The environment and natural setting of the site

Situated on the Mother-of-Pearl coast in Calvados, Ouistreham is at the mouth of the river Orne, in the bay of the Seine. The Seawatch observation point is on the seawall of the Caen-Portsmouth cross-channel ferry terminal. When you face the sea, the Orne estuary, part of the NATURA 2000 site of the same name, stretches out to your right. On your left is the extensive beach of Riva-Bella (D-day Sword beach). The estuary is on a major migration flyway, and constitutes an important site for migrating birds, being the only stop-off point between the baie des Veys to the west and the Seine estuary to the east.

History of the Seawatch site and environmental considerations

Tests in 1997 and 1998 revealed the passage of migratory birds, and in 2006 observation activity was intensified.

• 2006 : 66 days (142 hours) for 28 400 birds (81 taxa)
• 2007 : 53 days (100 hours) for 29 000 birds (73 taxa)
• 2008 : 48 days (90 hours)   for 27 700 birds (75 taxa)
• 2009 : 56 days (100 hours) for 54 000 birds (86 taxa)
• 2010 : 58 days (83 hours)   for 53 200 birds (96 taxa)

Experience has shown that birds on migration pass close to Ouistreham principally when the wind is from the NW or W. There is no passage when the wind is in the NE. However, anatidae tend to favour a day without wind, or from the S quarter. More recently another site has been discovered, more especially for anatidae, at Merville-Franceville-Plage. From 10 000 to 15 000 anatidae have been noted there in the last two years. It is possible that many ducks use the estuary to reach the Dives marshes. The Orne valley is a route used largely by Spoonbills coming from the Seine estuary. The site is on the edge of the Natura 2000 site “Orne Estuary” (FR2510059).

Ornithological interest, birds of special importance

The sternidae remain the most important category, with 10 000 to 16 000 individuals counted. The main interest of the site is its attraction for pelagic species at the foot of the seawall, therefore just below the seawatchers. Depending on the invasion cycle it is therefore possible to see, in very good conditions, Leach’s petrel, Sabine’s gull, skuas, just a few yards away. The passage of Brent Geese is also an important moment with several thousand birds in a single morning. The Orne estuary is one of the principal ornithological sites in Calvados and is noteworthy as a stop-over for terns, as a major nesting-site for Kentish Plovers and the presence of a wide variety of waders.

Calendar and migratory corridors

The passage of migratory birds is mostly visible at this site during the postnuptial period, from the month of August to the end of December. Note that there are two migration corridors; one very close which permits very good sightings, the other is further offshore, at more than 4 kms. Although it is possible to see birds passing, the distance combined with the presence of heat-haze or spray make it practically impossible to observe passage in this corridor .

Access and nearby facilities

From Caen follow the direction « Ouistreham car ferry" ; at Ouistreham follow the lane to the ferry terminal on the left and continue along the seafront. Park by the fir trees after the ferry terminal. Follow the perimeter fence of the ferry lorry enclosure as far as the seawall facing the sea. The best place is at the end of the seawall just next to the channel.

The extension to the ferry lorry park has already started, and makes this position inaccessible at present. The work is due to be completed at the end of May 2012. The new seawall will be considerably further out to sea, possibly making the site even better, if access to the seawall is possible. In the meantime the beach lifeguard station at Merville-Franceville-Plage, the other side of the estuary, offers a favourable substitute site with carpark, especially useful for the observation of anatidae.

Recommended restaurants in Ouistreham

• Le Channel (on left next to the first traffic lights as you arrive at the harbour, used by British ferry passengers), 79 rue Michel Cabieu (phone 02 31 96 51 69)
• La Mare aux Poissons (Best Western – posh and rather expensive), 68 rue Emile Herbline (phone 02 31 37 53 05)
• La Toscane (Italian cuisine), place du Général de Gaulle (phone 02 31 96 67 44)
• Au Coin du Port (routier,  inexpensive) 90 avenue Michel Cabieu, 14150 Ouistreham (phone 02 31 97 15 22)

Contacts

Jean-Pierre Marie : mailto:Jean-Pierre.marie14@orange.fr 

James Jean Baptiste : mailto:James.jb@wanadoo.fr