Discover the fragile guardians of our Normandy coasts, magnificent but endangered marine species. From playful bottlenose dolphins to mischievous seals and discreet gravel birds, you may be lucky enough to come across these heroes of our seas during your coastal stroll.
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Meet
its marine wonders
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Charadrius alexandrinus
Interrupted-necked gravelot
Interrupted-necked Plovers can be found along the coast, nesting at the top of less-frequented beaches , where access is limited and human disturbance is minimal. From April to mid-July, it lays its eggs directly on the sand, at the top of the beach (between the sea and the dune). However, this strategy makes them vulnerable to trampling, as the eggs blend in with the sand and many nests are inadvertently destroyed. To improve their chances of reproduction, you can walk preferably on the lower beach (wet sand), keep your dog on a leash or avoid marked nesting areas.
Halichoerus grypus
The grey seal
Estuaries, sandbanks and isolated rocks are places where grey seals like to rest and bask in the sun. The areas around the Chausey Islands, accessible by boat excursion from Granville, are renowned for being home to colonies of grey seals. In addition, walks along the coastal cliffs often offer great opportunities for observation, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. If you observe a seal on the beach, keep your distance and call the Pélagis organization, local environmental associations or town halls, who will refer you to the appropriate people. This behavior is sometimes normal, as seals need to rest outside the water to regain their energy.
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Tursiops truncatus
The bottlenose dolphin
To observe bottlenose dolphins, head for our coasts, where these majestic creatures love to roam. The best places to spot them are usually along coastal cliffs, from high vantage points offering unobstructed views of the sea. The region’s beaches and harbors can also offer great viewing opportunities, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the dolphins are often more active. The bottlenose dolphin is threatened by marine pollution, including plastics, hydrocarbons and chemicals, as well as by underwater noise caused by human activities.
Migratory birds
prenuptial stopoverIn the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, a nature reserve of international importance for migratory birds, several species of birds stop off on their pre-nuptial migration. These include theoystercatcher, curlew,common gravelot, red-winged godwit and red knot. These species, among many others, make the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel aprime location for observing migratory birds, and underline the importance of preserving this fragile ecosystem for their survival and the maintenance of biodiversity.
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