The jetty of Le Clipon, at Loon-Plage, Nord (59), is a seawatch site during autumn migration.

The surroundings and the natural setting of the watchpoint

Situated in the industrial port of Dunkerque, the jetty of Le Clipon is part of a manmade environment, dominated by the port's industrial installations. In this universe of metal and concrete, entirely redesigned by man, nature is reconquering its rights. Along the access road to the jetty and in the plains of Le Clipon, dune dynamics are contributing to recreate varied habitats, attractive to both birds and pioneer vegetation. From year to year, the landscape is evolving, diversifying and offering habitats that are more and more favorable to migrants and breeding birds. Among the remarkable breeding birds, we should note a very important Little Tern colony (nearly 300 nests) inviting other species: Kentish Plover, Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher and, more recently, Common Tern. Furthermore, Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls have established an important colony and Common Gulls are breeding. 

History of the survey

The first observations of migration, rather sporadic, have been done by some birders from Groupe Ornithologique Nord in 1976, when the construction of the jetty was not yet finished (the protection wall was built in 1978). In 1980, the first real migration survey has been conducted with some surprising results. From 1981, some Flemish observers discover the potential of the site and realize some outstanding observations, both in numbers and in species diversity.

From 1985, the founder members of Association Le Clipon take over. At the start, observations are mainly done in favorable weather conditions (western to northern wind) but more regularly since 1998. In 2003, the migration survey reaches 930 hours, between July and December.

Ornithological interest, emblematic species

Strategically situated along the North Sea, at the entrance of the straits of Dover, the jetty of Le Clipon is interesting for migration of coastal and pelagic species. Pelagic species, blown towards the coast by the wind, move down towards the southwest following the distant shoreline. Pelagic migrants will often follow the jetty, although some species, such as skuas, terns and Sabine's Gull may sometimes cross it, en route towards the Channel. The will pass along the watchpoint, sometimes at very close range.

The jetty of Le Clipon, allows to observe a great variety of pelagic species, often difficult to watch from mainland sites (with the noteable exception of Cap Gris-Niz, presented elsewhere on this web site). Some of the most sought-after species include Sooty, Manx and Balearic Shearwaters, the 4 norhern hemisphere skuas (including Long-tailed Skua), Sabine's Gull and Grey Phalarope. The migratory flow of pelagic and coastal species also includes Gannets, terns, Kittiwakes, Little Gull and waders. Some rare vagrants in France have also been observed: Black-browed Albatross, Little Shearwater, Ross's Gull, ... and have contributed to the fame of the site.

Calendar

Seawatching at Le Clipon starts in July. That time of the year, the first Black Scoters, Shelducks migrating to their moult sites in the Wadden Sea, Oystercatchers and Whimbrels are passing through. Day after day, species diversity is increasing and the first Arctic Skuas, Great Skuas and Red-necked Grebes may turn up. Balearic Shearwaters are also seen in that period, but always in small numbers.

In August, the migration of Common, Sandwich and Little Terns is pickung up. Black Terns join in and on the jetty, the first Purple Sandpipers appear. This is the best month for waders. Their passage may seem unpredictable, but several thousands of individuals of over 20 species may be seen during peak migration. The first Pomarine Skuas and Sabine's Gulls in breeding plumage may appear and announce the start of the season for pelagic species. From the end of the month, when the wind is turning to the northwest and gaining in strength, keen observers will notice the first Long-tailed Skuas among the Arctic Skuas, as well as Sooty and Manx Shearwaters.

In September, with northwesterlies, plenty of sea birds are migrating : thousands of Common Terns, Sandwich Terns and Black Scoters, hundreds of Great Skuas, Arctic Skuas, Sooty Shearwaters and tens of Long-tailed and Pomarine Skuas, Fulmars, Manx and Balearic Shearwaters, Leach's Petrel, and sometimes Sabine's Gulls. An amazing spectacle, on both sides of the telescope. With sea birds at one side, and frantic seawatchers relentlessly scrutinizing the horizon at the other. In mild summer conditions, you need some patience to see a few hundred of extra waders and terns, some raptors migrating over sea or the first Red-throated Divers and alcids. 

In October, a good diversity of birds can be seen. With westerly or northerly winds, skuas, shearwaters, Leach's Petrels and Grey Phalaropes will show. The end of tern migration is nearing and it becomes easier to pick out the odd Arctic Tern. In anticyclonic conditions, it may be worthwile to search for passerines lost at sea and hiding among the concrete blocks of the jetty. Brent Geese may migrate by thousands on the best days, offering a great spectacle. Ducks and divers are increasing in numbers and announce the month of November.

During early November we may watch important passages of dabbling ducks and Brent Geese, but also Red-breasted Mergansers, White-winged Scoters and Eiders. More rarely, a Long-tailed Duck may hide among other species. Migration of Red-throated and Black-throated Divers is reaching its peak and once in a while, a massive Great Northern Diver may join them. Other seabirds include Kittiwakes, Little Gulls and Gannets, accompanied by the last skuas and shearwaters. In strong winds, you may hope for an influx of Little Auks, quite a rare bird at the watchpoint. Razorbills and Guillemots are much more regular and some will start wintering in the region. Finally, in calm weather conditions, November is the best moment to see a flock of Snow Buntings, Twites or Shore Larks.

December is the final month of autumn migration and observations become less spectacular. Wintering birds are common in the area and every seawatch sessions will offer some divers, grebes, scoters and alcids. During a cold wave, many ducks may leave northern Europe and fly past. With perseverance, and during spells of northern or northwestern wind, Kittiwakes and Gannets fly along as well as some Fulmars (including the double dark morph, very rare in France).

Visitors

There is no infrastructure to receive visitors. The migration survey is done by volunteers, mostly members of Association Le Clipon.

The survey is conducted from July to December, mainly during favorable weather conditions. It is possible to check for the presence of observers by sending an email to the address below. As seabird migration is highly dependent of weather conditions, the presence of observers should be checked at short notice.

Access

To reach the jetty of Le Clipon, coming from Lille on Motorway A25 (Lille - Dunkerque), take A16 towards Calais. After a few kilometres on A16, take the exit 25a. Drive 1,3 km to the second roundabout (with traffic lights) and turn left towards Port Ouest/Loon Plage. Drive 2,3 km to traffic lights, then take a small exit on the right towards Mardyck/Le Clipon/Z.I.P. de Mardyck. Go straight on for 5 km until écluse des dunes. Take left behind écluse des dunes and after a few kilometres, take the first road to the right signposted "Route de la Jetée du Clipon". Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to take this road, due to a restriction by the Port Authority.  You have to go on the jetty on foot. According to the wind direction, you may observe at the end of the jetty, at the obvious bend in the jetty or at the base of the jetty on an inclined concrete block.

There is no public transport to the site. You could go by train to Dunkerque and by bike to the jetty, but the distance is quite important.

Places to stay and to eat

There is no accommodation nearby due to its situation in an industrial port. Observers usually stay at Formule 1 hotel at Grande-Synthe.

Contact

Association Le Clipon
Maison de l’environnement
106 avenue du Casino – BP 21
59941 Dunkerque Cedex 2
Email : mailto:leclipon@yahoo.fr

Web site: http://www.leclipon.com/