Information required sighting in Calvados, France (1 Viewer)

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Mike Beer

Well-known member

• Sep 18, 2017

• #1

Hello this is just a question, last week we were visiting the Normandy Battlefield sites in France. One of the sites we visited was Point du Hoc, near Cricqueville-en-Bessin, Calvados (14). France. Whilst we were walking along the cliff edge 2 birds flew over, I thought they were Chough because I saw a glimpse of red on the folded legs. I saw a couple of groups of two but was unable to get any pictures. Is it likely I would see Chough in this region of France. I did manage to sample a couple of glasses of Calvados which I identified without any problem.

Mike.

 

Richard Prior

Halfway up an Alp

• Sep 18, 2017

• #2

Hi Mike,
Did you sample the Calvados before or after the sightings?
It would be very unusual to see Chough there, the only Chough population in the northern half of the country is in the extreme west of Brittany and is sedentary. Apart from an exceptional record of a Breton bird crossing to England in 2014 they rarely stray more than 20kms from their breeding area (as per the recent Atlas des Oiseaux that I got for Christmas last year!).
The red legs is a puzzler though...............

 

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Mike Beer

Well-known member

• Sep 18, 2017

• #3

Thanks Richard I only had a glimpse and no pictures so I may well have been wrong, I normally am. As for the Calvados it was after.

M<ike.

 

Richard Prior

Halfway up an Alp

• Sep 18, 2017

• #4

B
(couldn't find a Calvados Smiley)

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Sep 18, 2017

• #5

Highly unlikely, I fear - the only Choughs in NW France are in western Brittany, none in Normandy.

 

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Mike Beer

Well-known member

• Sep 19, 2017

• #6

Thank you as I said it was only a glimpse of a sighting but worth asking the question.

Mike.

 

Richard Prior

Halfway up an Alp

• Sep 19, 2017

• #7

Quite right to do so Mike, it keeps us all on our toes!