April is the equal most productive month of the year in the number of species seen. At least one individual of 212 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; Great White Egrets (2018, 2021), Stone Curlew (2006,2018), White Stork (2015, 2018, 2021), Spoonbill (2017, 2020, 2021), Slavonian Grebe (1989, 2000), Ring-necked Duck (1988), Green-winged Teal (2015), Sabine’s Gull (1990, 1992), Red-rumped Swallow (1988), Alpine Swift (1993), Red-throated Pipit (2012), Ashy-headed Wagtail (2018), Willow Tit (1988), Serin (2017), Mealy Redpoll (2004), Ospreys, Long-eared Owl (2006) and an incredible 2 Citrine Wagtails (2019).
April 2022
30th April
The Pectoral Sandpiper, Spoonbill, 3 Greenshank, 7 Avocets, 4+ Little Ringed Plovers (one nest with 4 eggs), 2 Dunlin, 8 Lapwing, a Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 8 Tufted Duck, 16 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, a Grey Wagtail and 3 Swifts were seen on Pilning Wetland. At least 45 Bar-tailed Godwits, 17 Whimbrel, another Great White Egret, a Marsh Harrier (flying South), single Cetti’s Warbler, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were reported from Severn Beach. A brief early morning visit to Aust Cliff/services produced a Tree Pipit, a Lesser Whitethroat and a pair of Kestrels.
29th April
Another day with some interesting sightings. This morning’s reports from Severn Beach included 2 Red-throated Divers heading overhead and East, a Spoonbill flying North East, 3 Great White Egrets, another Yellow-legged Gull, 6 Little Gulls, 10 Whimbrel, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 8 Yellow Wagtails, a White Wagtail, 9 Tree Pipits and a Siskin. The first Severnside Spring record of Pectoral Sandpiper was found late morning on Pilning Wetland where the Spoonbill, 2 Great White Egrets, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 3 Greenshank, single Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit and Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 6 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Lapwing, 10 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Ravens, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Lesser Whitethroats and a singing Cetti’s Warbler were also present. Click HERE for a short Youtube video of the feeding Spoonbill.
Red-throated Divers, Severn Beach 29.4.22 © Aravind Ramesh
Pectoral Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 29.4.22
Spoonbill, Pilning Wetland 29.4.22
28th April
A good selection of birds were seen over the early morning and evening high tides at Severn Beach including a Yellow-legged Gull, 23 Little Gulls, 3+ Arctic Skuas, 3 Common Terns, 3 “Commic” Terns, a Marsh Harrier, a Great White Egret, 5 Greylag Geese, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 15 Shoveler, 30 Shelduck, 8 Bar-tailed Godwits, 40+ Whimbrel, 10 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Little Ringed Plover and 2 Curlew, 2 Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail. Another 2 dark-bellied Brent Geese and 16 Shelduck were seen at New Passage. Reports from Pilning Wetland included 3 Greenshank, a Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Avocets, 3 Little Ringed Plovers (one nest with 3 eggs), 11 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, a Marsh Harrier (arrived from Severn Beach), 30+ Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 2 Sedge Warblers, many Reed Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat and a Raven. A Tree Pipit was seen at Aust Cliff/services.
27th April
A cooler, cloudy day with a North East breeze. Reports from Severn Beach included 13 Whimbrel, 58 Bar-tailed Godwits, 27 Oystercatchers, 5 Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, single Curlew, Little Egret, Gannet and Little Gull, 4 Mute Swans, 30 Shelduck, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, a singing Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 3 Yellow Wagtails and 3 Tree Pipits. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 6 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Greenshank, 11 Dunlin, a Green Sandpiper, 8 Lapwing, a Little Egret, 3 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 28 Shoveler, 4 Teal, 15 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 2 Jays, a Cetti’s Warbler and the first Swift sighting.
Bar-tailed Godwits, Severn Beach 27.4.22 © Matt Hall
26th April
The weather remained the same. An early morning visit to New Passage/Pilning Wetland produced 3 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Greenshank, 8 Lapwing, a Little Egret, a Grey Heron, 8 Mute Swans, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 15 Shelduck, 9 Teal. 29 Shoveler, 15 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Sedge Wablers, 5+ Reed Warblers, single Tree Pipit and Grey Wagtail. Combined reports from Severn Beach on early morning and afternoon visits included a dark-bellied Brent Goose, 17 Bar-tailed Godwits, 19 Whimbrel, 2 Ringed Plover, 15 Turnstones, 14 Cormorants, 20 Shelduck, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat and Yellow Wagtail.
Brent Goose, Severn Beach 26.4.22
25th April
More dry, sunny weather with a North East breeze. A Sandwich Tern, 48 Arctic Terns, 122 “Commic” Terns, 47 Bar-tailed Godwits, 14 Whimbrel, 7 Curlew, single Dunlin and Lapwing and Great White Egret, 2 Little Egrets, 30 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, a Whinchat, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Tree Pipits, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Siskins, single Cetti’s Warbler, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were reported from Severn Beach. A hunting female Marsh Harrier, another 2 Great White Egrets, 3 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Avocets, a Little Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, a Little Egret, 24 Shoveler, 15 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, single singing Cetti’s Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat were reported from Pilning Wetland. Reports from Aust Cliff/services included 3 Ravens, 7 Chiffchaff, single Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Tree Pipit, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Pheasant. Nearby a Curlew and 2 Yellow Wagtails were reported from the Aust Sheep fields.
Marsh Harrier, Pilning Wetand 25.4.22
24th April
Another dry day that brightened by late morning, with a strong North East breeze. Combined reports from Severn Beach involved a pale morph Arctic Skua mid afternoon, 71 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Turnstones, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Egrets, single Hobby, Kestrel, Yellow Wagtail and White Wagtail, 700+ Swallows, 116 Sand Martins and 75 House Martins. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth included 13 Avocets, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 7 Lapwing, 2 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, single Snipe, Redshank and Little Egret, 18 Canada Geese, 23 Gadwall, 15 Shoveler, 6 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 35 Shelduck, single Hobby, Whinchat, Cetti’s Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler, 3 White Wagtails and 13 Wheatears.
Greenshank, Pilning Wetland 24.4.22
23rd April
A dry day with sunny periods and strong North East breeze. Combined reports from Severn Beach included 39 Little Gulls, 2 Arctic Terns, a Common Tern, 10 Common Scoter, 170 Bar-tailed Godwits, 46 Whimbrel, 2 Sanderling, 10 Grey Plover, 7 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, a Turnstone, a Great White Egret (flew across to Gwent at 10.50), 2 Little Egret, a Greylag Goose, 30 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 9 Wheatears, 3 Tree Pipits, single Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Sand Martins, a House Martin and 100+ Swallows. An early morning scan of Pilning Wetland produced the usual 20 Avocets and nests, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, a Greylag Goose, 6 Canada Geese, 12 Gadwall, 15 Shoveler, 2 Teal, single Lesser Whitethroat and Cetti’s Warbler.
Little Gulls, Severn Beach 23.4.22
Whimbrel, Severn Beach 23.4.22
Common Scoters, Severn Beach 23.4.22
22nd April
A cool grey day with a North East wind. Some excellent sightings from Severn Beach including the 3rd ever Severnside record of Red-rumped Swallow (previous records 1977 & 1988), 16 Little Gulls, 12+ Black Terns, 110 Arctic Terns, 50 “Commic” Terns, 5 Arctic Skuas, 24 Whimbrel, 8 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, a dark-bellied Brent Goose, single Merlin and Peregrine, 3 Yellow Wagtails, single Tree Pipit, White Wagtail, Lesser Whitethroat and 4 Siskins. A very brief visit to Pilning Wetland produced the usual 24+ Avocets, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 8 Lapwing, a Little Egret, 8 Tufted Duck 14 Gadwall and 12 Shoveler.
Red-rumped Swallow, Severn Beach 22.4.22 © Aravind Ramesh
21st April
A dry and mainly sunny day with North East wind. An early morning visit to Aust Cliff/services produced a Red Kite drifting North East at 07.45, single Kestrel, Raven, Yellow Wagtail, Pheasant, Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Redpoll, many Chiffchaff and Blackaps. A Great White Egret, 2 Little Egrets, 23+ Avocets, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 5 Ringed Plover, 8 Lapwing, 20 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck and 14 Shoveler were seen on Pilning Wetland. At least 70 Shelduck were present on Northwick Warth. Reports from Severn Beach included another Red Kite heading North East at 14.45, single Peregrine, Kestrel and Whimbrel, 2 Gadwall, 30 Shelduck, 12 Black-headed Gulls, a Lesser Whitethroat, 5+ Whitethroats and a Siskin.
Lesser Redpoll, Aust Cliff 21.4.22
Great White Egret, Pilning Wetland 21.4.22
20th April
Combined reports from Severn Beach included a flock of 26 Little Gulls heading North East, a dark morph Arctic Skua, 2 Grey Plover, single Green Sandpiper and Curlew, 16 Oystercatchers, 22 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, a Sparowhawk and Kestrel, 4 Sand Martins, 5 House Martins, 27 Swallows, a Whitethroat and 2 Siskins. A morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced 16+ Avocets, 3 Little Ringed Plover, a Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 8 Lapwing, 2 Little Egrets, 15+ Gadwall, 15+ Shoveler and 4 Tufted Duck. A Red Kite was reported from Northwick Warth.
19th April
Early morning reports from Severn Beach included a Great White Egret, 2 Whimbrel, 6 Turnstones, a Ringed Plover, a Little Egret, 15 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Sparrowhawks, 7 Jay, single Grasshopper Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroats, single Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail and Siskin. Reports From Pilning Wetland involved 26 Avocets (6 nests), 3+ Little Ringed Plover, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Ringed Plover, 12 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, a Snipe, 8 Lapwing, 15 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 20 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, a Peregrine, 4+ Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, single Whitethroat and White Wagtail.
18th April
Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved 28 Avocets (5 nests), 5+ Little Ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Ringed Plover, 25 Dunlin, 8 Lapwing, 18 Oystercatchers, single Snipe and Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Heron, 11 Canada Geese, 60 Shelduck, 4 Mute Swans, 15 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 13 Tufted Duck, 3 Teal, a Red Kite, 3 Sparrowhawks, a Raven, 3 Sedge Warbler, single Cetti’s Warbler, Whitethroat and Wheatear, 2 Swallows and 5 House Martins.
Ringed Plover, Pilning Wetland 18.4.22
17th April
Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 26 Avocets (4 nests), 4+ Little Ringed Plover (one nest), 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 38 Oystercatchers, 8 Lapwing, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 5 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 5 Shelduck, 11 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, a Whitethroat. 3 Sand Martins, 4 Swallows, 2 House Martins and 2 Grey Wagtails. Reports from Chittening Warth involved 2 Little Ringed Plover, 12 Oystercatcher, 9 Shelduck, 12 Teal, a Gadwall, 2 Pheasants, 3 Sedge Warbler, 4 Cetti’s Warbler, a Wheatear and a Kestrel. A Common Seal was seen from New Passage.
16th April
A warm day with sunny intervals. An early morning visit to Severn Beach produced 40 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 12 Teal, a Little Egret, 6+ Whitethroats, a Sedge Warbler, many Chiffchaff and Blackcaps, 3 Tree Pipits, 2 Siskin, single Yellow Wagtail, Redpoll and at least 14 migrant Jays heading North East. At least 19 Avocets, 3 Little Ringed Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 8 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck and a Grey Wagtail were seen on Pilning Wetland. An afternoon visit to the almost dry Aust Wetland produced the first reeling Grasshopper Warbler of the year, 2 Tree Pipits, a male Stonechat, a Grey Wagtail, a pair of Lapwing, 13 Rook nests and a Kestrel. Single female Marsh Harrier, Red Kite and 2 Tree Pipits flew North East over Aust Cliff/services.
Snipe, Pilning Wetland 16.4.22
15th April
A warm and sunny day. Combined reports from Severn Beach included a Green Sandpiper flying North East, 40 Shelduck, 20+ Teal, 26 Black-headed Gulls, a male Redstart, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Siskin, single Coal Tit and Tree Pipit. At least 24 Avocets, 2 Knot, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 2+ Little Ringed Plover, 6+ Lapwing, 8 Dunlin, 20 Redshank, 3 Little Egrets, 10 Canada Geese, 6 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 13 Tufted Duck, single Sparrowhawk, Sedge Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Reed Warbler, Coal Tit and 4 House Martins were reported at Pilning Wetland.
Redstart, Severn Beach 15.4.22 © Aravind Ramesh
14th April
Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 23 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Knot, a Snipe, 10 Lapwing, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 20 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, a flock of 6 Jays, 3 Reed Warblers, the first 2 Sedge Warblers of the year, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Willow Warblers, a Tree Pipit, 4 Swallows, single Sand Martin and House Martin. Reports from Aust Cliff/services involved 5 Tree Pipits, 23 Swallows, 4 Sand Martins, a House Martin, 9 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Ravens, single Redpoll, Siskin and Pheasant. Another 9 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Jays and a Sparrowhawk were reported from Aust Sheep fields. Just 40 Shelduck, 17 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin and a Swallow were seen at Severn Beach.
13th April
A quieter day. A morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced 13 Avocets, 2+ Little Ringed Plover, 2 Knot, 16+ Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Wigeon, 20+ Shoveler, 35 Teal, 10 Gadwall and 4 Tufted Duck. Just 50 Curlew, 9 Oystercatchers, 10 Black-headed Gulls, 60 Shelduck and a Swallow were reported from Severn Beach late afternoon.
12th April
A wet morning and a light South West breeze. Combined reports from Severn Beach on morning and late afternoon high tide visits included 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 1st summer), 4 Common Terns, 21 “Commic” Terns, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Curlew, single Turnstone and Little Ringed Plover, a Little Egret, 2 Gadwall, 40 Shelduck, a Merlin, the 1st Whitethroat of the year, 11 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Tree Pipits, a Wheatear, 2 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcaps, 37 Sand Martins, 62 Swallows and a Siskin. An early morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced 19+ Avocets, 3+ Little Ringed Plovers, 18 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Knot, single Snipe and Little Egret, 33 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 35 Teal, 50 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows, 2 Yellow Wagtails, the 1st Reed Warbler of the year, 2 Willow Warblers, 15 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcaps and a Grey Wagtail. Nearby another Yellow Wagtail and singing Willow Warbler were present at New Passage. A female Redstart, a Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warblers, 8 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcaps, single Raven and Pheasant were reported from Aust Cliff/services and nearby another Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warblers, 17 Sand Martins, a House Martin and 13 Swallows were seen at Aust Sheep fields.
11th April
Combined reports from Severn Beach included an Osprey heading North East at 07.00, 4 Arctic Skuas, a Sandwich Tern, 6 Common Terns, a Greylag Goose, 25 Shelduck, a Little Egret, 29 Whimbrel, a Little Ringed Plover, 13 Turnstones, 3 Yellow Wagtails, a Grey Wagtail, 3 Tree Pipits, 4 House Martins, 57 Sand Martins, 13 Swallows, 2 Siskins and a Redpoll. At least 20 Avocets, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 19 Black-tailed Godwits, 10 Lapwing, 130 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, a Snipe, 2 Little Egret, 15 Canada Geese, 17 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 14 Shoveler, 40 Teal, 10 Sand Martins, a House Martin and 2 Swallows were seen at Pilning Wetland. A female Marsh Harrier, 3 Swallows, 2 Sand Martins, single Willow Warbler and Wheatear were reported at Aust Warth and nearby at Aust Cliff/services there were 11 Shelduck, a Wigeon, 7 Teal, 3 Ravens, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps and a Grey Wagtail present.
Osprey, Severn Beach 11.4.22 © Matthew Hall
10th April
Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved 25 Avocets, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, single Common Sandpiper and Knot, 150 Redshank, 14 Lapwing, 4 Ringed Plover, 3 Curlew, 9 Dunlin, 8 Oystercatchers, 5 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 7 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 28 Shelduck, 19 Shoveler, 25 Gadwall, 42 Mallard, 70 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, single Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, the first House Martin of the year, 6 Sand Martins, 3 Swallows, a Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Willow Warblers, 8 Chiffchaff, a Blackcap, 2 Wheatears, single Grey Wagtail and White Wagtail. It remained quiet at Aust Cliff/services with just a Swallow, 10 singing Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap and single Peregrine, Kestrel and Pheasant.
9th April
Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 18 Avocets, 5 Little Ringed Plover, single Ruff and Green Sandpiper, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 13 Lapwing, 160 Redshank, 8 Curlew, 5 Snipe, 5 Dunlin, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Canada Geese, 25 Shelduck, 16 Shoveler, 28 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, a Wigeon, a male Redstart, 2 Wheatears, a Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler, 2 Sand Martins, a Swallow, single Grey Wagtail and White Wagtail. Another 30 Shelduck, 45 Teal, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 25 Oystercatchers, 50 Curlew, a Snipe, 5 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Swallows and a Pheasant were reported from Chittening Warth. Reports from Aust sheep fields involved 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 5 Chiffchaff, single Raven and Kestrel, 4 Grey Herons, 5 Stock Doves and 2 Grey Wagtails.
8th April
A Red Kite, 7 Chiffchaff, single Willow Warbler, Raven, Kestrel and 2 Pheasants were seen at Aust Cliff/services. Nearby at the Aust sheep fields 2 Swallows, another 7 Chiffchaff, a, single Blackcap and Kestrel were seen. Reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 25 Avocets, single Ruff and Green Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 8 Lapwing, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, a Marsh Harrier, 2 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 3 Swallows, 2 Grey Wagtails, a White Wagtail and 2 Willow Warblers. Another Swallow was seen at Severn Beach.
Red Kite, Aust Cliff 8.4.22 © Matthew Hall
7th April
A sunny day with a strong West wind. Highlights from Severn Beach were an Osprey flying low up river, a Great Skua, an Arctic Skua, 3 Fulmar, 20+ Kittiwakes, 15+ Gannets, 40 Common Gulls, 5 Shelduck, a Peregrine and 2 Turnstones. At least 95 Shelduck and 2 Wheatears were seen on Northwick Warth. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 28 Avocets, single Ruff, Knot and Green Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 140 Redshank, 8 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 3 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, 11 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 5 Wigeon, 7 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 30 Teal, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Swallows, 2 Wheatears and the first Willow Warbler of the year.
Grey Wagtail, Pilning Wetland 7.4.22
6th April
A day with strong South West wind. Reports from Severn Beach included 5 Arctic Skuas, 14 Gannets, 66 Kittiwakes, 2 Curlew, 9 Shelduck and 2 Wigeon. A Spoonbill was seen this morning on Pilning Wetland where other reports from here and New Passage involved 26 Avocets, 78 Redshank, 5 Dunlin, 15 Oystercatchers, 2 Snipe, 5 Lapwing, 3 Little Egrets, 20 Canada Geese, 57 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 30 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Sand Martins and 2 Swallows.
Gannets, Severn Beach 6.4.22 © Matthew Hall
5th April
A morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced 30 Avocets, 3 Ruff (2 males & a female), a Green Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, 160 Redshank, 21 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 8+ Lapwing, 2 Little Egrets, 6 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 40 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler and a White Wagtail. At least 60 Shelduck were seen on Northwick Warth.
Ruff, Pilning Wetland 5.4.22
4th April
Some light rain over night and early morning with a stiff South West breeze until late morning. Early morning reports from Severn Beach included 2 Kittiwakes and a Marsh Harrier flying North East. A brief visit to Pilning Wetland produced 33 Avocets, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 18+ Knot, single Ruff, Green Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover, 12 Dunlin, 6 Snipe, 8+ Lapwing, 10 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 40 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 16 Shoveler and a White Wagtail. At least 40 Oystercatchers, 7 Curlew, 40 Shelduck, 14 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler and 13 Canada Geese were seen from New Passage.
Little Ringed Plover, Pilning Wetland 4.4.22
Green Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 4.4.22
3rd April
At least 29 Avocets, 28 Knot, 50 Redshank, 12 Dunlin, 8 Lapwing, single Ruff and Little Ringed Plover, 3 Snipe, 3 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 50 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 14 Shoveler, 10 Tufted Duck, a Pochard and a Marsh Harrier were seen on Pilning Wetland. Another 50 Redshank, 25 Dunlin, 20 Turnstones, 40 Wigeon, 60 Shelduck and 6 Teal were seen at New Passage. Two drake Goosander (flying North East), 40 Shelduck, 10 Wigeon and 2 Gadwall were seen at Severn Beach.
2nd April
A frosty start followed by a dry and cool day. A flock of 31 Avocets, single Ruff and Green Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 45 Black-tailed Godwits, 190 Redshank, 15 Dunlin, 8 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 4 Little Egrets, a female Pochard, 50+ Teal, 50 Wigeon, 18 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 12 Shelduck, 5 Tufted Duck and a female Marsh Harrier were seen on Pilning Wetland. Combined reports from Severn Beach included a Short-eared Owl, 2 Great White Egrets flying South West, a Ring-necked Parakeet, 13 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 4 Ringed Plover, 5 Curlew, single Redpoll and Swallow. Eighteen Avocets, 40 Curlew, 50 Wigeon, 80+ Shelduck and a Wheatear were seen from New Passage. The 13 dark-bellied Brent Geese were also seen off Aust Warth.
Avocets, Pilning Wetland 1.4.22
1st April
A sunny but cold start to the month. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 2 Ruff, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, 30 Avocets, 150 Redshank, 6 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 8 Lapwing, 38 Black-tailed Godwits, 18 Oystercatchers, 19 Curlew, 3 Little Egrets, 11 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, 92 Shelduck, 38 Wigeon, 45 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 15 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, a Raven and 3 Stock Doves. Click on the Avocet picture above for a short Youtube video.
