May is the 3rd most productive month of the year with at least one individual of 198 species being seen. The summer migrants continue to move through including Garganey, Hobby, Cuckoo, Spotted Flycatcher, more Terns and Skuas with the chance of Pomarine. “Small” wader numbers should rise during the month with Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and the chance of a Curlew Sandpiper or Little Stint. Rarer records include Subalpine Warbler (2004), Golden Oriole (2016), Bee-eater (2007), Spoonbills (1998,2015,2017, 2020), Honey Buzzard (1991,2011), Montagu’s Harrier (2015), Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Collared Pratincole (2020), Kentish Plover (2004), Buff-breasted Sandpiper (1990), Temminck’s Stint (2004,2016, 2019), Broad-billed Sandpiper (1988), Dotterel (2011), Black-winged Stilt (2017), Franklin’s Gull (1984), Laughing Gull (2012), Long-tailed Skua, Sabine’s Gull, Roseate Tern (1990) and White-winged Black Tern (1990).
May 2022
31st May
A breezy day with some sunshine and heavy rain showers. Sightings from Pilning Wetland included 6+ Avocets, 5+ Little Ringed Plovers including one nest and another mating pair, a Ringed Plover, 12 Dunlin, 6 adult Lapwing with 2 well grown chicks and one nest, a Little Egret, 11 Shelduck, 26 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 6 Black-headed Gulls, a Raven and 10 Swifts. A Cetti’s Warbler was still singing near Severn Beach railway station but no waders were seen at the usual roost sites on either the morning or evening tides.
30th May
Combined reports from Pilning Wetland involved a Red Kite flying low and East at 14.10 (the 19th reported this year), 14 Avocets, 4+ Little Ringed Plovers (one nest), 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 6+ Lapwing (one nest), 3 Dunlin, a Grey Heron, 8 Tufted Duck, 32+ Gadwall and a singing Cetti’s Warbler. Just one Ringed Plover was seen at Severn Beach on the morning high tide.
29th May
A dry day with sunny periods. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 2 Great White Egrets, 10 Avocets, 4+ adult Little Ringed Plovers and one occupied nest, 6 adult Lapwing and 2 well grown chicks and one occupied nest, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Dunlin, 6 Oystercatchers, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 13 Black-headed Gulls, 13 Shelduck, 14 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, a Peregrine, 34 Swifts and a singing Cetti’s Warbler. Another Cetti’s Warbler was singing near Severn Beach railway station early morning.
Great White Egrets, Pilning Wetland 29.5.22
Great White Egret, Pilning Wetland 29.5.22
Lapwing chicks, Pilning Wetland 29.5.22
28th May
The only reports received were of 2 Red Kites flying North over Severn Beach and 6 Ringed Plovers there. Twenty Shelduck and 25 Oystercatchers were seen on Pilnng Wetland. Meanwhile I had an away day at Worth Marsh in North East Kent to see what is only the 8th British record of Eleonora’s Falcon with a Red-footed Falcon, several Hobbies, Red Kites and Avocets with chicks.
Pale morph Eleanora’s Falcon, Worth Marsh, Kent 28.5.22
Pale morph Eleanora’s Falcon, Worth Marsh, Kent 28.5.22
27th May
A sunny dry day. A morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced 4 Avocets, a pair of Little Ringed Plovers with a nest, 6 adult Lapwing (one nest), a Grey Heron, 8 Shelduck, a drake Wigeon, 6 Tufted Duck and 20+ Gadwall.
26th May
Reports from Pilning Wetland included 2 Avocets, 2 pairs of Little Ringed Plovers (one pair with 4 chicks and one occupied nest), 7 adult Lapwing (one occupied nest), single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 6 Tufted Duck, 20+ Gadwall and 12 Swifts.
Little Ringed Plover and chick, Pilning Wetland 26.5.22
Little Ringed Plover chick, Pilning Wetland 26.5.22
25th May
A wet morning then overcast and cool with a moderate strength South West wind. Two Fulmars, 9 Kittiwakes, 2 Sanderling, 35+ Ringed Plover and 15 Dunlin were seen on the afternoon high tide at Severn Beach. Reports from Pilning Wetland included 2 Avocets, 4 adult Little Ringed Plovers and the nest with 4 eggs has hatched with 2+ chicks being seen, 6 adult Lapwing with one occupied nest, a Grey Heron, 18 Shelduck, 18 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 6 Black-headed Gulls and 3 Swifts.
24th May
A brief visit to Pilning Wetland produced the drake Garganey, 4 Avocets, at least 6 Little Ringed Plover (2 occupied nests), a Black-tailed Godwit, 8 adult Lapwing with 2 chicks and 2 nests, a Grey Heron, 20+ Gadwall and 4 Tufted Duck. At least 70 Shelduck with 9 ducklings, 16 Canada Geese and 20 Oystercatchers were seen from New Passage. Just 36 Ringed Plover and 14 Dunlin were seen in the high tide roost at Severn Beach and nearby a Little Egret was seen on the Orchard Pools.
Garganey, Pilning Wetland 24.5.22
Lapwing with chicks, Pilning Wetland 24.5.22
23rd May
A mainly overcast day with occasional sunny spells. A brief visit to Pilning Wetland produced the drake Garganey, 8 adult Lapwing with one occupied nest, 6+ Little Ringed Plover (occupied nests), a Little Egret, 3 Black-headed Gulls, 6 Tufted Duck and 20+ Gadwall. At least 100 Shelduck and 20 Canada Geese were seen on Northwick Warth. Reports from Severn Beach involved 39 Ringed Plover and 21 Dunlin on the shore at high tide, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Mute Swans, 13 Canada Geese, a Shelduck, a Lapwing and 3+ Reed Warblers at the Orchard Pools and a Garden Warbler was singing from scrub near the railway station.
22nd May
A sunny and dry day. Reports from Pilning Wetland included the drake Garganey, 6 Avocets, 6+ Little Ringed Plover (2 occupied nests), 8 adult Lapwing and 2 half grown chicks and 2 occupied nests, 13 Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron, 6 Shelduck, 22 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 5 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Ravens and a Grey Wagtail. At least 100 Shelduck and 16 Canada Geese were seen from New Passage. A mixed flock of 40 Dunlin/Ringed Plover and 2 Sanderling were reported from Severn Beach.
Little Ringed Plovers, Pilning Wetland 22.5.22
Little Ringed Plover, Pilning Wetland 22.5.22
21st May
A cloudy start turning warm and sunny. A morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced a drake Garganey, 25 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 8 Shelduck, 6 Canada Geese, 6 Avocets, 6+adult Little Ringed Plovers plus 2 occupied nests, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 adult Lapwing, 2 half grown chicks and at least 2 occupied nests, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, a Grey Wagtail and at least 20 Swifts. Another Little Egret, a Turnstone, 110 Shelduck and 8 Canada Geese were seen from New Passage. The 2 Eider remained at Severn Beach mid morning where a Sanderling, 25 Ringed Plover and 14 Dunlin were also seen.
Garganey, Pilning Wetland 21.5.22
20th May
A cool ad breezy day with early morning rain. The pair of Eider were still present on he morning high tide at Severn Beach and a 1st summer Kittiwake on the evening tide. A morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced 6 Avocets, 6+ Little Ringed Plovers (2 occupied nests), 8 Lapwing (2 occupied nests), single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 24 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Black-headed Gulls and a Swift. Click HERE for a short Youtube video of the Eider.
Eider, Severn Beach 20.5.22
Eider, Severn Beach 20.5.22
19th May
A mainly sunny and dry day with a few new arrivals. Reports from Pilning Wetland included 4 Avocets, 5+ adult Little Ringed Plovers (plus 3 freshly hatched chicks), 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 adult Lapwing (2 occupied nests), 28 Gadwall, a drake Teal and 6 Tufted Duck. A pair of Eider, 23 Dunlin and 36 Ringed Plover were seen at Severn Beach on the morning high tide. An evening visit to New Passage produced 7 Sanderling, 9 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 8 Whimbrel, 40 Oystercatchers, 90+ Shelduck and 4 Canada Geese.
18th May
A day with sunny intervals and a light breeze. Combined visits to Pilning Wetland produced 3 Avocets, 6+ Little Ringed Plovers (2 nests), a Black-tailed Godwit, 8 adult Lapwing with 2 occupied nests, one with 3 eggs, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 36 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, drake Teal and Wigeon. It was quiet at New Passage with 42 Oystercatchers, 9 Black-headed Gulls, 20 Shelduck, 5+ Wheatears, a close to shore Common Seal and 2 Painted Lady butterflies.
17th May
A warm and humid day with rain showers late afternoon. A morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 adult Lapwing, (including at least 2 occupied nests, one Avocet, 6+ Little Ringed Plover (one occupied nest due to hatch in next 5 days), 2 Little Egrets, 24 Gadwall, drake Teal and Wigeon, 8 Shelduck, 6 Tufted Duck, a singing Cetti’s Warbler and 2 Swifts.
Black-tailed Godwits, Pilning Wetland 17.5.22
16th May
A wet start to the day then warm with the occasional shower. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 5 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin, 4 Avocets, 6+ Little Ringed Plover (still one occupied nest), 8 adult Lapwing plus 1+ chick and one occupied nest still, a Little Egret, 8 Shelduck, 28 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, single drake Teal and Wigeon, a Hobby and a Cetti’s Warbler. Another 30 Shelduck, 10 Canada Geese, 11 Dunlin and a Turnstone were seen from New Passage. At least one Spotted Flycatcher and a Tree Pipit were seen at Aust Cliff and nearby another Spotted Flycatcher was seen at Aust Wetland.
Turnstone & Dunlin, New Passage 16.5.22
Tree Pipit, Aust Cliff 16.5.22 © Matt Hall
Spotted Flycatcher, Aust Cliff 16.5.22 © Matt Hall
15th May
A grey and wet day. Combined reports from Severn Beach on the morning and evening high tides included the 12th and the first May Severnside record of Cattle Egret (flying North East this evening), 2 Ruff heading North East, 2 Greenshank, 5 Whimbrel, 5 Grey Plover, 3 Sanderling, 2 Lapwing, 2 Turnstone, 21 Ringed Plover, 350 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, an Arctic Tern, 30 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 40 Swifts, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Tree Pipits, 5 Wheatears, single Spotted Flycatcher, Cetti’s Warbler and Kestrel. Sightings from Pilning Wetland involved the 2 Ruff that flew past Severn Beach, a flyover Greenshank, 7 adult Lapwing plus 2 chicks and another nest with 2 eggs, 7 Dunlin, a late Snipe, 4 Avocets, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, 29 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, single drake Teal and Wigeon, 4 Shelduck and a Grey Wagtail. Nearby the first Great Crested Grebe of the year, 35 Shelduck, 15 Canada Geese, 2 Little Egrets and 5 Wheatears were seen from New Passage. Another Spotted Flycatcher and a Lesser Whitethroat were present at Aust Cliff/sewage works.
Avocets, Pilning Wetland 15.5.22
Ruff, Pilning Wetland 15.5.22
Lapwing, Pilning Wetland 15.5.22
14th May
A warm and sunniest day of the year so far. At least one Avocet, 4 Little Ringed Plover (one occupied nest, 7 days from hatching), 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Dunlin, 6 adult Lapwing with one chick, a drake Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, 20+ Gadwall and the first Spotted Flycatcher of the year. Two Avocets, 2 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 2 Curlew, 45 Shelduck and 7 Canada Geese were seen from the New Passage shore. At least 50 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Turnstones, a Whimbrel and 25 Shelduck were seen at Severn Beach.
13th May
It remained quiet with just 1+ Avocet, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 12 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, single drake Wigeon and Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, 20+ Gadwall and 10 Swifts reported from Pilning Wetland. A Whimbrel was seen at Severn Beach.
12th May
Another breezy day. Reports from Pilning Wetland included 4 Avocets, 6+ Little Ringed Plover (one of the nest was seen to be raided by Jackdaws), 13 Black-tailed Godwits, 43 Dunlin, 6 adult Lapwing, 3 Little Egrets, single drake Wigeon and Teal, 12 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 5 Swift, a singing Cetti’s Warbler and 2 Yellow Wagtails. Nearby 20 Turnstones, 2 Ringed Plover, 35 Shelduck, 12 Canada Geese and 2 Wheatears were reported from New Passage. The evening tide at Severn Beach produced 18 Whimbrel and a flighty flock of 20+ Ringed Plover/Dunlin.
11th May
A very wet morning with the first decent rainfall for weeks. A visit to Pilning Wetland produced 2 Avocets, 6 Little Ringed Plovers, with 2 occupied nests, 8 adult Lapwing and at least one chick, single Ringed Plover, Grey Heron, drake Teal and Wigeon, 25 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck and 3 Swifts. A breezy afternoon sea watch from Severn Beach was disappointing with just a Little Egret, 8 Oystercatchers, single Black-headed Gull and Kestrel being seen.
10th May
The sunniest day of the year so far and a South West wind. Combined reports from Severn Beach on the afternoon tide included a dark morph Arctic Skua, 32 Kittiwakes and 8 Dunlin. A late morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced at least 7 adult Lapwing and a second brood of 1+ chicks, 2 Avocets, at least 6 Little Ringed Plovers (2nd nest with 4 eggs located and another mating pair), a Little Egret, a Grey Heron, single drake Teal and Wigeon, 8 Tufted Ducks, 16+ Gadwall and 10 Swifts. Two Whimbrel, a Curlew, 3 Little Egrets, 20 Shelduck and 2 Gadwall were reported off New Passage.
Kittiwakes, Severn Beach 10.5.22
9th May
A breezy day with a South Westerly. A brief visit to Pilning Wetland produced a hunting female Marsh Harrier, 2 Avocets, at least 4 Little Ringed Plovers (still one nest), at least 7 Lapwing, 2 Grey Herons, 20 Gadwall and 9 Tufted Duck. An hour and a half river watch from Severn Beach produced nothing other than a Sanderling, 3 Dunlin, a Ringed Plover and 30 Shelduck.
8th May
Yet another dry and warm day. A total of 6 Red Kites were seen heading North East past Severn Beach where other reports included single Common Sandpiper and Whimbrel, 4 Ringed Plover, 5 Turnstones, 6 Dunlin, 10 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 20 Shelduck, 6 Gadwall, 2 Kestrel, single Sparrowhawk and Raven, 10 Swift, 4 Tree Pipits, a Yellow Wagtail, 4 Jays, a singing Cetti’s Warbler, a Wheatear and 4 Siskins. It remained quiet at Pilning Wetland with just a Greenshank, 4+ Avocets, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, 7 Lapwing, a Little Egret, 16 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, a drake Wigeon and a singing Cetti’s Warbler reported. Just 2 Whimbrel and 5 Turnstones were seen from New Passage.
7th May
A warm and sunny day. Reports from Severn Beach included 3 Eider (male, immature male & female), 15 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, single Sanderling and Whimbrel, 10 Turnstones, 10 Oystercatchers, 16 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 3 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, a Sandwich Tern, 10 Arctic Terns, 2 Common Terns, single Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Swift, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Cetti’s Warbler and Wheatear. It remained much the same on Pilning Wetland with 2 Avocets, 4 Little Ringed Plover (still one occupied nest), a Greenshank, 7 Lapwing, 7 Dunlin, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 9 Canada Geese, 12 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 8 Tufted Duck, a Cetti’s Warbler, 4 Sedge Warblers and a Grey Wagtail being reported. Two of the Eider (male & female) were seen later close to the shore at Aust Warth
6th May
Another quiet day. Highlights from Pilning Wetland were 5 Avocets, 2 Little Ringed Plover, a Greenshank, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall and a Wigeon. Just 3 Whimbrel were seen at Severn Beach and a Common Sandpiper was present at Aust Wetland.
Greenshank, Pilning Wetland 5.5.22
5th May
Less of the same today with the Pectoral Sandpiper, Spoonbill, 2 Greenshank, 7 Avocets, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 13 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, a Little Egret and a singing Cetti’s Warbler reported from Pilning Wetland this morning. Just 4 Whimbrel, 5 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover were seen from Severn Beach and 2 Whimbrel and a Wheatear from New Passage.
Spoonbill, Pilning Wetland 4.5.22
4th May
The Pectoral Sandpiper, Spoonbill and Great White Egret remained on Pilning Wetland where 11 Avocets, 8 Little Ringed Plovers (one nest still with 4 eggs), a Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, 20 Dunlin, 8 adult Lapwing and 4 chicks, 3 Ringed Plover, single Snipe and Little Egret, 18 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 12 Tufted Duck and a singing Cetti’s Warbler were also reported. At least 39 Shelduck, 10 Canada Geese, 42 Oystercatchers, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 8 Whimbrel, 4 Turnstones and a Grey Plover were seen from New Passage. Just single Whimbrel, singing Cetti’s Warbler and Yellow Wagtail were reported from Severn Beach. A pair of Avocets and a pair of Lapwing were reported nesting on Aust Wetland.
Pectoral Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 3.5.22
Spotted Redshank, Pilning Wetland 3.5.22
3rd May
Another day with some interest sightings. Combined reports from Severn Beach included 52 Black Terns, 75 Arctic Terns, 3 Arctic Skuas, 11 Kittiwakes, a Little Gull, single flyby Avocet and Little Ringed Plover, 16 Bar-tailed Godwits, 40 Whimbrel, 58 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 4 Turnstones, a Curlew, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Gadwall, 15 Shelduck, single Hobby and Swift, 25 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 8 Tree Pipits, 9 Wheatears and well over 2000 Swallows/House Martins/ Sand Martins heading up river. The first Spotted Redshank of the year, the Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 4 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, 34 Dunlin, 9 Ringed Plover, 9 Avocets, at least 6 Little Ringed Plovers (still one occupied nest), 7 adult Lapwing plus 4 chicks, single Spoonbill and Great White Egret, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 10 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, a Teal, many Sand Martins and Swallows, 2 Swifts, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers, a Grey Wagtail and a female Marsh Harrier were all reported from Pilning Wetland. Another Dark-bellied Brent Goose was seen at New Passage. Click HERE for a short Youtube video of the summer plumaged Spotted Redshank.
Whinchat, Pilning Wetland 2.5.22
Wood Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 2.5.22
2nd May
Another short period of overnight rain produced a few more birds today. The first Little Tern of the year flew inland and North East over the Shaft beach at Severn Beach where other sightings included 80+ Bar-tailed Godwits, 10 Whimbrel, 6 Common Sandpipers, 4 Ringed Plover, 45+ Black-headed Gulls and many Swallows and House Martins heading North East. The Pectoral Sandpiper reappeared on Pilning Wetland where 2 Wood Sandpipers, 4 Greenshank, 13 Avocets, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, 12 Ringed Plover, 29 Dunlin, a Redshank, 8 adult Lapwing plus chicks from one pair, single Spoonbill, Little Egret and Grey Heron, 10 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 4 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Swifts, single Cetti’s Warbler and Whinchat with a mixed flock of 250 feeding Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins were also present. Another Wood Sandpiper, single Avocet and Little Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwing, 2 Wheatears, single Yellow Wagtail, Peregrine and Raven were seen on the new Aust Wetland. Click HERE for a short Youtube video of the Pectoral Sandpiper.
Greenshanks, Pilning Wetland 1.5.22
Spoonbill, Pilning Wetland 1.5.22
1st May
The first decent amount of rain for several weeks arrived today with a change to a South West breeze. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland involved a Wood Sandpiper, the Spoonbill, 5 Greenshank, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Avocets, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, 19 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 6 Lapwing, single Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Snipe and Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 13 Gadwall, 9 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck, a 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, 20 Sand Martins, 100 House Martins, 150 Swallows, single Grey Wagtail, Cetti’s Warbler and Kestrel. At least 30 Shelduck and 10 Canada Geese were seen from New Passage. An evening tide visit to Severn Beach produced 35 Bar-tailed Godwits, 8 Whimbrel, 10 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover.
