FRENCH LEAVE

At 0530 yesterday messrs Smith ,Holt ,Wells and McVail left for a days birding in northern France,the morning at St Frieux and Oye Plage in the afternoon.Seawatching on the way produced common scoter,red throated divers,guillemots ,razorbills,gannets,sandwich terns, and the usual gulls.
At St Frieux which is mixed woodland on a sandy heath there were lots of nuthatch and treecreeper,crested tits,goldcrests great spot and green woodpeckers,once again failed to find the legendary PIC NOIR.Out on the sandy heath we found hen harrier and sparrowhawk,redpoll,yellowhammer and a pair of woodlark or allouette lulu as they are called here.As the morning warmed up a speckled wood was found and a few small whites and several brimstones were seen.

NUTHATCH Singing out loudly.

SPECKLED WOOD

WOODLARK

 WOODLARK

This little crittur was seen scrambling in the undergrowth,not sure if its a vole or a mouse.
After lunch it was off to OYE, ok you don`t have to shout,here swallows were gathering before crossing the channel,all the usual ducks avocets and curlew were present.
Back to the ferry and a very pleasant day drew to a close with a few more gannets and gulls.