A day with Rémy Masséglia

Already the author of the film "Naïs au pays des loups", supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Rémy Masséglia continues his immersive work on wildlife.

As part of his upcoming documentary, funded by the Human-Wildlife Initiative, we joined him for a day in the field to discover the behind-the-scenes of his approac

After a mountain hike in the Roya Valley, we reached one of the camouflaged hides that Rémy installs and leaves in place all year round. These discreet tents allow for wildlife observation without disturbing local species. We first spotted two woodpecker species green and black, both in the middle of their nesting season.

Later, we moved to another area and settled in front of a row of trees that, at first glance, looked completely ordinary. It was in this seemingly unremarkable setting that patience and silence revealed their magic.

A Eurasian pygmy owl the smallest nocturnal raptor in Europe, slowly emerged from its nest, a tiny hole in a trunk no larger than a ping-pong ball. She observed the surroundings, likely waiting for her partner to return with food. She, too, was in her nesting period. In just a few moments, we had the privilege of stepping into the intimate world of these elusive species at a key stage in their reproductive cycle.

These rare and delicate scenes remind us that true coexistence also means being able to observe without intruding, to understand without disturbing.

Supporting this kind of approach is a way of affirming that respectful cohabitation with wildlife begins with a better understanding of its needs and rhythms—and with our willingness to make space for it.