and as three breakaway riders approached the Col du Platzerwasel (Cat. 1) Phil and Paul discussed a European migratory bird.


The stage was passing through the Alsace Region of France and their topics of conversation went from the smelly Muenster Cheese to the European Stork. Paul Sherwen commented that Phil would be happy to hear that this region was home to the European Stork. Phil then added a few facts on the rising number of breeding pairs (from 5 to 148) through the aid of conservation efforts. Phil is always pointing out wildlife during the stages of Le Tour, especially birds. A few days ago he mentioned that a marsh seen from the helicopter camera was probably good for birdwatching. I knew it! "Phil's a twitcher." I commented to Jean.

It was an exciting stage, Heinrich Haussler of Team Cervelo taking the stage win after a great day of riding in the rain.

Shortly after discussing the stork and two commercial breaks, the helicopter camera picked out 3 European White Storks on a rooftop. Will we see any more birds? With a birder at the helm, most likely so. I wonder if Bobke is birder?

Birding during Le Tour

On Saturday the 96th Tour de France commenced and I'll be viewing 3-4 hours of cycling each day for the next 3 weeks. During Monday's coverage, Stage 3:Marseille to La Grande Motte, Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen brought up the subject of flamingos. The peleton would be passing through an area with brackish lakes, suitable habitat for the Greater Flamingo.


With under 40 kilometres to go, the first flamingo sighted, wearing a straw hat and sunglasses, was of the plastic variety. A fan had placed it along the roadside for a nice camera shot as the peleton passed.


With 25 kilometres to go, the set time for taping ran out. Mon dieu!! Luckily the replay was on at the same time but it was back to 40 kilometres remaining.


The tempo picked up and the team Columbia-HTC breakaway occurred. With all the excitement there was no time to show any captured footage of the Greater Flamingo. What a finish by the man from the Isle of Man!!


During future stages I'll watch for any sightings by Phil and Paul. Sitting in the commentary booth for many hours they'll need to discuss many interesting sites. Let's hope it will include more birds.