September is one of the most exciting months to visit Severnside. The total of 188 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), White Storks (2010), Glossy Ibis (2010), Honey Buzzard (1996), Dotterel (1974), Kentish Plover (2006), White-rumped Sandpiper (1985), Pectoral Sandpiper (1998, 2006 and 2008), Buff-breasted Sandpiper (1989, 2003), Terek Sandpiper (1986),Semipalmated Sandpiper (2009), Red-rumped Swallow (1977), Wryneck (2003, 2010) and Rose-coloured Starling (2004). Local rarities have included Osprey, Spoonbill (2008, 2011), Nightjar (2006), Hawfinch (1998), Willow Tit (1992), Nightingale (1999) and Ring Ouzel.
September 2012
September 30th
A Barn Owl was seen again on Aust Warth at 06.45 this morning. A morning high tide visit to New Passage produced a Merlin, 120 Redshank, 16 Dunlin, 110 Curlew, 60 Oystercatchers, 30 Turnstones, 4 Snipe, 40 Wigeon, 400 Teal and 2 Ravens. The Cuckoo remained at Severn Beach allotments and nearby 5 Grey Plover, 44 Knot, 6 Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, 50 Curlew, 20 Oystercatchers, a Wheatear and 2 Rock Pipits were seen from the Severn Beach shore.
Knot, Severn Beach 30.9.12
September 29th
Combined reports from the New Passage/NorthwickWarth area involved 90+ Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 40 Turnstones, 160 Curlew, 80 Oystercatchers, 2 Pintail, 320 Teal, 2 Shelduck, 40+ Wigeon, 4 Mute Swans, a Little Grebe, 3 Wheatears, 2 Siskins, single Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail. Just 2 Stonechats and 40 Wigeon were seen at Aust Warth. The Cuckoo remained at the allotments off Beach Road in Severn Beach.
Cuckoo, Severn Beach allotments, 29.9.12 © John Martin
September 28th
Sightings from New Passage included 3 Grey Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 170 Curlew, 80 Redshank, 70 Oystercatchers, 40 Turnstones, 220 Teal, 70 Wigeon, 4 Mute Swans and 2 Wheatears. A Hobby and a Wheatear were seen at Aust Warth this morning and a Barn Owl and a Common Seal were seen there this evening. The late Cuckoo was relocated at the allotments in Severn Beach.
September 27th
A quiet day with just 3 Ringed Plover and a Wheatear reported at Severn Beach. A Little Egret, 124 Curlew, a single Ringed Plover, 11 Common Gulls and another Wheatear were reported at New Passage this evening. A Barn Owl was seen at Aust Warth this evening.;
September 26th
A cloudy day followed by torrential rain early evening. Sightings from the shore at Severn Beach involved 5 Grey Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and a Turnstone and nearby 3 Ravens were seen over the village, a male Redstart was found at the Orchard Pools and a Whinchat and a Stonechat were seen at the Tesco Pool. A Turtle Dove (flew off south west), 42 Black-tailed Godwits (including 25 on Pilning Wetland), a Wheatear and a Snipe were seen in the New Passage area early this morning and the very late Cuckoo was seen again here this evening..
Grey Plover video still, Severn Beach 26.9.12
September 25th
Another breezy day. Combined reports from Severn Beach involved at least 5 Manx Shearwaters, 5 Ringed Plover, 100 Turnstones, 4 Common Gulls, a Peregrine, 2 Ravens and a Spotted Flycatcher. A Grey Plover, 70 Redshank, 15 Dunlin, 25 Snipe, 75 Oystercatchers, 40 Curlew, 2 Lapwing, 240 Teal, 70 Wigeon, 100 Meadow Pipits, a Wheatear and a Peregrine were reported from Northwick Warth. A Whinchat was seen at Chittening Warth.
September 24th
A breezy day following a wet night with several inches of rain. The Pilning Wetlands at Northwick Warth contained several large new puddles that attracted 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Curlew, a Lapwing, 2 Redshank and 70 Black-headed Gulls. Nearby a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, 7 Dunlin, 80 Redshank, 30 Oystercatchers, a Snipe, 200+ Teal, 80 Wigeon, 2 Ravens, 3 Wheatears, a Cuckoo and a Kingfisher were seen at/from New Passage. Several hours river watching at Severn Beach failed to produce any seabirds but tomorrow may prove more productive.
Cuckoo, New Passage, Severn Lodge Farm 24.9.12 © Rod Holbrook
September 23rd
Heavy rain from mid morning with an east wind produced thousands of House Martins with a few hundred Swallows. A continuous stream of birds were seen moving very low and north east for most of the afternoon with several counts of 100/minute with an estimated total of 8000 House Martins in 2 hours.The birds were moving in a narrow 200 metre wide corridor extending from the railway line to 100 metre off shore. Hundreds were later seen on overhead wires and covering the sides of houses in the village. A brief Youtube video of birds whizzing over the pipes at Severn Beach can be seen here. Other sightings at Severn Beach included a Grey Plover, 5 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Turnstones, 30 Curlew, 20 Oystercatchers, a Raven and 2 Wheatears. A wet visit to New Passage produced just 70 Redshank, 20 Wigeon and a Kingfisher.
grounded House Martins, Severn Beach 23.9.12 © Zoe Brock
September 22nd
A sunny day with a light north east breeze. Combined reports from New Passage/Northwick Warth involved a Guillemot, 9 Wigeon, 120 Teal, 24 Snipe, 3 Ravens, a Stonechat, a Rock Pipit and at least 2 Wheatears. Another 3 Wheatears, a Raven and a Kingfisher were seen at Aust Warth. A Short-eared Owl, at least 120 Curlew, 7 Turnstones, a Ringed Plover and a Grey Plover were seen at Severn Beach.
September 21st
Reports from the Northwick Warth area included 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 28 Snipe, 12 Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, 70 Redshank, 80+ Oystercatchers, 60 Turnstones, 90 Curlew, 8 Wigeon, 140 Teal, 80+ Meadow Pipits, single Little Grebe, Coot and Wheatear. Just one Ringed Plover was seen at Severn Beach and nearby there were 170 Curlew, 25 Oystercatchers and 4 Rock Pipits at Chittening Warth.
Black-tailed Godwits, video still, Northwick Warth 21.9.12
September 20th
Still quiet with just 20 Wigeon, 180 Teal, 30 Oystercatchers, 40 Curlew, 20 Turnstones, 9 Snipe and a Wheatear reported from Northwick Warth. Another Wheatear was seen at Severn Beach.
September 19th
The only report was of 2 Ravens heading south, high over Severn Beach. East winds are forecast in a few days so hopefully things will then improve.
September 18th
A 13.9 metre high tide produced just 90 Redshank, 92 Oystercatchers, 45 Dunlin, 21 Snipe, 55 Curlew, 25 Turnstones, 2 Mute Swans, a Canada Goose, 20 Wigeon, 190 Teal, 2 Pintail and 3 flyover Ravens at Northwick Warth. A Short- eared Owl was seen again early afternoon perched at Aust Warth.
September 17th
Another uneventful day with just 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 65 Curlew, 63 Oystercatchers, a Lapwing, 25 Pied Wagtails and a Wheatear were seen on Northwick Warth. Another 39 Curlew, 8 Redshank, a Snipe, 8 Wigeon, 28 Teal and a Raven were reported at Aust Warth.
September 16th
A quieter day day with just 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 70 Redshank, 7 Dunlin, 80 Curlew, 34 Oystercatchers, 40 Turnstones, 22 Snipe and 80 Teal were reported from Northwick Warth. An impressive 200+ Teal and 30 Snipe were seen on a wet area at the Western Approach business park at Severn Beach (land that will soon be built on). The first Short-eared Owl of the autumn was seen at 4pm over Aust Warth.
September 15th
Combined reports from New Passage/Northwick Warth included a Little Egret, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 43 Oystercatchers, 60 Redshank, a Common Sandpiper, 200 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Buzzards, single Merlin, Hobby, Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, 2 Wheatears, 2 Yellow Wagtails, single Kingfisher, Garden Warbler, Tree Pipit and Siskin. A Manx Shearwater was seen being chased by a Peregrine on the evening high tide at Severn Beach.
Sentry Box Pool, Northwick Warth 15.9.12
Pumping of freshwater into one of the new pools on the Pilning Wetlands started today.
September 14th
A windy morning following a windy night. An early morning sea watch at Severn Beach produced a Grey Phalarope off the concrete sea defences and was last seen being blown inland over the village shops at 06.55 as it struggled against the strong wind.
September 13th
Reports from the New Passage/Northwick Warth area included 288 Teal, 79 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 24 Wigeon, 12 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 44 Turnstones, single Black-tailed Godwit and Knot, 2 Kingfishers, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Wheatears, a Yellow Wagtail and a Common Seal (very rare compared to Grey Seals that are just about annual here).
At least 13 Knot, 4 Ringed Plover and 6 Gadwall were seen from Severn Beach.
September 12th
Another breezy day. Combined reports from the New Passage/Northwick Warth involved a Little Egret, 11 Black-tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper, a Knot, 19 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 56 Redshank, 36 Oystercatchers, 26 Turnstones, 4 Canada Geese, 11 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 200+ Teal, a Whinchat, 4 Yellow Wagtails and a Wheatear. The 5 pale-bellied Brent Geese, at least 4 Manx Shearwaters, a Little Ringed Plover, 8 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin were seen from Severn Beach this afternoon.
September 11th
A breezy day with sunshine and showers. Sightings from Severn Beach included 5 pale-bellied Brent Geese (2 adults and 3 juveniles), 8 Sanderling, 16 Dunlin, a Snipe, 4 Turnstones and a Hobby. Combined reports from the New Passage area included single Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit and Knot, 70 Redshank, 10 Dunlin, 40 Turnstones, 30 Oystercatchers, 200+ Teal, 22 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 5 Wheatears and 2 Yellow Wagtails.
Pale-bellied Brent Geese video still, Severn Beach 11.9.12
Sanderling, Severn Beach 11.9.12 © Allan Chard
September 10th
A cooler, cloudy and sometimes wet day. Combined reports from the Northwick Warth/New Passage area involved a Little Egret, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Knot, 70 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 3 Ringed Plover, 18 Dunlin, 55 Turnstones, 4 Canada Geese, 16 Wigeon, 245+ Teal, 2 Shoveler, a Whinchat, 4 Wheatears, 2 White Wagtails and 4 Yellow Wagtails. Two juvenile Curlew Sandpiper were seen from the sea wall at Severn Beach. A Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpipers and 17 Redshank were reported at Aust Warth.
September 9th
The first Severnside record of Cattle Egret dropped onto Northwick Warth this morning and then fed among Cattle and Horses west of the Flash. A welcome and long overdue predicted addition to the patch list. Other reports from the Northwick Warth area included an adult winter plumaged Mediterranean Gull, single Curlew Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper and Sanderling, 65 Redshank, 3 Knot, 26 Snipe, 70 Curlew, 20 Dunlin, 60 Turnstones, a female Peregrine, a Hobby, a Sparrowhawk and 6 Buzzards, 250 Teal, 10 Wigeon, 7 Shoveler, 4 Canada Geese, 9 Yellow Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails, 4 Wheatears, 12+ Blackcaps, 3 Siskin and 50 Meadow Pipits. A high tide visit to the shore at Severn Beach produced a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, a Little Ringed Plover, 4 Sanderling, 16 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin and 2 Wheatears. Another Common Sandpiper was found at Aust Warth. A flock of 200 Curlew were roosting at Chittening Warth. A Youtube video of the Cattle Egret here.
Cattle Egret, Northwick Warth 9.9.12 © Allan Chard
Cattle Egret, Northwick Warth 9.9.12 © Allan Chard
Cattle Egret, Northwick Warth 9.9.12 © John Martin
Cattle Egret, Northwick Warth 9.9.12 © Mark Coller
September 8th
A misty start to the day followed by hazy sunshine. Highlights from Northwick Warth included the first Merlin of the autumn (click here for a short Youtube video), 3 Knot, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 12+ Snipe, 280 Teal, 16 Wigeon, a Gadwall, 4 Canada Geese, a Peregrine, 10 Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail. Nearby a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull, 65 Redshank, 24 Dunlin, 15 Ringed Plover, 60 Turnstones, 12 Shoveler, 4 Wheatears, 2 White Wagtails, 5 Grey Wagtails, 3 Siskins, a Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Tree Pipits, a Kingfisher, 12 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats and 2 Garden Warblers were seen at New Passage. A Guillemot, a Whinchat and 4 Wheatears were found at Severn Beach.
Guillemot video still, Severn Beach 8.9.12
September 7th
Afternoon reports from New Passage included a Knot, 48 Black-tailed Godwits, 60 Redshank, 40 Turnstones, 16 Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper, 14 Shoveler, 11 Wigeon, a Gadwall, 205 Teal, 4 Canada Geese and a Wheatear. A Raven was seen at Severn Beach this morning.
September 6th
At least 53 Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Redshank, 66 Oystercatchers, 4 Dunlin, single Snipe and Knot, 150 Teal, 17 Shoveler, 11 Wigeon, 4 Canada Geese, a Wheatear and 6 Yellow Wagtails were seen at New Passage and Northwick Warth,.
September 5th
Combined reports from the New Passage/Northwick Warth area included 34 Black-tailed Godwits (on the flash), a Little Egret, 23 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, 60 Turnstones, 30 Ringed Plover, 4 Knot, 66 Oystercatchers, 70 Redshank, 50 Curlew, 9 Common Sandpipers, 6 Canada Geese, a Little Grebe, 3 Wheatears, 3 Yellow Wagtails and a Kingfisher,
A Whinchat, 6 Wheatears, 2 Sanderling amd 2 Ringed Plover were seen at Severn Beach
September 4th
Another fine dry day. The only reports received were from the Northwick Warth area and included an adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Egrets, 10 Knot, 68 Oystercatchers, 17 Dunlin, 38 Turnstones, 6 Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper, 4 Canada Geese, 8 Wigeon, 200 Teal, a Peregrine, 10 Yellow Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails, 7 Wheatears and a Kingfisher.
September 3rd
A fine and sunny day. Combined reports from New Passage and Northwick Warth involved a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 10 juvenile Knot, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Dunlin, 8 Ringed Plover, 20 Snipe, 35 Redshank, a Lapwing, 50 Turnstones, 70 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, a Garganey, 170+ Teal, 10 Wigeon, 15 Shoveler, 87 Mallard, 4 Canada Geese, a Hobby,4 Sand Martins, 6 Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtails and 2 White Wagtails. Three Sanderling and another White Wagtail were seen at Severn Beach.
September 2nd
Another good selection of birds were reported from the Northwick Warth area including a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, a juvenile male Ruff, a juvenile Bar-tailed Godwit, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 71 Oystercatchers, 55 Curlew, 21 Dunlin, 15 juvenile Knot, 12 Ringed Plover, 60 Turnstones, 32 Snipe, 41 Redshank, single Lapwing, Common Sandpiper and Little Egret, a Garganey, 220+ Teal, 16 Shelduck, 9 Shoveler, 7 Wigeon, a Hobby, 11+ Yellow Wagtails, 5 Wheatears and a Whinchat. At least 5 Common Sandpipers, a Little Egret, a Hobby and a Kingfisher were seen at Aust Warth. At least 3 Sanderling, 60 Dunlin, 30 Ringed Plover, 5 Turnstones, a Common Sandpiper and 2 White Wagtails were reported at Severn Beach.
.
Sanderling video still, Severn Beach 1.9.12
September 1st
A dry and breezy start to the month. A female Garganey, 11 Shoveler, 7 Canada Geese, 200 Teal, single Wigeon and Gadwall, 14 Knot, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 83 Redshank, 65 Turnstones, 4 Snipe, 35 Curlew, 12 Dunlin, 9 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Sanderling, 56 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, a Kingfisher, at least 5 Wheatears and 2 Yellow Wagtails were seen at New Passage/Northwick Warth. A summer plumage Bar-tailed Godwit and 6 Common Sandpipers were seen ay Aust Warth. Sightings from Severn Beach included 60 Ringed Plover, 40 Dunlin, 80 Turnstones, single Sanderling and Common Sandpiper, adult White Wagtail and flyover Tree Pipit.
