Pas-de-Calais (1 Viewer)

J

johnhub

Relatively newbie birder

• Jun 16, 2013

• #1

Hi

I've got a week's camping holiday in the Pas-de-Calais later this month. Not knowing anything about the area (except the ferry ports!) I'm looking for some advice about good wildlife and walking/cycling spots.

Not too bothered about rarities - just a chance to maybe see some birds we don't get in the UK!

Also, if anyone knows of any good cheap campsites, I'd love to know!

Any advice/wisdom greatly appreciated!

Cheers
John

 

G

GMS

Well-known member

• Jun 16, 2013

• #2

For news in the area have a look at ornitho nord/pas-de-calais. For a good (albeit slightly outdated) review of birding areas google "cross channel birding" by John Cantelo. You should easily connect with birds like ST Treecreeper, Crested Tit, Icterine Warbler, Bluethroat, Marsh Warbler, Honey Buzzard, Kentish Plover, etc.
the only walking area I know is at Mont St Frieux, South of Boulogne. There's a camping area too, but I've never used it. Chance of Black Woodpecker there too.

 

John Cantelo

Well-known member

• Jun 16, 2013

• #3

Yes, as GMS suggests, since I've transferred my affections to SW Spain I've rather neglected my notes on Pas de Calais area which are somewhat out of date. It's certainly easier to get some of the species listed in May/early June, but you should have a good chance of connecting with them using my notes. The St. Omer area is also covered by notes to be found at www.relais-romelaere.com/gb/pages/Birders_guide.pdf‎
Do come back to me with any further questions about the area.






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J

johnhub

Relatively newbie birder

• Jun 18, 2013

• #4

Many thanks for this guys. John - the link doesn't work - could you please repost?

Cheers
John

 

Xenospiza

Distracted

• Jun 18, 2013

• #5

http://www.relais-romelaere.com/gb/pages/Birders_guide.pdf

 

John Cantelo

Well-known member

• Jun 19, 2013

• #6

Hopefully Xenospiza's done it for me! If you can't find my bumf online drop me a PM with your email address and I'll send you the latest version,

 

J

johnhub

Relatively newbie birder

• Jun 23, 2013

• #7

Thanks guys!

 

J

Jonathan Williams

Well-known member

• Jul 9, 2013

• #8

Bonjour,

If it's not already too late....

Check out this blog from a guide in the marquenterre reserve, an ex pat Brit and a thoroughly nice chap, who also offers guided birding in the area of the Somme Estuary.

http://www.northfrancebirder.com/

Cheers,

Jonathan

 

W

William Oliver

Member

• Aug 4, 2013

• #9

Apologies that this is far too late but in spring (late April/May) the area around Hondschoote (just into Nord department and south of Dunkerque and close to the Belgian border) is absolutely superb for waders, Garganey etc. However by late summer it is so extensively shot over that there are rarely any birds at all. The ponds are created for hunting not birding sadly !