December is one of the quietest months with only 168 species recorded during the month. It can be a good month for wildfowl with the chance of Red-breasted Merganser and Goosander if inland waters freeze or some fly by Bewick’s Swans. A good selection of seabirds have occurred in December gales including Black-throated and Great Northern Divers, Leach’s Petrel, Little Auk, Grey Phalarope and Pomarine Skua. Other rarities have included a stunning male Desert Wheatear (2013), Eastern Yellow Wagtail (1993), Green-winged Teal (2013), Egyptian Goose (2013, 2019), Glaucous Gull, Waxwing (2010) and in the winters of 1940 & 1941, Cirl Bunting.
December 2022
31st December
A very wet, breezy and quiet end to the year. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 70 Black-tailed Godwits, 45 Redshank, 60 Lapwings, 400 Dunlin, 30 Oystercatchers, 50 Curlew, 5 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 15 Greylag Geese, 60 Canada Geese, 350+ Wigeon, 240 Teal, 12 Shelduck and 9 Shoveler. A high tide visit to the Severn Beach shore in dismal conditions produced just 18 Ringed Plover, 90 Turnstones, 270 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatchers, 12 Shelduck and the Black Redstart was reported being present late afternoon.
30th December
The weather remained unsettled with a gusty wind and lots of rain. The Black Redstart, 2 adult Kittiwakes, 21 Ringed Plover, 90 Turnstones, 2 Redshank, single Oystercatcher and Dunlin, 10 Shelduck and 4 Wigeon were seen late morning at Severn Beach. Sightings from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 2000+ Dunlin, 90 Curlew, 60 Oystercatchers, just 17 Lapwing, 3 Grey Herons, 40 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag Geese, 450+ Wigeon, 250 Teal, 28 Shelduck, 17 Shoveler, single Tufted Duck, Gadwall and adult Kittiwake (flew up river).
29th December
Another windy day with some torrential rain and hail showers. Combined reports from Severn Beach over the late morning high tide included 2 Fulmars, 38 Kittiwakes, 156 Turnstones, 25 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 7 Curlew, 10 Shelduck, 6 Wigeon, a Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Stonechats, a Merlin and a Peregrine. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved an Avocet, 120 Black-tailed Godwits, 450+ Lapwings, 2500+ Dunlin, 100 Redshank, 90 Curlew, 3 Snipe, 70 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Heron, 150 Canada Geese, 14 Greylag Geese, a mixed flock of 1000+ Wigeon/Teal, 35 Shelduck, 21 Shoveler, 4 Pintail, 6 Tufted Duck, single Merlin and Kestrel.
Kittiwakes, Severn Beach 29.12.22
Avocet, Pilning Wetland 29.12.22
28th December
A breezy wet morning and even windier in the afternoon. A morning high tide visit to Severn Beach produced just 6 Curlew, 10 Dunlin, 22 Shelduck and a Mistle Thrush (unusual here). Combined reports from New Passage/Pilning Wetland included 4 Avocets, 60 Black-tailed Godwits, 1000 Dunlin, 2 Knot, 65 Redshank, 115 Curlew, 35 Oystercatchers, 3 Snipe, 300 Canada Geese, 26 Shelduck, 500+ Wigeon, 750 Teal, 6 Pintail (3 drakes), 16 Shoveler, 58 Mallard and 4 Tufted Duck.
27th December
A cloudy morning followed by a wet and breezy afternoon. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 2 Avocets, 34 Grey Plover, 100 Black-tailed Godwits, 130 Curlew, 1000 Dunlin, 70 Redshank, 42 Turnstones, 80 Oystercatchers, 60 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 80 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag Geese, 45 Shelduck, 28 Shoveler, 400 Wigeon, 220 Teal, a Tufted Duck, 2 Peregrine and a Kestrel. Another 40 Dunlin, 20 Shelduck and a Great Black-backed Gull were seen from Severn Beach.
26th December
The Black Redstart remained on the sea defences at Severn Beach. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included a Marsh Harrier, 100 Black-tailed Godwits, 320 Lapwing, 70 Oystercatchers, 15 Curlew, 5 Snipe, 70 Redshank, 2 Grey Herons, 140 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag Geese, 11 Shelduck, 250+ Wigeon, 200+ Teal and 55 Shoveler.
25th December
Combined reports from Severn Beach included the Black Redstart, 22 Shelduck, the usual Wigeon, Dunlin, Ringed Plovers, Curlews, Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Turnstones and a Rock Pipit.
24th December
A dry day with some sunny periods. The Black Redstart, 3 Stonechat, 60 Turnstones and 3 Ringed Plover were seen at Severn Beach. Combined sightings from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 240+ Black-tailed Godwits, 700 Lapwings, 80 Redshank, 40+ Snipe, 2 Curlew, 2 Grey Herons, 9 Greylag Geese, 300 Wigeon, 250+ Teal, 25 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 6 Shelduck, 17 Pintail, a Water Pipit, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 4 Chiffchaffs. A pair of Stonechats were seen at Aust Warth.
23rd December
A day of sunshine and showers. A Red-breasted Merganser was present on the shoreline at Severn Beach for 20 minutes this morning before it flew off low up river where other sightings involved 26 Black-tailed Godwits, 15 Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshanks, Turnstones, Oystercatchers, Wigeon and 11 Shelduck. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included a Marsh Harrier, 600+ Black-tailed Godwits, 340 Lapwing, 130 Redshank, 10 Curlew, 120 Dunlin, 12 Turnstones, 30 Snipe, 120 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag Geese, 6 Shelduck, 300 Wigeon, 450 Teal, 40 Shoveler, 4 Pintail, a Tufted Duck, 5 Gadwall, a Kestrel and a Blackcap.
Red-breasted Merganser, Severn Beach 23.12.22
22nd December
A grey and damp day. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved 850+ Black-tailed Godwits, 700+ Lapwing, 25 Redshank, 50 Dunlin, 2 Mute Swans, 7 Greylag Geese, 45 Canada Geese, 500+ Teal, 60 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 5 Pintail, a Tufted Duck, 2 Shelduck and a Chifchaff. Another 9 Shelduck, 2 Stonechats and a Sparrowhawk were seen at Severn Beach. A Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 2 Shelduck, 2 Rock Pipits and a Stonechat were reported from Chittening Warth.
21st December
Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved 700+ Black-tailed Godwits, 550 Lapwings, 80 Redshank, 300 Dunlin, 60 Curlew, 50 Oystercatchers, 120 Turnstones, 3 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 200 Canada Geese, 420 Wigeon, 450 Teal, 12 Shelduck, 25 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 50 Fieldfares and a Kestrel. A male Blackcap was seen feeding on Crab apples in Severn Beach.
20th December
A cooler, dry day with some sunshine. The Black Redstart, 50 Dunlin, 28 Ringed Plover, 100 Turnstones, 30 Redshank, 14 Shelduck, 70 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 2 Stonechats, single Yellowhammer (flying North) and Kestrel were seen at Severn Beach. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage involved 12 Avocets, 350+ Black-tailed Godwits, 550+ Lapwing, 80 Redshank, 170 Dunlin, 45 Curlew, 70 Oystercatchers, 20 Turnstones, 2 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, 90 Canada Geese, 6 Shelduck, 440 Wigeon, 500+ Teal, 5 Gadwall, 35 Shoveler, a hunting Marsh Harrier and 15 Redwings.
Avocets, New Passage 20.12.22
19th December
A warmer day reaching 14°C with rain and a Southerly breeze all day. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 21 Golden Plover, 120 Lapwings, 32 Redshank, 37 Curlew, 400 Dunlin, 50 Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron, 120 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck, 33 Shoveler, 150 Teal, 400+ Wigeon and 4 Tufted Duck. The Black Redstart, 70 Wigeon, 8 Shelduck, 4 Ringed Plover, 60 Dunlin, 40 Redshank and 100 Turnstones were seen at Severn Beach.
18th December
An icy dawn followed by a thaw and rain for most of the day. The Black Redstart, 7 Ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 300+ Dunlin, 60 Redshank, 80 Wigeon, 12 Shelduck, 2 Stonechats and a male Blackcap were seen at Severn Beach on a low tide visit. Pilning Wetland remained mainly frozen with just a small number of Dunlin, Lapwings, 4 Shelduck. 30 Teal and 12 Shoveler being seen in a brief and very wet visit.
17th December
A less cold night followed by a slow thaw. The first December Cattle Egret was found this morning on Pilning Wetland where or other sightings on mainly frozen pools included 50 Black-tailed Godwits, 30 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 30 Redshank, a Grey Heron, 180 Teal, 10 Wigeon and a Kestrel. Nearby 61 Black-tailed Godwits, 260 Dunlin, 5 Knot, 35 Redshank, 17 Turnstones, 5 Curlew, a Grey Heron, 220 Canada Geese, 240 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 2 Shelduck and 2 Gadwall were seen from New Passage. A low tide visit to Severn Beach produced 120 Black-tailed Godwits, 350 Dunlin, 80 Curlew, 35 Oystercatchers, 30 Turnstones, 60 Redshank, 10 Ringed Plover, 12 Snipe, 20 Shelduck, 80 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 2 Stonechats, single Rock Pipit, Kestrel and the Black Redstart was reported later. A Peregrine was seen at Aust Cliff/services.
Cattle Egret, Pilning Wetland 17.12.22
16th December
Another bitterly cold day with a dawn temperature of -7°C. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland where all but one pool was frozen included a hunting Marsh Harrier, 50 Lapwing, 70 Shoveler, 360 Teal, a Gadwall, 8 Coot, 2 Sparrowhawks and a Stonechat. Nearby, the Marsh Harrier was seen later at New Passage where other sightings included a Red Kite, 2 Peregrines, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, 50 Redshank, 3 Curlew, 200 Lapwings, 250 Dunlin,4 Snipe, single Turnstone, Oystercatcher and Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, 340 Canada Geese, 300 Wigeon, 10 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall and 16 Greenfinches. The Black Redstart, another 35 Black-tailed Godwits, 300 Dunlin, 70 Redshank, 89 Turnstones, 60 Curlew, 10 Lapwing, 20 Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron, 3 Mute Swans, 15 Shelduck, 90 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Stonechats and a male Blackcap were seen at Severn Beach.
Red Kite, New Passage 16.12.22
15th December
An icy (-6°C) dawn and cold and sunny for most of the day. Pilning Wetland was almost completely frozen but still produced 250 Lapwings, 20 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Dunlin, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Mute Swans, 20 Wigeon, 30 Teal and a Sparrowhawk. High tide reports from Severn Beach included 200 Dunlin, 40 Turnstones, 20 Ringed Plover, 60 Curlew, 50 Redshank, 2 Pintail, 7 Gadwall, 70 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 17 Shelduck and 2 Stonechats.
14th December
Another cold day with subzero temperatures and a penetrating cold wind. A ring-tailed Hen Harrier flew in from the river at Severn Beach and went quickly East. Other sightings from the Severn Beach shore included the Black Redstart, 200 Dunlin, 20 Redshank, 30 Curlew, 15 Shelduck, 40 Wigeon and a Stonechat. The first 7 Bewick’s Swans (adults) of the year, 3 White-fronted Geese, 14 Greylag Geese, 300 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 7 Shelduck, 370 Wigeon, 190 Teal, 40 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 280 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Golden Plover, 150 Lapwings, 60 Curlew, 80 Redshank, 200 Dunlin, 52 Turnstones, 11 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 2 Marsh Harriers, a Red Kite and a Chiffchaff were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Five Pheasants were seen at Aust Cliff/services. Click HERE for a short video of the Bewick’s Swans and HERE for a video of the Black Redstart.
Bewick’s Swans, Pilning Wetland 14.12.22
Bewick’s Swans, Pilning Wetland 14.12.22
ringtail Hen Harrier, Severn Beach 14.12.22
13th December
It remained cold with the temperature hovering around 0°C. The Black Redstart, 150 Turnstones, 6 Redshank, 5 Dunlin, 13 Shelduck, 40 Wigeon and a Stonechat were seen at Severn Beach mid morning. A visit to Pilning Wetland produced 250 Black-tailed Godwits, 70 Lapwings, 5 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 40 Shoveler, 80 Wigeon, 190 Teal and 2 Tufted Duck on the still mainly frozen pools. Another 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Avocets, 40 Redshank, 60 Dunlin, 15 Turnstones, 300 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, 250 Wigeon and a drake Pintail were seen from New Passage.
12th December
Another cold murky day with a North East breeze. A morning high tide visit to the Severn Beach shore produced a Jack Snipe, 50 Dunlin, 4 Curlew, single Snipe, Little Egret and Grey Heron, 37 Shelduck, 40 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 5 Stonechats and a Kestrel. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 12 Avocets, 470+ Black-tailed Godwits, 120 Redshank, 300 Lapwing, 25 Golden Plover, 530 Dunlin, 42 Turnstones, 76 Curlew, 7 Snipe, 12 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 550 Teal, 180 Wigeon, 40 Shoveler, a drake Pintail, 7 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 63 Mallard, 2 Little Grebes, single Stonechat, Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. A Raven and 6 Chiffchaffs were seen at Aust Cliff/services and nearby another Jack Snipe, 6 Snipe, 15 Redshank, 50 Wigeon, 5 Stonechats, 4 Rock Pipits and 2 Peregrines were seen at Aust Warth.
Pintail, Pilning Wetland 12.12.22
11th December
Another cold dawn with a light dusting of snow. A Short-eared Owl was present on the Severn Beach salt marsh and the Black Redstart was on the shingle beach there. Other species seen from the sea wall and salt marsh from here included 75 Black-tailed Godwits, 80 Redshank, 40 Curlew, 600 Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plover, 35 Turnstones, 12 Snipe, 43 Lapwing, 8 Oystercatchers, 2 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 48 Shelduck, 7 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 50 Wigeon, 70 Teal, 6 Stonechats, 20 Greenfinch, 20 Chaffinch, 9 Siskins, 20 Reed Buntings, single Peregrine, Kestrel and Chiffchaff. Reports from Chittening Warth 6 Jack Snipe, 12 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 4 Rock Pipits, 3 Stonechats, 21 Skylarks, single Kingfisher, Peregrine and Kestrel. A very brief visit to the mainly frozen Pilning Wetland produced a Marsh Harrier, just 60 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Lapwing, 20 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 3 Shelduck, 35 Shoveler, 140 Wigeon, 350 Teal, single Kestrel and male Sparrowhawk.
Short-eared Owl, Severn Beach 11.12.22 © Aravind Ramesh
Black Redstart, Severn Beach 11.12.22 © Matt Hall
10th December
Another icy start and remaining cold all day. Sightings from Severn Beach included the Black Redstart, a Water Pipit, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 200 Dunlin, 200 Redshank, 25 Turnstones, 12 Shelduck, 40 Wigeon and 2 Stonechats. Combined reports from New Passage included 7 Avocets, 9 Knot, 700+ Black-tailed Godwits, 2000 Dunlin, 80 Redshank, 30 Curlew, 20 Oystercatchers, 350 Canada Geese and 200 Wigeon. Most of Pilning Wetland remained covered with ice but still produced 150 Black-tailed Godwits, 160 Lapwing, 35 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, 350 Canada Geese, 400 Teal, 100 Wigeon, 40 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, single Pintail and Tufted Duck, a hunting Marsh Harrier, 2 Kestrels and 2 Stonechats. Another 60 Lapwing, a Snipe and 3 Little Egrets were seen at Aust Wetland.
Marsh Harrier, Pilning Wetland 10.12.22
9th December
Another icy day with most of the fresh water pools frozen over. At least 800 Black-tailed Godwits, 5000 Dunlin, 400 Lapwing, 80 Redshank, 20 Snipe, single Golden Plover and Grey Heron, 60 Canada Geese, 50 Wigeon, 150 Teal, 26 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, single Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier, Merlin and Sparrowhawk were seen on Pilning Wetland. Nearby more or some of the same birds were seen from New Passage including 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 60 Curlew, 80 Redshank, 1500+ Dunlin, 40 Oystercatchers, 60 Canada Geese, 200 Wigeon and 30 Teal. The Black Redstart remained in Severn Beach where other sightings included 600 Dunlin, 16 Ringed Plover, 40 Curlew, 60 Redshank, 70 Wigeon, 25 Greenfinches feeding on the shingle, 2 Stonechats and a male Blackcap. Click on the image below for a video of the Godwits and Dunlin in flight and returning to the ice after a Merlin flushed many of them.
Black-tailed Godwits & Dunlin, Pilning Wetland 9.12.22
8th December
An icy dawn (-1°C), remaining cold and sunny most of the day. Reports from Pilning Wetland (with frozen wader pools) produced less than recent visits with a Marsh Harrier, just 30 Black-tailed Godwits, one Dunlin, 200 Lapwing, 10 Snipe, single Little Egret and Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes, 200 Teal, 50 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler and a Kestrel. A low tide visit to New Passage produced just 100 Black-tailed Godwits, 2800 Dunlin, 50 Oystercatchers, one Ringed Plover, a few Curlew and Redshank, a Grey Heron, 200 Canada Geese, 150 Wigeon and a Shoveler. The Black Redstart remained in Severn Beach.
Little Grebe, Pilning Wetland 8.12.22
7th December
A frosty start to the day. The Black Redstart, 2 Stonechats, a male Blackcap and a Sparrowhawk were seen in Severn Beach today. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland included 700+ Black-tailed Godwits, 600+ Lapwings, 10 Redshank, a Curlew, 2 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, a Water Rail, 4 Shelduck, 45 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 50 Wigeon, 400+ Teal and a murmurating flock of 1000’s of Starlings before dropping to roost. Click HERE for a Youtube video of the Starlings.
Black Redstart, Severn Beach 7.12.22
6th December
It remained cold and cloudy with a biting North East breeze. Early morning reports from Aust Cliff/services included 8 Lapwings, a Siskin, 2 Kestrels, single Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Raven. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved 2 Avocets, 800 Black-tailed Godwits, 600 Lapwing, 1100 Dunlin, 100+ Turnstones, 130 Redshank, 60 Curlew, 45 Oystercatchers, 2 Snipe, 3 Grey Herons, 100 Canada Geese, 360 Wigeon, a high count of at least 800 Teal, 45 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 12 Shelduck and a hunting Marsh Harrier. The Black Redstart, 22 Turnstones, 40 Curlew, 50 Wigeon, 9 Shelduck, 6 Stonechats, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Kestrels and a Sparrowhawk were reported from the Severn Beach seawall/shore and nearby 2 Mute Swans, 2 Gadwall. 2 Tufted Duck, single Grey Heron and Little Egret were seen at the Orchard Pools.
5th December
Another cool and mainly cloudy day with a North East breeze. A brief low tide visit to Pilning Wetland produced 800+ Black-tailed Godwits, 400 Lapwing, 30 Redshank, 12 Curlew, 4 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, 600+ Teal, 30 Wigeon, 45 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck and a Kestrel.
4th December
A cold day with a moderate strength North East breeze and no sunshine. Combined reports from Severn Beach included the Black Redstart, 800 Dunlin, 55 Curlew, 75 Redshank, 115 Oystercatchers, 25 Turnstones, 10 Ringed Plover, a Grey Heron, 45 Wigeon, 34 Shelduck, a Great Black-backed Gull, 21 Stock Doves, single Rock Pipit, Merlin and Kestrel. A Bar-tailed Godwit, 800 Black-tailed Godwits, 450 Dunlin, 440 Lapwings, 35 Curlew, 85 Redshank, 73 Oystercatchers, 17 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, 200 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 8 Shelduck, 300 Wigeon, an impressive 750 Teal, 50+ Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 90 Mallard, 2 Stonechats, single Cetti’s Warbler, Grey Wagtail, Rock Pipit and Kestrel were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Aust Cliff/services produced 125 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 60 Dunlin, a Little Egret, 200 Canada Geese, 6 Wigeon, 156 Fieldfares, 2 Ravens, single Chiffchaff, Brambling, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Peregrine. A rarer report from Avonmouth Sewage works involved 4 Gadwall, 12 Teal, single Chiffchaff and Grey Wagtail.
3rd December
Another cool day with a North East breeze. The Black Redstart was still on the sea wall at Severn Beach and a quick visit to the Orchard Pools produced 5 Gadwall and 2 Mute Swans. Early morning reports from Aust Cliff/services included 2 White-fronted Geese heading up river, 234 Lapwings, 10 Dunlin, 180 Redwings, 240 Fieldfares, a Hawfinch and 2 Brambling heading North East. A Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 43 Redshank, single Snipe, Water Rail and Little Egret, 5 Greylag Geese, 250 Canada Geese, 200 Wigeon, 180 Teal, 2 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits and a Kestrel were seen at Aust Warth. The usual birds were seen on Pilning Wetland including 800 Black-tailed Godwits, 350 Lapwing, 700 Dunlin, 80 Redshank, 9 Snipe, a Grey Heron, 190 Teal, 50 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 50 Wigeon, 7 Shelduck and a Kestrel.
Kestrel, Severn Beach 2.12.22
Stonechat, Severn Beach 2.12.22
2nd December
A cold day (6°C) with a foggy start then cloudy all day with North East breeze. Reports from Chittening Warth included 9 Jack Snipe, 3 Snipe, 600 Dunlin, 30 Oystercatchers, 25 Curlew, 3 Redshank, a Grey Heron, a Pheasant, 20 Wigeon, 5 Shelduck, 8 Rock Pipits, 2 Kestrels and a Peregrine. Another 250 Dunlin, 40 Curlew, 25 Oystercatchers, 3 Turnstones, a Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Herons, 36 Shelduck, 50 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 4 Stonechats, single Rock Pipit and Grey Wagtail were reported at Severn Beach on the early afternoon high tide. A low tide visit to Pilning Wetland produced 500+ Black-tailed Godwits, 1500 Dunlin, 150 Lapwings, 60 Redshank, a Grey Heron, 50+ Shoveler, 160 Teal, 10 Gadwall and 4 Shelduck. Reports from Aust Cliff/services involved 23 Lapwing, 40 Dunlin, 12 Redshank, 5 Shelduck, single Chiffchaff, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine.
Black Redstart, Severn Beach 1.12.22 © Matt Hall
1st December
Another cold, foggy grey day. The Black Redstart remained at Severn Beach for it’s 5th day where other reports included 24 Ringed Plover, 110 Turnstones, 30 Redshank, 400 Dunlin, 30 Oystercatchers, 40 Curlew, 9 Lapwings, a Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, a Water Rail, 21 Shelduck, 45 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 4 Stonechats, 10 Greenfinches, single Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Raven, Cetti’s Warbler and Grey Wagtail. Reports from Aust Warth involved 4 Avocets, 180 Dunlin, 50 Redshank, 16 Curlew, single Snipe and Pheasant, 3 Pintail, 11 Shelduck, 50 Wigeon, 45 Teal, single Water Pipit and Cetti’s Warbler. The few birds visible at Pilning Wetlland included 600+ Black-tailed Godwits, 2000 Dunlin, 250 Lapwings, 80 Redshank, a Curlew, 2 Mute Swans, 7 Gadwall, 50 Shoveler and 200+ Teal.
