Great birdwatching in northern France in the forêt de Crécy
La Forêt de Crécy is the largest area of woodland near to Calais and transport from the UK, and is full of mature conifers, insect-rich oaks and mast-bearing Beech trees. It is networked by signposted paths, but it is also a good idea to obtain a map if possible as you can get pleasantly lost for hours, if you’re not careful.
It is notable for several species hard or impossible to see in Britain, including small numbers of Black Woodpecker, which are at their most vociferous in early spring but can be seen with luck at any time of the year. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is also to be found.
In late spring and early summer the woods are buzzing wth birdsong, including Firecrest and Melodious Warbler, particularly in the Broom scrub; these are easily confused with the occasional Icterine Warbler which also breeds here. Clearings can produce displaying Tree Pipit, Serin, Cuckoo and Turtle Dove, along with the prolonged drone of Grasshopper Warblers.
Woodcock will be roding at dusk in May and June, while the darkening woodland edge will emanate with the atmospheric churring of Nightjar. Nightingale, Wood Warbler, Redstart and Pied Flycacher are all declining in the UK but can be seen readily at Crecy.
Hawfinch, Marsh Tit, Crested Tit (absent from England) and Honey Buzzard (very scarce in Britain) are also likely to be seen, along with Golden Oriole (now extirpated in the UK) and the possibility of Goshawk. Short-toed Treecreeper is exceptionally rare at home, but can be seen with ease, usually first detected by call.
It is worth checking the adjacent arable land, too, as Hen Harrier is present year-round, along with the occasional Hobby in summer, and Black Kite and Montagu’s Harrier can occur. Some of the wetland specialities at the larger marshes in the region can also be seen at the nearby Sailly-Bray reserve, including Bluethroat.
