April is the second most productive month of the year in the number of species seen. At least one individual of 202 species have been recorded in April. A month when the last of the “winter” birds depart and most “summer” birds arrive. Birds to expect are at least three Tern species, Skuas, “ sylvia” Warblers, Common Redstarts, Whinchats, Yellow Wagtails with the chance of Pied Flycatcher, Grasshopper Warbler, Wood Warbler and Hobby. Rarer sightings include; Stone Curlew (2006), White Stork (2015), Slavonian Grebe (1989, 2000), Ring-necked Duck (1988), Green-winged Teal (2015), Sabine’s Gull (1990, 1992), Red-rumped Swallow (1988), Red-throated Pipit (2012), Willow Tit (1988), Mealy Redpoll (2004), Ospreys and Long-eared Owl (2006).
April 2016
30th April
A pair of Goosander were seen off New Passage where other reports from here and Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included 6 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Common Sandpipers, 7 Ringed Plover, 102 Dunlin, 22 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, a Redshank, a Water Rail, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, a Garden Warbler, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails, 3 Siskins, single Wheatear and Swift. Another 35 Ringed Plover, 20 Dunlin, 3 Whimbrel and a Cetti’s Warbler were present at Severn Beach.
29th April
Another windy morning. Reports from Severn Beach included 2 Great Skuas, 2 adult Little Gulls, an Arctic Tern, 3 Swifts and a singing Cetti’s Warbler. At least 6 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 23 Whimbrel, 3 Redshank, 50 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Egrets, 12 Gadwall, the second Mallard brood of the year (6 ducklings), 5 Tufted Duck, a female Pintail, 4 Yellow Wagtails, a White Wagtail and a Swift were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area.
28th April
A day with an increasing strength West wind. An early morning visit to New Passage/Pilning Wetland produced a reeling Grasshopper Warbler, a fly over Tree Pipit, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 2 White Wagtails, at least 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 65 Dunlin, single Whimbrel, Little Egret and Redshank, 5 Little Grebes, 4 Canada Geese, 10 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 45 Shelduck and a Peregrine. Reports from Severn Beach included 4 Whimbrel, a singing Cetti’s Warbler and 9 Kittiwakes (evening tide).
27th April
Another cold day with sunshine and wintry showers. Reports from Pilning Wetland included 3 Little Ringed Plovers, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, a Water Rail, 3 Teal, 7 Yellow Wagtails, 3 singing Sedge Warblers and 2 Lesser Whitethroats. Three Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin and a singing Cetti’s Warbler were reported from Severn Beach. A Merlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 6 White Wagtails and a Lesser Whitethroat were seen at Aust Warth.
Merlin, Aust Warth 27.4.16 © Vic Savery
26th April
A cold day with moderate strength North wind. A brief visit to Pilning Wetland/New Passage produced 5 Little Ringed Plovers, a Common Sandpiper, 5 Redshank, 40 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 13 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 60 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 15 White Wagtails and 3 Lesser Whitethroats. A Cetti’s Warbler was still singing all day in railway station scrub at Severn Beach.
25th April
Sightings from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved 7 Whimbrel, 8 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Ringed Plover, 20 Dunlin, a Snipe, 50 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, single Greylag and Canada Goose, the first Mallard brood of the year (8 ducklings), 9+ Yellow Wagtails, 7 White Wagtails, 5 Wheatears and a male Siskin. A Cetti’s Warbler was still singing in railway station scrub at Severn Beach.
24th April
A male Blue-headed Wagtail remained but was elusive on the Pilning Wetland where other reports included at least 14 Yellow Wagtails, 15 White Wagtails, 6 Canada Geese, 14 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 8 Little Ringed Plovers, 4 Redshank, 3 Whimbrel, single Common Sandpiper, Little Egret, a Water Rail, female Sparrowhawk and male Kestrel. Reports from Severn Beach involved 5 Whimbrel, a Cetti’s Warbler and flyover Tree Pipit.
23rd April
A sunny day with a cool breeze. Reports from Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth included 2 Barnacle Geese (07.10-7.30 before heading North), 4 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 30+ Shelduck, 10 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 20 Black-headed Gulls, a Little Egret, a Water Rail, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, a Snipe, 17 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Whimbrel, a male Blue-headed Wagtail, 15 Yellow Wagtails, 11 White Wagtails, 4 Wheatears, 2 Sedge Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat and a “Nordic” Jackdaw. A Short-eared Owl, a Cetti’s Warbler, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Sedge Warblers and 2 Reed Warblers were reported at Severn Beach.
22nd April
An increasingly wet day with a North East wind. A drake Garganey was found on Pilning Wetland this morning where other sightings included 16 Whimbrel, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, a Lapwing, a Little Egret, 7 Black-headed Gulls, 10 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, a male Blue-headed Wagtail, 19 Yellow Wagtails, 7 White Wagtails, single Grey Wagtail, Sedge Warbler, Whinchat and Swift, 2 Redpoll and a “Nordic” Jackdaw. Reports from the Severn Beach shore included 51 Bar-tailed Godwits, 20 Whimbrel, 8 Curlew, a Grey Plover, 20 Dunlin, a Little Egret, 2 Peregrines, 11 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Siskins, 3 Lesser Whitethroats and a singing Cetti’s Warbler.
Garganey, Pilning Wetland 22.4.16
21st April
A cold day due to a North East breeze. Combined reports from Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland involved 7 Little Ringed Plover, 18 Bar-tailed Godwits, 30 Whimbrel, 6 Grey Plover, 20 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, single Common Sandpiper, Lapwing and Little Egret, a Water Rail, 20 Black-headed Gulls, 17 Shoveler, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, a Tree Pipit, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 9 White Wagtails, 25 flyover Siskins, 6 Redpoll, a Raven, 3 Swift, a Kestrel and a Merlin. Morning and evening visits to the Severn Beach shore produced at least 130 Bar-tailed Godwits, 14 Whimbrel, 2 Grey Plover, 2 hunting Peregrines, 14 Black-headed Gulls, a Yellow Wagtail and a singing Cetti’s Warbler (railway station scrub). Nearby another Cetti’s Warbler, 3 Lesser Whitethroats and a Sedge Warbler were reported at the Orchard Pools.
20th April
Another sunny day with a North East breeze. Reports from Severn Beach included 4 Arctic Skuas, 36 Whimbrel, 85 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Grey Plover, 50 Dunlin, 40 Oystercatchers, 4 Ringed Plover, a Wheatear, a Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 4 Whitethroats, 3 Redpolls, 3 Siskins and a Grey Seal. At least 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwing, a Little Egret, 2 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Little Grebe, 9 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, a Redpoll, 2 Blue-headed Wagtails (male & female), 3 Yellow Wagtails, 13 White Wagtails, single Wheatear, Lesser Whitethroat and male Redstart were reported from Pilning Wetland.
19th April
A fine sunny day with some new arrivals. Reports from Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included 5 Little Ringed Plover, 21 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Common Sandpiper (including a colour ringed individual), 2 Whimbrel, 7 Snipe, 6 Lapwing, 5 Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, 49 Redshank, a Little Egret, 5 Black-headed Gulls, a Water Rail, 26 Coot (9 nests with total of 61 eggs), 2 Redstarts (one trapped and ringed), 2 Lesser Whitethroats, a Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, 2 Wheatears, 5 Yellow Wagtails and 23 White Wagtails. Reports from Severn Beach included an impressive 800 Bar-tailed Godwits (evening high tide), 30 Whimbrel, 9 Grey Plover, 12 Ringed Plover, 40 Dunlin, a Little Egret, 2 Gadwall, 55 Shelduck, 3 Short-eared Owls (near the Pipes), 8 Yellow Wagtails, a Grasshopper Warbler, a Garden Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 Whitethroats, 2 Cetti’s Warblers (Orchard Pools & Railway station scrub) and a Sedge Warbler. Another Common Sandpiper, 24 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Whimbrel, 5 Redshank, 5 Dunlin, a Little Egret, 3 Teal, 14 Shelduck, 5 Shoveler, 3 Wheatears, 2 White Wagtails and a Yellow wagtail were reported at Aust Warth. An Otter footprint was found on Pilning Wetland this morning; the first site record.
Redstart, Pilning Wetland 19.4.16 © Ed Drewitt
Bar-tailed Godwits, Severn Beach 19.4.16
Otter footprint, Pilning Wetland 19.4.16 © Ed Drewitt
18th April
Reports from Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included 9 Little Ringed Plovers, 21 Black-tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Lapwing, a Snipe, 25 Redshank, 5 Dunlin, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 4 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 8 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 4 Little Grebes, a Water Rail, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 37 White Wagtails, 2 Wheatears, a Reed Warbler, 2 Raven and 2 Stock Doves.
Yellow Wagtail, Pilning Wetland 18.4.16
17th April
The sunniest day of the year so far. Combined reports from New Passage/Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included a male Blue-headed Wagtail, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 40+ White Wagtail, 15 Pied Wagtail, single Grey Wagtail, male Redstart, Green Woodpecker and Kingfisher, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, a Wheatear, 10 Little Ringed Plover, 25 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Ringed Plover, 32 Dunlin, a Little Egret, 7 Canada Geese, 70 Shelduck, 13 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck and a Merlin. Two Whimbrel, a Little Egret, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Cetti’s Warbler were reported from Severn Beach. Click on the Wagtail pictures below for a short Youtube video.
Blue-headed Wagtail, Northwick Warth 17.4.16
Blue-headed Wagtail, Pilning Wetland 17.4.16
16th April
A cool day with a stiff North wind. Combined reports from New Passage/Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included 11 fly by Barnacle Geese followed by 2 on the ground, a Merlin, single Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit, 21 Black- tailed Godwits, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 15 Curlew, 60 Oystercatchers, 40 Dunlin, 50 Redshank, 5 Black-headed Gulls, a Sparrowhawk, a Raven, 7 Canada Geese, a Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 40+ White Wagtails, 5 Pied Wagtails and a Grey Seal (eating a large flat fish off New Passage this evening). A Cetti’s Warbler was singing early morning at Severn Beach. Two of the Barnacle Geese, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, single Lesser Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler were reported at Chittening Warth.
Barnacle Geese, Northwick Warth 16.4.16 © Lee Gardiner
Barnacle Geese, Northwick Warth 16.4.16
15th April
A damp, grey morning followed by sunshine with a North East breeze. At least 16 Yellow Wagtails, 30+ White Wagtails, 10 Wheatears, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, single Common Sandpiper and Lapwing, 10 Ringed Plover, 25 Dunlin, 35 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 7 Canada Geese, 14 Shoveler, 10 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 10 Teal, a Redstart, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Tree Pipits, a Redpoll, 11 Siskins and 2 Ravens were reported in the Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland area. A Cetti’s Warbler was still singing from scrub near the railway station in Severn Beach and a Whimbrel, 2 Wheatears and a Lesser Whitethroat were reported here from the Severn Way footpath.
Redpoll, Northwick Warth 15.4.16
14th April
A few new arrivals today with a male Channel Wagtail, with 5 Yellow Wagtails, 73 White Wagtails, 20 Pied Wagtails, 3 Wheatears, single Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler reported from the Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland area along with a Common Sandpiper, 20 Black-tailed Godwits, 10 Ringed Plover, 29 Dunlin, 70+ Redshank, 15 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Greylags, 4 Canada Geese, 8 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 8 Tufted Duck, 11 Teal and a Sparrowhawk. At least 33 Shelduck, single Cetti’s warbler (singing near railway station at 03.30!), Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Wheatear, Peregrine and Sparrowhawk were present at Severn Beach. A Greenshank, 30 Oystercatchers, 2 Teal, 2 Kestrels and a Wheatear were reported at Aust Warth.
Channel Wagtail, Northwick Warth 14.4.16 © John Martin
13th April
Another foggy morning clearing by early afternoon. Sightings from Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included 22 Black-tailed Godwits, 25 Redshank, 60 Oystercatchers, 40 Dunlin, 10 Ringed Plover, a Lapwing, 3 Little Egrets, a Black-headed Gull, 4 Canada Geese, 8 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, single Wheatear and Whitethroat, 2 Tree Pipits, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 48 White Wagtails, 8+ Redpolls and 2 Siskins. A Whitethroat, a male Redstart, a Short-eared Owl (near The Pipes) and a Cetti’s Warbler (railway station scrub) were reported from Severn Beach.
12th April
A morning of fog eventually clearing to bright sunshine. An Osprey flew North over Pilning Wetland just after midday where other sightings from here and Northwick Warth involved 3 Little Ringed Plover, 23 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 90+ Sand Martins, 50+ Swallows, a fly over Redpoll, 2 Tree Pipits, a Wheatear, 2 Yellow Wagtails, a Water Pipit and an impressive 47 White Wagtails. A morning visit to Severn Beach produced a first summer Mediterranean Gull, 2 Black-headed Gulls, 20 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 12 Shelduck, a male Redstart, a Hobby, 3 Wheatears, another fly over Redpoll and Siskin.
Redstart, Severn Beach 12.4.16
11th April
Persistent rain from early morning until late afternoon when the sun appeared. Combined reports from New Passage/Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included 6 Little Ringed Plovers, 20 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Ringed Plover, 9 Dunlin, 80 Redshank, 60 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, single Common Sandpiper and Bar-tailed Godwit, 9 Canada Geese, 12 Tufted Duck, 90 Shelduck, 8 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 5 Black-headed Gulls, 20+ Teal, 5+ Tree Pipits, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 16+ White Wagtails, a male Redstart, 11+ Wheatears, lots of Swallows, Sand Martins, a House Martin, Chiffchaffs everywhere, 7+ singing Willow Warblers and 3 flyover Siskins. A Cetti’s Warbler was singing again in Severn Beach near the railway station.
Yellow Wagtails, Northwick Warth 11.4.16 © Lisa Presland
10th April
A day with a moderate strength cool East wind. Combined reports from Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 20 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Knot, 110 Redshank, 6 Snipe, 5 Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plover, 60+ Oystercatchers, 35 Curlew, 43 Turnstone, 2 Little Egrets, 6 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 60+ Shelduck, 10 Tufted Duck, 20 Teal, the usual Shoveler and Gadwall, 4 Little Grebes, a Great Black-backed Gull, a Kestrel, 2 Ravens, 2 House Martin, 7 White Wagtail and 6 Willow Warblers (including 1 trapped and ringed). Another 2 Mute Swans, 30 Shelduck, 8 Teal, 30 Curlew, 25 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret and 2 Kestrels were reported from Aust Warth. A Peregrine, 55 Oystercatchers, 20 Redshank, 2 Teal and 30 Shelduck were seen from Severn Beach at high tide this morning.
9th April
Another massive 14.5 metre high spring tide. Sightings on Pilning Wetland involved 2 Little Ringed Plover, a Grey Plover, 18 Black-tailed Godwits, 80 Redshank, 5 Dunlin, 8 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall and 6 Tufted Duck. Nearby 5 White Wagtails were reported on Northwick Warth. The same or another Grey Plover, 2 Snipe, 80 Oystercatchers, 70 Curlew, a Little Egret, 2 Kestrels and a Peregrine were seen at Warth and nearby a male Redstart was found at Aust Cliff. A Peregrine, 15 Gadwall, 2 Cetti’s Warblers and another male Redstart were reported at Chittening Warth. A Cetti’s Warbler was singing in a garden hedge near Severn Beach railway station this morning.
Little Ringed Plover, Pilning Wetland 9.4.16
8th April
A very high 14.3 metre spring tide covered all of the salt marsh this morning. Combined sightings from Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland involved 5 Little Ringed Plover, 19 Black-tailed Godwit, 25 Turnstone, 100 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 80 Curlew, 100+ Redshank, 6 Canada Geese, 10 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 14 Teal, 50 Shelduck, 13 Tufted Duck, 5 Swallow, 5 White Wagtail and 2 Water Pipits. In addition to the displaced Northwick waders, single Jack Snipe, Snipe, Kestrel and Peregrine were seen at Aust Warth.
7th April
Combined reports from Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included 11 Little Ringed Plover, 20+ Black-tailed Godwits, 90 Oystercatchers, 120 Redshank, 25 Turnstones, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Mute Swans, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 22 Teal, a Peregrine, 7 flyover Siskins, 2 White Wagtails, 3 House Martins, 20 Sand Martins and 50 Swallows. A Merlin, 2 Kestrels and 2 Little Egrets were seen at Aust Warth.
6th April
A day of sunshine and torrential rain showers with an increasing strength South West wind. A morning visit to Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland produced a Merlin, a female Sparrowhawk, a flock of 6 Little Ringed Plovers (on the salt marsh in front of 1st sentry box), 17 Black-tailed Godwits (16 on tideline, 1 on wader scrape), 60 Redshank, 90 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 8 Black-headed Gulls (scarce here for last few weeks), 5 Canada Geese, 27 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 2 House Martins, 15 Sand Martins, 50+ Swallows, 6 White Wagtails and a Raven. An evening sea watch from my home in Severn Beach produced 4 Common Scoter, 80+ Common Gulls and a Merlin.
Black-tailed Godwit, Pilning Wetland 6.4.16
5th April
A quiet day. Just 20 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Little Egrets, 4 Little Grebes, 74 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 10 Tufted Duck and 4 Swallows were reported from Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth.
4th April
Combined reports from Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included 3 Avocets, 16 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 70+ Redshank, 32 Curlew, a Little Egret, a female Merlin, a male Kestrel, 4 Little Grebes, 6 Canada Geese, 50+ Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, a Water Pipit, a White Wagtail, 20+ Pied Wagtails, 6 Wheatears, 2 Siskins, 8 Blackcaps, 18 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows and 2+ Coal Tits. A Little Grebe, 10 Chiffchaff, single Cetti’s Warbler, Willow Warbler and Blackcap were reported at the Orchard Pools in Severn Beach.
Avocets, Northwick Warth 4.4.16
3rd April
A quieter day with just a Common Scoter, 2 Greylag Geese, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 55 Sand Martins, 2 Swallows, 20+ Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatears and 2 Grey Wagtails reported from the Northwick Warth area.
Merlin, Northwick Warth 2.4.16 © Darren Pearce
2nd April
An influx of birds today. Reports from Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included a male Marsh Harrier (flew off west), 3 Red Kites, an Egyptian Goose (3rd record following individuals in March & December 2013), a Merlin, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 50+ Oystercatchers, 80 Redshank, 14 Curlew, a Little Egret, 2 Water Pipits, 20+ Pied Wagtails, a House Martin, 15+ Swallow, 200+ Sand Martin, 30+ Chiffchaff (6 trapped and ringed), 12+ Willow Warblers, a Blackcap, 3 Wheatears and 2 Coal Tits. Just 20 Shelduck, 14 Oystercatchers and 3 Ringed Plover were seen from Severn Beach.
Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover, Northwick Warth 1.4.16
Little Ringed Plover, Northwick Warth 1.4.16
1st April
Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth involved 5 Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper, a Ringed Plover, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 100+ Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 60 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 23 Wigeon, 7 Tufted Duck, a Water Pipit, 6 Willow Warblers, 12+ Chiffchaff, single Blackcap, Coal Tit and Siskin, 30+ Sand Martins and 8 Swallows.
