When did you first come to Tour du Valat and what was the occasion?
I came to Tour du Valat for the first time in the summer of 1993, I was 23. A naturalist friend passing through the South, Pierre Yésou, also a friend of Jean-Paul Taris, was invited to give a seminar on gulls following a mission in the Taïmyr plains . As I was doing an internship near Montpellier, Pierre said to me: "you should come to my seminar, this will be an opportunity for you to discover Tour du Valat". Following Pierre’s presentation, Jean-Paul offered to stay for dinner with them… it was the beginning of a real turning point in my life as a biologist.
What was your first impression?
During this dinner with Jean-Paul, I was amazed to hear him talk about the activities of Tour du Valat. For the young naturalist and scientist that I was, I didn't even think that a place like Tour du Valat could exist, a dream, and Jean-Paul talked about it so well! It was late, and after a good dinner (and drinks), it was not reasonable for me to hit the road. Jean-Paul said to me: "No, no, you are staying at Tour du Valat and since I get up very early tomorrow to work, I will wake you up too and you will be on time". Around 6:00 am, we had breakfast together and discussed the possibilities of an internship at Tour du Valat for the following summer. I left feeling "different", with only one desire: to fast forward to the next summer! I had regular conversations with Jean-Paul until the summer of 1994. The two months of internship the following summer lived up to my expectations, and since then, I have never grown apart from Tour du Valat. My thesis was co-directed by Tour du Valat, my post-doc in New Zealand funded largely by Luc Hoffmann, and back home, Tour du Valat offered me another post-doc, on herons with Heinz Hafner. Many years later, in 2017, it was an honor and a great emotion for me to be invited to be the speaker at the "Heinz Hafner" conference.
What is your best memory at the Tour du Valat ?
One morning around 5.30 am, at the very beginning of spring, we were with Heinz in a reed bed searching for herons’ nests using an aerial photo taken a few days before. We were wearing wading boots. Heinz preceded me, excited like a young undergraduate student at the thought of finding the first nests of the season, and as we progressed in the reed bed, he turned slowly and said to me in a low voice "it's going to overflow". Damn, it was true, after a few more meters we had very cold and brown water up to our chests! But a nice surprise awaited us, there was indeed a gray heron's nest with eggs. It was my first nest! When we got back in the car, we were soaked but in the end it made us laugh, and we were especially happy to be at the start of a great field season that started off strong!
What was your best meeting at the Tour du Valat ?
Hard to say! I had so much admiration for all Tour du Valat researchers, Jean-Paul, and of course Luc. I also loved the friendliness of everyone present this summer of 1994, as well as the excellent food and atmosphere of the canteen. It was also during this summer of 1994 that I met Frank Cézilly, who later became my co-supervisor and friend. When I look at page 85 of the book in tribute to Alan (A life devoted to birds), there is a photo that reminds me of this incredible period. My best encounter at Tour du Valat is them, all together.
What emblematic species of the Camargue do you prefer ?
As a naturalist, I love the whole Camargue and all of the animal and plant species that inhabit it. I admit, however, that I have a soft spot for two bird species. I felt great joy when I saw collared pratincoles for the first time, thanks to Yves Kayser: elegance in its purest form! The other species that I like very much for its appearance and its singular biology is the slender-billed gull.
Why did you join the Association of Friends of the Tour du Valat ?
It’s just so obvious to me. The Tour du Valat has brought me so much and influenced my scientific path and reasoning. Each time I come to Tour du Valat, as soon as I get on the way, I have a deep feeling of happiness, well-being and the certainty of finding what I love: Science, Conservation and Friendship. Being a member of the association is also the opportunity to interact with people with whom I necessarily have a common point and bond. As I often say to Jean and Patrick, if I too can help Tour du Valat, don't hesitate to ask me, it will always be with great pleasure. Finally, being a member is also a way for me to show my support and admiration for this incredible adventure launched by Luc 66 years ago. May it live on and continue its action in favor of wetlands!
Do you have any advice or messages to pass on to future generations who will might visit Tour du Valat ?
Enjoy this wonderful chapter, soak up the Tour du Valat, its culture and its values. Whatever your path thereafter, support the Tour du Valat in its actions for the protection of nature, the planet needs it so badly.