2024 Sightings

2024 SIGHTINGS

July is one of the quietest months on Severnside with only 163 species having been recorded. It does have a more optimistic feeling to it than June, with the appearance of returning waders and in recent years the regular appearance of Mediterranean Gulls and Great White Egrets. Unusual species seen have included Cory’s Shearwater (2023), Glossy Ibis (2019), Cattle Egret (2017, 2020), Spoonbill (2022), Temminck’s Stint (2017), Black-winged Stilt (2021), dispersing Crossbill, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Goshawk and a Stone Curlew (1999). A spell of strong SW or W wind usually produces a few Storm Petrels and Manx Shearwaters.

Combined Species Total so far in 2024 = 166

my total so far = 151

26th July
A sunny and warmer day. Sightings from Severn Beach included single Whimbrel and Redshank, 8 Curlew, 20 Oystercatchers, 9 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, a Canada Goose, 8 Shelduck, 350+ Black-headed Gulls and a Sparrowhawk. Single Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit and Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Turnstones, 2 Lapwings, 38 Dunlin, 52 Redshank, 10 Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, an influx of 200+ Canada Geese, 6 Mute Swans (4 cygnets), 14 Shelduck, single Tufted Duck and Teal, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 2nd summer birds), 200+ Black-headed Gulls, single Kestrel and Grey Wagtail were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area.

adult Mediterranean Gull, New Passage 26.7.24

25th July
A grey, damp morning then sunnier later. At least 4 Little Ringed Plovers (2 chicks), 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Lapwings, 6 Turnstones, 99 Dunlin, 48 Oystercatchers, 25 Curlew, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 100 Canada Geese, the family of 6 Mute Swans, 20+ Shelduck, single Shoveler and Tufted Duck, a 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull, 300+ Black-headed Gulls, 3 Ravens, single Sparrowhawk and Grey Wagtail were seen at Pilning Wetland/New Passage. Single Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel and Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin, 3 Curlew, 22 Oystercatchers, 16 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Shelduck, 8 Gadwall, 250+ Black-headed Gulls and a Great Black-backed Gull were seen at Severn Beach this morning.

24th July
A cloudy day with some brief afternoon rain showers. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 2 Sanderling, 4 Little Ringed Plovers (2 chicks), 2 Ringed Plover, 102 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers, 53 Redshank, 12 Turnstones, 22 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, 15 Lapwing, 8 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 90+ Canada Geese, 6 Mute Swans (4 cygnets), 20+ Shelduck, 4 Teal, 6 Little Grebes, 250 Black-headed Gulls, a Great Black-backed Gull, 130 Linnets, 3 Kestrels (2 juveniles), single juvenile Peregrine and Yellow Wagtail. A Whimbrel, 20 Oystercatchers, 30+ Curlew, 17 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 10 Shelduck, 200+ Black-headed Gulls, single Swift and Cetti’s Warbler were reported from Severn Beach today.

23rd July
A dry day with a mixture of sunshine and cloud. A male Ruff, 8 Little Ringed Plovers (2 chicks), 5 Common Sandpipers, 7 Turnstones, 50+ Dunlin, 50 Curlew, 45 Redshank, 70 Oystercatchers, 10 Lapwings, 5 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 121 Canada Geese, 25+ Shelduck, a Tufted Duck, 6+ Little Grebes (including another 2 new grebelets), 2 Ravens and a Kestrel were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area this morning. Just 40 Oystercatchers, 10 Curlew, a Redshank, 6 Little Egrets and 2 Shelduck were the only birds of note at Severn Beach this morning.

Ruff, Pilning Wetland 23.7.24

22nd July
A breezy and mainly dry day. Five Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 4 Turnstones, 75 Dunlin, 70 Redshank, 35+ Lapwings, 55 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, 16 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 94 Canada Geese, 20 Shelduck, 400+ Black-headed Gulls and a Kestrel were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Reports from Severn Beach included a Redshank, 10 Curlew, 17 Oystercatchers, a Little Egret and 4 Grey Herons.

21st July
A warm day with some sunny spells with a West wind. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included single male black Ruff, Whimbrel and Sanderling, 13 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Common Sandpipers, 65+ Dunlin, 9 Turnstones, 72 Redshank, 43 Lapwings, 70+ Curlew, 25 Oystercatchers, a record flock of 31 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 88 Canada Geese, 30 Shelduck, single Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Teal, 350+ Black-headed Gulls, a Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Swifts, 2 Kestrels, single Sparrowhawk and juvenile Kingfisher. Another 2 Dunlin, a Common Sandpiper, 4 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck and 250+ Black-headed Gulls were seen at Severn Beach.

Little Egrets, Pilning Wetland 21.7.24

20th July
A cloudy day with rain showers from late morning. Sightings from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 6 Little Ringed Plovers including 3 small chicks, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 59 Dunlin, 29 Redshank, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Turnstones, 2 Curlew, 27 Lapwings, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 49 Canada Geese, 18 Shelduck, a Tufted Duck, 5 Little Grebes, a 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull, 120+ Black-headed Gulls, single Kestrel and Yellow Wagtail. Single Greenshank, Redshank, Whimbrel and Dunlin, 45 Curlew, 54 Oystercatchers, 11 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 300+ Black-headed Gulls, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls and Cetti’s Warbler were present at Severn Beach.

Black-tailed Godwit, New Passage 20.7.24

Common Sandpiper, New Passage 20.7.24

19th July
An even hotter 27°C day. Two Turnstones, 37 Dunlin, 56 Redshank, 27 Lapwings, 2 Curlew, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 54 Canada Geese, 30 Shelduck, 200+ Black-headed Gulls and 2 Swifts were seen from New Passage. A Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatchers, 5 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 7 Shelduck, 200+ Black-headed Gulls and a Cetti’s Warbler were reported from the Severn Beach shore.

18th July
A hot (26°C) and sunny day. A Little Ringed Plover, 34 Dunlin, 47 Redshank, 12 Lapwings, 2 Curlew, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 42 Canada Geese, 22 Shelduck, a 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull and 50+ Black-headed Gulls were seen from New Passage. Early morning reports from Aust Cliff/services included single Tree Pipit, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, 5 Ravens and 2 Coal Tits. At least one Whimbrel was present at Severn Beach this evening.

17th July
Another sunny day with a West wind. A quiet day with just 15 Dunlin, 22 Redshank, 20 Curlew, 20 Lapwings, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 30 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 20 Shelduck and a Kestrel reported from the New Passage/Pilning Wetland area. A Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 40 Curlew, 70 Oystercatchers, a Great Black-backed Gull and 250+ Black-headed Gulls were seen at Severn Beach.

16th July
Sunny intervals and brief showers with a West wind. At least 7 Little Ringed Plovers (including the 3 chicks), 3 Common Sandpipers, a Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Redshank, 9 Dunlin, 37 Lapwings, 20 Curlew, 5 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 21 Canada Geese, 7 Mute Swans, 20+ Shelduck, a female Tufted Duck, 6+ Little Grebes, 3 Mediterranean Gulls (a juvenile & two 2nd summers), 200+ Black-headed Gulls, 10+ Swifts, single Raven and Kestrel were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. A Ringed Plover, several Curlew and Oystercatchers, 3 Little Egrets and a Grey Heron were reported from Severn Beach. Seven Common Sandpipers were reported from Aust Warth.

juvenile Mediterranean Gull, New Passage 16.7.24

15th July
A cloudy and wet day with a North East breeze. Sightings from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area involved a Short-eared Owl, 8 Little Ringed Plovers (3 chicks, 3 juveniles and 2 adults), a Green Sandpiper, 28 Lapwings, 14 Redshank, 15 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 5 Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers, 9 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 21 Canada Geese, 7 Mute Swans (4 cygnets), 20+ Shelduck, a drake Teal, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (2nd summer birds), 110 + Black-headed Gulls, single Great Black-backed Gull, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher. A single Dunlin, 45 Curlew, 30 Oystercatchers, 5 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 43 Shelduck, 300+ Black-headed Gulls, single Peregrine, Kestrel and Grey Wagtail were seen from the Severn Beach shore. A flyover Great White Egret, 9 Ravens and a Willow Warbler were reported from the Aust Cliff/services area early this morning.

2nd summer Mediterranean Gull, New Passage 15.7.24

Short-eared Owl, Northwick Warth 15.7.24 © Andy Stockhausen

Green Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 15.7.24

14th July
Another sunny day with a light West wind. A Greenshank, a few Oystercatchers and Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 28 Canada Geese, 200+ Black-headed Gulls and a flyover Yellow Wagtail were reported from Severn Beach. Sightings from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included single Dunlin, Whimbrel and Curlew, 7 Little Ringed Plovers (including 2 juveniles plus the 3 new chicks), 3 Common Sandpipers, 27 Lapwings, 29 Redshank, 5 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Greylag Geese, 9 Canada Geese, 20 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, single Teal, adult Mediterranean Gull and Great Black-backed Gull, 160+ Black-headed Gulls, 3 Sedge Warblers, 7 Sand Martins, single Lesser Whitethroat and Grey Wagtail.

13th July
A warm and sunny day with light wind. A Whimbrel, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Curlew, 30 Oystercatchers, an impressive 11 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 45 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck, a Great Black-backed Gull, 250+ Black-headed Gulls, single Cetti’s Warbler, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were reported from Severn Beach. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth involved 3 Little Ringed Plover, a Common Sandpiper, 18 Lapwings, 12 Redshank, 5 Curlew, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Mute Swans, 3 Canada Geese, single Mediterranean Gull, Kestrel, Yellow Wagtail and juvenile Stonechat.

12th July
A cloudy day with a light North East breeze produced a few new migrants. Two male Ruff, 9 Little Ringed Plovers (2 adults, 3 newly hatched chicks and 4 juveniles), 8 Black-tailed Godwits, a Whimbrel, 25 Redshank, 13 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpipers, 22 Lapwings, 21 Curlew, 9 Oystercatchers, 5 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 6 Mute Swans, 4 Canada Geese, 15 Shelduck, 7 Teal, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 150 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Kestrels, a Raven, 20 Sand Martins, a Cetti’s Warbler and 2 Grey Wagtails were reported from Pilning Wetland/New Passage. At least 20 Oystercatchers, 5 Curlew, 8 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 6 Shelduck and a Sparrowhawk were seen at Severn Beach this morning.

Mediterranean Gull, New Passage 12.7.24

11th July
A warmer and sunny day with a light South West breeze. A Greenshank, 30+ Curlew, 6 Oystercatchers, 5 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 40+ Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, a Great Black-backed Gull and 300+ Black-headed Gulls were seen from the Severn Beach shore this morning. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Common Sandpipers, just 2 Little Ringed Plover, 16 Redshank, 11 Dunlin, 19 Lapwings, 16 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 7 Mute Swans, 13 Shelduck, 4 Teal, 12 Gadwall (8 ducklings), a Shoveler, 2 Stonechats, single juvenile Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail and Kestrel. The adult Whinchat remained at Aust Warth.

10th July
Some early morning rain followed by some sunny intervals with a gusty West wind. Visits to Pilning Wetland/New Passage produced 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 5+ Little Ringed Plover, 20 Curlew, 24 Lapwings, single Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and Great White Egret, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 7 Mute Swans, 12 Shelduck, 10+ Gadwall (8 well grown ducklings), a drake Teal, 180+ Black-headed Gulls and a Sparrowhawk. Another Little Egret was seen at Severn Beach.

Great White Egret, Pilning Wetland 10.7.24

Common Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 10.7.24

9th July
Cloudy and humid with a light South East breeze. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland New Passage area involved a Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpipers, 7+ Little Ringed Plovers, a Whimbrel, 12 Dunlin, 9 Lapwings, 38 Redshank, 76 Curlew, 7 Oystercatchers, 2 Great White Egrets, 4 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 6 Mute Swans (4 cygnets), 15 Shelduck, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Teal, 5 Gadwall, 140+ Black-headed Gulls, 35+ Sand Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails and a Kestrel. Reports from the Severn Beach shore included 9 Black-tailed Godwits (flew inland/South East), a Whimbrel, 40 Curlew, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 3 Shelduck and a Sparrowhawk. The male Whinchat and 2 juvenile Stonechats remained on Aust Warth and nearby a female Redstart, 50 Swifts and a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull were seen in the Aust Cliff/services area.

Great White Egret, Pilning Wetland 9.7.24

8th July
An overcast day with some light rain and a light wind from the South East. At least 7 Little Ringed Plovers (4 juveniles), 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 15 Common Sandpipers, 8 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 7 Lapwings, 20 Oystercatchers, 21 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 7 Mute Swans (4 cygnets still), 15 Shelduck, a drake Teal, a 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull, 90 Black-headed Gulls, 40+ Sand Martins and a Grey Wagtail were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Another 25 Oystercatchers, 8 Curlew, 2 Grey Herons, 120 Black-headed Gulls, a Great Black-backed Gull and a Coal Tit were seen at Severn Beach. A male Whinchat and 3 Stonechats (including 2 juveniles) were seen at Aust Warth. Nearby, a female Redstart, 15 Chiffchaff, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Curlew, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank and a Little Egret were reported from the Aust Cliff/services area.

7th July
A morning of torrential rainfall followed by a mixture of sunshine and cloud. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included single Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 37 Redshank, 12 Lapwings, 22 Oystercatchers, 20 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 7 Mute Swans, 12 Shelduck, a Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 100+ Black-headed Gulls and a Kestrel. At least 7 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Herons and 120 Black-headed Gulls were seen from the Severn Beach shore.

6th July
A day of sunshine and showers following heavy overnight rain with a gusty South West wind. Single Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Sandwich Tern, 200+ Black-headed Gulls and 20 Shelduck were seen at Severn Beach. Single Arctic Tern and Sandwich Tern, at least 6 Little Ringed Plover, a Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpipers, 4 adult Dunlin, 50 Curlew, 20 Oystercatchers, 9 Redshank, 7 Lapwings, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 7 Mute Swans (4 cygnets), 12+ Shelduck, 3 Teal, 150 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Sand Martins, single Yellow Wagtail, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were seen at Pilning Wetland.

Sandwich Tern (front/centre) and Black-headed Gulls, Pilning Wetland 6.7.24

Sandwich Tern, Severn Beach 6.7.24

Arctic Tern, Pilning Wetland 6.7.24

5th July
A day of rain early morning and late afternoon. At least 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 6 Redshank, 7 Lapwing, 3 Curlew, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, a Mute Swan, 12 Shelduck, a pair of Tufted Duck, a drake Teal, and a Kestrel were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area this afternoon. Another Grey Heron and 22 Shelduck were seen at Severn Beach.

4th July
A dry and mainly sunny day with strong West wind. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Common Sandpipers, 5+ Little Ringed Plovers (3 juveniles), 3 Lapwings, 20 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, a Mute Swan, 20+ Shelduck, 2 Teal, a Tufted Duck, an adult Mediterranean Gull, a Sparrowhawk and a Grey Wagtail. At least 45 Curlew, 25 Oystercatchers, 10 Shelduck and a Peregrine were seen at Severn Beach.

3rd July
A mixture of rain, cloud and sunshine on a windy day. Reports from the Pilning Wetland New Passage area included a Green Sandpiper, 8+ Little Ringed Plover (2 juveniles), 9 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 4 Lapwings, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, single Mute Swan and Black Swan, 20+ Shelduck (10 ducklings still), a drake Tufted Duck, 70 Black-headed Gulls and 4 Sand Martins. At least 45 Curlew, 2 Common Scoters (female close in, a distant drake) and a Kestrel were seen on the early evening high tide at Severn Beach.

Juvenile Little Ringed Plover, Pilning Wetland 3.7.24

Black Swan, Pilning Wetland 3.7.24

Common Scoter, Severn Beach 3.7.24

2nd July
A sunny day with a cool North West wind. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included a Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Little Ringed Plovers (2 juveniles), 13 Redshank, 20 Lapwings, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Mute Swan, 20 Shelduck, a drake Tufted Duck, 40+ Swifts, a Wheatear, 2 Kestrels and the Lanner Falcon (type) first seen in June. An adult Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 50 Curlew, 3 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 60 Canada Geese, 13 Shelduck, single Coal Tit and Siskin were seen from the Severn Beach shore and nearby single Kingfisher, Little Egret and Grey Heron were reported from the Orchard Pools.

1st July
A breezy day with sunshine and cloud and brief rain shower. An afternoon visit to Pilning Wetland produced 4+ Little Ringed Plover, (one juvenile), 5 Lapwings, 5 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 6 Mute Swans (4 cygnets still), 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 2nd summer birds with complete black hoods), 200 Black-headed Gulls, single singing Lesser Whitethroat, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Another 5 Little Egrets, a few Curlew and Oystercatchers, 6 Shelduck, 30+ Black-headed Gulls, single singing Cetti’s Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat were present on a morning low tide visit to the Severn Beach shore. Twelve Mistle Thrushes and a Kestrel were reported from the Aust Cliff/services area.