BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES OF NORTHERN FRANCE 3 rd to 7 th May 2018

Transcription

1 BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES OF NORTHERN FRANCE 3 rd to 7 th May 2018 Trip Leaders: Richard Hanman & Simon Ginnaw Trip Guests: Peter Saville, Trevor Hatton, Helena Daly, Rob Reid & Lorna Reid Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

2 Rob & Lorna Pete, Helena & Trevor Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

3 Thursday 3 rd May 2018: Marais de Guines and Romelaere: Everyone arrived early at our meeting point in Sittingbourne so when we reached the EuroTunnel terminal at Folkestone we were able to board the slightly earlier 8.10am train. This meant we were birding at Marais de Guines by 10.30am local French time. We opted for a steady 2 hour walk around the Tadpole Trail and quickly picked up Wren, Starling, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chiffchaff, Dunnock, Short-toed Treecreeper, Collared Dove, Swallow, Woodpigeon and Jackdaw in the wooded glade near the entrance. On the reserve itself we added Mute Swan, Grey Heron, Great White Egret, Cormorant, Lapwing, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Blackcap and Sedge Warbler, and heard Bullfinch and Cetti s Warbler. A Cuckoo called in the distance and Trevor saw a Sparrowhawk. Water Violet We reached an area of open scrub and picked up the sound of a reeling Savi s Warbler and followed the sound until we were within a few feet of the bird, but frustratingly it remained hidden in the undergrowth. For many in the group, this was a lifer and a memorable moment. Wild flowers in bloom included Comfry, Water Violet, Marsh Marigold, Greater Periwinkle and Herb Robert. Our insect list kick started with Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Green-veined White and Orange-Tip butterflies, and a Hairy Dragonfly which hawked up and down a water channel. Brimstone on Comfry Green-veined White Speckled Wood on Herb Robert As we continued on the circular trail around the reserve we saw Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Shelduck, Magpie, Rook, Herring Gull, Common Whitethroat and Chaffinch, and to our heard list we added Melodious Warbler, Garden Warbler, Nightingale, Goldfinch, Linnet and Longtailed Tit. A Hare was sitting in long grass in an adjacent field, and hundreds of tadpoles formed black masses in the streams. Pete was also lucky enough to enjoy a good view of a Cetti s Warbler.

4 Romelaere White Stork We arrived back at the car park around 12noon 44 birds in the first 90 minutes! With tummies rumbling we boarded the bus and set off for the small restaurant opposite the entrance to Romelaere reserve near St. Omer. A very pleasant lunch with the sun shining and a temperature of 20 o C. As we dined al fresco the birds kept coming with fly-bys of Hobby, Sparrowhawk, Jay, Swift and House Martin. Trevor celebrated his first Swift of the year with a swift pint of Gouldale beer! In the car park at Romelaere Simon s ears picked up Greenfinch, Willow Warbler and Brambling. At 2.30pm we set off on to the reserve itself. We heard the unmistakable sound of bill-clapping and then picked up 2 White Stork circling above our heads. Grey Heron and Little Egret were seen in the fields, Willow Warbler and Chaffinch showed well in some trees, and Turtle Dove and Cuckoo called in the distance. Suddenly a Turtle Dove broke cover, flew in front of us and perched in a distant tree allowing all good scope views. As we continued around the reserve we added Great Crested Grebe, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull and Common Tern. A Garden Warbler sang from an open perch, while Bluethroat and Reed Warbler called from the reeds. In the dykes we saw Edible Frog and Green Marsh Frog. Turtle Dove Turtle Dove Great Crested Grebe Green Marsh Frog Edible Frog Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

5 At the Cormorant colony we added Cattle Egret, Great White Egret, Great Black-backed Gull, Shoveler, Gadwall and Egyptian Goose. At 5.30pm we arrived back at the visitors centre. Trevor knew of a small wood near the village church in Romelaere so we found a quiet track and parked up to listen. Numerous Garden Warbler belted out their Blackbird-like song, Chiffchaff called out their name chiff-chaff-chiff-chaff, and Simon picked up the Kestrel-like contact call of a Middle Spotted Woodpecker. At 6.30pm we called an end to day 1 and headed for our hotel, the Auberge de la Renaissance in Cucq. Patrick and Marie greeted us as returning friends and served up a delightful 4-course home-cooked French meal, washed down with plenty of vin rouge! 66 birds on day 1 and plenty of banter amongst the group. Birding really is good for the soul. Friday 4 th May 2018: Crecy Forest and Marquenterre Reserve: Dawn chorus poured through the shuttered windows of the Auberge at 5.15am Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Wren, Robin, Blackcap and even a Tawny Owl all playing their part. Continental breakfast at 7.30am was a delight of toasted bread, croissants, pain du chocolate, jams, yoghurts and the best coffee in France! At 8.30am we headed off to Crecy Forest picking up Yellow Wagtail, Skylark, Grey Partridge and Pheasant en-route. At Crecy we drove the forest tracks with sunshine sparkling through the bright green leaves of the beech trees. Nuthatch, Chiffchaff, Great Tit, Garden Warbler, Blackcap Willow Warbler and Wren were all calling from the canopy, and a distant Green Woodpecker called from deep in the forest. Lorna spotted a pair of Long-tailed Tits chasing each other around a tree, and a White Wagtail perched on the track ahead. A Yellowhammer perched briefly on top of a small bush and Grasshopper Warbler reeled in the undergrowth, allowing us to compare its deeper tone compared to the Savi s Warbler we heard yesterday. As we moved further down the track Helena called out Wild Boar. We backed up and sure enough a large male Wild Boar was staring straight back at us before promptly turning and disappearing back into the forest. We continued along the track seeing Marsh Tit and hearing Short-toed Treecreeper, Tawny Owl and Golden Oriole. On hearing the Oriole we piled out of the bus and started scanning. Pete s attempt to mimic the call sounded more like a Clanger so we expected a Soup Dragon to come flying in! Sadly no Soup Dragon and no Golden Oriole, but we did add Map to our butterfly list. Orange Tip Map

6 Crecy Forest At 11am we left Crecy Forest and drove to Marquenterre. This coastal reserve covers 200 hectares and is part of the larger 300-hectare Baie de Somme Nature Reserve which has recorded 344 bird species half of the total species documented in Europe! We ate lunch in the picnic area, enjoying overhead fly-bys of White Stork, Cattle Egret and Cormorant as we dined. Suitably refreshed we moved to the observation deck which affords fabulous views across the reserve. From this vantage point we picked out Spoonbill, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Shelduck, Mallard, Coot and Moorhen. At the Heronry we enjoyed good views of White Stork, Spoonbill, Grey Heron, Little Egret and Cattle Egret. Bill-clapping White Stork and bubbling Spoonbill made for a memorable audio experience, enhanced by birds bringing in nesting material in preparation for breeding. Marquenterre

7 We continued around the reserve in an anti-clockwise direction, continually serenaded by Turtle Dove, Nightingale, Cuckoo, Blackcap and Willow Warbler. We also had great views of Crested Tit. Crested Tit Honey Buzzard circled above, Kestrel hovered and a Peregrine shot past at high speed. From Hide 10 we saw numerous Great White Egret, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pochard and Little Grebe. From Hide 9 we added Black-necked Grebe, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet and Spoonbill. Continuing around the reserve we connected with Greenshank, Redshank, Black-winged Stilt and Carrion Crow. The mixed Common Gull, Black-headed Gull and Mediterranean Gull colony was in full swing but we were surprised by the absence of terns. We had a quick tot up of our trip list and quickly realised that we were on bird #99. Bird 100 was something special the resident Common Crane that has lived at Marquenterre for many years, unable to fly away due to a damaged wing. Black-headed Gull Cormorant Mediterranean Gull Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

8 White Stork Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget Spoonbill

9 Spoonbill Spoonbill

10 Coot Oystercatcher Black-necked Grebe Black-winged Stilt

11 Heading back to the start we picked up Sedge Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat, and a Green Hairstreak butterfly. Whilst enjoying coffee at the visitors centre, a White Stork dropped in giving everyone close up views as it hunted for frogs in the water-logged field. 102 birds after 2 days. Sedge Warbler Green Hairstreak White Stork

12 Saturday 5 th May 2018: Sailly-Bray and The House of the Birds of the Somme: Breakfast at 7.30am and on the road by 8.30am, this time heading for Sailly-Bray marshes with Bluethroat as our main target bird. At the first pull in on the Rue de Marais road we picked up Chiffchaff, Savi s Warbler, Garden Warbler and Sedge Warbler. A little further along we added Stonechat and Reed Bunting to our trip list, and also had good views of Grey Partridge, Great White Egret and Pheasant in the grassland area. In a ploughed field we saw Whinchat, Northern Wheatear, Little Ringed Plover, Meadow Pipit, Corn Bunting, Skylark and Lapwing all in quick succession what a field! Then Simon picked up a distant pair of Bluethroat in the reeds and everyone enjoyed good scope views, momentarily distracted by a Sparrowhawk which flew past at high speed. Helena then picked up a distant Red Kite circling Buzzard-like above a stand of trees. As we continued along the Rue de Marais we heard what we thought was a Golden Oriole calling. After much scanning a Grey Partridge walked out in front of us you guessed it calling just like a Golden Oriole! In Sailly-Bray village itself we added Black Redstart to our trip list, before continuing in a circle back to the picnic site, picking up a distant Osprey on the way. At 12noon we headed for lunch at Le Crotoy harbour. Mixed flocks of Whimbrel and Redshank and one lone Bar-tailed Godwit were feeding in the mud, while a Spoonbill patrolled the shallows. Overhead we had White Stork, Cormorant, Common Buzzard and Lesser Black-backed Gull. Le Crotoy harbour

13 After lunch we headed out of Le Crotoy on the D4 towards Saint-Firmin to the pools at La Bassee. Here we saw Great Crested Grebe, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Great White Egret and Wigeon. Highlight though was a Muskrat chomping on aquatic vegetation by the side of the fence. Photo supplied courtesy of Helena Daly as I missed it moving the minibus to a layby further up the road! Great White Egret Great White Egret Muskrat Greylag Goose Further along the road we stopped to observe a Black-headed Gull colony. At 3pm siesta-time was calling, so we headed to a bar overlooking the river and estuary at Hourdel Point for liquid refreshments. The estuary itself was relatively quiet for birds but we did enjoy views of our second Black Redstart of the day, perched on a roof. Gull colony Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

14 Greylag Goose Mute Swan Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

15 At 4pm we moved on to the nearby Maison de la Baie de Somme a natural history museum dedicated to birds. We spent a very pleasant couple of hours here exploring the amazing taxidermic exhibits and the small reserve at the rear. The first part of the museum featured different habitats around the Somme estuary and birds that can be seen here. Amazing to know Corncrake, Quail and Little Bustard are all reported we would have loved to have seen those. The second part of the museum featured a more scientific collection of glass cabinets, centrestage of which was an Ostrich (worlds largest bird) and a Bee-hummingbird (world s smallest bird). Other displays featured hummingbirds, orioles, bee-eaters, rollers and a large Golden Eagle. At the rear of the museum is a large duck pond which afforded us excellent close up views of captive Gadwall, Garganey, Wigeon, Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Goldeneye, Pintail, Eider, Teal, Greylag Goose and White-fronted Goose. In the wild area we did connect with a photogenic Blackcap and a singing Sedge Warbler. At 6pm we called it a day and headed back to the hotel for another delicious meal. Our trip list was now sitting at 115 birds after 3 days. Blackcap

16 Taxidermic exhibits at Maison de la Baie de Somme Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

17 Taxidermic exhibits at Maison de la Baie de Somme Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

18 Garganey Teal

19 Wigeon Gadwall

20 Pintail Teal Mallard Tufted Duck Pochard Red-crested Pochard Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

21 Sunday 6 th May 2018: Stella Plage, Etang Note Dame and Mont Saint-Frieux: We d anticipated Marquenterre would be busy today with families enjoying the sun so we opted for a bit of local patch twitching instead i.e. going after specific birds. Before we boarded the bus though, Pete sloped off for his usual cigarette break and came back all excited having picked up brief glimpses of Black Woodpecker and Ring-necked Parakeet! Who says smoking is bad for you? Around 9am we headed to nearby Stella Plage, or to be more accurate, the car park at Stella Plage. Sure enough, our first target bird was quickly seen a Crested Lark (aka: Car Park Lark). From the promenade wall we sea-watched and picked up Sandwich Tern, Gannet and Common Scoter. Next stop was the an area known locally as Etang Notre Dame, which is a series of duck-hunting and fish ponds just south of Cucq on the Chausee d Epy road. A Purple heron had been reported here recently. As we pulled up to scan the first pool we heard Great Reed Warbler, Cetti s Warbler and Sedge Warbler all calling from the reeds. Black-winged Stilt, Coot, Moorhen, Wigeon, Pintail and Pochard were on the water and an Osprey flew overhead. No Purple Heron but Simon did pick up an immature Yellow-legged Gull, and a White Wagtail perched on a fence post. Black-winged Stilt White Wagtail Next stop was the Dunes de Mont Saint Frieux. The beach itself was busy with dog walkers, joggers and people harvesting mussels at low tide. We went for a brief stroll through the dunes picking up amazing views of Common Whitethroat, and hearing Nightingale, Blackcap and Chiffchaff. Pete also was lucky enough to hear a Dartford Warbler. Our visit coincided with a mini-eruption of millipedes and Green Hairstreak butterflies. We also added Small Copper to our butterfly list. At 11.30am we opted for an early picnic lunch in the car park at the foot of Mont Saint Frieux mountain, before embarking on a notable 6km circular walk through the deciduous and coniferous lower slopes. At first we heard plenty of birds Nuthatch, Wren, Robin, Great Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker.

22 But as we the temperature began to build, the woods went quiet. We did stop to enjoy a basking Slow Worm, and Trevor also caught a glimpse of a Common Lizard doing the same. When we reached the view point we scanned for Woodlark and Tree Pipit but neither were showing. Just when we were all feeling a bit jaded by the hot sun and lack of birds, a Honey Buzzard was spotted circling high above. As we watched it started to perform its display flight, hovering and clapping its wings, flashing its white patches which glowed in the sunshine. To add to the spectacle a Raven flew across the valley cronking as it went. It s amazing how birds can act like an instant pick me up just when you need it. We headed back down the slopes to the car park arriving just before 3pm, ready for our own siesta in the nearest bar in Etaples. Common Whitethroat Slow Worm At 5pm we agreed on a return trip to Etang Notre Dame for a second go at the Purple Heron. Alas we dipped again, but did pick up Hobby, Marsh Harrier and Peregrine in quick succession. Back in Cucq we opted to explore the quiet country lanes that criss-crossed the beautiful countryside of paddocks, dykes, rivers and streams. New life was evident everywhere. A Broad-bodied Chaser was drying its wings on sunny perch above a stream, and a Speckled Wood butterfly was doing the same perched on a leaf, the creases in its wings still visible. Our list was now 127 birds after 4 days.

23 Green Hairstreak Speckled Wood Broad-bodied Chaser Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

24 Monday 7 th May 2018: Cap Griz-Nes, Cap Griz-Blanc and Platier d Oye: Given that we d done a full day at Marquenterre earlier in the week, we d clocked up a spare morning which we d saved until today to explore the Grand Sites des Deux Caps Nature Reserve. After breakfast we bid Au Revoir to Patrick and Marie for the last time on this trip before driving to our first stop Cap Griz-Nez. We parked the minibus and started to stroll towards the viewpoint over the English Channel. In a field grazed by sheep we saw eight Blue-headed Wagtail. Technically not a separate species from Yellow Wagtail but a definite sub-race. In the scrub Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Yellowhammer were all singing and a Raven flew overhead. Other birds included Stonechat, Linnet, Goldfinch, Skylark and Meadow Pipit. Lesser Whitethroat Cap Gris-Nez Yellowhammer A brief 30 minute sea watch from the point pulled in Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull and Cormorant before Simon picked up the first of many Arctic Tern heading north. Then a large group of c.30 Common Scoter passed by in the opposite direction. A lone Kittiwake flew ahead of 2 Gannet, Oystercatchers headed south and c. 30 Knot headed north. A Grey Seal bottling just off-shore added to our mammal list. We could have easily spent an hour or more here but a large coach party arrived all wanting selfies overlooking the cliff so we felt obliged to move on. On the way back to the minibus a Lesser Whitethroat posed briefly for photos before returning to its usual habit of skulking in the bushes. At 11am we continued on to Cap Blanc-Nez, just 20 mins up the coast. We pulled in by the telecommunications tower and scanned the rolling farmland towards the lake hoping for a Stone Curlew which are reported to breed in this area. Alas we didn t see the bird and the long walk to/from the lake was off-putting for most so we moved on after only seeing Kestrel and Jackdaw.

25 We parked on the grassy verge of Rue de la Mer just outside Escalles and set off on a short stroll south (left). Here we picked up a Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit enjoying the spring sunshine. We then retraced our steps back to the car park and walked down the ramp to scan the cliffs. Kittiwake were busy nest-building and a couple of Fulmar glided majestically over the cliff top surveying all below, stretching their long, flat, slate-grey wings. Our very own albatross. Meadow Pipit Yellow Wagtail Kittiwake Fulmar With the clock ticking, and Platier d Oye still to visit before our shuttle back to the UK, we headed to Gravelines for lunch, eating our sandwiches in the car park and grabbing a coffee at a local café in the village square. At 2pm we headed for the Route des Dunes road to scan the freshwater pools. Many birds were present including a breeding colony of Sandwich Tern, Blackheaded Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Cormorant, Spoonbill, Avocet, Greenshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Coot, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Wigeon, Shoveler and Shelduck. Wheatear, Marsh Harrier and Kestrel also all showed briefly. At 3pm we drove to the duck pond and had good views of Mallard, Wigeon, Greylag Goose and a rather surprising (obviously captive) group of Swan Goose. Wigeon Snow Goose Mallard Last stop was the boardwalk hide which overlooks a flooded meadow separated from the English Channel by the Taaf Dyke. Here we saw Bar-tailed Godwit in their red breeding plumage, our only Ruff and Spotted Redshank of this trip, plus Little Ringed Plover and lots of Whimbrel. A stroll along the boardwalk to the viewpoint delivered Cuckoo in flight, Chiffchaff, Common Whitethroat, Swift, Swallow, House Martin, Jackdaw and Magpie. At 5pm we called an end to the trip and headed to Calais for our 6.30pm EuroTunnel shuttle train home. 134 birds seen in 5 days, amazing weather, brilliant company and another successful Bargain Birding Club trip to northern France. We re back again September 2018 places available! Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

26 TRIP LIST 134 BIRDS (3 rd to 7 th May 2018) Common Crane Herring Gull Honey Buzzard Blackcap White Stork Lesser Black-backed Gull Common Buzzard Common Whitethroat Spoonbill Greater Black-backed Gull Marsh Harrier Lesser Whitethroat Grey Heron Yellow-legged Gull Red Kite Bluethroat Great White Egret Arctic Tern Osprey Cetti s Warbler Little Egret Common Tern Sparrowhawk Reed Warbler (H) Cattle Egret Sandwich Tern Common Kestrel Great Reed Warbler (H) Mute Swan Lapwing Hobby Sedge Warbler Whooper Swan Whimbrel Peregrine Falcon Savi s Warbler (H) Greylag Goose Black-tailed Godwit Green Woodpecker (H) Grasshopper Warbler Canada Goose Bar-tailed Godwit Black Woodpecker Melodious Warbler Egyptian Goose Redshank Middle Spotted Woodpecker (H) Willow Warbler Mallard Spotted Redshank Great Spotted Woodpecker (H) Garden Warbler Teal Greenshank Nuthatch (H) Dartford Warbler (H) Pochard Avocet Short-toed Treecreeper Nightingale (H) Wigeon Oystercatcher Golden Oriole (H) Chiffchaff Gadwall Black-winged Stilt Mistle Thrush Goldcrest (H) Tufted Duck Little Ringed Plover Song Thrush Stonechat Shoveler Ruff Blackbird Whinchat Shelduck Knot Robin Northern Wheatear Common Scoter Turtle Dove Black Redstart Skylark Coot Collared Dove Starling Crested Lark Moorhen Woodpigeon House Sparrow Reed Bunting Little Grebe Magpie Dunnock Corn Bunting Great Crested Grebe Jay Goldfinch Meadow Pipit Black-necked Grebe Carrion Crow Chaffinch White Wagtail Cormorant Rook Brambling (H) Yellow Wagtail Gannet Jackdaw Greenfinch Blue-headed Wagtail Fulmar Raven Bullfinch (H) Yellowhammer Kittiwake Barn Swallow Blue Tit Linnet Black-headed Gull Common Swift Great Tit Wren Mediterranean Gull House Martin Crested Tit Pheasant Common Gull Tawny Owl (H) Long-tailed Tit Grey Partridge Marsh Tit Ring-necked Parakeet

27 BUTTERFLIES & OTHER NOTABLE INSECTS Orange Tip Speckled Wood Green-veined White Large White Red Admiral Peacock Holly Blue Brimstone Map Green Hairstreak Small Copper Hairy Dragonfly Broad-bodied Chaser Scorpion Fly Caddis Fly Snake-spotted Millipede MAMMALS, REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS Wild Boar Roe Deer Muskrat Grey Seal Rabbit Hare Green Marsh Frog Edible Frog Common Lizard Slow Worm NOTABLE PLANTS IN FLOWER ON THIS TRIP Marsh Marigold Water Violet Comfry Cuckoo Flower Gypsywort Herb Robert Red Campion Sea Campion Thrift Greater Periwinkle Solomon s Seal Bluebell Yellow Flag Iris Greater Stitchwort Garlic Mustard Cowslip BIRDING SITES VISITED Marais de Guines N 50 o E 1 o Romelaere Marsh N 50 o E 2 o Crecy Forest N 50 o E 1 o Marquenterre NNR N 50 o E 1 o Sailly-Bray Marsh N 50 o E 1 o Le Crotoy Harbour N 50 o E 1 o Hourdel Point N 50 o E 1 o House of the Somme Birds N 50 o E 1 o Dunes de Mont Saint Frieux N 50 o E 1 o Mont Saint Frieux Forest N 50 o E 1 o Stella Plage N 50 o E 1 o Chausee d Epy duck ponds N 50 o E 1 o Cap Griz-Nes N 50 o E 1 o Cap Griz-Blanc N 50 o E 1 o Platier d Oye Route des Dunes N 51 o E 2 o Platier d Oye Duck pond N 50 o E 2 o Platier d Oye board walk hide N 50 o E 2 o Value for money bird watching trips for birders on a budget

28 All photos were taken on this trip and can be viewed at White Stork