“Cap Fréhel seabirds” outing

With its spectacular cliffs, Cap Fréhel is home to many species of seabirds.

Here we are ready for a guided tour in the heart of this natural space with exceptional landscapes. One thing is certain, the seabirds of Cap Fréhel will have (almost) no more secrets for us. Are you following us?

Follow the guide!

This is foot of the Cap Fréhel lighthouse that our guide welcomes us. Neither one nor two, we end up with a pair of binoculars around our necks! Unaccustomed to these optical tools, we listen carefully to his explanations. The guide leads the way towards the Fauconnière observation post. We have 2 hours to understand everything about the seabirds of Cap Fréhel: challenge accepted !

Spot 1: sea gulls and crested cormorants

Leaving the lighthouse behind us, we branch off to the right to reach the first explanatory panels dedicated to Black-backed Gulls and crested shags. It's here, on theislet of Fauconnière, which can be observed. After some theoretical information, place to practice! And for this part, Binoculars and spotting scopes are a must!

It is difficult to say if the birds are bickering over the nest or if they are mating. Fortunately, our guide is there to enlighten us on the behavior of these seabirds of Cap Fréhel. Courtship and territory defense: the show is captivating. The walk has barely begun and already, we understand better the gregarious life of these bird colonies ! It's time to get acquainted with new species.

Spot 2: penguins and seagulls

A few steps are enough to reach the second observation spot! Here, we are looking for two-tone birds with short wings and small size, our eyes deep in our binoculars. The Torda Penguins, a little stockier than the others, have a flattened beak adorned with a white line. Here are the indications we have to recognize them! The guide tells us that 22 to 31 couples are listed here. We will have to show a little bit of patience before seeing these adorable birds who seem to be dressed in an elegant tuxedo. What a treat for the pupils!

Some of us confuse them with Common Guillemots, a slightly more slender species of penguin, which can also be seen here. Their particularity? They do not make a nest and lay a single pear-shaped egg, to prevent it from rolling down the slopes. A rather logical curiosity when you see that 85% of the national breeding population of this species is found in the vertical cliffs of Cap Fréhel! And it is the expert who says it.

It is under the ball of kittiwakes (recognizable by their black legs) and the indications of our guide that we leave this enchanting spot in Brittany.

Spot 3: Northern fulmars at the Pointe de Jas

All left! After 7 to 10 minutes of walking, we arrive at the level of the point of Jas. It is here, on the side of the cliff, that our guide takes us to observe the Northern Fulmars. Once again, some theoretical notions come to introduce the practice. Something to arouse our curiosity and give us some keys to understanding what we observe through the lenses of our binoculars. We would almost become experts!

The guide tells us that these birds are only on the ground at the time of reproduction. It exists 13 to 15 pairs identified, nesting on the ledges of Cap Fréhel, in Brittany

The 7 commandments for the visit

Before any nature outing, it is good to remember the few rules to respect to preserve the environment! So here are the 7 commandments for your visit:

1. Park your vehicle or your bikes in the places provided and indicated for this purpose
2. Respect the fauna and flora, do not pick flowers
3. Stay on marked trails : shortcuts promote erosion and trampling of vegetation
4. Travel only on foot on the coastal paths, respect the regulations in force
5. Bring a bag to take away your rubbish
6. Avoid hiking with your dog, or keep it on a leash
7. Do not generate noise useless