PAS-DE-CALAIS ST OMER
Wetland and forest havens in northern France
North and east of St Omer, a broad floodplain and peat bog is bisected by drainage channels and ponds centred on the nature reserve of Romelaere, complete with reedbeds, carr scrub and lakes, plus surrounding market garden fields with scattered stands of poplars and damp meadows. The wetlands support 12 warbler species. Black-necked Grebe, Purple Heron, Little Bittern and White Stork breed, as do Willow Tit and Turtle Dove. The woodland delivers Crested Tit, Middle Spotted Woodpecker and Hawfinch.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
The reedbeds and willow scrub at Romelaere Ponds holds large numbers of Reed and Sedge Warblers, plus lesser numbers of Grasshopper, Willow, Marsh and Cetti’s Warblers, and occasional Great Reed and Savi’s Warblers. Also present, Bittern, Bearded Tit, Nightingale, Willow Tit, Water Rail and Bluethroat, while Little Bittern, Purple Heron and White Stork all breed. Herbaceous growth close to the boardwalk is best for Marsh Warbler and tussock fields for Bluethroat. From the hide scan the lake for Little, Black-necked and Great Crested Grebes, and Garganey. Herons nest in the trees, and Black-headed Gull and Common Tern on islands. 2
The wooded valley is good for observing birds on the move such as Marsh Harrier, White Stork, Great White Egret, Mediterranean Gull and Hobby. Open fields and dry scrub attract Lapwing, Yellow Wagtail, Sky Lark, Grey Partridge, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroats and Stonechat.
3 Clairmarais Forest harbours a wide range of woodland birds including Woodcock, Honey Buzzard, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Lesser and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, Tree Pipit, Nightingale, Grasshopper and Melodious Warblers, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Firecrest, Short-toed Trecreeper, Crested Tit and Hawfinch.