For over 16 years, I had called Geneva, Switzerland home, yet I never once thought of it as a birding destination. Geneva, to me, was a city of diplomacy, lakeside cafés, picturesque Alpine views, banks, chocolates etc., but not a place where one might uncover a thriving birding scene. It took me far too long to realize that I had been overlooking an avian paradise right in my own backyard. But then again, in my defence, I was not a birder back then.

On a recent trip “back home” to Geneva, I started paying attention and discovered an impressive variety of birdlife hiding in plain sight, on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), and in the city’s well-maintained parks, and even on a tiny island (Île Rousseau) in the heart of the city.

Jet d’Eau

My journey began along the lakefront, with Geneva’s most iconic feature. As a non-birder, I had walked past the Jet d’Eau and the waterfront promenade countless times, noticing only the usual Mute Swans and Gulls. But on this occasion, with fresh/birding eyes, I saw so much more.

Mute Swan

The Mallards not only swam in the lake but also delighted with their aerial elegance.

Mallards

Winter in particular, I am told, brings a surge of bird activity to the lake. Great Crested Grebes gracefully float on the water, often in small groups. Such a striking sight with its flared crest.

Great Crested Grebe

Red-crested Pochards mingled in the deeper waters.

Red Crested Pochard

Eurasian Coots were all around, some tending to their babies while others were foraging around on the shores of the beach looking for food.

Eurasian Coot with Baby

The Common-wood Pigeon is seen here keeping a watchful eye out for anything that might be amiss.

On the lawns of the Jardin Anglais were Eurasian Black birds, European Starlings and House Sparrows all foraging for a meal.

Eurasian Blackbird

Moving further along around the lake, a White Wagtail was busy getting some food from the cobwebs on the pier.

White Wagtail

Two birds I never expected to see in the center of Geneva were the Grey Heron and Great Cormorant but here they were looking very relaxed and quite at home.

Grey Heron

Great Cormorant

Crossing over the street that runs parallel(ish) to the lake, one steps into the large and beautifully maintained Parc des Eaux-Vives and Parc La Grange. My first sighting here was a few Black Kites soaring high above.

Black Kite

Move along into the park trying not to get distracted by the shear beauty of the scenery, in and around the park, I came upon this inquisitive looking European Robin. Clearly he was a bit confused as to what I was up to as he gave me the eye.

European Robin

The Great Tit was also out and about busy with their business but taking a moment to pose for a photo before moving on.

Great Tit

The Common Chaffinch sang high up in the branches out of danger of the human visitors.

Common Chaffinch

Mallards, House Sparrows, Black Birds and others were all around the park adding to the life and beauty of the area.

Moving a bit further from the lake, I ended up at the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanique de Genève). Though famous for its vast collection of plants, it is equally rewarding for bird watching. I must admit though I was not able to spend more about 30 mins here.

Still I was able to find this well hidden Spotted-Toe Treecreeper going about its business.

Spotted-Toe Treecreeper

European Robins were out and about in this area as well.

European Robin

The Jardin Botanique de Genève houses a very small enclosure with a variety of ducks and American Flamingos deers, goats and others.

Northern Pintail

Rosy-billed Pochard

Common Shelduck

Greylag Goose

American Flamingos

The resident Peacock did not disappoint, and strutted his stuff for all to see.

Peacock

Despite my newfound appreciation for Geneva’s birdlife, there were still places I didn’t have time to visit, places that I have now added to my future birding itinerary.

The Marais de Sionnet, a wetland area just outside the city, is said to be one of the best spots for waders and marshland species. Reports of Eurasian Kingfishers, Water Rails, and various Warblers make it a must-visit for my next birding adventure.

Another location I regret missing is the Bois de la Bâtie, a forested park known for its woodpeckers, Raptors, and dense tree cover. It’s rumored to be a great spot for Red Kites and possibly even Tawny Owls at dusk.