Coastal birding walk in an unlikely setting
Close to the Channel Tunnel exit at Calais, the busy port of Dunkirk to the east may seem an unlikely spot for a winter birding trip. However, the sheltered harbour is protected by a barrier beach and sand dunes, alongside an accessible road to a jetty and lighthouse jutting into the North Sea and suitable for seawatching.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
From the car park check surrounding scrub for mixed passerine flocks of mainly tits and finches that may contain a Firecrest, plus the chance of Dartford Warbler, Stonechat, Blackcap or Chiffchaff. A good spot for a seawatch if the wind is onshore when Gannet, Fulmar, Red-throated Diver, Brent Goose, Slavonian Grebes, Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwake are all likely, plus the chance of a Great Skua. Check scoter flocks on the sea for Eider and Velvet Scoter. The intertidal section between the sand dunes and barrier beach is a favoured habitat for parties of Snow Buntings and Shore Larks, along with the likes of White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Sky Lark and Turnstone.
2 The broad, sandy beach attracts flocks of feeding waders, typically Ringed and Grey Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, Curlew and Redshank, plus occasional Shelduck, Brent Geese and flocks of gulls, including Mediterranean Gull.
Another good area to search for parties of Snow Bunting, Twite and Lapland Bunting on the margins of the sand dunes, where Short-eared Owl, Kestrel and the occasional harrier hunt. The still waters of the harbour attracts grebes.
3
Old harbour buildings often support a wintering Black Redstart, while open lorry parks and waste ground are good locations to search for Crested Larks among the more numerous Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Stonechat and Linnet. The harbour entrance is a good spot for Red-breasted Merganser and gulls loafing on the sand bars at low tide. Walk along the jetty at the end of the harbour road to the lighthouse for another more sheltered seawatching spot for sea ducks, divers and grebes.