AMBLETEUSE
Search for early passage migrants on the French coast
Adawn start for a birdwatching trip to northern France is well worth the effort at this time of year, with the prospect of early spring migrants. A short drive down the coast from the Channel Tunnel terminal at Calais brings the birdwatcher to the delightful medieval town of Ambleteuse. The well-preserved Fort Mahon at the mouth of the River Slack is the focal point of the town. Habitats include a broad expanse of beach and intertidal areas, including sand dunes and mudflats ideal for those continental specialities such as Crested Lark and Kentish Plover. Laggard winter passerines such as Snow Bunting, Twite and Shore Lark can sometimes be found along the foreshore. Riparian river margin scrub and grassy tussocks along the Slack are favoured spots to search for an early Bluethroat, along with the likes of migrant Firecrest, Blackcap and Chiffchaff. Check for White Wagtail and Rock Pipit by the fort and Serin in town parks. North of the town the walk borders a lake where more migrants can be
expected, maybe a passing hirundine or a warbler. The scrubby fields around the wetland often attract finch and bunting flocks, Sky Larks and Meadow Pipits and in the past I have noted Cirl Bunting and Hen Harrier here. The final section of the circuit bisects arable land which at first glance may appear sterile. Coveys of Grey Partridge are a given here, and across the Pas-de-calais farmland, sat in fields of winter corn along with flocks of Lapwings and Golden Plovers.