2011 SIGHTINGS
A year with a total of 177 species reported. The first and long overdue Bittern for Severnside was found following the cold weather in January. Seabirds included lingering Sabine’s Gull, Storm Petrels, Leach’s Petrel, large numbers of Gannets and Manx Shearwaters, Shags and 6 Pomarine Skuas. Scarce wader reports involved 2 Avocets, a “trip” of Dotterel, 2 Purple Sandpipers, a spring Curlew Sandpiper and a Grey Phalarope. Multiple Spoonbill sightings including a flock of 5, a handful of Sandwich Tern and Little Terns and thousands of Arctic Terns and Bar-tailed Godwits in the spring. Unusual raptors included a Honey Buzzard, 2 Ospreys, Hen Harriers, Marsh Harrier, Red Kites and a Goshawk. At least 30 Eider were seen and with reports of Waxwing, Richard’s Pipit, Ring Ouzel, Woodlark, Turtle Doves, Snow Bunting, Crossbills and Black Redstarts thrown in it was a reasonable year after all.
Every year there are a few surprise species that are not reported and this year they included Garganey, Red-breasted Merganser, Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck, White-fronted Goose, Spotted Redshank, Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher and Firecrest. Predictions for 2012 must still include the first record of Cattle Egret and or may be Great White Egret.
Click on the Calendar pictures below for detailed daily sightings and pictures for each month.
