Despite the onset of winter and the decrease in hours of daylight, October is a month with the highest number of recorded species, with a grand total of 212. Rarities have included records of Black-necked Grebe (1996,2015), Red-footed Falcon (2014), Long-billed Dowitcher (1977), Lesser Yellowlegs (1984), White-rumped Sandpiper (1985), Red-necked Phalarope (2001), American Golden Plover (2013), Black Guillemot (1998), Bearded Tits (2012), Yellow-browed Warbler (2001,2013,2015,2016) and Red-throated Pipit (2015). Other national and local rarities recorded include Glossy Ibis (2009), Ring-billed Gull, Spoonbills, Cattle Egret (2019), Great White Egrets (2016, 2019), Cranes (2016), Whooper Swans, Mandarin (2017), Roseate Tern, Hooded Crow, Dartford Warbler, Montagu’s Harrier (1991), Hen Harrier, Ring Ouzel, Shorelark, Woodlark, Mealy Redpoll, Common Rosefinch (2017), Firecrest, Hawfinch and Common Crossbill.
October 2020
31st October
Another breezy day. The usual Black-tailed Godwits and Redshank flocks were reported from New Passage.
30th October
A breezy and wet day. The Firecrest was relocated on Northwick Warth where other reports included 505 Black-tailed Godwits, 130 Redshank, 20 Lapwings, 32 Oystercatchers, 24 Curlew, 42 Dunlin, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, 48 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, 12 Shelduck, 60 Wigeon, 28 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 90 Teal, 5 Tufted Ducks, a Chiffchaff and a Stonechat.
29th October
A dismal wet and windy day. The large flock of Black-tailed Godwits and Redshank remained feeding off New Passage.
28th October
A wet and windy day with little to report other than the Black-tailed Godwit flock and a Knot at New Passage.
27th October
A breezy day. The 250+ Black-tailed Godwits, 50+ Lapwing and 80+ Redshank were reported from Northwick Warh/Pilning Wetland.
26th October
The male Merlin remained on Northwick Warth where other reports included 250 Black-tailed Godwits, 79 Turnstones, 56 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, a Little Egret, 82 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, 25 Shelduck, 22 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 152 Teal, 160 Wigeon, 2 Tufted Duck, a Pintail, a Water Rail, 3 Ravens, single Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, 5 Chiffchaffs and a Stonechat.
25th October
Combined reports from the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area included a male Merlin, 350 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Lapwing, 50 Canada Geese, 50 Shelduck, 240 Wigeon, a Little Egret, a Cetti’s Warbler and 2 Blackcaps.
24th October
A breezy and increasingly wet day. An Avocet was seen on the Northwick Warth shore and other sightings from there and Pilning Wetland included 250 Black-tailed Godwits, 90 Redshank, 50 Lapwing, 40 Curlew, 20 Dunlin, 4 Little Egrets, a Greylag Goose, 70 Canada Geese, 45 Shelduck, 6 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, a Tufted Duck, 250 Wigeon, 300 Teal, 3 Siskins, single Swallow, Kestrel, Raven and Kingfisher. Another 30 Shelduck, 70 Turnstones and 10 Dunlin were seen at Severn Beach.
23rd October
Combined reports from the Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland included a Cattle Egret, 250+ Black-tailed Godwits, 140 Redshank, 32 Dunlin, 63 Lapwing, 4 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 2 Water Rails, 47 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, 14 Shelduck, 130 Wigeon, 82 Teal, 20 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, the first Firecrest for 2 years, 2 Stonechats, a Cetti’s Warbler, 4 Chiffchaffs, a Blackcap and a Rock Pipit.
Cattle Egret, Northwick Warth 23.10.20 © Aravind Ramesh
Firecrest, Northwick Warth 23.10.20 © Aravind Ramesh
Firecrest, Northwick Warth 23.10.20 © Aravind Ramesh
22nd October
A probable Lapland Bunting was heard calling over Northwick Warth late afternoon where 2 Peregrines, 300+ Black-tailed Godwits, 200+ Redshank, 190+ Dunlin, 80 Lapwing, a Little Egret, 100+ Wigeon, a Greylag Goose, single Kestrel, Rock Pipit and Chiffchaff.
21st October
The flocks of Black-tailed Godwits, Redshank and Dunlin remained on Northwick Warth.
20th October
A late morning visit to New Passage produced a Ruff, an impressive 400 Black-tailed Godwits, 1200 Dunlin, 150 Redshank, 12 Grey Plover, 40 Lapwing, a Little Egret, 60 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, 25 Shelduck, a Kestrel and a Rock Pipit.
Black-tailed Godwit, Pilning Wetland 20.10.20
19th October
A male Merlin was seen hunting successfully at Northwick Warth. A female Merlin, a Kestrel, 5+ Stonechats and 3 Chiffchaffs were seen at Aust Warth. A female Sparrowhawk was present at Severn Beach.
18th October
A cold and cloudy day with a high spring tide.The first Tree Sparrow for 7 years was found on a feeder in Severn Beach. Sightings from the Severn Beach shore this morning included a Short-eared Owl, a Jack Snipe,11 Grey Plover, 20 Knot, 2 Grey Herons, 20 Shelduck, 7 Stonechats and 7 Rock Pipits. Another 12 Grey Plover, 25 Knot, 250 Black-tailed Godwits, 650 Dunlin, 150 Redshank, 110 Curlew, 200 Oystercatchers, 35 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, a Ringed Plover, 120 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, 30 Shelduck, 50 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 150 Wigeon, 120 Teal, 75 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, a Pintail, a Water Rail, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Kestrel, 14 Swallows, 4 Chiffchaffs, a Cetti’s Warbler, 4 Rock Pipits, 4 Brambling, 15 Siskins, single Stonechat and Yellowhammer were reported from the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area. Another Stonechat was seen at Aust Warth.
17th October
Combined reports from the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area included a Merlin, 350 Black-tailed Godwits, 150 Curlew, 600 Dunlin, 120 Redshank, 40 Lapwing, 30 Turnstones, 185 Oystercatchers, a Grey Plover, 3 Snipe, 120 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, 25 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 40 Wigeon, 120 Teal, 6 Pintail, 3 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Stonechats, 4 Brambling, 5 Redpoll, 7 Siskins, single Kestrel, Raven and Kingfisher. Another Merlin was seen at Aust Warth. A Brambling and 3 Chiffchaffs were seen in Severn Beach.
Merlin, Aust Warth 17.10.20
16th October
Another morning with plenty of overhead migration. The usual Black-tailed Godwits, Redshank and Dunlin flocks were seen from New Passage.
15th October
Another sunny day with a North East breeze. At least 300 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Little Egrets, 10 Ringed Plover, 80 Canada Geese and a Greylag Goose were seen in the New Passage area this afternoon with a report of fly over Crossbill, Yellowhammer, 860 Chaffinch, 45 Redwings and a Raven there this morning. Two Stonechats were seen at Aust Warth.
14th October
A sunny day with a persistent cold North East wind. Combined reports from the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area included a Red Kite, 350 Black-tailed Godwits, single Ruff and Common Sandpiper, 120 Redshank, 40 Lapwing, 40 Oystercatchers, 40 Curlew, just 20 Dunlin, 5 Grey Herons, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Common Gulls, 200 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, 50 Shelduck, 3,0 Shoveler, 25 Gadwall, 110 Wigeon, 90 Teal, a Pintail, 4 Tufted Duck, single Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, a Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Stonechats, a Swallow, and overhead visible migrants; 1300 Redwing, 12 Fieldfares, 120 Chaffinch, 3 Brambling, a Redpoll and 4 Siskins. There was a steady visible migration over a Severn Beach garden this morning including Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Reed Buntings, a Brambling, Redpoll and Skylarks. There was some excellent visible migration at Aust services/Cliff including thousands of Redwing, single Great White Egret, Woodlark and Hawfinch.
13th October
Reports from the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area included 300 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruff, 100 Turnstones, 100+ Dunlin and 20 Ringed Plover, A Common Sandpiper and a Stonechat were reported at Severn Beach.
12th October
The usual Black-tailed Godwits, Redshank flock and mixed waders were reported from New Passage.
11th October
A Curlew Sandpiper, 350 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Ringed Plover, 20 Lapwing, 200 Dunlin, 175 Redshank, 2 Snipe, single Knot and Grey Plover, 2 Little Egrets, 80 Canada Geese, 100 Shelduck, 30 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 90 Wigeon, 110 Teal, a Pintail, a Cetti’s Warbler and 2 Stonechats were seen in the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area. Another 2 Little Egrets, 3 Stonechats, single Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Siskin and Redpoll were reported from Chittening Warth. Visible migrants heading over Severn Beach included Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Siskins.
10th October
Combined reports from the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area included 2 Ruff, 2 Knot, 373 Black-tailed Godwits, 16 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, 80 Turnstones, 42 Lapwing, single Little Egret, Water Rail, Pintail, Pochard, Kestrel, Cetti’s Warbler, 4 Common Gulls, 5 Swallows and 2 Stonechats.
9th October
At least 2 Ruff, 250 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Lapwing, 30 Dunlin, 20 Turnstones, a Snipe, a Common Gull, 67 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, single Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine, 19 Siskins 2 Redpoll and the first Brambling of the year were seen in the New Passage/Northwick Warth/Pilning Wetland area.
8th October
Combined reports from the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area included 280+ Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff, 60 Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, 90+ Redshank, 19 Lapwing, single Snipe, Water Rail and Little Egret, 70 Canada Geese, single Bar-headed Goose and Greylag Goose, 12 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, 5 Wheatears, a Merlin, 2 Kestrels, a Cetti’s Warbler and several flyover Siskins.
7th October
A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 350 Dunlin, 40 Ringed Plover, 8 Turnstones and 2 Rock Pipits were seen at Severn Beach. Reports from the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area included 300 Black-tailed Godwits, 160 Dunlin, 28 Ringed Plover, 100+ Redshank, 3 Snipe, 4 Little Egrets, a Kestrel and 6 Wheatears.
6th October
Three juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, a Ruff, 300 Black-tailed Godwits, 17 Ringed Plover, 3 Wheatears, single Merlin, Peregrine and Kestrel were reported from the New Passage/Northwick Warth area.
5th October
A drier day. A Curlew Sandpiper was seen with the flock of roosting Ringed Plover and Dunlin at Severn Beach. Combined reports from the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area included a Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, 200+ Black-tailed Godwits, 90+ Redshank, 350 Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plover, a Little Egret, 70+ House Martins, 3+ Sand Martins, a Swallow, 2 Wheatears, a Merlin and a Pheasant. A Snipe and 4 Stonechats were reported on Aust Warth.
4th October
More rain until mid-afternoon and a strong South West wind over the morning high tide. At least 2 Manx Shearwaters, a drake Common Scoter, an adult Kittiwake, a 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull and 25 Shelduck were seen from Severn Beach this morning. A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 200+ Black-tailed Godwits, 140 Redshank, 18 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, a Little Egret, 80+ House Martins, 3 Swallows, single Whinchat, Stonechat and Grey Wagtail were seen on a brief visit to Pilning Wetland this afternoon.
Curlew Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 4.10.20
3rd October
The rain continued all day. Another wet afternoon visit to Pilning Wetland produced, 6 Ruff, 90+ Black-tailed Godwits, 120 Redshank, 24 Lapwing, 6+ Snipe, 2 Water Rails, 2 Pintail, 80+ House Martins, single Whinchat, Stonechat and Wheatear. Another 4 Wheatears, 9 Blackcaps and 3 Chiffchaffs were reported at Severn Beach.
2nd October
Storm Alex crossed the country today with heavy rain and a strong North East breeze. A late afternoon visit to Pilning Wetland produced 7 Ruff, 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 150 Redshank, 23 Lapwing, single Knot, Snipe and Water Rail, 2 Pintail, 40+ House Martins and a Wheatear.
Ruff, Pilning Wetland 1.10.20
Ruff, Pilning Wetland 1.10.20
1st October
A sunny start to the month. An early morning visit to New Passage/Pilning Wetland produced 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 6 Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, 10 Knot, a Grey Plover, 400+ Dunlin, 24 Ringed Plover, 30 Lapwing, 80+ Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, a Water Rail, 60 Shelduck, 2 Ravens, single Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, 3 Wheatears, a Cetti’s Warbler and a Swallow.
