November is still a month worth looking for birds. It has a respectable total of 187 species recorded during the month with a few surprise birds. Remarkable records include; Britain’s first Black-bellied Storm Petrel and Britain’s 5th Pacific Diver just 2 days apart in 2009. Other national and local rarities include American Golden Plover (2013), Great Northern Diver (1984,2015,2020, 2021), Black Guillemot (2015), Ring-necked Duck (2000), Smew (2010), Green-winged Teal (2014), White-rumped Sandpiper (1998), Long-tailed Skua (1994), Glossy Ibis (2015), Woodlark, Shorelark, Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting, Cory’s Shearwater (2000), Whooper Swan (1983) and Richard’s Pipit (1993, 2018), Dartford Warbler (2005,2015) and Waxwing (2005). A Merlin or two can usually be seen perched on posts anywhere between New Passage and Aust Warth. Short-eared Owls can often be seen hunting at dusk over the salt marsh at Aust Warth. Seabirds seen in South West gales include Leach’s Petrel, Pomarine Skua and Little Auk.
November 2022
30th November
A cool grey and misty end to the month.The Black Redstart was seen again at Severn Beach where other reports included 8 Ringed Plover, 120 Dunlin, 30 Curlew, a few Oystercatchers and Redshank, 2 Grey Herons and 40 Wigeon. The usual large flocks of 4000 Dunlin, 600+ Black-tailed Godwits, 350+ Lapwings, 120 Redshank, 10+ Snipe, 60+ Shoveler, 50 Wigeon, 370 Teal and a Water Pipit were seen on Pilning Wetland. A brief visit to New Passage produced a mixed flock of Black-tailed Godwits, Curlew, Dunlin, Redshank, Grey Plover, Wigeon, Shelduck and Canada Geese.
29th November
A very foggy day making it impossible for any complete counts. The few reports from New Passage included the first Shag record for 2 years, 10 Grey Plover, a mixed flock of Black-tailed Godwits, Oystercatchers, Dunlin, Redshank, Wigeon Teal, a drake Pintail, 16 Shelduck, 5 Greylag Geese and at least 30 Canada Geese. The Black Redstart and a male Stonechat were seen on the sea wall at Severn Beach. At least 60 grounded Redwings and a flock of 50 Rooks were seen at Aust Cliff/services.
28th November
A sunny, dry day with a light breeze. The Black Redstart remained at Severn Beach where 30 Dunlin, 40 Curlew, 20 Wigeon, 7 Shelduck, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 4 Stonechats, single Grey Wagtail and Rock Pipit were also seen. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland /New Passage area included the usual 800 Black-tailed Godwits, 4000+ Dunlin, 42 Grey Plover, 7 Knot, 49 Turnstones, 360 Lapwings, 300 Redshank, 96 Curlew, 86 Oystercatchers, 10+ Snipe, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 80 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag Geese, 250 Wigeon, 350+ Teal, 80 Shoveler, 12 Shelduck, 2 Stonechats, single Peregrine, Kestrel, Chiffchaff and Grey Wagtail.
Black Redstart, Severn Beach 28.11.22
27th November
A damp grey day. The first Black Redstart for 2 years was found at Severn Beach today where other sightings included 23 Oystercatchers, 17 Curlew, 2 Snipe, 4 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, 15 Shelduck, 25 Wigeon, 2 Rock Pipits, single Grey Wagtail and Kestrel. A good number and selection were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area including the Curlew Sandpiper, 800 Black-tailed Godwits, 46 Grey Plover, 4 Bar-tailed Godwits, 4200 Dunlin, 150 Redshank, 380 Lapwings, 180 Curlew, 80 Oystercatchers, 52 Snipe, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Little Grebes, a Water Rail, 2 Mute Swans, 35 Canada Geese, 280 Wigeon, 380 Teal, 80 Shoveler, 17 Gadwall, 3 Shelducks, 80 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits, single Kingfisher, Chiffchaff, Cetti’s Warbler, Siskin, Redpoll, Kestrel and Peregrine. Combined reports from Chittening Warth involved a Jack Snipe, 8 Snipe, 2 Water Rails, single Pheasant, Cetti’s Warbler, Rock Pipit and Barn Owl. A Tawny Owl was present at Aust Cliff/services this evening.
Black Redstart, Severn Beach 27.11.22
26th November
A dry and cloudy morning turning wet in the afternoon. A morning visit to Pilning Wetland coincided with a very high tide on the estuary so many birds were roosting here including 800 Black-tailed Godwits, 5000 Dunlin, 380 Lapwings, 200 Redshank, 22 Grey Plover, 10+ Snipe, single Knot, Curlew and Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 390 Teal, 60+ Shoveler, 50+ Wigeon, 60 Mallard, single Tufted Duck, hunting Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, 200 Starlings, 15 Pied Wagtails and a singing Cetti’s Warbler. At least 20 Shelduck, 45 Wigeon and 3 Rock Pipits were seen at Severn Beach. Click on the images below for Youtube videos of the hunting Marsh Harrier and part of the huge wader flock in flight.
Marsh Harrier, Pilning Wetland 26.11.22
waders, Pilning Wetland 26.11.22
25th November
Sightings from Severn Beach this morning included 3 Little Gulls, 3 Kittiwakes, 25 Ringed Plover, 62 Turnstones, 60 Dunlin, 60 Oystercatchers, 20 Curlew, a Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, a Pintail, 60 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, a Water Pipit, 3 Rock Pipits, 4 Stonechats and a Kestrel. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland involved the Curlew Sandpiper, up to 5000 Dunlin, 800 Black-tailed Godwits, 300 Redshank, 380 Lapwings, 10+ Snipe, 3 Grey Herons, 5 Greylag Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 170 Canada Geese, 3 Pintail, 4 Shelduck, 40+ Shoveler, 270 Teal, 50 Wigeon, a Tufted Duck and a Grey Wagtail.
24th November
An increasingly breezy and wet day. Early morning reports from Severn Beach included a Leach’s Petrel, a Guillemot, 80 Dunlin, 55 Oystercatchers, 22 Curlew, a Grey Heron, 40 Shelduck, 15 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 2 Rock Pipits and a Redpoll. Wet and muddy visits to Pilning Wetland/New Passage produced 4 Avocets, 500+ Black-tailed Godwits, 320 Lapwing, 2500+ Dunlin, 250+ Redshank, 7 Curlew, a Jack Snipe, 10+ Snipe, a Grey Heron, 80 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 85 Mallard, 300+ Wigeon, 250+ Teal, 2 Chiffchaffs and a Kestrel.
Avocets, Pilning Wetland 24.11.22
23rd November
A cool, breezy day with some torrential rain showers. Combined reports from Severn Beach on the morning and afternoon high tides included a Storm Petrel, a drake Goosander, 40+ Kittiwakes, 30 Turnstones, 50 Oystercatchers, 26 Curlew, 150 Dunlin, 45 Wigeon, 16 Shelduck, 5 Teal and a Peregrine. The Curlew Sandpiper remained on Pilning Wetland with at least 250 Black-tailed Godwits, 300 Redshank, 270 Lapwings, 5 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 100 Wigeon, 150 Teal, 64 Shoveler and 40 Stock Doves.
Kittiwake, Severn Beach 23.11.22
22nd November
A cool and sunny day. The Curlew Sandpiper, 550+ Black-tailed Godwits, 300 Lapwings, 200 Redshank, 25 Snipe, just 6 Dunlin, a Grey Heron, 140 Teal, 90 Wigeon, 60 Shoveler, 60 Mallard and a Shelduck were seen on Pilning Wetland this afternoon.At least 9 Grey Plover were reported from New Passage. A visit to Aust Wetland produced some small areas of flooding following the recent rainfall and 2 Teal, 20 Common Gulls, 40 Linnets, 15 Pied Wagtails, 60 Redwings, 15 Fieldfares, 2 Stonechats and a Kestrel. Another 2 Stonechats were reported from Severn Beach. Click on the image below for a short Youtube video of the Curlew Sandpiper.
Curlew Sandpiper, Pilning Wetland 22.11.22
Lapwings, Pilning Wetland 22.11.22
21st November
A very wet morning followed by a breezy afternoon. Sightings from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 650+ Black-tailed Godwits, 2200+ Dunlin, 180 Redshank, 30 Oystercatchers, 250 Lapwings, 30 Curlew, 10 Snipe, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 400+ Canada Geese, 4 Sheldicuck, 50+ Shoveler, 80 Mallard, 260 Wigeon and 180 Teal,. A windy late afternoon seawatch from Severn Beach produced just 25 Ringed Plover, 10 Turnstones, 130 Dunlin, 80 Wigeon and 2 Shelduck.
20th November
A day of sunshine and showers with an increasing strength wind. At least one late juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 600 Dunlin, just 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 260 Lapwings, 270 Redshank, 40+ Snipe, a Curlew, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Greylag Geese, 4 Canada Geese, 60+ Shoveler, 250 Teal, 80 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, single Water Pipit, Cetti’s Warbler and Kestrel were reported at Pilning Wetland this morning. Combined reports from the breezy Severn Beach shore this afternoon included a Spoonbill (7th individual this year), a Fulmar, 23 Kittiwakes, a Jack Snipe, 120 Dunlin, 40 Curlew, 80 Oystercatchers, single Ringed Plover, Snipe and Grey Heron, 3 Water Rails, 6 Stonechats, 18 Stock Doves, single Cetti’s Warbler, Peregrine and Kestrel.
Curlew Sandpiper, Pilning wetland 20.11.22
19th November
A cool start to the day (4°C). A visit to Pilning Wetland produced at least 600 Black-tailed Godwits, 280 Lapwings, 500 Dunlin, 160 Redshank, 5 Snipe, 3 Greylag Geese, 350 Canada Geese, 64 Shoveler, 80 Wigeon, 50 Mallard, 180 Teal, 2 Little Grebes. Single Grey Heron, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher and Chiffchaff. Two Pintail, 7 Shelduck, 23 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 70 Black-tailed Godwits, 35 Curlew, 120 Dunlin, 8 Little Egrets, 9 Grey Herons, 2 Peregrine, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 8 Siskins and a Brsmbling were reported from Aust Cliff/services. Nearby, 2 Avocets, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Jack Snipe, 250 Dunlin, 50 Curlew, 40 Oystercatchers, single Grey Heron and Water Rail, 25 Shelduck, 48 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 6 Stonechats and 2 Rock Pipits. Another 13 Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, 30 Curlew, 84 Oystercatchers, 43 Redshank, 4 Little Egrets, single Grey Heron and Water Rail, 12 Shelduck, 25 Wigeon, 18 Teal, a Water Pipit, 10 Rock Pipits, 2 Stonechats, single Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Peregrine, single Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were reported from Chittening Warth. Just 21 Ringed Plover, a Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 5 Wigeon and a Stonechat were reported from Severn Beach.
Avocets, Aust Warth 19.11.22 © Matt Hall
18th November
A quieter and cooler day. A brief low tide visit to Pilning Wetland produced just one Black-tailed Godwit, 250 Lapwing, 200 Redshank, 1500 Dunlin, 6 Curlew, 5 Snipe, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 250+ Canada Geese, 60+ Shoveler, 20 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall and a Shelduck. A high tide visit to the Severn Beach sea wall produced 21 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, just one Turnstone, 100+ Curlew, 30 Shelduck, 18 Wigeon and 300+ Black-headed Gulls.
17th November
Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/new Passage area included 100+ Black-tailed Godwits, 2200 Dunlin, 210 Redshank, 300 Lapwings,16 Grey Plover, 30 Curlew, 5+ Snipe, 300+ Canada Geese, 5+ Graylag Geese, 8 Shelduck, 300 Wigeon, 155 Teal, 65+ Shoveler, single Merlin, Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
16th November
A sunny morning turning very wet late afternoon. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included a very late Curlew Sandpiper, 600 Black-tailed Godwits, 19 Grey Plover, 2200 Dunlin, 300 Lapwings, 286 Redshank, 31 Snipe, 53 Curlew, 27 Oystercatchers, 58 Turnstones, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Little Grebes, 260 Canada Geese, 12 Shelduck, 344 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 60 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 71 Shoveler, 70 Pied Wagtails, 70 Redwings, single Stonechat, Grey Wagtail, Redpoll and Kestrel. A brief morning scan from Severn Beach produced 20 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 15 Oystercatchers, 20 Dunlin, 2 Grey Herons, 15 Shelduck and 20 Wigeon. Fly over birds at Aust Cliff/services included 80 Dunlin, 19 Fieldfares, 25 Redwings, 120+ Chaffinches, 49 Goldfinches and 5 Siskins.
Dunlin, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits, Pilning wetland 16.11.22
15th November
A very wet day. Combined reports from Severn Beach included the first Goldeneye of the Year (drake), a Brent Goose, 12 Shelduck, 12 Curlew, 40 Turnstones, 40 Dunlin, 3 Grey Herons, single Stonechat, Rock Pipit and Kestrel. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved 650+ Black-tailed Godwits, 2500 Dunlin, 16 Grey Plover, 250 Lapwings, 200 Redshank, 85 Curlew, 30+ Snipe, 170 Turnstones, 274 Canada Geese, 64 Shoveler, 387 Wigeon, 240 Teal, 4 Gadwall, a Pintail and Kestrel.
14th November
Another mild but grey day. Aust Cliff/services produced some more interesting fly over migrants including a Ruff, 31 Dunlin, 2 Goosander, a Brambling, 3 Siskins and a Yellowhammer plus a Chiffchaff and Peregrine being seen. The usual flock of 600+ Black-tailed Godwits, 10 Grey Plover, 2000+ Dunlin, 100+ Redshank, 300 Lapwings, 30 Snipe, a fresh dead Jack Snipe, a Water Rail, 300 Teal, 54 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Stonechats and a Cetti’s Warbler were reported from Pilning Wetland. Another Jack Snipe, 15 Turnstones, 20 Oystercatchers, a Curlew, 2 Lapwing, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 32 Shelduck, 5 Rock Pipits, 2 Stonechats, a Cetti’s Warbler and a Kestrel were present at Chittening Warth. At least 8 Curlew, 10 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 22 Shelduck, a Shoveler, 24 Wigeon, 4 Stonechats, a Rock Pipit and a Kestrel were seen at Severn Beach.
13th November
A sunny, warm day with alight South East breeze. Another flyover Hawfinch, a Corn Bunting (1st record for 4 years), 4 Brambling, 38 Siskins, 9 Redpolls, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 12 Lapwing, 29 Greylag Geese, 200 Canada Geese, 100 Wigeon, 13 Shoveler, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Coal Tit, 2 Peregrines and a Raven were seen at Aust Cliff/services this morning. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 2 Curlew Sandpipers, a Jack Snipe, 51 Snipe, 2 Grey Plover, 850 Black-tailed Godwits, 1200 Dunlin, 200 Redshank, 60 Curlew, 180 Lapwings, 2 Grey Herons, 300 Canada Geese, 10 Shelduck, 51 Shoveler, 250 Teal, 15 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, a Pintail, a Little Grebe, 8 Coot, 6 Moorhens, 2 Brambling, single Water Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Redpoll, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Reports from Severn Beach involved 50 Black-tailed Godwits, 11 Curlew, 30 Redshank, 500 Dunlin, 27 Oystercatchers, 15 Turnstones, single Ringed Plover and Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, 60 Canada Geese, 90 Wigeon, 31 Shelduck, 6 Teal, 3 Stonechats, single Chiffchaff, Kestrel and the first Tawny Owl of the year (heard calling just before midnight.
Curlew Sandpipers, New Passage 13.11.22 © Nigel Warren
12th November
A Woodlark, 3 Hawfinches, 14 Brambling, 22 Siskins, 7 Redpolls, 1850+ Redwings and 150 Fieldfares were seen flying over Aust Cliff/services this morning. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage included a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stints, 700 Black-tailed Godwits, 2000 Dunlin, 12 Grey Plover, a Knot, 40 Curlew, 200 Redshank, 200 Lapwings, 40+ Snipe, a Little Egret, 8 Grey Herons, 24+ Greylag Geese, 300 Canada Geese, 10 Shelduck, 44 Shoveler, 220 Wigeon, 190 Teal, a Water Rail, 2 Ravens, 2 Grey Wagtails, single Cetti’s Warbler and Kestrel.
11th November
An early morning visit to Pilning Wetland produced a new record count of 900 Black-tailed Godwits, at least 2000 Dunlin, 250 Redshank, 220 Lapwings, 11 Grey Plover, 20 Snipe, 8 Grey Herons, 200+ Teal, 39 Shoveler, single Stonechat, Grey Wagtail and Kestrel. Late morning reports from New Passage included a late Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stints, 13 Grey Plover, 300+ Black-tailed Godwits, 115 Curlew, 240 Redshank, 500 Dunlin, 41 Turnstones, 18 Snipe, 3 Little Egrets, 29 Greylag Geese, 450 Canada Geese, 280 Wigeon, a Rock Pipit and a Kestrel. A Leach’s Petrel was seen to be killed by gulls at Severn Beach early afternoon where other reports involved 38 Wigeon, a Grey Heron and 2 Stonechats. A Water Pipit, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 22 Curlew, 70 Redshank, 31 Snipe, 64 Dunlin, 2 Turnstones, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Pheasant, 62 Shelduck, 6 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 90 Mallard, a Raven, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 9 Stonechats and a Grey Wagtail were reported at Chittening Warth
10th November
A cloudy and breezy day. A Little Stint, 9 Grey Plover, 150+ Black-tailed Godwits, 350+ Redshank, 200 Dunlin, 12 Curlew, 15 Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron, 27+ Greylag Geese, 250 Canada Geese, 250 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 8 Shelduck, 2 Peregrines and a Siskin were seen from New Passage. At least 150 Black-tailed Godwits, 250 Lapwings, 200 Redshank, 15 Curlew, a Little Egret, 4 Grey Herons, 240 Teal, 25 Shoveler were present on Pilning Wetland. Three Stonechats were reported from Aust Warth. Just 14 Curlew, a Grey Heron, 3 Shelduck and 8 Wigeon were reported from Severn Beach. At least 10 Jack Snipe, 10 Snipe and a Water Rail were seen at Chittening Warth (in the Bristol section).
9th November
Another breezy day with sunshine and showers. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage included a Little Stint, 12 Grey Plover, 400+ Black-tailed Godwits, 400 Redshank, 180 Dunlin, 260 Lapwings, 80 Curlew, 30 Turnstones, 20 Snipe, 39 Greylag Geese, 300 Canada Geese, 300 Wigeon, 140 Teal, 16 Shoveler, 6 Shelduck and an adult Kittiwake. A morning high tide visit to Severn Beach produced just 8 Curlew, a Little Egret, 8 Wigeon and 4 Shelduck.
Kittiwake, Pilning Wetland 9.11.22
Greylag Geese, Pilning Wetland 9.11.22
8th November
A breezy day with sunshine and showers. Combined reports from New Passage included 16 Grey Plover, 200+ Black-tailed Godwits, 200 Dunlin, 200 Redshank, 79 Lapwings, 189 Curlew, 40 Oystercatchers, 30 Turnstones, 2 Grey Heron, 150 Canada Geese, 300 Wigeon, 10 Shelduck, a Merlin, 2 Ravens and 2 Siskins. At least 300 Redshank, 240 Lapwings, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 35 Snipe, 3 Curlew, a Little Egret, 230 Teal, 15 Shoveler, 2 Stonechat, 35 Stock Doves, 40 Redwings and a Kestrel were seen at Pilning Wetland. Just 14 Curlew, a Grey Heron, 30 Shelduck, 3 Stonechats and a Grey Wagtail were reported from Severn Beach this morning.
7th November
A dark, gloomy, damp day with an increasing strength wind. Several visits to Pilning Wetland produced at least 150 Black-tailed Godwits, 220 Lapwings, 140 Redshank, 7 Curlew, 5 Snipe, just 2 Dunlin, single Green Sandpiper, Little Egret and 3 Grey Herons, 200+ Teal, 23 Shoveler, a Tufted Duck, 2 Stonechats, single Peregrine and Kestrel. Another 2 Little Egrets were seen from Severn Beach at low tide. A late afternoon scan form New Passage produced at least 250 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Oystercatchers, 20 Curlew, 200 Dunlin, 20+ Shelduck, the usual Wigeon and 250 Canada Geese.
6th November
A breezy day with cloud and heavy rain showers. A Merlin, 3 Grey Plover, 28 Black-tailed Godwits, 200 Dunlin, 200 Redshank, 24 Curlew, 2 Turnstones, 170 Canada Geese, 220 Wigeon and 20 Teal were reported from New Passage this morning. A low tide visit to the Severn Beach shore produced 20 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 23 Shelduck, 6 Wigeon, a singing Cetti’s Warbler, 2 Stonechats and a Kestrel. Just 2 Dunlin, 190 Lapwings, 240 Redshank, 2 Curlew, single Little Egret and and Grey Heron, 160+ Teal, 2 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler and a feeding flock of 30 Stock Doves were seen in a brief breezy and wet visit to Pilning Wetland.
5th November
A dismal, cool, wet and breezy day. Combined reports from New Passage included 15 Grey Plover, 150 Black-tailed Godwits, a Knot, 140 Redshank, 1000 Dunlin, 26 Turnstones, 100 Lapwings, 15 Oystercatchers, 50 Curlew, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 200 Canada Geese, 220 Wigeon, single Shoveler, Pintail, Peregrine and Kestrel. Just 21 Redshank, 4 Curlew, a Lapwing, 17 Teal and a Stonechat were reported from Aust Warth. Another Little Egret, and 4 Fieldfares were reported from Severn Beach.
4th November
A sunny but cool day. Two juvenile Little Stints, 2000 Dunlin, 200+ Lapwings, 30 Snipe, 80 Redshank, 2 Curlew, a Ringed Plover, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 250 Teal, 12 Shoveler, a Shelduck, a female type Marsh Harrier (flew South) and a Kestrel. A redhead Goosander, 300 Canada Geese and the usual Wigeon flock were seen from New Passage.
3rd November
A cooler (12°C), wet day with brief sunny spells. An early afternoon visit to Pilning Wetland produced at least 2 juvenile Little Stints, 7 Grey Plover, 1000+ Dunlin, 200+ Lapwing, 40 Snipe, 120 Redshank, 6 Curlew, a Ringed Plover, a Little Egret, 4 Grey Herons, 2 squealing Water Rails, 200+ Teal, 70 Mallard, 14 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, a Shelduck, 12 Moorhens, 10 Coot, 2 Little Grebes and a Kestrel. At least 4 Chiffhaffs were seen fly catching in a sheltered sunny area at Aust Clliff/services. Ringing update: a colour ringed Black-tailed Godwit (RW/RG) seen at New Passage on 20/8/22 was ringed in Brittany in 2001. 21 years ago, amazing.
2nd November
Another increasingly breezy day from the south and rain by mid afternoon. A Black-throated Diver was seen from Beachley Point, Gloucestershire at 12.20 that then flew East and inland over Aust Warth (only the 4th Severnside record). A seawatch from Severn Beach produced just 2 Kittiwakes, 4 Shelduck, 15 Wigeon, 60 Turnstones, 37 Lapwings, 18 Curlew, 140 Dunlin of note. A very brief visit to wind swept Pilning Wetland produced just the usual 150+ Lapwing, a Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, the Teal flock and 4 Shoveler. At least 400 Wigeon and 200 Canada Geese were seen from New Passage at high tide this afternoon.
Arctic Skua, Severn Beach 1.11.22 © Vic Savery
Brent Goose, Severn Beach 1.11.22
Great Crested Grebe, Severn Beach 1.11.22
1st November
A windy and very wet day. Early morning reports from Aust Cliff/services involved yet another 3 Hawfinches (flying South West), a dark morph Arctic Skua, 6 Lapwings, 11 Ringed Plover, an impressive 41000+ Wood Pigeons, 9 Redwings, 4 Fieldfares, 2 Peregrines, single Sparrowhawk, Rock Pipit and Grey Wagtail. Combined reports from Severn Beach included the first Storm Petrel of the year, at least 2 Leach’s Petrels, a juvenile Arctic Skua, a Fulmar, 63 Kittiwakes, 2 Common Scoter, single dark-belied Brent Goose and Great Crested Grebe, 10 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 73 Turnstones, 80 Dunlin and 30 Curlew. Three Little Stints, 6 Grey Plover, 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 130 Redshank, 80 Lapwings, 70 Dunlin, a Snipe, a Little Egret, 80 Canada Geese, 180 Wigeon, 200+ Teal and a Kestrel were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area.
