Marquenterre Ornithological Park

Marquenterre Ornithological Park was created in 1973 and is part of the Baie de Somme Nature Reserve.
With 544 acres of dunes, forests and marshland encroaching upon the sea, the site is popular among the thousands of migrating species who stop off here for anything from a few hours to a whole season, notably the Siberian sandpiper, the Arctic Barnacle goose and the African spoonbill.
Two observation paths (of 2 and 3 mi long) have been created to enable visitors to follow the birds' progress and allow them to get a little closer to the avocets, shelducks and small wading birds who come here to nest, feed, rest or mate.
An educational course has also been set up to offer visitors an introduction to recognising the most commonly-spotted birds.
If you want to get the most out of your observations, it is a good idea to get hold of a pair of binoculars (which can be hired onsite should you forget to bring yours), stick to the observation stations dotted along the pathways and, if possible, take advantage of the services offered by one of the park's guides (by prior arrangement). In addition to the observation areas, Marquenterre Ornithological Park also has a restaurant, the Bistrot du Marquenterre, which serves dishes prepared using local ingredients.
There is also a gift shop, selling a wide range of local products and crafts, as well as a specialist bookshop.
Various conferences, exhibitions and events are also organised at the park.

Marquenterre Ornithological Park
25 bis, Chemin des Garennes 80120 Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont.
Park hours:
02/01 to 09/01 and from 24/01 to 31/01: every day from 10am to 5pm (ticket office closes at 3pm)
01/02 to 31/03: every day from 10am to 6pm (ticket office closes at 4pm)
01/04 to 30/09: every day from 10am to 7:30pm (ticket office closes at 5pm)
01/10 to 15/11: every day from 10am to 6pm (ticket office closes at 4pm)
16/11 to 31/12: every day from 10am to 5pm (ticket office closes at 3pm)
Adult price: ?9.90.
Children under 16 years: ?7.90.