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 213. 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, 2020), Great White Egrets (2016, 2019, 2020, 2021), Cranes (2016), Whooper Swans, Mandarin (2017), Roseate Tern, Hooded Crow, Dartford Warbler, Montagu’s Harrier (1991), 3 Pallid Swifts (2022), Hen Harrier, Ring Ouzel, Shorelark, Woodlark, Mealy Redpoll, Common Rosefinch (2017), Firecrest, Hawfinch and Common Crossbill.
October 2022
31st October
A great end to the month with first Severnside record of Pallid Swift, with 3 seen today over the Passage Road and the fields on Aust Cliff with 2 having been seen earlier from Aust Warth and another Swift species heading North over Aust Services Other reports from Aust Warth included a Jack Snipe, 3 Ravens and 4 Chiffchaffs and other reports from the Aust Cliff area involved flyover Red Kite, 53 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Brambling, 33 Siskins, a Redpoll, 124 Fieldfares and 353 Redwings. The only mentions from Pilning Wetland involved 1200+ Dunlin, 10 Grey Plover, a small flock of Black-tailed Godwits, 240 Lapwings, 200+ Redshank and the usual Teal and Shoveler flocks. Click on the picture below for a short video of one of the 3 Pallid Swifts.
Pallid Swift, Aust Cliff 31.10.22 © Mark Coller
30th October
Reports from Aust Cliff/services included 120 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 3 Lapwings, 2 Grey Herons, 200 Canada Geese, 16 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 3 Hawfinches, 2 Redpolls, 12 Redwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 4 Rock Pipits, 5 Chiffchaffs, single Siskin, Treecreeper, Coal Tit, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Grey Wagtail.
29th October
A mild (20°C) day with some brief rain showers. Early morning at Aust Cliff/services once again produced some good birds including 6 Hawfinches, a Yellowhammer, 21 Siskins, 3 Redpoll, 158 Fieldfares, 68 Redwing, 2 Chiffchaffs, 22 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 6 Pintail, 7 Lapwings, 2 Ravens, single Kestrel and Peregrine. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 4 Little Stints (3 juveniles & an adult), a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 23 Grey Plover, 165 Black-tailed Godwits, 1200 Dunlin, 200 Lapwings, 190 Redshank, 40 Oystercatchers, 80 Curlew, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Turnstones, 5 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, a Common Gull, 200 Canada Geese, 250 Wigeon, 15 Shoveler, 250 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 50 Mallard, a Kestrel, 2 Chiifchaffs, 2 Grey Wagtails, single Rock Pipit and late Yellow Wagtail. A rarely reported visit to Chittening Warth produced a Jack Snipe, 30 Oystercatchers, 21 Curlew, 10 Shelduck, 6 Wigeon, a Grey Heron, 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Rock Pipits, single Kestrel, Siskin and Redpoll. Just 2 Ravens, 2 Canada Geese, single Rock Pipit and Great Black-backed Gull were seen in a brief visit to the Severn Beach sea defences.
Little Stint, Pilning Wetland 29.10.22 © Matthew Hall
28th October
Another mild day with a Southerly breeze. A morning high tide visit to Pilning Wetland produced 2 juvenile Little Stints, 15 Grey Plover, 1200 Dunlin, 250 Redshank, 140 Lapwing, 30 Snipe, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Shelduck, 20 Shoveler, 380 Teal, 2 Ravens, single Common Gull, Kestrel and Cetti’s Warbler. At least 50 Shelduck, 2 Rock Pipits and a single Turnstone were seen from the Severn Beach sea defences. The Yellow Wagtail was reported again at Northwick Warth.
27th October
A warm (20°C) day, with some sunshine and a South East breeze. Morning reports from Aust Cliff/services included 2 Hawfinch (North East), 6 Great White Egrets (South West), a Brambling, Redpolls, 2 Siskins, 4 Mistle Thrushes, a Coal Tit, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Peregrines and a Raven. A good number and variety were seen on Pilnng Wetland including a juvenile Little Stint, juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, a Knot, 17 Grey Plovers, 38 Black-tailed Godwits, an impressive 1000+ Dunlin, 140 Redshank, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew, 3 Snipe, a Great White Egret (flew low West), a Grey Heron, 230 Teal, 17 Shoveler, a Shelduck, 2 Stonechats and a Grey Wagtail. Some of the wetland birds moved to New Passage as the tide dropped and 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Grey Plover, 90 Redshank, 70 Curlew, 10 Wigeon, 170 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 10 Teal and a late Yellow Wagtail were seen here.
Great White Egrets, Aust Cliff/services 27.10.22 © Aravind Ramesh
Dunlin, Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwits, Redshank and Lapwings, Pilning Wetland 27.10.22
26th October
Another quiet visit to Pilning Wetland with just 110 Lapwings, 100 Redshank, one Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, 250 Teal and 3 Stonechats of note were seen. At least 500 Dunlin, 15 Grey Plover, 220 Redshank, 80 Curlew, 10 Oystercatchers, 250 Canada Geese, 260 Wigeon, 9 Shelduck, 40 Teal and a Pintail were seen from New Passage. A drake Common Scoter, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Rock Pipits, single Stonechat and Kestrel were seen from Severn Beach.
25th October
Another mild day with some sunny spells. An early morning visit to Aust Cliff/services produced just 4 grounded Chiffchaffs, a Mistle Thrush and a small number of Chaffnches and Redwings heading South East. Pilning Wetland was quiet with just 82 Lapwings, 100 Redshank, a Snipe, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 190 Teal, 4 Shoveler and a Grey Wagtail being seen. At least 15 Grey Plover, 250+ Redshank, 10 Curlew, 100 Dunlin, a Little Egret, 250 Canada Geese, 300 Wigeon, a Pintail and 40 Teal were reported from New Passage.
24th October
A mild, breezy day with rain showers. Sightings from the Severn Beach shore included 100 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 9 Curlew, a Little Egret, 6 Wigeon, 2 Stonechats and a Rock Pipit. A midday visit to New Passage produced a distant Stint species thought to be an adult Little Stint, a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 13 Grey Plover, a Black-tailed Godwit, at least 120 Dunlin, 45 Turnstones, 60 Lapwing, 10 Curlew, 10 Oystercatchers, an impressive flock of at least 500 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 260 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, 50 Teal, at least 350+ Wigeon, 200+ Linnets, a Sparrowhawk and a Rock Pipit. At least another 250 Teal were seen on Pilning Wetland.
Little Stint, New Passage 24.10.22
23rd October
The day started with heavy rain followed by sunny periods and showers. Early morning reports from Aust Cliff/services included a Yellowhammer, 11 Bramblings, 14 Siskins, 13 Redpolls, 43 Fieldfares, 20 Redwings, 9 Mistle Thrushes, 39 Lapwings, 2 Peregrines, a Sparrowhawk and 2 Chiffchaffs. A brief afternoon, low tide visit to Pilning Wetland produced just 17 Snipe, 85 Lapwings, 260 Redshank, 2 Grey Herons, 260 Teal, 22 Shoveler, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Chiffchaffs. A Great White Egret was seen at the Orchard Pools in Severn Beach.
22nd October
A cloudy day with some rain showers and a light South breeze. Two Stonechats, 24 Redwings, 2 Fieldfare, single Cetti’s Warbler and Brambling were reported from Aust Warth this morning. An hour low tide visit to Pilning Wetland this afternoon produced a single Black-tailed Godwit, 270 Redshank, 100+ Lapwings, 16 Snipe, 5 Dunlin, single Little Egret, 4 Grey Herons, 24 Shoveler, 300 Teal, just one Canada Goose (moribund, ? Avian flu, already 8 found dead), 250+ Linnets, single Grey Wagtail, Stonechat and Kestrel.
Shoveler, Pilning Wetland 22.10.22
21st October
A wet day. Morning reports from Aust Cliff/services included a distant view of the Barn Owl hunting over Northwick Warth, fly over birds included 11660+ Fieldfares, 11100+ Redwings, 14 Mistle Thrushes, 17 Redpolls, 24 Siskins, 21 Skylarks, 24 Greylag Geese, 4 Lapwings with 2 resident Coal Tits, single Peregrine and Kestrel. A wet afternoon visit to Pilning Wetland produced a Curlew Sandpiper, 200+ Dunlin, 23 Grey Plover, 150 Black-tailed Godwits, 10 Curlew, 230 Redshank, 115 Lapwings, 20+ Snipe, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 300 Teal, 24 Shoveler, 50 Mallard, 20 grounded Redwings and a Grey Wagtail.
20th October
A day of showers with sunny intervals with less wind. A Barn Owl was seen hunting again over Aust Warth at dawn. After a slow start another good number and variety of migrants were reported at and over Aust Cliff/services including of all things 2 Jack Snipe (flying SW), 28 Lapwings, 41 Dunlin, a Hawfinch, 8 Siskins, 5 Redpoll, 3 House Martins, 9600+ Redwings, 460+ Fieldfares, 1750+ Starlings and a male Stonechat. Afternoon high tide reports from New Passage included a Little Stint, 10 Grey Plover, 150 Black-tailed Gowits, 40 Curlew, 90+ Dunlin, 25 Turnstones, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 240+ Canada Geese, one Greylag Goose, 90 Wigeon, 40 Teal and a Rock Pipit.
19th October
A breezy day with an East wind, plenty of visible migration throughout the area, 1 even managed 33 species from my rear garden in Severn Beach in 90 minutes including 170 Redwings, 16 Fieldfares, 300+ Chaffinches, 3 Redpolls, 8 Siskins, 4 Lapwings, single Chiffchaff and Kestrel. A Danish colour ringed Black-headed Gull (white ring EE8R in black) was seen below the sea defences at Severn Beach.An impressive number of migrants were seen from Aust Cliff/services this morning including 5 Hawfinches, 1530 Chaffinches, 3 Brambling, 26 Redpolls, 24 Siskins, 570 Fieldfares, 4200 Redwings, 12 Mistle Thrushes, 47 Skylarks, 5 Swallows, 5 House Martins, 2 Coal Tits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 30 Barnacle Geese, 8 Greylag Geese, 2 Stonechats, 26 Golden Plover, 20 Lapwings, 53 Black-tailed Godwits, 38 Dunlin, a Snipe, 2 Peregrines, single Merlin, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Raven. Nearby, a Water Rail, a Snipe and 3 Kestrels were reported at Aust Warth. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 75 Black-tailed Godwits, 200+ Redshank, 40 Snipe, 94 Lapwings, 55 Dunlin, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 94 Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, 220 Teal, 22 Shoveler, 25 Wigeon, a Gadwall, 30+ Redwings, a Fieldfare and 2 Ravens. A brief scan from New Passage, produced 41 Black-tailed Godwits, 10 Curlew, a Grey Heron, a Common Gull, 250 Canada Geese, 20 Wigeon, 20 Teal and 2 Stonechats.
18th October
Another fine sunny day with a North East breeze. Early morning migrants reported from Aust Cliff/services included a fly over Hawfinch, 162 Chaffinches, 10 Redpoll, 11 Siskins, 7 Mistle Thrushes, 7 Song Thrushes, 9 Redwings, a Grey Wagtail and a Merlin. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included a fly over Lapland Bunting, a Curlew Sandpiper, 29 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Knot, 160 Redshank, 61 Dunlin, 55 Lapwings, 2 Snipe, 10 Curlew, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 250 Canada Geese, 27 Shoveler, 125 Teal, 110 Wigeon, 12 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, single Cetti’s Warbler, Stonechat and Kestrel. The Severn Beach shore produced a Grey Plover, 35 Turnstones, 105 Curlew, 20 Oystercatchers, 5 Little Egrets, 58 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 12 Canada Geese, at least 300 Jackdaws heading SW/W, 70+ Chaffinches heading North, 6 Stonechats, a Rock Pipit and a late Wheatear. A visit to Aust Warth at dusk produced a hunting Barn Owl, 25 Redshank, a Little Egret, single Water Rail, Stonechat and Kestrel. Click on Barn Owl image below for a short Youtube video.
Curlew Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 18.10.22
Barn Owl, Aust Warth 18.10.22
17th October
A sunny day with a cool westerly breeze. At least 400 Dunlin, the usual Redshank flock and 60+ Lapwings, 150+ Canada Geese and a Greylag Goose were reported from New Passage/Pilning Wetland. Another 250+ Dunlin, 100+ Redshank and 27 Ringed Plover were reported from the southern end of Chittening Warth. Meanwhile, I had a day away on the Isles of Scilly, visiting Bryher where the 4th ever UK record of Blackburnian Warbler had been found 5 days earlier. Luckily for me it was still present. The return sea crossing back to Cornwall was also interesting with a Fea’s type Petrel, several Great Shearwaters, the usual Gannets, Fulmars, Kittiwakes and a pod of Dolphins following alongside.
Blackburnian Warbler, Bryher, Isles of Scilly 17.10.22
Blackburnian Warbler, Bryher, Isles of Scilly 17.10.22
16th October
A fine and sunny day. Single juvenile Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ringed Plover and Snipe, 3 Knot, 20 Grey Plover, 11 Black-tailed Godwits, 32 Curlew, 400 Dunlin, 160+ Redshank, 65 Lapwing, 32 Curlew, 3 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 180+ Canada Geese, a Greylag Goose, 20 Shelduck, 118 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, single Tufted Duck, Water Rail, 3 Peregrine, late Yellow Wagtail, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat, Cetti’s Warbler, Rock Pipit and 2 Siskins were reported from Pilning Wetland/New Passage. Reports from Severn Beach included 20 Oystercatchers, 120 Curlew, 7 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 30 Shelduck, 12 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 19 Teal, 2 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits, single Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Raven, Grey Wagtail and Cetti’s Warbler were reported from the Severn Beach shore. Signs of Autumn migration at Aust Cliff/services included 3 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Chiffchaffs and a number of Siskins, Redpolls and Skylarks flying over.
15th October
A windy day with some heavy rain showers. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/ New Passage included a Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Knot, 10 Grey Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 40 Curlew, 353 Dunlin, 76 Lapwing, 120 Redshank, 4 Dunlin, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 23 Greylag Geese, 300 Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, 16 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 10 Shoveler, 100 Teal, 2 Stonechats, 2 Grey Wagtails, single Kingfisher, Peregrine and a flock of 200 Linnets. Single Kittiwake, Peregrine, Stonechat and Ringed Plover were seen at Severn Beach.
14th October
Another brief visit to Pilning Wetland produced just 67 Lapwings, 25 Redshank, 4 Snipe, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 200+ Canada Geese, 19 Greylag Geese, 8 Shoveler, 100+ Teal and a Grey Wagtail. At least 500 Dunlin, 300+ Black-tailed Godwits, 70 Curlew and 100 Redshank were reported from New Passage. The 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull remained near the Severn Beach sea defences.
2nd winter Mediterranean Gull, Severn Beach 14.10.22 © Vic Savery
13th October
A very brief midday visit to Pilning Wetland produced just 60 Lapwing, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 10 Canada Geese, 7 Shoveler and 120 Teal.
12th October
An early morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced 2 juvenile Little Stints, 350+ Black-tailed Gowits, 6 Knot, 200 Dunlin, 50 Redshank, 79 Lapwing, a Little Egret 2 Grey Herons, 22 Greylag Geese, 350 Canada Geese, 110 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 150 Linnets, single Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, Cetti’s Warbler, Stonechat and Sparrowhawk. Just 3 Wigeon, 14 Shelduck, 2 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons and a Stonechat were seen at Severn Beach on the morning high tide. An afternoon low tide visit to New Passage produced 450 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Curlew, 4 Knot, 20 Dunlin, 20 Redshank and 6 Wigeon.
Little Stints, Pilning Wetland 12.10.22
11th October
A cold morning with a light wind and sunshine. At least 2 Little Stints, a Ruff, 40 Knot, 700 Dunlin, 100+ Black-tailed Godwits, 100 Redshank, 15 Lapwing, 11 Snipe, a Little Egret, 160 Teal, 4 Shoveler, a Gadwall, single Water Pipit, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat and Sparrowhawk were seen at Pilning Wetland early this morning. Reports later from New Passage involved a Little Stint, 32 Knot, 534 Black-tailed Godwits, 200 Dunlin, 114 Curlew, 120+ Redshank, 120 Turnstones, 47 Oystercathcers, 2 Snipe, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 525 Canada Geese, 72 Wigeon, 5 Shelduck and 3 Teal. Another 48 Shelduck, 35 Curlew and a Raven were seen at Severn Beach this morning and a Little Owl was calling from a field between the railway line and Ableton Lane at 21.30.
10th October
An early morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced a Ruff, 150 Black-tailed Godwits, 170 Redshank, just 15 Dunlin, 10 Lapwings, a Grey Heron, a squealing Water Rail, 5 Little Grebes, 11 Canada Geese, a Mute Swan, 9 Shoveler, 110 Teal, 20 Wigeon, an immature female Peregrine, 100+ Linnets and a Stonechat. At least 300 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Knot, 80 Redshank, 90 Oystercatchers, 140 Curlew, 160 Dunlin, 2 Grey Herons, 180 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, 40 Wigeon, 7 Shelduck and a Kestrel were seen from New Passage. The 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull remained at Severn Beach where at least 80 Meadow Pipits and a Rock Pipit were also present.
9th October
Early morning reports from Aust Cliff/services included 5 fly over Greylag Geese, 9 Canada Geese, 19 Grey Plover, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, one Redshank, 44 Redwings, 70+ Chaffinch, 7 Siskins, 2 Redpolls, 3 Yellowhammers (local rarity now), 2 Grey Wagtails, 4 Ravens, single Coal Tit and Stonechat. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included a Ruff, 3 Grey Plover, 2 Knot, 350+ Black-tailed Godwits, 400 Dunlin, 10 Redshank, 60 Lapwings, 3 Snipe, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 6 Greylag Geese, 430 Canada Geese, 30 Wigeon, 90 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 2 Pintail, 2 Ravens, 2 adult Peregrine, a Kestrel and 2 Grey Wagtails. Nearby, 18 Golden Plover, 100 Black-tailed Godwits, 55 Dunlin, 13 Turnstones, 7 Wigeon, 2 immature Peregrine and 2 Stonechats were seen from New Passage. The reports from Severn Beach involved an eclipse male Eider, 17 Ringed Plovers, 66 Turnstones, a Curlew, 3 Little Egrets, a Kestrel and a Rock Pipit.
Greylag Geese, Pilning Wetland 9.10.22
8th October
At least 5 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, a juvenile Little Stint, 5 Ruff, 5 Knot, 350 Black-tailed Godwits, 400 Dunlin, 130 Redshank, 65 Lapwings, 5 Snipe, a Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Little Grebes, 10 Canada Geese, 60 Teal, 40 Wigeon, 4 Ravens, a Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Grey Wagtails and at least 4 Stonechats were present on Pilning Wetland this morning. A low tide visit to Severn Beach late morning produced 3 Great White Egrets, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 12 Shelduck, at least 1000 Black-headed Gulls and a Grey Wagtail.
Ruff, Pilning Wetland 8.10.22
7th October
Combined reports from Severn Beach included a Grey Plover, 200+ Turnstones, 30 Ringed Plover, 20 Curlew, 6 Shelduck, single Little Egret, Grey Heron, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Stonechat. A very brief visit to New Passage produced 380 Black-tailed Godwits, 90+ Curlew, 65 Oystercatchers and 120+ Canada Geese. Nearby, another 40 Black-tailed Godwits, 45 Lapwings, single Knot, Ruff and Little Egret, 7 Canada Geese, 40 Wigeon, 55 Teal, 150 Linnets and a Peregrine were seen at Pilning Wetland.
Stonechat, Severn Beach 7.10.22
6th October
Another breezy day. A brief visit to Pilning Wetland produced just a Black-tailed Godwit flock hiding out of the wind, 140 Redshank, 17 Lapwings, single Snipe, Little Egret, Grey Heron and Little Grebe, 16 Canada Geese, 50 Wigeon and 70 Teal. A low tide visit to New Passage produced 90 Oystercatchers, single Grey Heron and Shelduck, 20 Wigeon and 20 Teal. The only reports from Severn Beach involved 3 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron and 5 Curlew.
5th October
A breezy and sometimes wet day. Combined reports from Severn Beach on the late afternoon high tide included the 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (1cy & 4cy), 120 Turnstones, 30 Ringed Plover, 20 Dunlin, 3 Curlew, 5 Cormorants, a Kestrel and 4 Ravens. At least 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 8 Knot, 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Dunlin, 220 Canada Geese, 40 Teal and 30 Wigeon were seen early evening at New Passage.
2nd winter Mediterranean Gull, Severn Beach 4.10.22
4th October
A breezy and quieter day. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 3 Ruff, 600+ Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Knot, 40 Lapwings, 20 Redshank, 3 Snipe, a Little Egret, 10 Canada Geese, 20 Wigeon, 70 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall and 2 Ravens. Nearby, 3 Curlew Sandpipers, a Little Stint, 25 Knot, 18 Grey Plover, 100+ Black-tailed Godwits, 200 Redshank, 20 Curlew, 6 Ringed Plover, 400 Dunlin, 60 Turnstones, 3 Little Egrets, 450 Canada Geese, 50 Wigeon, 90 Teal and a Peregrine were seen from New Passage. A high tide visit to Severn Beach produced a 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull, 30 Ringed Plover, 20 Turnstones, 15 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Wigeon, single Rock Pipit and Kestrel.
Grey Phalarope, New Passage 3.10.22 © Henry Kirkwood
Grey Plover, New Passage 3.10.22
3rd October
Combined reports from New Passage included a Grey Phalarope, 19 Grey Plover, 800 Black-tailed Godwits, 300+ Dunlin, 80 Redshank, 100+ Turnstones, 15 Curlew, 10 Ringed Plover, a Little Egret, 3 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 80 Teal, 18 Wigeon, a Merlin and a Kestrel. Some of the same birds were seen roosting on Pilning Wetland where reports included 2 Little Stints, 3 Ruff, 600+ Black-tailed Godwits, 70 Redshank, 42 Lapwings, 300 Dunlin, 5 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 10 Canada Geese, 45 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 8 Teal, a Kestrel and 2 Ravens. A good selection of birds were seen at Aust Cliff/services this morning including 4 Crossbills (flying North East), 17 Redwings, 2 Mistle Thrush, 40 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps, 3 Swallow, 2 Ravens, 2 Grey Wagtails, single Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
Kingfisher, Pilning Wetland 2.10.22
Curlew Sandpipers, Dunlin, Knot and Black-tailed Godwits, Pilning Wetland 2.10.22
2nd October
A bright and sunny day following overnight rain. A visit to Pilning Wetland produced a tightly packed flock of roosting waders containing at least 10 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers, 2 juvenile Little Stints, 2 Ruff, 17 Knot, 600+ Black-tailed Godwits, 450 Dunlin, 35 Lapwings, 4 Snipe, 20 Redshank and a Ringed Plover plus 2 Grey Herons, 11 Canada Geese, 4 Pintail, 4 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 25 Wigeon, 120 Teal, a Kingfisher and 2 Grey Wagtails on site. At least 400 Dunlin, 200 Turnstones, 11 Grey Plover, 6 Ringed Plover, 20 Wigeon and 50 Teal were seen from New Passage. Another 20 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 15 Shelduck, 4 Ringed Plover, 15 Curlew, 7 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 600+ Black-headed Gulls and a flock of 90 Goldfinches were seen from the Severn Beach shore at low tide.
Spotted Flycatcher, Aust Cliff/services 1.10.22
1st October
A breezy start to the month. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included at least 3 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Little Stints, 600+ Black-tailed Godwits, 100 Redshank, 270 Dunlin, 4 Ruff, single Greenshank and Knot, 45 Lapwings, 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 5 Greylag Geese, 6 Canada Geese, 7 Pintail, 14 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 50 Wigeon, 200 Teal, a Stonechat and a Spotted Flycatcher. Nearby, sightings from New Passage involved 2 Curlew Sandpipers, a Little Stint, 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Turnstones, 60 Dunlin, 22 Redshank, 34 Oystercatchers, 33 Curlew, single Knot and Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Herons, 10 Wigeon, single Merlin and Peregrine. Just 20 Turnstones, 4 Ringed Plover and a Grey Heron were reported from Severn Beach. Two Spotted Flycatchers remained at Aust Cliff/services.
