March is a slightly better month than February with a total of 185 species recorded during this month. As each day passes the expectation of an early spring migrant increases, Wheatears usually being seen by mid month along with Chiffchaffs, Sand Martins and Little Ringed Plovers. Rarities have included Black Kite (2010), Green-winged Teal (2014), Cattle Egret (2017, 2024), Spoonbill (2020,2023), Great White Egret, Crane (2015, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024), Long-tailed Skua (2021), Iceland and Glaucous Gulls, Goshawk (2022), Hen Harrier and Bearded Tit (2004), Great Grey Shrike (2004), Mandarin (2006), Woodlark (2024) and Siberian Chiffchaff (2007, 2023).
March 2024
31st March
A fine sunny start followed by cloud in a moderate strength East wind. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area involved 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 11 Avocets, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 106 Redshank, 6 Lapwings, a Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, the Great Crested Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Mute Swans, 35 Shelduck, 18 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 7 Wigeon, 45 Teal, a Water Pipit, 3 Wheatears, 3 Swallows, 9 Sand Martins and 4 Siskins. Reports from the Severn Beach area included 4 Ringed Plover, 50 Oystercatchers, 25 Curlew, 2 Lapwings, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 35 Shelduck, 8 Gadwall, 10 Teal, a Pintail, 4 Cetti’s Warblers, 6+ Willow Warblers, 10+ Chiffchaffs, 5 Siskins, 2 Stonechats, single Sand Martin, Marsh Harrier and Kestrel. Another 19 Siskins, 2 Redpoll, 2 Ravens, single Coal Tit and Peregrine were reported from Aust Cliff/services. A pair of Little Owls were seen at a withheld location.
30th March
A dry and sunny day. Early morning reports from Aust Cliff/services included 2 Short-eared Owls (heading high South West), 8 Shelduck, 8 Teal, a Pheasant, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Ravens, a Kestrel, 3 Redpolls, 3 Siskins, 12 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers and a Wheatear. The 2 Short-eared Owls and another Wheatear were also seen at Aust Warth. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved a Knot, 11 Avocets, 6 Lapwings, 80 Redshank, a Dunlin, 35+ Curlew, 4 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons, a Pink-footed Goose, 11 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 50+ Shelduck, 9 Wigeon, 18 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 55 Teal, single Great Crested Grebe, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 4 Willow Warblers and 7 Chiffchaffs. Another Wheatear, 140 Turnstones, 5 Ringed Plover, 48 Oystercatchers, 30 Curlew, a Canada Goose, 28 Shelduck, 3 Gadwall, 20+ Teal, 2 Willow Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, 3 Cetti’s Warblers, single Raven and Sparrowhawk were reported from Severn Beach.
29th March
A day of sunny spells between torrential rain showers. Three Knot, 13 Avocets, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 104 Redshank, 37 Curlew, 33 Oystercatchers, 5 Lapwings, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Pink-footed Goose, 18 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 53 Shelduck, 22 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 11 Wigeon, 98 Teal, a Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebes, a Water Rail, 2 Ravens, a Rock Pipit, 5 Chiffchaffs and 7 Willow Warblers were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Reports from Severn Beach included a Ringed Plover, 140 Turnstones, 2 Canada Geese, 8 Shelduck, single male Wheatear, Cetti’s Warbler and Raven. Two Mute Swans, 7 Shoveler, 18 Mallard, 8 Coot, 3 Lapwings, 2 Stonechats, single Swallow and Kestrel were seen at Aust Wetland.
28th March
A mainly wet day with some torrential rain showers and sudden gusty wind as Storm Nelson moved through (the water levels on the wetland have risen by several inches but will fall as soon as it stops raining). Just one Little Ringed Plover, 11 Avocets, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 155 Redshank, 51 Curlew, 29 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwings, a Water Rail, 7 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Pink-footed Goose, 7 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 53 Shelduck, 19 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 8 Wigeon, 46 Teal, a Pochard, 5 Tufted Duck, 3 Wheatears, 6 + Chiffchaffs, single female Merlin, Peregrine, Swallow and Willow Warbler were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area..
27th March
A wet day with some squally torrential rain and hail showers. An early morning visit to the Severn Beach shore produced 30 Curlew, a Canada Goose, 27 Shelduck, 2 Teal, 2 Cetti’s Warblers and many singing Chiffchaffs. Combined reports from Pilning Wetland/New Passage included 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 13 Avocets, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Lapwings, 64 Redshank, 60 Curlew, 20 Turnstones, a Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, a Pink-footed Goose, 14 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 27 Shelduck, 18 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 70 Teal, 9 Tufted Duck, a Pochard, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 6 Swallows, 22 Sand Martins, 3 singing Willow Warblers, 8+ Chiffchaffs, 2 Cetti’s Warblers, 2 Redpolls, single Siskin and Sparrowhawk.
26th March
Another cloudy day with rain showers. Reports from Severn Beach included the first 13 Dark-bellied Brent Geese of the year, a pair of Common Scoter, 4 Canada Geese, 42 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 50 Teal, a Jack Snipe, 17 Oystercatchers, 31 Curlew, a Snipe, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 3 Siskins, single Raven, Cetti’s Warbler and Wheatear. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland /New Passage area involved 5 Little Ringed Plovers, 11 Avocets, 9 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Lapwings, 50 Curlew, 40 Oystercatchers, 120 Redshank, 5 Snipe, 32 Turnstones, 2 Dunlin, 5 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, single Great Crested Grebe and Pink-footed Goose, 31 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 46 Shelduck, 19 Shoveler, 18 Gadwall, 16 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck, single Pochard, female Merlin, Kestrel and Pheasant, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 singing Willow Warblers and the first Swallow of the year. Another 12 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, single Raven, Pheasant, Redpoll and Kestrel were reported from Aust Cliff/services.
Merlin, New Passage 26.3.24
Black-tailed Godwit, Pilning Wetland 26.3.24
25th March
A day of cloud and occasional rain showers with a South East wind. The first Yellow Wagtail of the year, 12 Avocets (colour-ringed Blue C4 still present), 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 130 Redshank, 55 Curlew, 49 Oystercatchers, 63 Turnstones, 6 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 2 Ringed Plover, a Dunlin, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, single Great Crested Grebe and Pink-footed Goose, 2 Mute Swans, 23 Shelduck, 19 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 11 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 85 Teal, a Pochard, 12 Tufted Duck, a Water Rail, 7 Chiffchaffs, a Willow Warbler and 3 Sand Martins were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Reports from Severn Beach included 15 Curlew, 15 Oystercatchers, 10 Turnstones, 2 Canada Geese, 24 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 3 Wheatears, 2 Sand Martins and 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers. Three Wheatears were seen at Aust Warth.
Avocets, Pilning Wetland 25.3.24
Great Crested Grebe, Pilning Wetland 25.3.24
Little Ringed Plover, Pilning Wetland 25.3.24
24th March
A day with sunny spells and a light South West breeze. Two Ravens, 3 Stonechats, 11 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps and a Kestrel were reported from the Aust Cliff/services area. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area area involved 2 Knot, 12 Avocets, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 50+ Redshank, 4 Lapwings, a Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 7 Little Egrets, single Grey Heron and Pink-footed Goose, 28 Shelduck, 22 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 9 Wigeon, 75 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, the first singing Willow Warbler of the year, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, a Coal Tit and 3 Wheatears. A Short-eared Owl and another 2 Wheatears were seen at Aust Warth. Two Lapwings, 2 Mute Swans, 5 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 15 Coot, 4 Chiffchaffs and a Stonechat were reported from Aust Wetland.
23rd March
A breezy day. At least 200 Kittiwakes, 3 Canada Geese, 20 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 30 Oystercatchers, 5 Curlew and 2 Great Black-backed Gulls were seen from Severn Beach. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included 14 Avocets, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, a Knot, 120 Redshank, 40 Oystercatchers, 18 Curlew, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, single Great Crested Grebe, Pink-footed Goose and Greylag Goose, 15 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 60 Shelduck, 12 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 38 Wigeon, 81 Teal, a Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck and 2 Wheatears.
22nd March
At least 6 Wheatears, 50+ Sand Martins, 11 Avocets, 17 Black-tailed Godwits, 190 Redshank, 8 Dunlin, 40 Curlew, 8 Lapwings, 50 Oystercatchers, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, single Great Crested Grebe and Pink-footed Goose, 22 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 49 Shelduck, 14 Tufted Duck, a Pochard, 12 Gadwall, 22 Shoveler, 98 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 4+ singing Chiffchaffs, several flyover Siskins, single Merlin and Raven were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. A Red Kite drifted over Severn Beach.
21st March
Another dry day with brief sunny spells. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 11 Avocets, 17 Black-tailed Godwits, 140 Redshank, 8 Lapwings, 9 Snipe, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, a Pink-footed Goose, 13 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 40+ Shelduck, 12 Gadwall, 28 Shoveler, 80+ Teal, 50+ Wigeon, a Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 60+ Sand Martins, 6+ Chiffchaffs and a Kestrel. Early morning reports from Aust Cliff/services involved 5 Cattle Egrets flying South West, 5 Curlew, 9 Shelduck, 3 Pheasants, a Little Egret, 4 Grey Herons, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens, 12 Chiffchaffs, 44 Redwings and 5 Siskins. Severn Beach remained quiet with just a mixed flock of 70 Turnstone/Dunlin, 5 Shelduck and 6 Wigeon being reported.
Lapwing, Pilning Wetland 21.3.24
20th March
A warm day with some sunny periods in a light South West breeze with just a 9.5 metre high tide. Just 4 Avocets, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Lapwing, 150 Redshank, 35 Curlew, 20+ Oystercatchers, 4 Little Egrets, 7 Grey Herons, a Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebes, 18 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 45+ Shelduck, 30 Shoveler, 14 Tufted Duck, a Pochard, 12 Gadwall, 40+ Wigeon, 80+ Teal, 10 Sand Martins, 5+ Chiffchaffs, single Rock Pipit, Wheatear and Stonechat were reported from Pilning Wetland/New Passage. Just 6 Shelduck, 4 Wigeon, 10 Oystercatchers and a few singing Chiffchaffs were reported from Severn Beach.
19th March
A mild day with some some suuny periods. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 8 Avocets, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 160 Redshank, 8 Lapwings, 2 Snipe, 30 Curlew, 20 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, a Pink-footed Goose, 25 Canada Geese, 64 Shelduck, 38 Shoveler, 9 Tufted Duck, a Pochard, 70 Wigeon, 130 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 4 Little Grebes and at least 4 Chiffchaffs. Another 75 Oystercatchers, 40 Curlew, a Great Black-backed Gull, 37 Shelduck, 15 Wigeon, 40 Teal, 2 Gadwall, a singing Cetti’s Warbler and 4+ Chiffchaffs were present at Severn Beach.
18th March
A mainly dry and sunny day. Early morning reports from Aust Cliff/services included 17 Canada Geese, 17 Shelduck, 11 Wigeon, 2 Pheasants, 20 Oystercatchers, 12 Curlew, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 1150 Common Gulls, 3 Great Black-backed Gulls, 9 Chiffchaffs, 2 Siskins, single Redpoll, Raven and Sparrowhawk. Nearby, 3 Greylag Geese, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Short-eared Owls, 4 Stonechat, single Grey Heron, Kestrel, Raven and Chiffchaff were reported at Aust Warth and another 4 Stonechats were seen at Aust Wetland. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved 9 Avocets, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 180 Redshank, 10 Lapwings, 33 Snipe, 35 Oystercatchers, 5 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, a Water Rail, 26 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 85 Shelduck, 50 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 60 Wigeon, 40 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 254 Teal, a Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 5 Sand Martins, 2 Chiffchaffs, single Barn Owl, Tawny Owl and Sparrowhawk. Another 7 Shelduck, 15 Wigeon, 2 Stonechats and several singing Chiffchaffs were present at Severn Beach. Of note, 5 Brown Hares were seen today.
17th March
A mild day starting wet with some afternoon sunshine later. Three Wheatears and 2 Stonechats were reported from Aust Warth. At least 10 Avocets, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 10 Lapwings, 200+ Redshank, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 30+ Shelduck, 38 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 75 Wigeon, 90 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck and 4+ singing Chiffchaffs were reported from Pilning Wetland. A brief morning low tide visit to Severn Beach produced just 75 Turnstones, 6 Shelduck and 2 singing Chiffchaffs. The first Tawny Owl of the year was calling at New Passage this evening.
16th March
A dry morning, a wet afternoon and a light Southerly wind. A Bar-tailed Godwit, 10 Avocets, 23 Black-tailed Godwits, 242 Redshank, 10 Lapwings, 4 Snipe, 3 Turnstones, 12 Oystercatchers, 6 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 27 Canada Geese, 7 Mute Swans, 39 Shelduck, 38 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 100 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 160 Teal, a Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 5 Chiffchaffs, single Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Siskin and Sand Martin were reported from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. Another 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, a Peregrine and 4 Siskins were reported from Aust Cliff/services and a Merlin was seen nearby at Aust Warth.
15th March
A wet morning followed by some afternoon sunshine. The first Wheatear of the year, 2 Mute Swans, 3 Shelduck, 14 Wigeon, 4 Curlew, 2 Sand Martins and a Stonechat were reported from Aust Warth. Reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included 2 Cranes flying North East, 11 Avocets, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Lapwings, 70 Curlew, 75 Redshank, 6 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, 29 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 76 Shelduck, 36 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 110 Wigeon, 94 Teal, 3 Little Grebes, a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Ravens, 20 Fieldfares, 5 singing Chiffchaff, a Sparrowhawk and 8 Sand Martins.
14th March
A wet and breezy day. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included the first Little Ringed Plover of the year, 14 Avocets, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 125 Redshank, 50+ Curlew, 30 Oystercatchers, 12 Dunlin, 10 Lapwings, a Snipe, 5 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, single Great Crested Grebe and Water Rail, 4 Little Grebes, 15 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 83 Shelduck, 60 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 140 Wigeon, 5 Pintail, 150 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 5 singing Chiffchaffs and a Raven. Another 2 Canada Geese, 24 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Stonechats, single Merlin, Kestrel, Grey Wagtail and Chiffchaff were reported from Aust Warth and nearby a wet visit to Aust Wetland produced 2 Snipe, a Little Egret, 2 Mute Swans, 5 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 18 Teal, 2 Stonechats and 5 singing Chiffchaffs.
13th March
A cloudy and breezy day with another Spring tide. Sightings from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included 16 Avocets (including an individual, colour ringed bird as fledgling in Lancashire July 2023), 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 210 Redshank, 106 Curlew, 100 Oystercatchers, 85 Turnstones, 10 Lapwing, 150 Dunlin, 3 Little Egrets, a Grey Heron, a Pink-footed Goose, 19 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 50 Shelduck, 30 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 240+ Wigeon, 250+ Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 9 Pintail, 3 Short-eared Owls, 2 Chiffchaffs, single adult Mediterranean Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Raven, Merlin, Peregrine, Stonechat and first Yellowhammer of the year. At least 30 Wigeon, 2 Canada Geese, a Kestrel, a Blackcap and 3 Cetti’s Warblers were reported from Severn Beach.
12th March
An even higher 14.5+ metre Spring tide. Rain. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included 18 Avocets, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 210 Redshank, 120 Curlew, 110 Oystercatchers, 12 Lapwings, 12 Snipe, 60 Turnstones, 500 Dunlin, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, single Pink-footed Goose and Greylag Goose, 30 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 60 Shelduck, 30 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 170 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 220 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck, an adult Mediterranean Gull, up to 4 Short-eared Owls, 2 Barn Owls, 2 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits and a Chiffchaff. Another 40 Turnstones plus the usual Shelduck and Wigeon were seen off Severn Beach.
Mediterranean Gull, Northwick Warth 12.3.24
11th March
Another cloudy and cool day with a 14.3+ metre Spring tide. A female Merlin, 3 Short-eared Owls, 2 Kestrels, 2 Peregrines, 2 Ravens and a Stonechat were seen in the Aust Warth area. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included 19 Avocets, a Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 160 Oystercatchers, 70 Curlew, 120 Redshank, 20 Turnstones, 50 Dunlin, 12 Lapwings, Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, a Pink-footed Goose, 15 Canada Geese, 68 Shelduck, 9 Pintail, 26 Shoveler, 15 Tufted Duck, 16 Gadwall, 160 Wigeon, 60 Teal, the Great Crested Grebe, 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls, single Marsh Harrier, Red Kite, female Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Chiffchaff and Siskin. Another 8 Canada Geese, 20 Shelduck, 50 Wigeon, a Water Rail, single singing Cetti’s Warbler and Stonechat were reported from the Severn beach shore.
10th March
A cloudy day with a light East/North East breeze. The first March record of Woodlark was seen flying South West from Aust Cliff/services where other reports included 2 Shelduck, a Pheasant, 11 Stock Doves, 3 Curlew, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 3 Ravens, 76 Redwings, 2 Grey Wagtails, 600+ Meadow Pipits, 27 Siskins, single Grey Heron, Redpoll, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, 3 Chiffchaff and a singing Blackcap. Nearby, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 4 Gadwall, 8 Coot, 4 Lapwings and 20 Redwings were seen at Aust Wetland. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area included 24 Avocets, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 140 Oystercatchers, 80 Curlew, 70 Redshank, 12 Lapwings, 5 Snipe, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, the Pink-footed Goose, 12 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 51 Shelduck, 7 Pintail, 30 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 160 Wigeon, 70 Teal, 13 Tufted Duck, the Great Crested Grebe, 2+ Little Grebes, a mixed flock of 200+ Redwings/Fieldfares, 4 Chiffchaff, a Kestrel and a Siskin. At least 39 Shelduck and 30 Wigeon were seen from Severn Beach.
9th March
Still cool and cloudy in a gusty East wind. Combined reports from Severn Beach included the first Sand Martin of the year, 5 Turnstones, 4 Redshank, 2 Little Egret, single Water Rail and Greylag Goose, 2 Canada Geese, a Goosander, 38 Shelduck, 25 Wigeon, 8 Great Black-backed Gulls, 3 Stonechats, 80 “alba” Wagtails, 3093 Meadow Pipits (heading North East), single Raven, Chiffchaff and Cetti’s Warbler this morning and a night visit with a thermal imager produced 7 Snipe, 3 Dunlin and an Avocet! A Pink-footed Goose, 2 Greylag Geese, 100 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 60 Shelduck, 3 Pintail, 28 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 70 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 15 Tufted Duck, the Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebes, 26 Avocets, 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 10 Lapwing, 46 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons, single Little Egret and Little Gull, 2 Ravens, 3 Stonechats, single Peregrine, Chiffchaff and Siskin were seen in the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area. Click on the Little Gull image below for a short Youtube video.
Little Gull, Pilning Wetland 9.3.24
Avocets, Pilning Wetland 9.3.24
Pink-footed Goose, Pilning Wetland 9.3.24
8th March
Another mainly sunny day with a cold North East wind. Sightings from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area included 18 Avocets, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 10 Redshank, 10 Curlew, 35 Oystercatchers, 2 Lapwings, single Little Egret, Grey Heron and Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebes, 20 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 60 Shelduck, 30 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 60 Wigeon, 50+ Teal, 8 Tufted Duck and a Chiffchaff. Another 27 Shedluck and 25 Wigeon were seen from Severn Beach. Reports from the Aust Cliff/services area involved 5 Canada Geese, 8 Stock Doves, 3 Ravens, 2 Chiffchaffs, 15 Siskins, single Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
Avocets, Pilning Wetland 8.3.24
7th March
A mainly cloudy day with a cold East/North East wind. Two Black-tailed Godwits, 46 Redshank, 20 Lapwings, 25 Curlew, 3 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 35 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 24 Shelduck, 45 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 50 Wigeon, 200 Teal, 16 Tufted Duck, the Great Crested Grebe, 3+ Little Grebes, 3 singing Chiffchaffs, single Grey Wagtail, Kestrel and Raven. Combined reports from Severn Beach included a Water Rail, 7 Canada Geese, 29 Shelduck, 20 Wigeon, 13 Pintail (flew high North East), 2 Ravens, several flyover Siskins and Redpolls, 2 Stonechats and 2 singing Cetti’s Warblers. Migrants at Aust Cliff/services included 500+ Wood Pigeons, 3 Siskins, 20 Redwings, 7 Chiffchaff and 3 Stonechats.
Great Crested Grebe, Pilning Wetland 7.3.24
6th March
A foggy morning followed by sunshine for the rest of the day in a South East breeze. A decent variety of birds were reported from the Pilning Wetland/Northwick Warth area including 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 22 Lapwings (including some displaying), 150 Turnstones, 25 Curlew, 15 Oystercatchers, 25 Redshank, just 3 Dunlin, 5 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, the Great Crested Grebe, 55 Canada Geese, 42 Shelduck, 60 Shoveler, 22 Gadwall, 150 Wigeon, 350 Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, a Short-eared Owl, a Little Owl, 6 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 3 Stonechats and a Chiffchaff. Another Short-eared Owl, a female Merlin, 6 Ringed Plover, 65 Turnstones, 80 Redshank, 30 Dunlin, 20 Oystercatchers, 55 Curlew, 2 Canada Geese, 65 Shelduck, 35 Wigeon, 12 Teal and a singing Cetti’s Warbler were reported from Severn Beach. An adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, 2 Canada Geese, Shelducks, Wigeon, Teal, a Pheasant and a singing Cetti’s Warbler were reported from Chittening Warth.
Short-eared Owl, Northwick Warth 6.3.24
5th March
A fine sunny spring day. At least 9 Avocets, 18 Lapwings, 30 Curlew, 90 Redshank, 2 Snipe, single Little Egret, Grey Heron and Great Crested Grebe, 8 Canada Geese, 50+ Shelduck, 26 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 50 Wigeon, 70 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, female Merlin and male Blackcap were reported in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. A fresh dead Barn Owl was found on the coast road next to Northwick Warth and a Little Owl was seen in the same area. At least 75 Turnstones, 10 Redshank, 20 Curlew, 36 Oystercatchers, a Grey Heron, 38 Shelduck, 35 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, a female Merlin and 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers were reported at Severn Beach. At least 2 Short-eared Owls were seen again at Aust Warth.
4th March
A cloudy day with rain in the afternoon with a South East wind. Two Avocets, 6 Lapwings, 40 Curlew, 85 Redshank, 3 Turnstones, 20 Dunlin, single Little Egret, Grey Heron and Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 60+ Shelduck, 30 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 120 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 11 Tufted Duck, single female Merlin and Peregrine were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. The first Hawfinch of the year (flew North West), 80 Redwings, 4 Siskins, single Sparrowhawk and Peregrine were reported from Aust Cliff/services this morning. Sightings from Severn Beach on the high tide included 70+ Turnstones, 240 Dunlin, several Ringed Plover, 13 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 5 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon and a female Blackcap.
Merlin, New Passage 4.3.24
3rd March
A frosty dawn followed by the sunniest day of the year so far. Combined reports from the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area involved the Great Crested Grebe, 45 Redshank, 30 Lapwings, 3 Little Egrets, 5 Grey Herons, 30 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 50+ Shelduck, 35 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 110 Wigeon, 10 Tufted Duck, 70 Teal and 2 Ravens. Another 70 Redshank, 46 Oystercatchers, 20 Curlew, 10 Canada Geese, 30 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, 35 Teal, 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers and 4 Stonechats were reported from Severn Beach this morning and several Common Scoters were calling in flight this evening. At least one Short-eared Owl was seen from Aust Warth.
2nd March
A cold and wet day with snow flurries away from the estuary. The first Great Crested Grebe of the year, 3 Avocets, a few Snipe, 49 Curlew, 30 Turnstones, 5 Dunlin, single Little Egret, 2 Grey Herons, 33 Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 45 Wigeon, 60 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 20 Shoveler, 200 Fieldfares/Redwings, 2 Ravens, single Kestrel and Stonechat were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. An adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Knot, 400 Dunlin, 30 Oystercatchers and a Sparrowhawk were seen at Severn Beach. Two Short-eared Owls and a Stonechat were reported at Aust Warth.
Avocet, Pilning Wetland 2.3.24
1st March
A cool day with a moderate strength South West wind bringing squally rain and hail showers. At least 40 Curlew, 30 Redshank, 20 Lapwings, 3 Little Egrets, 3 Grey Herons, 26 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 67 Shelduck, 38 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 120 Wigeon, 80 Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Ravens and a Kestrel were seen in the Pilning Wetland/New Passage area. At least 150 Turnstones and 50 Dunlin were seen in the Severn Beach wader roost.
