Our main focus will be on the varied habitats in the Hauts de France region along the coast of Nord Pas de Calais and Picardie. Our itinerary is flexible and we will enjoy lots of exciting wildlife, with a highlight being the spectacular Marquenterre Reserve on the northern shores of the Somme Estuary. Here we search for breeding White-spotted Bluethroat and Marsh Warbler, among a host of other birdlife which is likely to include a variety of passage waders and waterfowl such as Black-winged Stilt, Garganey and Black-necked Grebe. Other species we will be searching for that do not breed in Britain include Melodious Warbler, Crested Lark, Short-toed Treecreeper and of course Black Woodpecker, in the extensive woodlands. Honey Buzzard, Crested Tit and Hawfinch also occur and for a short break this trip really packs a punch of excellent birding just a stone’s throw across the channel! Your leader will be Simon Ginnaw, assisted by a local guide, and you can expect to see in excess of 130 species.
DAY ONE
Upon arrival in France via Eurotunnel we will take a short drive just to the north of Calais to Oye Plage and Platier d’Oye. Here, we will explore the pools, scrapes and dune systems looking for breeding and migrating waders and wildfowl. From the scrub we might here a variety of warbler species, Nightingales, and there is a chance to find summer migrants moving through.
Onto the marshes around the village of Guines we will enjoy woodland and reedbed species. Marsh Warblers, Melodious Warbler, Serin, Short-toed Treecreeper, and Golden Oriole are possible.
DAY TWO
We will focus our second day on the spectacular Marquenterre Reserve on the northern shores of the Somme Estuary. The mixed habitats and proximity to the estuary mean a great diversity of birds can be found, especially at this time of year. Avocet and Black-winged Stilt breed here, as do Black-necked Grebe. Waders on passage should be numerous and might include a few surprises. In the hedgerows passerines should be in full song. A stop in the last hide, the heronry, will include Spoonbill, Cattle Egret and possibly Night Heron. Depending on time available we can spend half an hour just around the car park looking for Short-toed Treecreeper, Crested Tit and Black Woodpecker.
If time allows we may end the day with a trip eastwards to a reserve known as Grand Laviers. This beautiful reserve offers us a chance to see Black-necked Grebes,
Bluethroat, warblers, and variety of waders and wildfowl.
DAY THREE
We will travel to the south of the region to Hable d’Ault, exploring the lagoons and meadows between the towns of Cayeux and Ault. The best approach to this area is by driving with frequent stops and short walks to view interesting habitats.
This is an expanse of reclaimed land form the sea with a variety of habitats and is an excellent place to find migrating birds in Spring. Early May is a great time of year for shorebirds, and many species like Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, and Grey Plover usually in full breeding plumage as they move through the area. They can be seen alongside breeding waders such as Avocet, Black-winged Stilt and Kentish Plover.
Passerines are likely to include Crested Lark, Yellow Wagtail, Stonechat, Wheatear, warblers etc. This area is great for rarer species on passage so fingers crossed for rarer terns, raptors or shorebirds!
DAY FOUR
We will start Day 4 with some woodland birding in Crecy Forest. Although it isn’t the easiest time of year to explore the forest, interesting species breed here including Middle-spotted Woodpecker, Hawfinch and Wood Warbler. The forest is vast so we will probably make a few stops and explore by foot without venturing too far. Crecy Forest is a beautiful area to explore and we will find many commoner songbirds here, and a chance of finding woodland butterflies such as Camberwell Beauty, Map, and Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
In the afternoon we will make a return visit to the wonderful Marquenterre Reserve, allowing an opportunity to locate species we may have missed whilst enjoying this great reserve.
DAY FIVE
For our final day we will journey northwards visiting birding locations to break up the journey. Choices will depend on how our break has gone together with the time allowed. All being well we will hope to visit Herdelot and Mont Saint-Frieux for woodland wildlife, and Cap Blanc Nez may allow opportunities for seabirds, farmland and migrant birds to be seen. Return to the UK by Eurotunnel.
Return travel from UK/France on Eurostar, four nights full board accommodation, services of leader, transport around France, services of local guide and reserve entrance fees.
Travel to and from the Eurotunnel and any overnight stop that may be required, drinks, souvenirs and items of a purely personal nature. Lunch on day one is also not included, please bring a packed lunch.
