Great birdwatching near the Calais Ferry Port
Sandwich Tern and Mediterranean Gull breed in a mixed colony, while in spring flocks of Black Tern are sometimes joined by Whiskered Tern. Garganey and Black-necked Grebe are most noticeable on passage, while larger species such as Marsh Harrier, Spoonbill, Little Egret and the odd Great White Egret should stand out, and White and Black Storks drop in on passage. The occasional Little Bittern may be observed from one of the hides, and Spotted Crake has been recorded.
Early summer should produce vocal Cuckoos. The loud song of Nightingale should be apparent in the profusion of scrub, while Cetti’s Warbler will echo it from the wetter areas. Other warblers will include Marsh, Grasshopper and Savi’s, while Bluethroat is also possible adjacent to the reeds. As in much of the rest of the region, Black Redstart, Turtle Dove and Hen Harrier can be seen casually with luck.
Waders such as Kentish Plover and Black-winged Stilt are likely, with Temminck’s Stint regular in spring, while Little Ringed Plover and Avocet should be obvious. Late spring and late summer could provide Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank. The more maritime species such as Sanderling and Kentish Plover can also be seen at nearby Oye Plage, while seawatching can be productive in late summer with onshore winds.
The towering dunes themselves hold Sonechat, Crested Lark and sometimes Tawny Pipit, though numbers of the latter have declined.
A visit to Platier d’Oye can be easily combined with a trip to nearby Guines Marsh, which also has a similar selection of songbirds and waterbirds.
