Despite the onset of winter and the decrease in hours of daylight, October is the month with the highest number of recorded species, with a grand total of 193. Rarities have included the only records of Black-necked Grebe (1996), Montagu’s Harrier (1991), Long-billed Dowitcher (1977), Lesser Yellowlegs (1984), Red-necked Phalarope (2001), Black Guillemot (1998) and Yellow-browed Warbler (2001). Other national and local rarities recorded include Ring-billed Gull, Roseate Tern, Hooded Crow, Dartford Warbler, Hen Harrier, Ring Ouzel, Mealy Redpoll, Firecrest and Common Crossbill.
October 31st
The month ends with the same mild weather and birds. Sightings from New Passage included the male Merlin, 3 Little Egrets, 300 Dunlin, 120 Lapwing, 65 Turnstones, 40 Redshank and at least 200 Wigeon. A Great Crested Grebe was seen off Chittening Warth. A mixed flock of 50 Redwings and Fieldfares flew over Aust Warth where 2 Stonechats and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were also seen.
October 30th
The male Merlin, 2 Little Egrets, 109 Turnstones, 120 Lapwing, 300 Dunlin, 40 Redshank, 2 Fieldfares and a Grey Wagtail were reported from New Passage. Two Stonechats remained on Aust Warth.
October 29th
No reports were received today. A brief search for Owls at Aust Warth after dark was unsuccessful.
October 28th
A dismal wet and windy morning produced no reports of seabirds or little else. A drier and brighter afternoon produced a Spotted Redshank, 70 Redshank, 60 Lapwings and 2 late Wheatears at New Passage.
Three Snipe and 70 Redshank were seen at Aust Warth this morning and a Short-eared Owl and Little Egret were seen there this evening.
Short-eared Owl, Aust Warth 28.10.7
October 27th
A Short-eared Owl was mobbed by Crows at Aust Warth this morning. It then flew off high across the river, appearing to drop at Beachley Point, Gloucestershire. Other sightings here included a male Merlin, Little Egret, a Spotted Redshank, 80 Redshank, 16 Grey Plover, 40 Curlew, at least one Water Rail, 6 Stonechats, single Peregrine, Raven and Rock Pipit. Two Short-eared Owls were reported here in the evening. Reports from New Passage involved an adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Egrets, 6 Shoveler, 28 Common Gulls and 3 Ravens. Nearby, on the morning high tide there were 750 Dunlin, 52 Oystercatchers, 160 Curlew, another 45 Redshank, 85 Lapwings and a Grey Plover at Northwick Warth.
Merlin, Aust Warth 27.10.7
Raven, New Passage 27.10.7
October 26th
Sightings from New Passage and Northwick Warth included 3 Little Egrets, a female/immature Merlin, 7 Grey Plover, 80 Redshank, 250 Dunlin, 52 Oystercatchers, 50 Lapwing, 12 Common Gulls, at least 200 Wigeon, 140 Teal, 6 Shoveler and a Kingfisher. A Short-eared Owl was flushed on Aust Warth where 2 Merlins (male and female), 2 Ravens, 4 Snipe, 4 Stonechats and a Rock Pipit were also seen. The only report from Severn Beach involved 14 Ringed Plover.
October 25th
An even gloomier and grey day. Sightings from New Passage and Northwick Warth included a Little Egret, 85 Redshank, 70 Lapwing, 6 Grey Plover, 6 Turnstones, 250 Dunlin and the usual Wigeon and Teal flocks.
Another Little Egret, 50 Turnstones, 16 Dunlin, 8 Redshank, 120 Curlew, 9 Shelduck, 2 Peregrines, 3 Stonechats and Rock Pipits were reported from Severn Beach. Another 5 Stonechats and a Raven were seen at Chittening Warth.
October 24th
A cloudy day with a cool North wind. Sightings from New Passage included 10 Grey Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 70 Redshank, 50 Lapwings, 110 Dunlin, 4 Turnstones and a Kingfisher. A visit to the Orchard Pools at Severn Beach produced 21 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and 2 Little Grebes. Two Stonechats remained on Aust Warth.
October 23rd
Sightings from the New Passage area included 12 Grey Plover, 40 Redshank, 43 Dunlin, 29 Lapwing, the usual Wigeon and Teal flocks, 13 Common Gulls and a Great Black-backed Gull was observed trying to eat a large Flounder. Ten Shelduck, 3 Stonechats, 4 Rock Pipits and a Wheatear were seen from Severn Beach. Another 4 Stonechats and 2 Jays were reported from Aust Warth.
October 22nd
A cloudy day with a light South East wind. The star find was a ringtail Hen Harrier at Aust Warth, seen by just a few lucky observers early afternoon. The usual 4 Stonechats and a Peregrine were also seen here. Sightings from Northwick Warth included 12 Grey Plover, 43 Dunlin, 30 Lapwings, 12 Redshank, the usual Teal and Wigeon flocks, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 10 Common Gulls, a Great Black-backed Gull and 2 Ravens.
October 21st
Sightings from New Passage included a Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Grey Plover, 30 Redshank, 6 Dunlin, 100 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, a Pochard and a Kingfisher. A Short-eared Owl was found at Severn Beach this morning.Two Peregrines, 3 Stonechats and a Swallow were reported from Aust Warth.
October 20th
Another cold morning. A few visible migrants were reported by early birders from New Passage including a Water Pipit, 3 Brambling, at least 200 Fieldfares, 100 Redwings and a few Siskins, Redpolls, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Reed Buntings, Skylarks and a Coal Tit, most of which headed off North East. Other sightings off Northwick Warth included 2 Shoveler, 120 Wigeon, 180 Teal. 80 Redshank, 19 Lapwing, 8 Grey Plover, a Little Egret, 2 Snipe and 30 Dunlin. Sightings from the Severn Beach area included a Great Crested Grebe, 180 Curlew, 24 Turnstones, 30 Oystercatchers, 3 Grey Plover, 9 Shelduck, a Peregrine, 2 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits and a Wheatear. A male Merlin and 3 Stonechats were seen on Aust Warth this evening.
Wheatear, Severn Beach 20.10.7
October 19th
Reports from Northwick Warth included reappearance of the very late Hobby, a male Merlin, a Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, 11 Grey Plover, 40 Redshank, 18 Lapwing and just 3 Dunlin. There were 62 Turnstones and 30 Oystercatchers at Severn Beach. Four Stonechats were seen on Aust Warth and 2 Wheatears and another 6 Stonechats were reported from Chittening Warth.
October 18th
A quiet day following a cold night and clear sky. A Little Egret, 11 Grey Plover, 31 Redshank, 22 Lapwings, 6 Dunlin, 7 Snipe, a Raven, 5 Siskins, 2 Redpoll and 2 Stonechats were seen from Northwick Warth. The only report from elsewhere involved 24 Turnstones at Severn Beach and 2 Stonechats at Aust Warth.
October 17th
A much drier and brighter day. There were 2 Hobbies on view together this morning on Northwick Warth. One gave excellent views as it hunted Darters and Butterflies near the flash for several hours. Other sightings from here involved 2 Golden Plover, 14 Grey Plover, 15 Lapwing, a Snipe, 50 Turnstones, a Little Egret, 200 Teal, 20 Wigeon, a Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaffs and overhead migrants included 12 Siskin and 3 Redpoll. A Little Egret, a Raven and 2 Stonechats were reported from Aust Warth. The only report from Severn Beach involved a Ringed Plover and 2 Stonechats and yet another 2 Stonechats were seen on Chittening Warth.
Hobby, Northwick Warth 17.10.7
October 16th
Only a few reports were received today due to torrential rain for most of the afternoon.The Hobby continued to give close views on Northwick Warth where other sightings included 15 Lapwing, 50 Redshank, single Peregrine, Stonechat and Wheatear. An adult Mediterranean Gull was found at New Pill, Chittening Warth. Another 2 Stonechats and 2 Jays were seen at Aust Warth.
October 15th
A cloudy morning with a light South wind. Sightings from Northwick Warth included the juvenile Hobby hunting insects over the flash and old tip, 3 Ruff on the flash, 14 Grey Plover, 120 Dunlin, a Black-tailed Godwit, 20 Redshank, 23 Lapwing, 7 Snipe and a Jack Snipe. There was a light passage of migrants over New Passage including Chaffinches, Skylarks, a few Siskins, Reed Buntings and 2 Yellowhammers. Two Rock Pipits were seen in the Pill here. A visit to Severn Beach produced a Wheatear, 3 Rock Pipits, 120 Curlew, 20 Turnstones and 2 Snipe. Two Stonechats remained on Aust Warth.
Hobby, Northwick Warth 15.10.7
Hobby, Northwick Warth 15.10.7
October 14th
A grey and and cloudy morning produced some visible migration over New Passage including a Short-eared Owl, 105 Fieldfares, 110 Redwing, 20 Siskin, a Yellowhammer, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Reed Buntings and Skylarks. Other sightings from nearby Northwick Warth included 4 Ruff, a Black-tailed Godwit, 100 Dunlin, 40 Redshank, 14 Grey Plover, 25 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 20 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, a Water Rail, 2 Wheatears and a late Hobby. Sightings from Aust Warth included 2 Ravens, 2 Stonechats and a Peregrine. Another Little Egret and Peregrine were seen from Severn Beach. This afternoon I travelled South to Meare Heath in Somerset and in just 30 minutes managed to see a juvenile Purple Heron, an Osprey, a male Marsh Harrier, a Pectoral Sandpiper, 3 Ruff, numerous Snipe, Little Egrets and Lapwings. Well worth the visit when things are quiet here on the coast.
Hobby, Northwick Warth 14.10.7
Osprey, Meare Heath, Somerset 14.10.7
October 13th
On the falling tide at Severn Beach this morning, a Little Egret, 4 Grey Plover, 9 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover and a Wheatear. A Kingfisher was seen nearby at the Orchard Pools. The New Passage area produced another Little Egret, 12 Grey Plover, 45 Redshank, 30 Dunlin, 22 Lapwing, 100 Wigeon, a Water Rail and 5 Common Gulls. Six Stonechats and 2 Mistle Thrushes were seen along Aust Warth where at least one Barn Owl was seen late this evening.
October 12th
Sightings from Severn Beach included 2 dark bellied Brent Geese but only 2 each of Dunlin and Ringed Plover. Nearby at the Orchard Pools there were 16 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon and 2 Shoveler. Birds at New Passage included single Water Rail, Stonechat and Wheatear, 3 Grey Wagtails and a Little Egret. Northwick Warth produced a Merlin, 12 Grey Plover, 16 Lapwing, 20 Dunlin, 40 Redshank, 30 Oystercatchers and 54 Wigeon. Four Stonechats remained along Aust Warth.
October 11th
A foggy start to the day. Sightings from Severn Beach included 2 Little Egrets, 10 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover, 7 Lapwing, and a Stonechat. Northwick Warth produced just a single Knot, 3 Dunlin, 12 Redshank, 30 Wigeon and a Wheatear. Two Stonechats and 4 Common Buzzards were seen along Aust Warth.
October 10th
An adult Mediterranean Gull was at New Pill, Chittening Warth this morning. Sightings from Severn Beach included 3 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Plover, 2 Knot, 10 Dunlin, 8 Ringed Plover and a Great Black-backed Gull. The Northwick Warth area produced 48 Oystercatcher, 60 Redshank, 70 Dunlin, 65 Curlew. 9 Lapwing, 3 Grey Plover and a Kingfisher. Two Stonechats and 2 Jays were seen on Aust Warth.
October 9th
After a wet start to the day, sightings from Severn Beach included 4 Grey Plover, one Knot, 20 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin and 6 Shelduck. Nearby at the Orchard Pools, 18 Gadwall and 2 Shoveler. Sightings from New Passage and Northwick Warth included 11 Grey Plover, one Bar-tailed Godwit, 50 Redshank, 34 Oystercatchers, 13 Lapwing, 3 Shelduck, a Kingfisher and a Little Egret. Four Stonechats, a Wheatear and a Peregrine were seen on Aust Warth.
October 8th
Sightings from New Passage and Northwick Warth included the Merlin, two Peregrines (giving the 200 Teal some grief), 95 Wigeon, 65 Redshank, 5 Oystercatchers, 7 Lapwing, one Grey Wagtail and a Common Gull. Severn Beach produced 6 Grey Plover, one Knot, 30 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, 150 Curlew, 40 Oystercatchers, one Little Egret and a Stonechat. The Orchard Pools at Severn Beach held 16 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler and 2 Wigeon. There were four Stonechats and a Whinchat along Aust Warth.
Firecrest, St.Agnes, Isles of Scilly 8.10.7
I was away for this week on the Isles of Scilly and managed to see upto 3 of these gems most days.
October 7th
A calm and settled day. Sightings from the Northwick Warth area included the Merlin and a late Hobby, hawking insects over the salt marsh. One Jack Snipe, 40 Redshank, 8 Oystercatchers, 7 Grey Plover, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 80 Wigeon, a Pintail, 80 Redwings, 6 Lapwing and a Peregrine. The afternoon high tide at Severn Beach produced 40 Ringed Plover, 30 Dunlin, 8 Grey Plover, 45 Turnstones, 1 Wheatear, 3 Rock Pipits (flushed from the salt marsh by a dog walker) and another Peregrine.
October 6th
A cloudy and dry day, with a light North East breeze. A brief migration watch from New Passage early morning revealed c3000 Chaffinch, c85 Siskin, 15 Redpolls, and 2 Bramblings (the first of the year) all flying into the wind. Other birds from here and Northwick Warth involved 75 Redshank, a Grey Plover, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls. 5 Common Gulls, 50 Wigeon and the usual 200 Teal. An adult Mediterranean Gull, 43 Oystercatchers, and 180 Curlew were seen at New Pill, Chittening Warth. At Severn Beach there were 4 Grey Plover, 40 Turnstone, 70 Dunlin. 17 Ringed Plover, 2 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat and a Peregrine. Another 2 Stonechats and a Merlin were seen at Aust Warth late afternoon.
October 5th
A dry, sunny day with a North East wind. Sightings from New Passage included 9 Grey Plover, 3 Knot, 30 Turnstones, 5 Dunlin, 27 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper, 36 Wigeon, at least 200 Teal, a Kingfisher, 3 Chiffchaffs and 2 Blackcaps. A Little Stint, another 5 Grey Plover, 3 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 50 Turnstones and 5 Stonechats were seen from the shore at Severn Beach. Another Stonechat and 5 Chiffchaffs were reported from below Aust Cliff.
October 4th
Sightings from New Passage and Northwick Warth included a Spotted Redshank, a Little Egret, 20 Redshank, 9 Grey Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 30 Turnstones, 4 Dunlin, a Merlin, 25 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, 200 Teal, a Kingfisher, 2 Wheatears, a late Tree Pipit and a Snow Bunting that was heard calling as it flew south over Northwick Warth. A visit to Severn Beach produced 150 Curlew, 30 Oystercatchers, just one Ringed Plover and 2 Turnstones. Two Stonechats were found on Aust Warth.
October 3rd
A Lapland Bunting was found this evening on Northwick Warth. Other sightings from here and New Passage today included an adult Mediterranean Gull, a Merlin, 2 Grey Plover, 2 Snipe, 2 Ringed Plover, 4 Knot, 48 Redshank, 22 Turnstones, 27 Wigeon, at least 200 Teal, 2 Stonechats, 5 Wheatears and a Peregrine. The only reports from Severn Beach involved 5 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin.
Lapland Bunting, Northwick Warth 3.10.7
Lapland Bunting, Northwick Warth 3.10.7
Mediterranean Gull, New Passage 3.10.7
October 2nd
Another dismal grey day with a light North East wind. Sightings from Northwick Warth included the first Merlin of the autumn, now 2 Spotted Redshanks, a Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Grey Plover, 5 Knot, 60 Dunlin, 40 Turnstones, 55 Redshank, 40 Curlew, 4 Lapwings, 10 Snipe, 25 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 3 Wheatear and a steady passage of Swallows and House Martins. Sightings from the shore at Severn Beach involved a Sanderling, 11 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin and a Peregrine. There were 20 Gadwall and 4 Shoveler nearby at the Orchard Pools.
October 1st
A wet start to the month. The Spotted Redshank, 20 Redshank, 70 Dunlin, 9 Lapwings and 3 Wheatears were seen in the New Passage area. The only reports from Severn Beach were 5 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin and a Peregrine.
