The Bois Blanc

The forest in which you stand is called a spruce forest. The spruce is the main tree in the mountain zones of Vanoise and is the dominant species of all the forest massifs of Planay. The spruce forest plantations bring together a great diversity of small passerine birds. Hence the European crested tit, the coal tit, the common redpoll, the goldcrest and the Eurasian bullfinch are the species typically found in this environment. With a strong, sharp beak, the woodpeckers vigorously strike the trunks of the trees in search of their food, consisting of xylophagous insects (wood-eating) and to hollow out their nests. They play a vital role for other forest animals who are unable to bore holes. Sit awhile under a tree and listen and observe; you may be lucky enough to hear or see a black woodpecker or a great spotted woodpecker.