September is one of the most exciting months to visit Severnside. The total of 181 species seen at least once in this month, is the third highest in the year. It is the time when most of the summer visitors will depart and a good selection of early winter visitors will arrive towards the end of the month. The weather can be very changeable, rain and gale force winds are likely, but calm warm days will also occur. Any West or South West gales will produce the usual seabirds but the more exotic have occurred; Sooty Shearwater (1974), Balearic Shearwater (1988), Long-tailed Skua, Sabine’s Gull. Other rarities that have appeared in September include; Red-crested Pochard (2 in 1996), Honey Buzzard (1996), Dotterel (1974), Kentish Plover (2006), White-rumped Sandpiper (1985), Pectoral Sandpiper (1998 and 2006), Buff-breasted Sandpiper (1989, 2003), Terek Sandpiper (1986), Red-rumped Swallow (1977), Wryneck (2003) and Rose-coloured Starling (2004). Local rarities have included Osprey, Nightjar (2006), Hawfinch (1998), Willow Tit (1992), Nightingale (1999) and Ring Ouzel (2001).
September 2008
September 30th
An unsettled wet day. A Manx Shearwater, 16 Turnstones, 4 Grey Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 10 Knot and a Peregrine were reported from Severn Beach. A Little Stint, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 70 Dunlin, 35 Redshank, 38 Oystercatchers, 40 Turnstones, at least 200 Teal, 35 Wigeon, a Pintail and a Stonechat were seen from New Passage. A Little Egret and 3 Rock Pipits were reported from Chittening Warth.
September 29th
A brighter day. Sightings from New Passage involved 3 Little Stints, a Little Egret, a Knot, 150 Dunlin, 34 Oystercatchers, 50 Redshank, 18 Turnstones, 235 Teal, 38 Wigeon, 2 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits and 2 Wheatears. At least 200 Curlew, 5 Grey Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Snipe, 2 Wheatears and 30 Linnets were seen from Northwick Warth this evening. A Peregrine and 2 Grey Plovers were reported from Severn Beach. Reports from Avonmouth Sewage Works included 2 young Great Crested Grebes, 13 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, a Green Sandpiper and a Grey Wagtail.
September 28th
A morning of thick and more persistent fog clearing again to bright sunshine. A Little Owl, several Snipe and a Golden Plover were heard in the gloom at Northwick Warth and a Wheatear was seen. Reports from New Passage late morning included 4 juvenile Little Stints, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 160 Dunlin, 30 Turnstones, 50 Redshank, a Little Egret, a Yellow Wagtail, a Kingfisher and a Stonechat. Sightings from Severn Beach this evening involved 4 Ringed Plover, 190 Curlew, 30 Oystercatchers, 5 Shelduck and 2 Gadwall. An impressive 92 Goldfinches were counted on Aust Warth.
Little Egret, New Passage 28.9.8
September 27th
A foggy start to the day followed by sunshine and blue sky afternoon. The 4 juvenile Little Stints remained at New Passage with 16 Knot, 120 Dunlin, 40 Turnstones, 25 Oystercatchers, 20 Curlew, 50 Redshank, a Ringed Plover, a Little Egret, 2 Snipe, 3 Wheatears, several flyover Siskins and Redpolls headed North East. A Grey Plover, another 2 Little Egrets, 7 Shelduck, 2 Wheatears and a Stonechat were seen at Severn Beach. A Peregrine, 3 Pheasants, 2 House Martins and 8 Swallows were reported from Aust Warth. Double figure counts of Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests were made throughout the area.
Little Stints, New Passage 27.9.8
September 26th
Much of the same today with 4 Little Stints,100 Dunlin, a Knot, 44 Turnstones, 50 Redshank, 19 Oystercatchers, 3 Wheatears and a Grey Wagtail were reported from New Passage. Easterly winds across the UK have produced a number of Rarities.The attraction of a Brown Shrike in Yorkshire was too strong for me so a visit to Flamborough Head was made today. Unfortunately the Shrike was not seen but consolation birds included, a Red -backed Shrike, a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Radde’s Warbler, all of which would be very welcome sightings on Severnside.
Radde’s Warbler, Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire 26.9.8
September 25th
A quiet day. Sightings from New Passage involved a Little Egret, 80 Dunlin, 60 Turnstones, 28 Redshank, 31 Oystercatchers, 20 Curlew, a Ringed Plover, 60 Wigeon, 70 Teal, 3 Wheatears and 3 Jays.
September 24th
Another cool and breezy day with less to report. Reports from New Passage and Northwick Warth included a Little Stint, 2 Greenshank, 100 Dunlin, 40 Redshank, 11 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 150 Teal, 24 Wigeon, 4 Wheatears, a Little Owl and a Kingfisher. Sightings from Severn Beach involved 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Peregrines, a Garden Warbler, 5 Blackcaps and 5 Chiffchaffs.
September 23rd
A dry day with a cool North East wind. The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 6 Wheatears, a White Wagtail, a Little Owl and a dead Guillemot were reported from Northwick Warth this evening . Sightings from New Passage in the strong breeze included 4 Little Stints, 120 Dunlin, 60 Redshank, 45 Turnstones, 5 Oystercatchers and a Little Egret. Another Little Egret, 14 Turnstones and a Wheatear were seen from the shore at Severn Beach and 4 Gadwall and a Tufted Duck were, seen nearby at the Orchard Pools.
Pectoral Sandpiper, Northwick Warth 23.9.8
September 22nd
A cooler day with evening rain.The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was present for its 5th day on Northwick Warth and showed well at dusk. Other sightings from here this evening included 4 Snipe and 4 Wheatears. Reports from New Passage involved 5 Little Stints, a Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper, 45 Redshank, 55 Turnstones, 160 Dunlin and the usual Wigeon and Teal flocks. Six Little Egrets (record count), 35 Turnstones and 18 Ringed Plover were seen from Severn Beach. Sightings from Avonmouth Sewage Works included the 2 Great Crested Grebe chicks, 4 Little Grebes, 37 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 5 Ruddy Duck, 3 Green Sandpipers, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaffs and 2 Ravens.
September 21st
The Indian Summer continues with fine settled weather with a good selection of birds. The elusive juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper eventually showed very well on Northwick Warth. Additional reports from here and New Passage involved a Ruff, 6 Curlew Sandpipers, 7 Little Stints, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Snipe, 120 Dunlin, 115 Turnstones, 60 Redshank, 17 Oystercatchers, 20 Curlew, a Little Egret, a Water Rail, 5 Canada Geese, 230 Teal, 90 Wigeon, 5 Shelduck, 5 Wheatears, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 50 Meadow Pipits, 4 Chiffchaffs, 15 Skylarks, 25 Linnets, 20 Goldfinches, a Kingfisher, some visible migrants including 4 Mistle Thrushes, a Coal Tit, 30 Swallows and 2 Sand Martins. Six Golden Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers and 2 Whinchats were seen at Aust Warth. Sightings from Severn Beach involved another Little Egret, 9 Grey Herons, 40 Curlew, 2 Stonechats, single Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Pectoral Sandpiper, Northwick Warth 21.9.8
Pectoral Sandpiper, Northwick Warth 21.9.8
Pectoral Sandpiper, Northwick Warth 21.9.8
September 20th
A foggy morning followed by fine weather. The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper and a Ruff were reported from Northwick Warth. Sightings from New Passage included 6 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, 6 Little Stints, a Knot, 200 Dunlin, 60 Redshank, 17 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 250 Teal, 90 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler and a Spotted Flycatcher. Another 4 Little Egrets were seen from Chittening Warth and 2 Ravens, single Whinchat and Stonechat were reported from Aust Warth.
September 19th
Another dry and sunny day with a good selection of sightings.The juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper remained on the Northwick Warth saltmarsh. Other sightings from here and New Passage included an adult Mediterranean Gull, 4 Curlew Sandpipers, 5 Little Stints, a Ruff, a Greenshank, 3 Snipe, 60 Redshank, 80 Turnstones, 100 Dunlin, 17 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwings,4 Little Egrets, 4 Shoveler, 250 Teal, 90 Wigeon, a Hobby, 3 Wheatears, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 6 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcaps and a Sedge Warbler. Many thanks to Rich Andrews for the image below. See www.cvlbirding.co.uk for some more excellent pictures.
Pectoral Sandpiper, Northwick Warth 19.9.8 © Rich Andrews
September 18th
A fine dry and sunny day with a light North East wind. I went looking for a Pectoral Sandpiper on Northwick Warth and to my astonishment found one! It disappeared into the salt marsh at the edge of the warth at 13.30. Other sightings from Northwick Warth included a Ruff, 3 Snipe, a Little Egret, 60 Meadow Pipits, 25 Linnets, several flyover Siskins, 6 Buzzards, a Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatears, 2 Whinchats and a Yellow Wagtail.
An adult Mediterranean Gull, 6 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, 120 Dunlin, 82 Turnstones, 64 Redshank, 25 Oystercatchers, at least 250 Teal, 90 Wigeon and a Kingfisher were seen from New Passage. Sightings from Severn Beach involved a Little Egret from the shore and 3 Tufted Ducks and 4 Gadwall at the Orchard Pools. A Redstart was found at Aust Warth.
Pectoral Sandpiper, Northwick Warth 18.9.8
Mediterranean Gull, New Passage 18.9.8
September 17th
A settled day. An adult Mediterranean Gull, a Little Egret, 100 Dunlin, 20 Redshank, 12 Turnstones, 12 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwings, a Kingfisher, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 4 Chiffchaffs were reported from New Passage. Another 2 Little Egrets, 6 Ringed Plover, a Grey Plover, a Lapwing, 15 Blackcaps, 12 Chiffchaffs, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Wheatears, a White Wagtail and 12 Pied Wagtails were seen at Severn Beach and nearby a Hobby and a Tufted Duck were seen at the Orchard Pools. A Cetti’s Warbler was heard and seen on Northwick Warth near the old landfill site.Two Peregrines were seen at Aust Warth.
September 16th
Sightings from New Passage included 2 adult and a first winter Mediterranean Gulls, 5 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, 110 Dunlin, 45 Redshank, 14 Oystercatchers, 12 Turnstones, 2 Snipe, a Little Egret, 245 Teal, 83 Wigeon, 3 Whinchats, 3 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 White Wagtails, single Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear, Lesser Whitethroat, Kingfisher and Sand Martin. Another 3 Little Egrets, a Grey Plover, 15 Ringed Plover, 20 Turnstones, 12 Pied Wagtails, single White Wagtail and Grey Wagtail were seen at Severn Beach. Reports from Avonmouth Sewage Works included 31 Tufted Ducks, 9 Gadwall, 2 Ruddy Duck, the 2 Great Crested Grebe chicks and a Green Sandpiper.
September 15th
Sightings from Severn Beach involved 3 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, a Grey Plover, a Common Sandpiper, 40 Dunlin, 11 Ringed Plover, 25 Turnstones, 20 Oystercatchers, 80 Curlew, 3 Little Egrets, 8 Grey Herons, a Common Gull, 2 Ravens, 3 Wheatears, 3 Grey Wagtails, a White Wagtail, 20 Pied Wagtails, a Yellow Wagtail, a Rock Pipit and at least 2 flyover Siskins. An adult Mediterranean Gull, a Ruff, 4 Knot, a Common Sandpiper, a Little Egret, 65 Dunlin, 20 Redshank, 14 Turnstones, 85 Wigeon, 120 Teal, a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail were seen from New Passage. An evening visit to Northwick Warth produced 3 Whinchats, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 60 Meadow Pipits and 2 Blackcaps.
Curlew Sandpiper, Severn Beach 15.9.8 © John Martin
Whinchat, Northwick Warth 15.9.8
Yellow Wagtail, Northwick Warth 15.9.8
September 14th
A foggy morning. Three Mediterranean Gulls (an adult and 2 first winters) were seen from New Passage where other sightings included a Little Egret, a Great Crested Grebe, 60 Dunlin, 50 Redshank, 30 Wigeon, 130 Teal, a Pintail, at least 6 flyover Siskins and a Whinchat. Three juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, a Grey Plover, 60 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, 3 Knot, 20 Oystercatchers, 160 Curlew, 6 Grey Herons and 2 Wheatears were seen at Severn Beach this evening. Sightings from Aust Warth included a Peregrine, 2 Ravens, 2 Wheatears, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Pheasants, 20 Goldfinch, a Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaffs and 12 Skylarks. Another Whinchat was reported from Chittening Warth.
September 13th
The first Ruff of the year was found on Northwick Warth this morning where other sightings included a Black-tailed Godwit, 60 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 60 Curlew, 10 Oystercatchers, 120 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 5 Wheatears, a Tree Pipit, 2 Whitethroats, a Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps and 6 Chiffchaffs, An adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Egrets, 50 Dunlin, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Whinchat, a Hobby, a Kingfisher and 4 fly over Siskins were reported from New Passage. Another 2 Little Egrets, 20 Ringed Plover, 20 Dunlin, 5 Snipe, 5 Wheatears, some more Siskins and a Peregrine were seen at Severn Beach.
September 12th
The 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, a Little Egret, 2 Common Sndpipers, 80 Dunlin, 70 Redshank, 22 Turnstones,14 Canada Geese, 88 Teal and 6 Wheatears were seen from New Passage. Nearby 2 Snipe and a Green Sandpiper were found on Northwick Warth. A Peregrine, 10 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover were reported from Severn Beach.
September 11th
Sightings from New Passage included 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, single Greenshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper and Little Egret, 50 Dunlin, 48 Redshank, 12 Turnstones, 2 Oystercatchers, 80 Teal, 4 Wheatears and a Kingfisher. Another 2 Little Egrets, 13 Ringed Plover, 6 Wheatears and a Peregrine were seen at Severn Beach. A pair of Great Crested Grebes with 2 young were a surprise find at Avonmouth Sewage Works where other sightings included a Green Sandpiper, 5 Little Grebes, 33 Tufted Ducks, 12 Gadwall, a Shoveler, 4 Teal, a Grey Wagtail and 7 Chiffchaffs.
Curlew Sandpiper, New Passage 11.9.8
Curlew Sandpipers and Dunlin, New Passage 11.9.8
Greenshank, New Passage 11.9.8
September 10th
The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper remained at New Passage where other sightings included single Bar-tailed Godwit and Knot, 45 Redshank, 60 Dunlin, 6 Turnstones, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Oystercatchers, 83 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 2 White Wagtails, 11 Pied Wagtails, a Kingfisher and 7 Wheatears. Four Little Egrets and a Wheatear were reported from Severn Beach. Two Ravens were seen at Aust Warth.
Curlew Sandpiper and Redshank, New Passage 10.9.8
September 9th
Another day of heavy showers.The first juvenile Curlew Sandpiper of the year was found at New Passage this evening where other sightings included a Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot, 2 Common Sandpipers, 70 Redshank, 80 Dunlin, 7 Oystercatchers, 50 Teal, 4 Wheatears and an a Hobby that was seen to catch a Swallow. A Little Egret, 12 Ringed Plover, 14 Dunlin and 6 Turnstones were reported from Severn Beach. Sightings from Avonmouth Sewage Works included 2 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Little Grebes, 12 Gadwall, 22 Tufted Ducks, 3 Ruddy Ducks and 2 Chiffchaffs. Another 17 Tufted Ducks and a Little Grebe were seen on the Hoar Gout Pool.
September 8th
Sightings from Severn Beach included 4 Little Egrets, a mixed flock of 40 Dunlin and Ringed Plover, a Raven and a Peregrine. Two Bar-tailed Godwits, 50 Dunlin, 54 Redshank, 40 Turnstones, single Knot and Common Sandpiper, 56 Teal, 5 Wheatears, 2 White Wagtails, 10 Chiffchaffs and 6 Blackcaps were reported from New Passage. A Green Sandpiper and another 6 Wheatears were found on Northwick Warth this evening. A Peregrine was seen at Aust Warth.
September 7th
The exciting period continued today when an Osprey flew South low over New Passage at 10.40 and was then seen a few minutes later from Severn Beach crossing the 2nd Severn Crossing and then heading of South West towards Gwent. Other sightings from Severn Beach included 150 Dunlin, 50 Ringed Plover, a Little Egret and 2 Common Terns. Additional sightings from New Passage involved 2 Common Terns, 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, a Knot, 50 Redshank, 40 Dunlin, 50 Turnstones, a Little Egret, a Peregrine, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, 4 Chiffchaffs, a Whinchat, a Willow Warbler, 14 Wheatears, 20 Pied Wagtails and 2 White Wagtails. Another 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler, 6 Wheatears, a Whinchat and a Slskin were reported from Aust Warth. Reports from Avonmouth Sewage Works included 2 Green Sandpipers, 8 Little Grebes, a Great Crested Grebe, 17 Tufted Duck, 14 Gadwall, a Kingfisher and 2 Chiffchaffs. Another Green Sandpiper and 9 Tufted Duck were seen nearby on the Hoar Gout/VOSA pool.
September 6th
A wet and dreary but eventful day. A Spoonbill was seen flying South over Northwick Warth at 10.55 (only the 5th patch record) where additional sightings included 3 Bar-tailed Godwits, a Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot, a Little Egret, 43 Teal, a Hobby, 23 Wheatears, a White Wagtail, 6 Pied Wagtails, 3 Sand Martins with Swallows and House Martins and a dead Barn Owl was found near the Grebe pond. Just after midday a juvenile Long-tailed Skua and an Arctic Skua were seen distantly heading down river from New Passage where other sightings included 3 Sanderling, 49 Redshank, 60 Dunlin, 70 Turnstones, a Common Sandpiper, a Whinchat, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps and a Kingfisher. Reports from the shore at Severn Beach included 3 Little Egrets, a mixed flock of 200 Dunlin and Ringed Plover, 12 Knot, single Sanderling, Whimbrel and Peregrine, 10 Wheatears and 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats and 2 Blackcaps were found in the coastal scrub, another Kingfisher was seen at the Orchard Pools. Another Common Sandpiper was found at Aust Warth.
White Wagtail, Northwick Warth 6.9.8
Dunlin and Ringed Plover, Severn Beach 6.9.8 © Allan Chard
September 5th
A day with a light South East wind and torrential rain showers. Interesting Tern sightings from New Passage included 4 adult Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern found roosting on the shore at 09.30 before they flew off high South East. At 14.50 a flock of 40 Black Terns dropped out of the sky during heavy rain before regaining height and heading South. Other sightings from New Passage included 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Knot, a Common Sandpiper, 65 Redshank, 40 Dunlin, 20 Teal, 5 Shelduck, a Kingfisher, 4 Wheatears, a Lesser Whitethroat, a Whitethroat, 2 Blackcaps, at least a hundred Swallows and House Martins with 3 Sand Martins. Another Black-tailed Godwit, 70 Curlew, 50 Dunlin, 20 Turnstones, a Snipe, at least 22 Wheatears and a Hobby were seen nearby on Northwick Warth.The only reports from Severn Beach involved 35 Ringed Plover, 50 Dunlin, a Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wagtails.
September 4th
A Little Stint, 2 Knot, a Sanderling, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper, 50 Redshank, 60 Turnstones, 10 Ringed Plover, 30 Teal, a Whinchat, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Wheatears, 30 Pied Wagtails, a White Wagtail, a Yellow Wagtail, a Grey Wagtail and a Kingfisher were seen at New Passage. Nearby there were 3 Greenshank, a Green Sandpiper, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 30 Knot, 40 Curlew, 15 Oystercatchers and another 12 Wheatears on Northwick Warth. Sightings from Severn Beach included a mixed flock of 80 Ringed Plover and Dunlin, 80 Turnstones, a Knot, a Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 6 Wheatears and a Peregrine.
Little Stint, New Passage 4.9.8
Little Stint, New Passage 4.9.8
September 3rd
A moderate South West wind from late morning produced a few seabirds. Sightings from the shore at Severn Beach included an Arctic Skua (pale form that flew off high up river), a Great Skua, 2 Fulmars, 3 Manx Shearwaters, 2 adult Gannets, 4 Wigeon and just 50 Dunlin and Ringed Plover. A Little Egret was seen nearby at the Orchard Pools. A visit to New Passage this morning produced 2 Knot, 120 Dunlin, 8 Ringed Plover, 50 Redshank, 70 Turnstones, a Common Sandpiper, a Redstart, a Whinchat, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps and a Chiffchaff and a Hobby was seen there this evening.
September 2nd
Overnight rain produced a good variety of migrants. Sightings from Severn Beach included a Grasshopper Warbler, a Redstart, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, at least 7 Lesser Whitethroats, 12 Whitethroats, 10 Blackcaps, 4 Wheatears,
a Peregrine, 2 Gadwall, a Sanderling, a mixed flock of 60 Dunlin and Ringed Plover and this evening 5 Fulmars and an exhausted adult Gannet were seen in windy conditions. Reports from New Passage involved 70 Turnstones, 120 Dunlin, 2 Knot, 2 Common Sandpipers, 60 Redshank, 18 Teal, a Whinchat, a Redstart, 3 Whitethroats, 4 Blackcaps, a Kingfisher, 3 Sand Martins and a Grey Wagtail. Another Grasshopper Warbler was flushed on Northwick Warth where 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Wheatears and a Grass Snake were also seen. A Common Scoter, a Spotted Flycatcher, a Redstart and 6 Wheatears were found at Chittening Warth. Two Great Crested Grebes, 12 Tufted Ducks, 3 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, a Common Sandpiper, 3 Reed Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 Willow Warblers were seen at Avonmouth Sewage Works and a Little Grebe and 2 Little Egrets were reported nearby on the Hoar Gout/VOSA pool.
Lesser Whitethroat, Severn Beach 2.9.8
September 1st
A quiet start to the month with just 60 Ringed Plover, 60 Dunlin, a Sanderling, a Turnstone, a Whinchat and 16 Pied Wagtails reported from Severn Beach. Two Knot, 150 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, 90 Turnstones, 50 Redshank, 26 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 5 Wheatears and a Peregrine were seen from New Passage. Another Wheatear was found at Aust Warth.
